How To Get To Istanbul

By plane

The easiest way to get to Istanbul is by plane of course. Turkish Airlines and many other world airlines have regular daily flights to Istanbul.
Istanbul has two international airports; one on the European side (Ataturk Airport) and the other one on the Asian side (Sabiha Gokcen Airport).

By land

Istanbul is well connected to many European cities by highways. Some private Turkish bus companies run scheduled buses to Istanbul from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Greece, Bulgaria, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, Jordan, Russia, Georgia, and Romania.
You can also easily drive to Istanbul from any European country with your own car or motorbike. By car, there are mainly two borders to get into Turkey: Kapikule in Edirne coming from Bulgaria, or Ipsala coming from Greece.

By rail

Turkish Railways Authority (TCDD) has regular train schedules from Istanbul to Budapest - Hungary, Bucharest - Romania, Kishinev - Moldova, Salonica - Greece and Sofia - Bulgaria in Europe, or to Damascus - Syria and Tehran - Iran in the Middle East.
International trains arrive at Sirkeci station on the European side, or Haydarpasa station on the Asian side of Istanbul depending on where you're coming; from the West or from the East.

By sea

There are several maritime companies that run car and passenger ferries from Greece or from Italy to Turkey. Most of these arrive at Cesme near Izmir, but some to Istanbul as well, especially during the summer. There is also a regular ferry line between Odessa (Ukraine) and Istanbul which takes about 35 hours. Many cruise ships dock at Istanbul too for daily excursions.

Easy Access

Atatürk Airport serves domestic and international scheduled and charter flights 24 hours a day. It is located 24 km west of the city center.

Star Alliance offers IFCC2014 Congress participants 10% to 20% reduced fees. The promotional code will be published soon.

Language

The official language of the congress is English. 

Invitation Letter

An official letter of invitation will be sent to you upon request. The invitation letter may be used by visitors to raise travel funds or to obtain a visa, but is not a commitment on the part of the organizers to provide any financial support. Please contact the Organizing Secretariat (info@istanbul2014.org) to request a letter of invitation.

Visa Requirements

All participants are required to show a valid passport on entrance to Turkey. Citizens of some countries are required to obtain a 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 the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (www.mfa.gov.tr)

For further information please contact the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate to check the visa regulations.

Liability and Insurance

Registration fees do not include the insurance of participants against personal accidents, sickness and 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. 

Banks and Currency Exchange

In Turkey, the currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport as well as at private exchange offices which can be found throughout the city and are open from 8:30 to 20:00 hrs. In addition, Traveller’s Cheques and Eurocheques can be cashed at the local banks which are open between 8:30 and 17:00 hrs.

The major credit cards (such as Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in all  Turkish restaurants and shops.

Climate and Clothing

June is the summer season in Turkey when the weather is very pleasant. Average temperatures vary between 25ºC – 30ºC.

Dining Out

Istanbul is a culinary delight no matter what your budget. From simple workers' eateries and sidewalk cafes to posh culinary palaces with liveried waiters, Turkish cuisine is good and the value-for-money unbeatable.

A typical Turkish dish generally consists of lamb, mutton, and veal with a variety of vegetables. Pilaf, all kinds of pastry, bulgur, haricot beans, rich olive oil, and vegetables are also common side dishes. Meatballs, shish kebab, and doner kebab are also classic dishes. Because of its coastal location, fish is also popular although it is usually cooked simply, such as grilled, or fried with olive oil and lemon juice.

Istanbul is the commercial and cultural centre of Turkey; and there are restaurants of many nationalities such as Korean, Russian, Italian, and Chinese. American-style fast-food outlets are becoming more popular, but for a quick snack it is more appropriate to fill up at the plethora of tiny takeaways offering kebabs and snacks. It is easy to sample good quality regional cuisine in typical small restaurants, usually at low cost, especially in the commercial and business areas.

Shopping in Istanbul

Famed as the City of a Thousand Colours and Fragrances, Istanbul is a paradise for shoppers. A large variety of traditional carpets, jewels, gold, and leather goods can be purchased on the street in the tourist areas, or one can visit the city’s modern shopping malls where Turkish brand goods 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. The large shopping malls open from 10:00 to 22:00 seven days a week. Shops do not close for lunch.

Tipping

Service charges are included in the cost of all goods and services. Although it is not mandatory, a small tip is customary for good service. As a guideline, add about 10% to the total bill. When paying by credit card, a cash tip is preferred.

Electricity

The electric current is 220V AC with a frequency of 50 Hertz. European standard plugs with two round pins are used.

Time Zones

Turkey is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).