ICFP 2022
Sun 11 - Fri 16 September 2022 Ljubljana, Slovenia
ICFP 2022 (series) /

Local Information

Slovenia

Slovenia is part of the European Union and the Schengen area:

  • Time zone: Central European Time (UTC+2 at the time of ICFP 2022)
  • Currency: Euro
  • Electricity: 230 V at 50 Hz, type C and F outlets
  • Emergency phone number: 112

The official language is Slovenian. Most locals speak English (and likely a couple of other languages).

Covid 19 in Slovenia

The covid-19 pandemic is currently on a downturn in Slovenia (see latest statistics), with 14-day incidence of 920 cases per 100000 people. Even though the school semester starts in September, we do not expect the situation to get worse by the time ICFP takes place.

Slovenian hospitals, pharmacies, and several other institutions have mandatory masks. Everywhere else, masks are recommended but not mandatory. In practice few people are wearing masks.

Covid-19 @ ICFP

At the ICFP conference we shall follow all government regulations and recommendations. The venue, Cankarjev dom, highly recommends wearing a mask, but does not enforce it, and neither shall the ICFP organizers. We do hope and expect, however, that mask wearing will be the social norm at the meeting. Coffee breaks and lunches will take place in the Foyer 2. We will also set up some tables outside the venue. If weather permits, please take your coffee or lunch outside and eat it there. It is not only safer but also a lot nicer. If you do not have a mask, please contact the registration desk.

If you experience covid-19 symptoms, please isolate immediately. Ask a friend to pick up a free covid-19 tests for you at the registration desk, or buy one in a pharmacy.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana, the host city of ICFP 2022, is the capital of Slovenia. It has around 300,000 inhabitants.

Getting to and from the airport

There are several options for transport from the airport to the city:

  • Check whether your hotel has a shuttle service.
  • Book a shuttle service at €10–15 before your arrival with one of the providers:
  • Taxi: you should book a taxi ahead of time because the taxis waiting at the airport have very inflated prices, as much as €90. If you book, the price will be around €30 and they will wait for you at arrivals. Make sure to provide flight info, as the driver will adapt to any delays. See below for a list of taxi companies.
  • Public bus transport at €1.80 (schedule – enter “Brnik/airport Ljubljana” and “Ljubljana bus station”‘)

Local transportation

Walk

Ljubljana is flat and not that big. As long as you stay in the city center, it is easiest to just walk.

Free city buses

You can use city buses for free by presenting your conference badge to the driver.

You may use Google maps for planning city bus rides.

If you do not have a badge, you must first purchase an Urbana prepaid card at €2, sold at most new stands, and grocery stores. You may top up the card in stores and many bus stops. Each ride costs €1.30, and you may transfer free of charge for 90 minutes. You have to enter city buses at the front door.

Taxi services

Ljubljana has efficient and affordable taxi services. It usually takes 10 to 15 minutes for a taxi to arrive. The operators at call centers speak English, but make sure you know how your location and how to pronounce the street name. Here are the most popular taxi companies:

City bikes

At just €1/week you may sign up with BicikeLJ to use the city bikes.

Bolt electric scooters

The Bolt electric scooter sharing service has just become available in Ljubljana. Look for the green scooters, they are everywhere.

AvantGo electric cars

AvantGo electric car sharing service has an extensive network in Ljubljana and other cities. They offer several subscription models, one of which is a summer package for €9.

Uber

There is no Uber in Slovenia. We use taxis, the old-fashioned way.

Staying in Ljubljana

Shops and restaurants

Most shops are open from 8:00 to 20:00 during working days. On Saturdays the opening hours are usually shorter, except in shopping malls. Most stores are closed on Sunday. You can also get basic supplies at petrol stations, which are open 24h. Restaurants are generally open until 22:00 but you should check ahead of time.

Tipping is not required in Slovenia, but is appreciated. There is no universal tipping policy, you may tip either a small number of Euros, or around 10%. In most places you can only tip with cash. Also, when paying in cash, it is customary to round up to a nice number. For example, a €1.47 coffee would be rounded up to €1.50.

Water

Tap water is drinkable, and likely of better quality than bottled water. In restaurants you can explicitly ask for tap water.

Health and safety

In Slovenia there is no danger of contracting an endemic disease. If you visit forests or sit on grass in the park, you should check for ticks, as they can carry Lyme disease.

Ljubljana is generally a safe city, even at night. However, you should stay alert and take care of yourself and your possessions. Occasionally there are pickpockets in the city center and around the Dragon Bridge.