Individuals requiring an official letter of invitation in order to attend the congress can contact the Organising Secretariat. This procedure is designated to assist participants to obtain a visa or permission to attend the meeting and does not apply to registration fees or other expenses.
Banking and Exchange Facilities
Foreign money can be changed at banks during regular business hours (09.00-17.00 Monday-Friday) as well as at hotels, at the airport and in exchange offices. Exchange rates are set daily by the Central Bank. All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
Automated bank machines are available at many points throughout the city and at the airport.
Climate and Clothing
Daytime temperatures are in the range of 20-25°C and evening temperatures are around 16-20°C. We recommend you bring light clothes.
Currency
The Turkish currency is Turkish Lira. The exchange rate for Turkish Lira as of December 2008 is: TRL 1,27 = 1 USD - TRL 1,75 = 1 EURO.
Electricity
The electrical power supply in Turkey is 220 volts.
Language
The official language of the congress is English.
Restaurants and Turkish Cuisine
There is a wide choice of restaurants in Istanbul offering a broad spectrum ranging from excellent national cuisine to first class international dishes. Traditional Turkish cuisine is famous for its many specialties prepared with fresh vegetables. There are lots of quality restaurants as well as fast-food shops in the vicinity of the hotels reserved for this meeting.
Shopping
One of the most enjoyable parts of a trip to Turkey is shopping for the rich variety of Turkish crafts. Istanbul is a shopping paradise with its Covered Bazaar as well as the modern malls. Turkish carpets, kilims, suede and leatherwear as well as other items of clothing are the best buys. Copper, silver, brassware and jewellery are also choices for buying, along with works of ceramics and the famous Turkish meerschaum. In the Covered Bazaar bargaining over the sale price with shop traders is expected.
Telephones
Pay phones and credit card phones are available at the meeting venue as well as in the city.
Time
Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Tipping
Although service charge is included in most restaurants, leaving a tip at one's own discretion is appreciated.
Visa Requirements
Participants are requested to check with the Turkish Consulate in their home country or with their travel agency or at www.mfa.gov.tr for visa requirements. Entry visa to Turkey can also be obtained at Istanbul Atatürk Airport for some countries.
