GENERAL INFORMATION
Congress Dates: June 2-5, 2011
Congress Agenda
Registration, Reservation and Information June 2-5, 2011 (08:00-19:00)
Congress Scientific Program June 2-5, 2011
Pre-Congress Courses June 2, 2011
Welcome Cocktail June 2, 2011
Boat Cruise on Bosphorus June 3, 2011
Gala Dinner June 4, 2011
Language
The official language of the congress is English. Simultaneous translation will be provided from English to Turkish and vice versa.
Registration and Information Services
The registration and information desks will be located at the reception of congress center and will be operating between 08.00 and 19.00 hours.
Certificate of Attendance
Certificate of attendance will be presented to all registered attendants.
Badges
Badges will be distributed at the registration desks. Participants without badges will not be admitted to the congress activities.
Speaker's Ready Room
The Speaker Ready Room will be located at the Congress Venue and will be operating during the congress, with its high technology equipments.
Invitation Letter
If requested by participants, official invitation letters will be sent by interium (on behalf of Executive Secretary General). 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 countries at least one month before the intended date of travel.
Transfers
Premium transfer service from Istanbul Airport to the hotel and vice versa will be provided for the participants upon request. For further information please contact the organization secretariat.
Driving License
International Driving Licenses are recognized throughout Turkey. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license. For your requests please contact the organization secretariat.
Insurance
The congress organizers cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained or for loss of or damage to property belonging to Congress participants (or their accompanying persons) either during the congress meetings and postcongress activities. Please obtain proper travel and health insurance prior to your trip.
Banks and Currency Exchange
The currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport or the front desk of your hotel. Local banks are open from 08.30 to 17.00 hrs from Monday to Friday. There are also private foreign exchange offices throughout the city that operate between 08.00 to 20.00 hrs.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards (Visa, Master Card) are accepted in Turkey by restaurants, hotels, shops and at the Congress Registration Desks.
Climate
In June the weather is usually hot in Istanbul. The average temperature ranges between 28-31°C.
Time Zone
Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2) in Turkey
Electricity
The current in Turkey is 220 volts 50Hz.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in Turkey. However it is customary to add 10% in restaurants if you are satisfied with the service.
Customs Regulations
Turkey customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation or exportation from Turkey (Items such as antiquities - very broadly defined - or other important artwork and cultural artifacts). At the time of departure, travelers who purchase such items may be asked to present a receipt from the seller as well as the official museum export certificate required by law.
Emergency Calls
Ambulance : 112
Police : 155
Gendarme : 156
Coast Guard : 158
Fire : 110
Forest Fire : 177
Yellow Pages : 118
Tourism Info : 170
Safety and Security
The general security situation throughout Turkey is stable. The areas where there are high concentration of tourists are well guarded and safe.
Health Care
Turkey offers high quality of healthcare services and Istanbul is one of the best cities in Turkey interms of health service.
112 EMS system is well organized and response time is less than 5 minutes in most of the city. There are many private hospitals with excellent facilities in Istanbul but also has a public hospitals. The hospitals are on a par with international standards in terms of expertise and equipment, as also contracts with various insurance companies so it is important to provide a good health insurance. There are two 3rd level (highest) hospitals in Istanbul and they serve 24 hours best emergency medicine service and tertiary care in the city
Drinking Water
Although it is safe to drink tap water, it is recommended to buy bottled drink water which can be found almost everywhere at stores. The city water is chlorinated for sanitation reasons of which you might not like the smell. You can safely brush your teeth with tap water.
Telephones
Pay phones are available at the conference center as well as in the city. Phone cards are widely available in shops.
The international dialing code for Turkey is 90, and the code for Istanbul is 212(for European side) and 216 (for Asian side)
National calls: 0 + city code + telephone number
International calls: 00 + country code + city code + telephone number
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