General Information

Congress Dates

21-23 April 2010

Language

The official language of the congress is English.

Registration and Information Services

The registration and information desks will be located at the reception of congress center and will be operating between 07.30 and 19.00 hours. Registration fees cover access to the scientific sessions, the industry exhibits and the congress documents (Programme Book, Certificate of Attendance, Congress briefcase and badge). Participants who have not previously registered will be able to complete their registration formalities at "On-Site Registration Desks".

Certificate of Attendance

A certificate of attendance will be presented to all registered attendants.

Badges

Badges will be distributed at the registration desks. Participants without badges will not be admitted to the congress activities.

Transportation

Istanbul is very easy to reach by many daily convenient direct flight connections from the main European cities and by direct flights from throughout the world. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is 24 km. from the city center. Airport transfers can be purchased from interium organization at special rates.

Passport and Visa

Every foreign visitor entering Turkey must possess a valid passport. Participants from countries requiring a visa for entry to Turkey are strongly advised to make their applications in their home countries at least one month before the intended date of travel.
To obtain further visa information for foreigners, please click here
To obtain information about visa fees at border gates, please click here

Banks and Currency Exchange

The currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport or the front desk of your hotel. Local banks are open from 08.30 to 17.00 hrs from Monday to Friday. There are also private foreign exchange offices throughout the city that operate between 08.00 to 20.00 hrs.

Credit Cards

All major credit cards (Visa, Master Card) are accepted in Turkey by restaurants, hotels, shops and at the Congress Registration Desks.

Climate

In April the weather is usually mild in İstanbul. The average high is 20°C and the average low is 15°C. Evenings could be chilly and delegates are therefore recommended to bring light coat.

Electricity

The current in Turkey is 220 volts 50Hz. Please contact the reception desk for available converters.

Information Center

Information Center will be available to all participants during the congress between 08:00-18:00.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Turkey. However it is customary to add 10% in restaurants if you are satisfied with the service.

Telephones

Pay phones are available at the conference center as well as in the city. Phone cards are widely available in shops.

The international dialing code for Turkey is 90, and the code for Istanbul city is 212 National calls: 0 + city code + telephone number International calls: 00 + country code + city code + telephone number

Time Zone

Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2) in Turkey.