Tourist Informations

Place
İstanbul, a unique city where the East and West meets, is a natural and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia; it's a thriving universal metropolis with more than 10 million inhabitants. Over the course of millennia, İstanbul has been the seat of three great empires, namely the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, and a site of convergence for people of many cultures and beliefs, who came together and enjoyed life in peace and harmony. Modern amenities, the splendors of the Ottoman past and the honored traditions of Turkish hospitality combine to make İstanbul a perfect meeting point, one that will leave treasured and lasting memories.

Transportation
İstanbul Atatürk International Airport is an important destination and transfer point for many international flights from all over the world.

Airport İstanbul Atatürk International Airport
34149 Yeşilköy, İstanbul, Turkey
Phone : +90 212 465 55 55
Fax : +90 212 465 50 50
e-mail: info@tav.aero
www.ataturkairport.com

Atatürk Airport is located in Yeşilköy, in the european side of İstanbul. Airports distance is 30 km to Istanbul Convention Centre

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
34912 Pendik, İstanbul, Turkey
Phone : +90 216 585 50 00
Fax : +90 216 585 51 14
e-mail : heas@sgairport.com
www.sgairport.com

Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located in Pendik/Kurtköy, in the asian side of İstanbul. Airports distance is 40 km to Kadıköy, 12 km to Pendik, 50 km to Taksim and 60 km to Istanbul Convention Centre.

Climate and Clothing
In April the weather in İstanbul is generally mild to hot. Daily temperatures are expected to range between 20 and 25°C. Light clothing is suitable with somewhat warmer clothing for the evening. Showers are not unknown in April.

Time Differences
Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Currency Exchange
The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). The exchange rate changes daily. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks, hotels and exchange offices. International Credit Cards are widely accepted.

Banking
Banks are open from 08:30 to 17:00 from Monday to Friday, with a break between 12:00 to 13:30. They are closed at weekends and on public holidays.

Credit Cards
International credit cards are accepted in cash dispensers, hotels, restaurants and most shops, as well as car rental agencies. The most common credit cards are VISA, Euro Card, and MasterCard.

Emergency Telephone Numbers
Ambulance 112
Fire Dept 110
Police 155

Shopping
Most shops in İstanbul are generally open from 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday. Big shopping centers are open every day of the week, usually from 10:00 to 22:00. In all shopping centers major credit cards are accepted and tax-free shopping is possible. You will also have the chance to do shopping in the historical Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, which are located in the Old City district.

Taxis
Available at taxi stands or hailed on the street. All are yellow and have meters.

Tipping
This is customary in restaurants and taxis. Tipping 10% of the bill is acceptable.

Travel Requirements to Turkey
Passport and visa requirements may differ according to the country of origin. Please contact your travel agent or nearest the Turkish Consulate or Embassy in your country for further advice.
Please refer: www.mfa.gov.tr

Participants from those countries where there is no Turkish diplomatic representation can obtain their visa at the airport on arrival to Turkey.
Please refer: www.e-konsolosluk.nett