Dates
22 - 25 September 2010

Congress Venue
İstanbul Harbiye Military Museum

Official Language
The official language of the congress is English.

Local Climate
In September the weather is usually mild in İstanbul. The average high is 23 °C and the average low is 15 °C. Evenings could be chilly and therefore delegates are recommended to bring light coat.

Time Zone
Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 1 hour ahead of mid-European time, 7 hours ahead Eastern Standard Time, USA and 7 hours behind of Japan.

Official Invitation, Passport and Visa Requirements
Upon request, the Local Organizer will be pleased to send a personal letter of invitation so as to enable participants to obtain supporting funds or visas for attending the congress. 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. If in doubt, information can be obtained from the nearest Turkish Embassy, Consulate or www.mfa.gov.tr/default.en.mfa.

Currency, Exchange and Banking
The currency unit in Turkey is Turkish Lira. The official currency of the congress is Euro. Convertible foreign currency may be exchanged at the airport, in the hotels, banks and foreign exchange offices at current daily exchange rates.

Credit Cards
All major credit cards (Visa, Master Card) are accepted in Turkey by restaurants, hotels, shops and by the Congress Registration Desk.
 
Electrical Appliances
The electric current in Turkey is 50 Hz, 220 volts AC in all parts of the country. Plugs are different than USA, England and Italy, Japan and Australia. Most major hotels have adaptors for guest's use.

Insurance
The meeting organizers cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained, for loss or damage to property belonging to the congress participants or their accompanying persons either during the congress or post congress activities. Please obtain proper travel and health insurance prior to your trip.

At the Airport
There are services and taxis from İstanbul Atatürk Airport to the city centre. Besides, a transfer service will be provided upon request. Transfer information will be available on the web site.

Telephones
Pay phones are available at the conference centre 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 İstanbul city is 212.

Official Airline
Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa Airlines have been appointed as the official airline for this event and offers a special rate in connection with participation.