Helpful hints for getting around Dusseldorf, iba 2003.

It's literally free and easy to get around Dusseldorf and the surrounding cities. How? It all involves a new service to be introduced for iba 2003.

All visitor, exhibitor and press entrance passes allow free use of public transportation within Dusseldorf and its surroundings on all

days of the shows. The entrance passes can be used as free public transportation tickets on all buses, streetcars, underground trams (U-Bahn), urban railways (S-Bahn) and German rail service within the Rhine-Ruhr regional network (VRR) of Dusseldorf--and also for travel to and from Bonn, Cologne and Duisburg.

Getting to the Fairgrounds: Public transportation is recommended to get to the fairgrounds. From downtown Dusseldorf, 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 fairground entrances.

If you prefer a 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, Europa Service Hertz, Sixt-Budget and other companies. Offices are located at the Dusseldorf airport, the main train station and at several downtown locations. On the main streets in Dusseldorf, "Messe Dusseldorf" signs show the way to the fairgrounds; parking signs will lead to one of the fairgrounds' 12 parking lots.

Registration: There is no registration for iba 2003 visitors. Just purchase your entrance passes from Messe Dusseldorf North America in advance of the show ($20 for a one-day entrance pass, $27 for a two-day entrance pass) or at the fairgrounds in Dusseldorf.

How to Find Exhibitors: Even the most computer challenged can figure out the KATI electronic catalog display system, which makes it easy to find the location of every exhibitor and product category. KATI terminals are located in every hall.

Dusseldorf Fairgrounds: Protected walkways, moving sidewalks and shuttle buses link the 17 exhibit halls. Located in the middle of the fairgrounds is a service center with a shopping arcade, post office, bank, travel service, train reservation desk and Lufthansa check-in.

International Lounge:

International visitors can use this lounge for business meetings, to check e-mails, to have a snack or to just relax. Just get used to everyone talking on their cell phones. It's just the way of life on the international scene.