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Visa Requirements
All participants are required a valid passport to enter Turkey. Citizens of some countries may obtain visa before arrival and some may obtain it at the airport upon arrival. The most updated visa information can be received from the website of Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For further information please contact the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate to check the visa regulations.
Insurance
The registration fees do not include the insurance of participants against personal accidents, sickness, cancellations by any party, theft, loss or damage to personal possessions. Participants are advised to take out adequate personal insurance to cover travel, accommodation, cancellation and personal effects.
Airport
Istanbul's Atatürk Airport (IST) at Yesilköy is located twenty-five kilometers west of Taksim Square.The modern International Terminal is spacious and efficient, with all the expected services including an Airport Hotel. An underground passage (15-minute walk) connects the International Terminal with the Domestic Terminal and also the Istanbul Metro.
Banking & Currency
In Turkey the currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport as well as at the private exchange offices throughout the city which are open from 8:30 to 20:00 hrs. Local banks, where Traveler's cheques and Eurocheques can be cashed, serve between 8:30 and 17:00 hrs. All major credit cards (such as Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in most of the Turkish restaurants, shops etc.
Turkish Cuisine
It is said that three major kinds of cuisine exist in the world; Turkish, Chinese, and French. Fully justifying its reputation, Turkish Cuisine is always a pleasant surprise for the visitor. In addition to being the refined product of centuries of experience, Turkish Cuisine has a very pure quality. The variety and simplicity of the recipes and the quality of the ingredients are guarantees of delicious meals. There are many good restaurants in Istanbul where you can taste Turkish Cuisine and local drinks. Usually the food in Turkey is quite cheap, but there are fine and expensive restaurants as well especially along the Bosphorus and in some of the neighbourhoods. Please click here to see some alternatives..
Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and stores but visitors are always advised to check with the vendor before a purchase is made. Cash machines with 24-hour access are available in many convenient locations.
Climate
The climate of Istanbul is mild. Good weather and sunshine is the predominant weather during August with temperatures ranging between 20°C / 30°C during the day and 19°C / 24°C at night. Please click here to check the current weather conditions in Istanbul.
Clothing
In summer, it is recommended to wear cool cotton clothing and a hat, and use sun lotion, but have a light sweater for cool evenings.
Electricity
The electric current is 220V AC with a frequency of 50 Hertz. European Standard Type C plugs with two round pins are used.
Shopping
Being once called the city of thousand colours and fragrances, Istanbul is a paradise for shoppers. One can find a very large variation of carpets, jewels, gold, leather goods etc. while wandering through the old monuments or one can visit the city's modern shopping malls where the most fashionable brands can be found. The shops are open from 8:00 to 21:00 from Monday to Saturday. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar open their gates at 8:00 and close at 19:00. Big shopping malls open from 10:00 to 22:00 seven days a week. Shops do not close for lunch.
Time Zones
Turkey is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standart Time.
Tipping
Tax and service charges are included in the cost of all goods and services. Although it is not mandatory, a small tip is expected for good service. As a guideline, add about 10 % to the total bill. Normally you are requested to leave a cash tip when paying by credit card.
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