General Information

1) ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Provided that they have a valid passport, citizens of most countries do not need a visa or visas can be issued at entry points. For EU citizens, it is recommended that they obtain their visa before arrival, to avoid waiting time upon arrival. Please Consult Your Travel Agent, Or The Turkish Embassy Or Consulate In Your Country
2) CUSTOMS
Duty-free allowance: 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 gr tobacco; up to 7 bottles of spirit, of 70 cc each, of which not more than three bottles can be of the same kind. Antiques and electronic equipment will be registered in the owner's passport upon arrival and checked at exit. It is strictly forbidden to take antiques out of the country. For this is reason It Is Necessary to Obtain a Certificate for carpets or other valuables purchased in the country as proof that it is not an antique.
3 ) ELECTRICITY
220 volt, 50 cycle. Most hotels have a receptacle with 110 volts. Socket type is European standards
4 ) WEIGHT & MEASUREMENTS
Turkey uses the metric system for weight and measures.
5 ) BUSINESS BANKING & SHOPING HOURS
Offices and banks are generally open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday, with a break between 12:30 to 1:30 PM
6 ) CURRENCY
The Turkish Lira is available in notes and coins. The exchange rate is determined daily; several banks and exchange offices are available. Traveler's checks can be cashed in most banks. Hotels and many shops and restaurants accept foreign currency. There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that travelers can bring cash. Hotels, most restaurants and shops accept all major credit cards.
7 ) CREDIT CARD & CASH
Major credit cards including American Express, Diners, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted in large hotels, car rental companies and major stores. You will need cash (TL) to pay for taxi fares, restaurants and coffee shops.
8 ) TIPPING
At most establishments like hotels, restaurants, etc. 5% to 15% of the total is common. Taxi drivers expect tips rounded to the nearest 10 TL.
9 ) LANGUGE
Turkish; it is written with the Latin alphabet.
English, French and German are spoken in hotels, major restaurants and many shops.
10) TAXIS
Available at taxi stands or hailed on the street. All are yellow and have meters.
11 ) RELIGION
98 % of the population is Muslim. In the large cities and especially in Istanbul, there are also many churches (Catholic, Orthodox, Armenian, Protestant.) and Synagogues.
12 ) CLOTHING
The dress is generally informal in Turkey; however for special evenings ladies compete to wear the latest fashion.
For the visitors, it is advisable to bring comfortable shoes and pant suits for daytime visits. The organizers can set the tone for the evenings; in any case it is recommended to bring a cocktail dress. In most restaurants, gentlemen will feel more comfortable with a jacket and tie in the evening and some require formal dress. It can be also noted that, to enter a mosque, it is necessary to take off the shoes.
13 ) TURKISH CUSINE
Turkish food is famous throughout the world, the range is enormous, from a number of soups to an astonishing variety of meze (appetizers), followed by meat and fish dishes, many famous Turkish sweets and pastries and Turkish coffee.
The traditional breakfast is a scrumptious combination of tastes comprising bread, olives, tomato, cucumber, white cheese, butter, jam/honey, yoghurt, and sweet black tea.
Tea is the main drink in Turkey, served without milk in small bulbous glasses with sugar lumps on the saucer. For a very refreshing long drink try Ayran, a mix of yoghurt, water and salt. There are also the normal soft drinks and a wonderful range of squeezed fruit juices. Among alcoholic drinks are light Turkish beer, excellent wines, and the national drink, raki (an anisette), which clouds when water is added giving it the popular name of 'lion's milk'.
14 ) COMMUNICATION
Public telephones operate with tokens or cards, sold at post offices or some booths. Through some of the public phones, there is access to AT&T and some other telecommunication networks - please check with your operator for the latest information. Fax messages can be sent from major post offices, or from the hotel. Cellular telephones can be hired.
15 ) WATER
Although tap water is safe to drink, it is recommended to seek advice from the hotels.
16 ) INSURANCE
It is recommended to arrange your own health and travel insurance. The conference organisers are not liable for any injuries or damages that may occur during the conference.