Local information

Edinburgh is a visually stunning, compact and safe city - ideal for exploring on foot. It is easily accessible with excellent transport links by rail, road and air.

The City has a unique charm and originality. A stroll around Edinburgh offers stunning vistas as well as quiet, relaxing green space in parks and gardens. There is a thriving programme of exciting festivals and events year round along with a perfect mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, culture and history. For further information, please view: Tourist Information and Edinburgh Attractions (PDF, 188KB) or visit: www.edinburgh.org/

Eating and drinking
The Edinburgh International Conference Centre is located close to several restaurants, coffee shops and food outlets. The following are a selection of eateries close to the EICC:
A list/map of restaurants suitable for lunch, coffee shops and food outlets (PDF, 2.21MB) - list correct at time of publication
A list/map of restaurants suitable for evening meals and ICNS location (PDF, 1.99MB) - list correct at time of publication 

Banking/Finance
Most banks are open weekdays from 09:30 to 17:00 with reduced hours on Saturdays. Most branches have 24 hour ATM (or cash point).

Britain's currency - pound sterling (£) - see www.xe.com for currency converters. Scottish banks issue their own notes with exactly the same value as those issued by the Bank of England and they are legal tender in all parts of mainland UK. There are cash machines throughout Edinburgh and major credit cards are accepted.

Value Added Tax (VAT) - is charged on all purchases currently at a rate of 20%, people travelling to Scotland on business may be entitled to reclaim the tax charged on event expenses

Visas
Ctizens of the EU do not need a visa to enter Britain. If you are from any other country, find out about visa requirements before you travel - www.ukvisas.gov.uk/

Electricity
British electrical standards are 50Hz 230 volts, so some North American and European electrical devices may require converters; all will require plug adaptors.

Emergency services
Dial 999 for police, fire and ambulance.

Smoking 
Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces throughout Scotland including conference venues, shops, restaurants, pubs and hotel bedrooms.

Government
Scotland is part of the United Kingdom and plays a full part in its parliamentary democracy; the Scottish Government is based in Edinburgh, with authority over education, health, law, transport and some social services; the United Kingdom is a member of the European Union.