Venue

Accommodation

About Istanbul

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 Atatürk Airport is 24 km from the city center. Airport transfers can be purchased from System Tur at special rates. However, System Tur must be provided with the exact arrival information at least two weeks prior to the date of the Congress.

Invitation Letter

If requsted by participants, official invitation letters will be sent by System Tur. Such solicited invitations will not offer any payment of expenses, such as fees, travel or hotel accommodation for the congress.

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 country at least one month before the intended date of travel. If in doubt, information can be obtained from the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate.

Official Language

Turkish is the official language in Turkey. English is the official language for "MOSS 2008". Simultaneous translation in English and Turkish will be provided during the congress.

Climate

In September the weather is usually mild in Istanbul. The average temperature ranges between 15-20ºC.

Time Zone

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

Electricity

The current in Turkey is AC, 220 volts at 50 cycles.

Internet

The hotel provides wireless internet connection in all common areas.

Banks and Currency Exchange

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

Credit Cards

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

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Turkey. However it is customary to add 10% in taxis and 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 dialling code for Turkey is 90, and the code for Europian Side of ISTANBUL city is 212, for Anatolian Side is 216. National calls: 0 + city code + telephone number, International calls:00 + country code + city code +telephone number