GENERAL INFORMATION

Currency

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

Banks

Bank business hours are from Monday to Friday, 09.00-16.30. Banks are closed on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. All banks have similar exchange rates.

Time zone

Turkish Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Climate and Clothing

The temperature in Istanbul in May is around 23°C and ranges from 16°C to 21°C. Although spring weather is generally warm, it is advisable to take a jacket, a light raincoat or umbrella for occasional rain showers and cool evenings. Hotels and conference halls are air-conditioned.

Postal services

Hotels often provide basic postal services. Post offices are open daily except Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Electricity

General Household electric power is 220 volts.

Shopping

Most shops in Istanbul are generally open from 09:00 to 19:00 Monday to Saturday. Some of the supermarkets, shops, newspaper kiosks, restaurants and food shops are also open on Sunday. In all the big shopping centers, major credit cards are accepted and your shopping will be tax free.

Taxi

All the taxis in the city are yellow colored with a sign "taxi" written on them. As historical places and shopping centers are very close to the hotels, it is quite economical to use this transportation. Taxis have a taximeter system with rates varying during the day and the night.

Insurance

The Organizing Committee can accept no responsibility for accidents or damage to the private property of participants. Please make your own arrangements for health insurance and any other insurance desired.