welcome and information
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| Both the seat of government and
residence of the Royal Family, it is often said that The Hague has it all. For not only is
this historic city a renowned centre of culture and architecture, it is also famed for its
sophisticated shopping and sightseeing facilities, abundant green spaces and two
magnificent beach resorts, Scheveningen and Kijkcluin. Sixty embassies, 400 restaurants,
40 cinemas, 20 theatres, 30 museums and 50 international institutions (including the
International Court of Justice) all play their part in creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere
that is both vibrant and tranquil in equal measure.
Yet above all else, The Hague is a royal city. Queen
Beatrix alone has three palaces here and, on the third Tuesday of September, Her Majesty
goes to the Houses of Parliament in the Gilded Coach to deliver the Annual Address. As
this ceremonial event will take place during the conference, special arrangements will be
made to ensure delegates and accompanying persons can share in this unique moment of
pageantry and tradition.
The administrative heart of The
Netherlands, The Hague is sited just 30 minutes from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, while
superb air, rail, road and waterway connections ensure all major European cities are
within easy reach. It is thus a highly-appropriate location for a conference which has
Expanding the Boundaries as its core theme.
 For consulting engineering is truly a global
practice, active in a world sharing the problems of rising populations, depletion of
resources, limited space, water shortages, choked transport networks and excessive energy
consumption. Such issues have little respect for national or international borders: it is
our task to tailor work with this in mind. Expanding the boundaries by optimising the use
of technology, harnessing new potentials, encouraging sustainable development, embracing
new opportunities and disciplines, and strengthening the profile of consulting engineering
in society.
With the new millennium just around
the corner, the 1999 FIDIC conference offers an unmissable opportunity for assessing past
and present performance, and exploring ways of responding flexibly and effectively to the
challenges that lie ahead. We look forward to meeting you there. |
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| The Netherlands |
| If ever there was a nation built on the character of its people, that nation would be
the Netherlands. Only the Dutch could have reclaimed such a land and made it the thriving
country it is today, packed with things to see and do. A day's drive might well include
bustling city streets, fertile farmland often captured from the water, medieval towns,
thriving industrial, commercial and office-centres, stately country manor houses, wooded
sites, flowering fields and a white sandy beach stretching on for kilometres. Holland's
cities are as varied as its countryside. Cosmopolitan Amsterdam draws millions of
visitors every year, with the Old World charm of its historic city centre and the
excitement of its night life. The Hague is both royal residence and seat of government, an
elegant mix of culture and historical character. The sea entry to the larger part of
Europe, Rotterdam is a working city with the world's biggest port and a modern, upbeat
centre.
But there are more opportunities to sample Holland's rich history, from the windmills
on the Zaanse Schans and at Kinderdijk to the Delta Works in Zeeland, the new lands in
the Ijsselmeer polders, water city Giethoorn and the Royal Blue Delftware in Delft. And
wherever you may travel, you'll find a host of world- renowned museums. All providing a
rich tapestry of the cultural history that lies behind a land now famed for its
hospitality and friendliness. |
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| Climate |
| September marks the start of autumn in the Netherlands. The average
temperature is 19 degrees Celsius, with five hours of sunshine per day and 11 days with a
chance of rain. In short, a month with generally pleasant weather during the days and no
cold nights. |
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| Travel and
transportation |
| Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has an excellent rail connection to The Hague.
Tickets can be bought in the arrival halt (NLG 13.-) and trains depart regularly from the
underground station directly to The Hague Central Station. From here, it is but a short
taxi ride to your hotel (approx. NLG 25.-). Alternatively, take a taxi direct from
Schiphol Airport to your hotel in The Hague (approx. NLG 150.-). |
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| Visas |
| A valid
passport is needed for entry to the Netherlands for a visit of up to three months. To
obtain information about visas or required documentation please contact the Netherlands
Embassy or check your telephone directory for a local Consulate. if joining the four-day
post-conference tour through Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium, be aware that these
regulations may differ. |
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| Importing and exporting |
| Adults may
import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars (100 small cigars) or 250 grams of tobacco. They may also
import 1 litre of alcoholic beverages of more than 22 proof or 2 litres of less than 22
proof (including wine), 50 grams of perfume, 0.25 litre of eau-de-cologne, etc., and
souvenirs/presents up to a value of NLG 380.-. The Netherlands has no restrictions on
exports, including currency. For more information consult your nearest Dutch Embassy or
Consulate. |
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| Electricity |
| The voltage
in the Netherlands is 220-230/50 Hz. Adapters are required for electrical appliances such
as hairdryers, razors and battery chargers of other design. |
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| Conference details |
| Venue: the venue for the FIDIC 1999 conference and starting point of all
events is the Netherlands Congress Centre at Churchillplein 10, The Hague. Language: the
conference language is English.
Dress code:
- Conference sessions: Business dress
- Gala Banquet: black tie/dark suit/national dress
- Welcome reception, concert: cocktail attire/national dress
- All other events: casual/informal
Exhibition: an exhibition will be held during the conference, allowing delegates to see
and experience some of the latest advances in the field of engineering. Companies are also
invited to take up sponsorship for the conference. For more information on the exhibition
and sponsorship, please contact the ONRI Secretariat in The Hague.
Each event except Paris and London has been designed exclusively for FIDIC delegates and
accompanying persons. All tours except the post-conference Paris and London tours will be joined by at least one ONRI representative and led by a
local escort. |
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| Medical care |
| People who
have medical insurance through a national health scheme in their home country are entitled
to medical care in The Netherlands in accordance with the stipulations of the Dutch Health
Insurance Act, providing that: they come from a country with which The Netherlands has
concluded international agreements regarding health care; treatment cannot be postponed
until their return to their home country; a (copy of an) international insurance document
can be submitted to the doctor, dispensing chemist, hospital, etc. Visitors from countries
with whom The Netherlands has not concluded international agreements are advised to take
out travel insurance in their home countries. Medical services are of a high standard and
most international prescription drugs are readily available through retail pharmacies. |
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| Monetary system |
| Although
payment via the registration forms is in Euros, the official European Union currency as of
1 January 1999, all local payments in The Netherlands will still be in Dutch Guilders
(NLG, DFL, or HFL). The guilder consists of l00 cents. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10
and 25 cents, as well as 1, 2.50, and 5 guilders. Paper money denominations are 10, 25,
50, 100, 250 and 1000 guilders (we suggest you avoid the last two where possible). Prices
are rounded off to the nearest multiple of five cents. 1 Euro is approx. NLG 2.20, i.e.,
approx. US $ 1.10. Most global traveller cheques and the major credit cards,
Mastercard/Eurocard, Visa, American Express and Diners, are widely accepted. All Dutch
banks and most Post Offices exchange foreign cash and travellers checks and many provide
cash-on-card services. Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00/17:00. Some banks in major cities have
extended hours. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM), located throughout Holland, will accept
bank cards that carry the Cirrus symbol. |
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| Claiming back BTW (VAT) |
| Permanent
non-residents of the European Union may reclaim a sales tax refund of 14.9% (minus
commission) on non-consumable goods taken out of the Union, so long as the total
expenditure for one day in one shop is at least NLG 300.- and the articles have not been
worn or used. A rebate brochure will be available at the registration desk. |
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| Tipping |
| Gratuity is
included in all organised conference events. Standard tipping in restaurants and taxis is
10 to 15% (not obligatory). |
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| Hotel Information |
| The following hotels can be booked using the hotel
booking form, which also has a complete overview of prices: Dorint Hotel ****:
renowned for its ambient atmosphere and panoramic views over the city, as well as the
culinary delights of its Grande-Taverne Orangerie restaurant. It is situated on top of and
works closely in conjunction with the Congress Centre.
Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza Promenade Hotel*****: situated in the direct vicinity of the
Congress Centre. Completely renovated in 1996, it offers a high standard of service and
deluxe accommodation. Three restaurants and an ongoing art exhibition make the Promenade a
culinary and cultural delight.
Golden Tulip Air Hotel****: situated just five minutes walking distance from the
entrance of the Congress Centre. With 350 luxurious rooms, and following a full renovation
in 1998, this hotel is now at the top of its class.
Kurhaus Hotel*****: situated on the beach at Scheveningen, making it the ideal location
for those wishing to experience a genuine holiday surrounding. Also the venue for the Gala
Banquet on Wednesday, the Kurhaus has every conceivable facility, including a casino, cafe's
and restaurants, a cinema and theatre. There are good connections to the Congress Centre
by taxi, bus and tram; duration approximately 12 minutes (NLG 13.- by taxi; NLG 26.- for
five days by bus or tram).
Carlton Beach Hotel****: spectacularly located right at the beach at Scheveningen,
the resort district of The Hague. A choice of three restaurants,
a health centre, 184 well-appointed bedrooms/studios, and multifuctional conference
facilities combine to make the hotel the ideal choice for visitors to the area. |
The Kurhaus |
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