Good to Know

Cell Phones

Participants are kindly requested to turn off or switch their cell phones to silent mode in the meeting rooms where scientific sessions are held.

City Transport

City transport in Villach, Austria, is well-organized and efficient. The town offers a network of buses that connect the city center with the surrounding districts. Buses typically run every 30 minutes during peak hours and every 60 minutes during off-peak hours. You can find the current bus schedule here.

Tickets can be purchased from machines or via mobile apps. Villach also boasts excellent cycling infrastructure.

Currency

The official currency of Austria is the Euro (EUR, €).

International credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and at most service points. Cash machines (ATMs) are commonly found throughout cities and towns, including at airports and major transport hubs. Payment in cash is still common in Austria, especially in smaller establishments, so it is advisable to carry some cash with you.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. Banks typically offer fair exchange rates and are considered a safe option. When exchanging money, it is recommended to check the current rates and ensure that any applicable fees or commissions are clearly displayed. Avoid exchanging currency with individuals on the street.

German Language

The official language in Austria is German, recognized as one of the official languages of the European Union.

In major tourist spots such as hotels, restaurants, landmarks, museums, galleries, and many shops and services, communication in English is generally possible. Here are a few essential German words and sentences that may prove useful during your stay in the town:

Hi = Hallo (hah-loh)
Hello = Guten Tag (goo-ten tahk)
Good evening = Guten Abend (goo-ten ah-bent)
Good night = Gute Nacht (goo-te nahkt)
How are you? = Wie geht es Ihnen? (vee geht es ee-nen)
I am fine = Mir geht es gut (meer geht es goot)
Thank you = Danke (dahn-ke)
Please = Bitte (bit-te)
How much is it? = Wie viel kostet das? (vee feel kos-tet das)
Beer = Bier (beer)
Would you like to go for a beer? = Möchtest du ein Bier trinken gehen? (merkh-test doo ayn beer trin-ken gay-en)
One = Eins (ayns)
Two = Zwei (tsvy)
Three = Drei (dry)

Entry Formalities

All foreign visitors to Austria must possess a passport valid for at least the next three months. Participants requiring a visa should apply in advance to consular offices of the Austria or diplomatic missions in their countries in order to avoid delay in travel to the Conference.

Electricity

Austria operates on a 230 V / 50 Hz electrical system with standard European type F sockets. Travelers may need a plug adapter and, in some cases, a voltage converter. More information can be found here.

Important Telephone Numbers

112 – General Emergency (The European Standard number)
122 – Fire Department
144 – Ambulance
133 – Police

Insurance

The organizers can accept no liability for personal injuries or loss or damage to property belonging to the Conference participants, either during or as a result of the event. Participants are advised to take out adequate travel and health insurance before departing from their home country.

No-smoking

Smoking in the IIT 2026 area is not allowed.

Official language

The official language of the IIT 2026 is English. Translation services will not be provided.

Program Changes

The organizers cannot assume liability for any changes in the program due to external or unforeseen circumstances.

Shopping

Most shops in Villach are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday till Saturday. Most shops are closed on Sundays.

Smoking and Alcohol Policy

Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, cafés, and public transport. Designated smoking areas may be available. Smoking is also not allowed in workplaces and healthcare facilities. The legal age for purchasing tobacco and alcohol products is 18 years. The legal drinking age is generally 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for spirits and stronger alcoholic beverages. Public consumption of alcohol is generally allowed, although local restrictions may apply.

Time Zone

Austria is on Central European Time – Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) plus 1 hour. From April to October is summertime, i.e. GMT +2 hours.

Tipping

Tipping in Austria is common practice, but not mandatory. The unwritten rule is to leave about 5-10% of the total bill in restaurants and cafes or for a taxi ride.

Weather

In September, Villach typically experiences moderate temperatures and frequent rainfall. Daytime temperatures reach around 18 °C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to about 8 °C. You can check the current weather conditions at www.weather.com.