EUROCRYPT '98
Practical Information

• Money exchange
  The local currency in Finland is Finnish Markka (FIM, mk). Approximate exchange rates: 1 USD = 5.5 FIM, 1 DEM = 3 FIM, 22 JPY = 1 FIM. Most major foreign currencies can be exchanged at competitive rates at exchange agencies in Helsinki center and in Tapiola. Banks also offer exchange service but they usually charge a higher service fee.

• Credit cards
  The Conference Secretariat will accept VISA, Mastercard and Eurocard for payments. Most stores, restaurants and hotels accept major credit cards. Cash withdrawals can be made from ATMs with the credit cards mentioned above.

• Communications
  Otaniemi post office near the shopping center is open on weekdays from 9:30 AM to 18 PM (subject to change).

  There are coin and card-operated telephones near the conference hall. Telephone cards can be purchased from the university bookshop and from the post office. GSM mobile phones from most operators will work here.

  The country code of Finland is 358 and the area code of Helsinki is 9. Thus, local numbers must be preceded by +358 9 when calling internationally or from a mobile phone, and by 09 when calling long distance in Finland. To make an international call from Finland, dial the prefix 00 (or one of 990, 999, 994 to choose the operator) and continue with the country code.

  We have some terminals and PCs available for Internet connections and reading email.

• Transportation
  Helsinki has an excellent public transportation network. Helsinki City Transport provides information on using the buses, trams and metro. Regional lines are needed between the conference site and Helsinki Center. (Note that bus schedules will change on June 1st.) See also instructions on getting to the conference site.

  For information on domestic and international long-distance transportation, consult Finnair, ExpressBus, Finnish Railways and the Baltic ferry services (for example, Silja Line and Viking Line).

• Weather and clothing
  The conference takes place just at the beginning of Finnish summer. The weather at daytime is usually comfortable (15-20 °C) but it is advisable to bring some warm clothes for chilly nights. (weather today in Helsinki, forecast for tomorrow 8 AM, forecasts in English: Weatherlabs, CNN, USA Today)

• Shopping hours
  Mon-Fri 9 AM - 9 PM, Sat 9 AM - 18 PM. In June, some stores will also be open on Sundays. Small and special stores often close earlier. The stores in the Helsinki railway station tunnel are open on all days till 10 PM. In the summer, outdoor markets are open also in the evening.

• Tipping and taxes
  Tipping is not customary anywhere in Finland. Service is included in the hotel, restaurant and taxi prices. Tax is also included in the listed prices.

• Events and ticket reservations Helsinki City Tourist Office can give information on the cultural attractions and events in the city. The easiest way to book tickets (opera etc.) is from Lippupalvelu ticket sales agency. The Conference Secretariat will also do its best to help you. The telephone numbers are:

  Helsinki City tourist office	+358 9 169 3757
  Lippupalvelu ticket sales agency	+358 9 613 86 299 (fax)
  	+358 9 613 86 246 (tel. from abroad)
  	0600 10020 (tel. from Finland, 20 FIM/call)

• Other useful telephone numbers

  Emergency number	112
  Directory assistance	118
  Helsinki University of Technology	4511 (locally)
  	+358 9 4511 (from abroad)
  Helsinki lost property office	189 3180
  Helsinki City taxi service	700 700
  Regional taxi service (at conference site in Otaniemi)	700 300
  Airport taxi service	700 800

eurocrypt98@hut.fi, Tuomas Aura