Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have To Dress Up For The Sunday Evening Reception?

Feel free to do so, but note that casual is fine, too.

How Can I Settle Onsite Symposium Charges?

In the form of cash. Euros, US dollars, Canadian dollars, British pounds, Japanese yen, or any other convertible currency can be used. Left-over Austrian shillings are accepted too.

Can I Use Traveller Checks / My Credit Card For Onsite Symposium Charges?

No. Traveller checks or credit cards can be used to get cash at local banks in downtown Bregenz. Local banks close between 3 and 4 pm. Most automated tellers can handle major credit cards in connection with a PIN code 24 hours a day.

I Have Dietary Restrictions / I Want Vegetarian Meals:

Add your name to the sign-up sheet in the Symposium office upon arrival.

Is It Safe To Drink Tap Water In Mehrerau?

Yes.

I Plan To Stay In An Outside Accommodation. Can I Join For Lunch?

Yes, but you need to let us know in the morning (before the first session). The price is 10 €.

Can I Use My Own Laptop To Check My E-Mail During The Symposium?

Yes, the Mehrerau has a WLAN. If the network is too weak in your room, use a seat in the aisle.

Can I Check My E-Mail Without A Laptop?

No. The local computers in Mehrerau are needed for a number of jobs and are available for e-mail only in cases of emergency. Find someone with a laptop, or find an internet cafe in Bregenz.

Is There A Public Laundry In The Vicinity Of The Meeting Site?

No. There is a dry cleaner in a not too distant shopping center, but this service takes a minimum of two days.

I Need An Official Certificate Of Attendance.

Tell the Scientific Secretary on Monday or Tuesday, and it will be ready by the end of the Symposium.

Can I Make Copies In Mehrerau?

Yes, but you have to bring your originals at least half a day ahead of time!

When Do They Start Selling Festival Tickets For 2010?

On October 1, 2009.

Can I Get Festival Tickets During The Symposium?

Maybe — give it a try! The box office is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The festival uses a computerized system that keeps reservations for a certain time span. Any tickets that are not paid for within that time slot become available again. Therefore it is worth to ask again if there were no tickets at a specific point in time.

I Have Tickets For Aida. Do I Have To Dress Up For The Performance?

No. As a matter of fact, you will be sitting more or less motionless outside while it gets dark and chilly. Dress to stay warm and dry!

I Have Tickets For Aida, But It Looks Like It Is Going To Rain!

Go there anyway. The festival is VERY experienced in weather prediction and sometimes delays a performance in order to save it. Keep in mind that they do not cancel easily — they have to pay back a lot of money if they do so. In case the performance is cancelled: no need to queue up, refunds can also be claimed the next day.

How Do I Get Transportation From Mehrerau To The Train Station?

There will be a sign-up list for departure in the Symposium office. Please sign up ahead of time and DO NOT CHANGE YOUR MIND after you have signed up!

Can I Make Phone Calls From Mehrerau?

Two public phones are in the immediate surrounding: a coin phone and one that requires prepaid magnetic cards (which may be purchased from the Scientific Secretary of the Symposium).
These phones do not transmit a caller ID. If your home phone is set to not accept calls without caller ID, you might want to change this setting before your departure to the Symposium.