EILAT 2009 - FIG Working Week

General Information

Destination - Eilat
2009 FIG Working Week will be held in the city of Eilat - Israel's "sunshine city" on the Red Sea. A resort town and bustling port, Eilat is just 45 minutes by plane from Tel-Aviv. Nestled between Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the city is home to charm and beauty with its turquoise waters and sweeping desert plains.

Eilat offers endless activities including boat trips, underwater observatory, dolphin reef, jeep trips into the depths of the desert, and a unique natural reserve in Timna Park with ancient copper mines and historic Solomon's Pillars. Eilat is a paradise for sea-sports fans to enjoy diving, water skiing, parasailing and swimming, offering world-class facilities and one of the world's most intriguing diving locations.

Eilat is a free trade zone, and offers tax-free shopping in a fine selection of shops and boutiques. For those able to continue into the midnight hours, Eilat offers nightclubs, pubs and restaurants. And for those seeking unique experiences - a day tour to the enchanting red-rock city of Petra, Jordan, will be offered.

The conference will be held in the state-of-the-art convention center of Dan Eilat Hotel. Special accommodation prices are offered to conference participants, at this hotel as well as other hotels of various categories. (For details, please refer to Accommodation)

Language
The official language of the Conference is English.

Climate and Clothing
May is early summer in Israel. Temperatures in Eilat range between 21 - 35°C / 69 - 95°F. For those planning to do some sightseeing , modest dress appropriate for visits to religious sites is recommended.

Currency
The unit of currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS) commonly known as the Shekel. Approximate currency rates as of October 2008 are as follows:
US $ 1 = NIS 3.5 ; Euro € 1 = NIS 4.8
There are no restrictions on transfer and use of foreign currencies in Israel.
Most international credit cards are accepted.

Electricity
Electricity in Israel is supplied at 220V, 50Hz and has a three-pin connecting plug.

Value Added Tax Reimbursement
According to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Law, a foreign tourist is able to benefit from a zero rate of VAT on a vast array of services obtained during a stay in Israel. In addition, a special arrangement exists whereby a tourist may also request a VAT refund on purchases made during a stay.

Useful Links
Israel Ministry of Tourism
Israel Hotel Association
El AL Israel Airlines
Weather Information
Currency Converter
VAT refund for Tourists

	General Information

	Destination - Eilat 2009 FIG Working Week will be held in the city of Eilat - Israel's "sunshine city" on the Red Sea. A resort town and bustling port, Eilat is just 45 minutes by plane from Tel-Aviv. Nestled between Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the city is home to charm and beauty with its turquoise waters and sweeping desert plains. Eilat offers endless activities including boat trips, underwater observatory, dolphin reef, jeep trips into the depths of the desert, and a unique natural reserve in Timna Park with ancient copper mines and historic Solomon's Pillars. Eilat is a paradise for sea-sports fans to enjoy diving, water skiing, parasailing and swimming, offering world-class facilities and one of the world's most intriguing diving locations. Eilat is a free trade zone, and offers tax-free shopping in a fine selection of shops and boutiques. For those able to continue into the midnight hours, Eilat offers nightclubs, pubs and restaurants. And for those seeking unique experiences - a day tour to the enchanting red-rock city of Petra, Jordan, will be offered. The conference will be held in the state-of-the-art convention center of Dan Eilat Hotel. Special accommodation prices are offered to conference participants, at this hotel as well as other hotels of various categories. (For details, please refer to Accommodation) Language The official language of the Conference is English. Climate and Clothing May is early summer in Israel. Temperatures in Eilat range between 21 - 35°C / 69 - 95°F. For those planning to do some sightseeing , modest dress appropriate for visits to religious sites is recommended. Currency The unit of currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS) commonly known as the Shekel. Approximate currency rates as of October 2008 are as follows: US $ 1 = NIS 3.5 ; Euro € 1 = NIS 4.8 There are no restrictions on transfer and use of foreign currencies in Israel. Most international credit cards are accepted. Electricity Electricity in Israel is supplied at 220V, 50Hz and has a three-pin connecting plug. Value Added Tax Reimbursement According to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Law, a foreign tourist is able to benefit from a zero rate of VAT on a vast array of services obtained during a stay in Israel. In addition, a special arrangement exists whereby a tourist may also request a VAT refund on purchases made during a stay. Useful Links Israel Ministry of Tourism Israel Hotel Association El AL Israel Airlines Weather Information Currency Converter VAT refund for Tourists