Messe Dusseldorf, the organizing committee for GIFA and its related trade shows, have issued a few “helpful hints” in getting around GIFA and NEWCAST.
Transportation:
• Public transportation is recommended to get to the fairgrounds. From downtown Dsseldorf, Tram No. U78 goes to the North Entrance, Tram No. U79 to the East Entrance and Bus No. 722 serves the East and South Entrances. From the airport, Bus No. 896 connects to all fairgrounds entrances. Visitor, exhibitor and press entrance passes to the show allow free use of all public transportation on all days within the Rhine-Ruhr regional network (VRR) of Dsseldorf (exhibitors can also ride free of charge two days before and after the show).
• Taxi fares are made up of a basic flat rate plus a charge per kilometer; fares are generally higher than in the U.S. For tips, round up to the next full Euro amount (maximum 10%). Taxis must be boarded at taxi stands.
• Rental cars are available from Autohansa, Avia, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt-Budget and other companies, with offices located at the Dsseldorf airport, the main train station and several downtown locations. On the main streets in Dsseldorf, “Messe Dsseldorf” signs show the way to the fairgrounds; parking signs will lead to one of the fairgrounds’ 12 parking lots.
At The Messe Dusseldorf Fairgrounds:
• Order entrance passes and show directories in advance at a reduced rate online. One day pass in advance is 40 Euro (compared to 50) and 100 Euro for the 5-day pass (instead of 120 Euro). These passes are also good for free use of all public transportation on all days. e-Tickets ordered online can be printed at home and converted into badges at the turnstiles at the show.
• The KATI computerized catalog display system makes it easy to find the location of every exhibitor and product category. Terminals are located in every hall.
• The exhibit halls are linked by protected walkways, moving sidewalks, and shuttle buses for your convenience.
• Located in the middle of the fairgrounds are a food store, hardware store, telecommunications store, post office, bank, and travel agency.
Lost In Translation?
• Important German signs at the fairgrounds for the English speakers:
Messe — Fairgrounds
Eingang — Entrance
Ausgang — Exit
Notausgang — Emergency exit
WC — Restroom
When in Dusseldorf…
• Normal shop hours are from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 am to 2:00 on Saturday. Larger department stores are usually open until 8:00 pm on weekdays, 6 pm on Saturdays. All stores are closed Sundays.
• Banks are generally open from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm (Thursdays to 5:30 pm); the Euro is the single currency for the European Union Nations, including Germany. The Euro comes in denominations of Euro 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 bills and Euro 1 and 2 and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents coins.
• Asking for a quick service in a non fast-food restaurant is considered impolite. Water does not accompany the meal, but can be ordered by the bottle. Tipping: service charge is included in the bill (a small tip should be handed to the waitress/waiter directly).