Access to the city from Edinburgh Airport

Taxi - no need to book, always available at the Airport taxi rank. Price estimate £20 - £25 to/from city centre. 
Airlink Express bus - frequent service, journey time approximately 20 minutes. Price £3.50 each way or £6.00 for a return ticket. 

Getting around Edinburgh
It's a great city to explore on foot. Delegates will find the city not only visually stunning but also very accessible. For longer journeys around the city, there are plentiful buses and taxis always available.

Population (approximate July 2012)
Scotland: just over 5 million 
Edinburgh: nearly 500,000

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

Banking
Bank opening hours vary according to different banks so the following times are given as an indication
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 0900 - 1700
Wednesday 1000 - 1700
Saturday 0900 - 1200

Currency
Pound sterling
See www.xe.com for currency calculator
Scottish banks issue their own bank notes but they have exactly the same value as those issued by the Bank of England and they are legal tender in all parts of mainland UK.

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

Emergency Services
The telephone number for emergency services in the UK is 999.

Health
There are no vaccinations required or recommended for entry into the UK. The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, a large teaching hospital, is located just 15 minutes south of the city centre.

Smoking
Since April 2006, there has been a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places throughout Scotland.

Tax
There is no bed tax. Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged on all purchases in shops, hotels, and restaurants at a rate of 20%. There are no other taxes on purchases.

Save Money On Your Event Expenses. Reclaim your Tax.
People travelling to Scotland on business may be entitled to reclaim  tax charged on event expenses as well as accommodation, business entertaining, meals, transport and much more. A company called Tax Back International can assist you. See Tax Back International website (opens in new window) or call +353 1 878 3361. Just send your original invoices and Tax Back International will process your claim. Terms & Conditions Apply.

The Truth About the Weather
5 day Weather Forecast (opens in new window)
Edinburgh enjoys a moderate year-round climate, with none of the violent extremes of weather which could interrupt a meeting schedule or social calendar. From April to September, temperatures are mild and compare favourably with other European cities; annual rainfall is less than in Frankfurt, New York and Rome.

A perfect Edinburgh day dawns with a clear blue sky, warm and pleasant in summer - though in winter often accompanied by a sharp frost. It's always worth packing a sweater against the chance of changeable conditions, as well as an umbrella just in case!