Airport

Wrocław Copernicus Airport (IATA: WRO), with its modern terminal opened in 2012, is located ten kilometers from the historical city centre. Wrocław Airport connects the city with major European transfer hubs (Frankfurt, Munich, Warsaw, Copenhagen) and with many other places in Europe.
For more information please visit: www.airport.wroclaw.pl

Airport Transfer

By Bus:

Bus No.106 goes to/from the Central Railway/Bus Station everyday, every 20 minutes. The entire journey takes approximately 30 minutes (depending on the traffic).
Night bus line No. 249, goes from the city centre through the airport to Jarnołtów district, three times during the night. A one-way ticket from the airport to the city centre costs 3 PLN.
See the detailed timetable: www.wroclaw.pl.

By Taxi:

The easiest way to get from the airport to the city centre is by taxi. The distance from the airport to the city centre is approximately 10 km and takes about 20–30 minutes (depending on the traffic).

Approximate charges*:
Airport – City Centre – 45-70 PLN, Airport – Main Railway Station – 50-60 PLN.
It is advised to always ask the driver in advance about the price.
* Day rate. Prices may slightly vary depending on traffic difficulties (jams, detours, etc.). Night rate according to taximeter.

Car Rental

It is possible to rent a car at the airport. Car rental desks are in the arrival hall, free access area. The companies are: Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Budget, Enterprise, Awos, Panek, Express.

Banks and Exchange Office

You may change your money in various locations throughout the city. You can also find the exchange office at the airport, in the arrival hall. Most of the banks and hotels usually provide exchange services, but there are a lot of exchange offices in the city centre, and it is hard to miss them. Banks and exchange offices are usually open from 08:00 to at least 17:00, but in most tourist places the exchange offices operate until late hours. Please remember that an ATM is also a good solution to get some Polish Złoty (PLN).

Climate

Wrocław is the warmest city in Poland. The average temperature in August is around 19 degrees Celsius, usually with sunny daytime, but nevertheless some rainy days may be expected. August is the middle of the Polish summer, so some hot days may be expected as well.

Culture and Entertainment

The city of Wrocław, which in 2016 was the host of the European Capital of Culture, is one of the most interesting cultural spots in Central Europe. With numerous venues and a variety of events, the city offers attractions for representatives of every generation.

The best proof of a thriving cultural climate is the honour to be the host of the 2016 European Capital of Culture, which is one of the most important events in the post-war history of the city. The cultural offer of Wrocław includes around 70 festivals — music festivals, film festivals, theatre festivals and festivals combining different kinds of art. Enthusiasts of the fine arts may be interested in exquisite interiors of numerous museums and galleries. One of the most unique exhibitions is Panorama Racławicka — a huge battle painting for which a special rotunda building was erected.

The Market Square

The Market Square is the heart of the city that throbs with life at any time of day or night. It is one of the biggest urban-planning undertakings of this type in Europe. The Town Hall, located in the middle of the Market Square, is a unique monument of gothic and renaissance architecture. Inside the Town Hall, the former seat of the city authorities, Museum of Townspeople’s Art is located. Before dusk falls and we succumb to the charms of the city’s night-life, which is extremely varied on the Market Square, you should see other museums located around the city centre.

Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island)

The oldest part of Wrocław. Surrounded by waters of the Odra River, the former stronghold, which fathered the city, is composed of beautiful architectural monuments. The most grandiose amongst them are gothic St. John the Baptist’s Cathedral and Holy Cross Church that were restored after the War. There is also the Archdiocesan Museum, the oldest museum in Wrocław to have maintained continuity – it has been gathering sacral art‘s relics that, withdrawn from cult use, have great historical and artistic value.

The Quarter of Four Dominations

The Quarter of Four Denominations is part of the historic Old Town. Its unique character is decided by the magnificent monuments of sacral architecture. Within a distance of only 300 metres, there are: Orthodox Cathedral of the Birth of the Most Holy Mother of God, St. Anthony of Padua Church – Roman Catholic temple, the White Stork Synagogue and the Protestant-Augsbourg Divine Providence Church. In 2005, the temples were joined with a cultural path, and the area in which they are situated was included in the regional development plan.

The National Forum of Music

The National Forum of Music is a state-of-the-art multifunctional concert venue located in the historic centre of Wrocław. It hosts world-famous orchestras and concerts, providing splendid experiences for both eyes and ears. Have a look at their schedule for 2017 at: www.nfm.wroclaw.pl

Zoo Wroclaw

The Zoological Garden in Wrocław opened its gates to visitors for the very first time on 10 July 1865. The tragic history of the town was shared by the history of this zoo, which needed to be temporarily closed twice due to damage sustained during world wars. As the oldest zoo in Poland, it is a unique site to see the 19th century zoo buildings (i.e., Bear Castle dating from 1864) and very old tree stands. The recently opened Afrykarium is a world scale unique facility presenting African water ecosystems and is the main attraction of the zoo, while equally new “Odrarium” presents the fauna of our river. Wrocław Zoo now houses more than 8,000 animals representing over 1,080 species. For more information, please visit:
www.zoo.wroclaw.pl

Currency

The currency of Poland: Polish Złoty (zł, PLN)
Currency subunit: Grosz 1/100 (100 groszy = 1 PLN)

Approximate exchange rates:
1 EUR = 4.30 PLN
1 USD = 3.86 PLN
1 CHF = 3.90 PLN
1 GBP = 5.50 PLN

ATM’s are available 24/7 at most banks. Your bank must be part of a worldwide ATM network (ie. Plus, Cirrus, Exchange, Accel) to be able to withdraw money. The ATM fees assessed will be correlated to your respective bank policy on foreign exchange and cash advances based upon your bank card agreement. Some bank policies allow reimbursement of ATM fees, so it is best to consult your agreement for fee details.

Electricity

The voltage in Poland is 220-240 Volts. Primary socket type: Europlug, Schuko.

Emergency Numbers and Medical Information

In order to report information regarding an incident, it is necessary to:

• speak English (if possible),
• give your name and surname,
• shortly describe the situation and indicate a place of the incident.

The most important alarm telephone numbers:

• 112 – General Alarm
• 999 – Ambulance Service
• 997 – Police
• 998 – Fire Service
• 986 – the Municipal Police

Food and Drink

Wrocław is one of the most attractive cities in Poland when talking about dining. A variety of restaurants offering Polish and European cuisine will satisfy the most demanding critics. You will easily find them in the Old Town area where majority of hotels are located. However, all other districts have got a number of restaurants from which to choose. Have a walk around the Market Square and surrounding streets and you will find something suitable for yourself at reasonable prices. Please have a look at the TripAdvisor restaurants section about Wrocław to get some tips.

Health and Medicare

Wrocław has a fine public health system with a number of hospitals located within the city. There is also plenty of pharmacies where delegates  can buy medicines which do not require a prescription. Please note that visitors should have their own medical insurance in order to avoid high medical bills after visiting a hospital.
Wrocław‘s tap water is safe to drink, however, most restaurants serve bottled water. All of the catering services, pubs and restaurants are regularly checked by local authorities in order to meet worldwide safety standards.

Insurance

The registration fee does not include the provision of insurance of participants against personal accidents, illness, cancellation, theft, property loss or damage. Participants are advised to have adequate personal travel insurance. No responsibility will be accepted by the Congress Organizers.

Internet

Most of the restaurants, hotels and tourist centres have free Wi-Fi for their guests. In the most popular places such as the Market Square, free City Internet is available. Please remember that you might need an adaptor in order to charge your phone or laptop. And of course there is free wi-fi in the entire Congress venue.

Language

The official language is Polish. In main tourist attractions you will find English and German signage and guides. Most of the people speak English, so you should not experience too many communication problems. If any interpretation will be needed, please contact Convention Bureau Wrocław for advice:
www.convention.wroclaw.pl

Lunches and Refreshments

There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance from the venue, especially around pl. Grunwaldzki (Grunwaldzki Square) which is one of the most vibrant academic and business centres of the city, and is only 5 minutes away from the Congress Centre. Please ask our Congress volunteers for directions.

Passports, Visas and Letters of Invitation

Poland is part of the Schengen Area. The unified Schengen visa (C-type visa valid in Schengen states) entitles the holder to stay in the territory of all Schengen states.
The Schengen visa with limited territorial validity (C-type visa valid only in Poland or with validity excluded for a specified Schengen state/states) only entitles the holder to stay in the territory of the state/states for which it is valid.
What documents do you need when submitting a C-type Schengen visa application?

1. Travel document: valid at least three months after your planned departure from Poland/Schengen territory; with at least 2 blank pages; issued within the last ten years
2. Completed and signed visa application form
3. Biometric photo
4. Visa fee
5. Health insurance of at least EUR 30,000, valid in the entire Schengen territory
6. Supplementary documents, confirming: the purpose of the visit, possession of accommodation;
   possession of sufficient funds to cover the cost of entry, stay and departure from the Schengen territory or Poland; willingness to leave Schengen territory after expiry of the visa

The types and number of supplementary documents may differ depending on the consular office. In this connection we advise you to contact the relevant consulate to obtain full information concerning the documents needed when submitting a visa application.

The consul of which Schengen state is competent to process your Schengen visa application?
The consul of the Schengen state which is the main destination of your visit is always the consul competent to process your visa application.
If you are not planning to visit Poland at all, you cannot submit your Schengen visa application to a Polish consular office.
If you are going to visit several Schengen states, a Polish consul will be competent to process your application only if Poland is the main destination of your entry into Schengen territory or if Poland is the state in which you intend to spend most of your time.
If you intend to stay in the territory of Poland and/or any other Schengen states (during one or more visits) for a total of up to 90 days within a half-year period calculated from the date of first entry, or if you plan to pass through Schengen territory (by train, car or plane), you need to apply for a Schengen C-type visa.
For more information visit our MFA’s website: http://www.msz.gov.pl/en/travel_to_poland/visa/.

Shopping and Opening Hours

The opening hours of Wrocław stores are generally 09:00 – 20:00 on weekdays and 09:00 -15:00 on Saturday. The big shopping centres are open from 09:00 – 21:00 from Monday to Saturday and from 09:00 – 20:00 on Sunday.

Simultaneous Interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation services will be available in seven languages: English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin) and Arabic. This service will be available for the Opening Ceremony and the Closing Session and other selected sessions. Please look for the SI mark in the Congress Programme.

Taxis

There are plenty of taxi companies within the city, so you will have a variety to choose from. You can either catch a taxi from the street, go to a taxi stop or order one by the telephone. If assistance is needed, please ask our volunteers to help you.

Telephone and Postal Service

The country code for Poland is 0048 or just +48 and then the number. You can choose from a variety of phone cards which will allow you to make international phone calls at a reasonable rate. It is possible to buy a pre-paid sim card in almost every kiosk or a petrol station (sometimes you might need a valid ID or passport to do that). Please note that the GSM frequency in Poland and Europe is 900/1800.
Most of the post offices operate daily from 8:00 to 20:00 (Monday to Friday) and are closed at the weekends. One of the main post offices is located just in the Market Square (address: Rynek 28), so it will be easy for you to find it. The  main postal services provider is Poczta Polska.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Poland so the service fee is barely ever part of the bill. However, it is impolite not to give any tip if you have been satisfied with the service. The usual tipping rate is 10% of the bill in restaurants and bars. As to the hotels – it is a matter of your choice.

Tourist Information Office

The Meeting Point Centre is open daily from 09:00 until 20:00.

Rynek 14
50-101 Wroclaw
Tel.: +48 71 344 31 11
Fax: +48 71 344 29 62
Email: info@itwroclaw.pl

For more information please visit the destination website: www.wroclaw.pl

Transportation

Wrocław offers various means of public transportation. The city is well-connected by buses, trams and trains. There is no need to travel around the city using taxis, since the public transport is fast and reliable. On business days, day buses and trams usually go between 05:00 – 23:00, and on free days between 06:00 – 22:00.

We are pleased to announce that during the IFLA WLIC 2017 Congress all delegates will be able to use Wrocław’s public transportation free of charge!

Each delegate name badge will serve as a city ticket for the duration of the Congress. This will allow delegates to easily reach the Congress Venue from their hotel, and to explore the beautiful city of Wrocław.

To plan your transport, please visit: www.wroclaw.pl