PARTICIPATION
Congress' Venue
Congress will be held in Hyatt Regency Hotel in Istanbul in Turkey on November 17, 2006.
Official Language
The official language will be English.
Climate and Clothing
Temperature in Istanbul in November is around 10º-12º C. (54º-58º F) Late autumn is generally mild to cold, so sweaters and coat are advised. Snow is not common, but unexpected showers are possible.
Travel & Visas
Istanbul has two main airports: Istanbul Ataturk Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport. There are several daily flights to Istanbul from major European cities, and the city is conveniently connected by direct flights to the USA, Middle East, Africa and Asia.
A valid passport is compulsory for the participants. There are visa requirements for visitors from certain countries. Please contact the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate for visa related issues. Participants from countries where there is no Turkish diplomatic mission can obtain their visas at the airport upon arrival in Turkey.
You may check the visa information at Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Transportation
Transportation between Istanbul Ataturk Airport and
Istanbul downtown is convenient and well-organized. The Taksim Square can
be reached by subway directly from the airport.
Also 'Havas' travel agency organizes regular shuttle service.
For related links, see the transport page.
Currency and Exchange Rates
Currency is New Turkish Lira. Exchange rates are announced daily. Banks in Turkey are open Monday to Friday from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm. Exchange offices are also available and they are open from Monday to Saturday from 08:00 am to 06:00 pm. Most hotel receptions also exchange money. All major credit cards are accepted in Turkey by restaurants, hotels and stores.
Electricity
The current in Turkey is 220 volts AC in all parts of the country. Plugs are continental European style.
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