General Information
Venue
Elite World Hotel
Sehit Muhtar Cad. No:42 34435 Taksim- Istanbul / Turkey
Tel : +90 212 313 83 83
URL : http://www.eliteworldhotels.com.tr
Date
June 7-8, 2014
Language
The official language of meeting is English.
Accreditation
An application has been made to the EACCME for CME and Turkish Medical Doctor's Association Continous Medical Training Board for TTB accreditation of this event.
And the meeing was granted 9 European CME credits (ECMEC) by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME).
Banking & Exchange Facilities
Foreign money can be changed at banks during business days (09.00-17.00 Monday-Friday) as well as at hotels, at the airport and in exchange offices. Exchange rates are set daily by the Central Bank. All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Automated bank machines are available at many points throughout the city and at the airport.
Climate & Clothing
Istanbul is great in early fall. Daytime temperatures range between 18 and 26 ºC, and evening temperatures are 13-17 ºC. We recommend you check current weather conditions online and pack accordingly as there could be rain showers.
Currency
The official meeting currency is Euro, fees for registration, hotel accommodation and tours need to be paid in Euro. The exchange rate for Turkish Lira can be learned from the web site of Turkish Central Bank's web site. (www.tcmb.gov.tr)
Electricity
Turkey uses typical European plugs and 200 voltage. If you are coming in from the US or UK, make sure to bring a small converter.
Health
Excellent healthcare services are offered in Turkey; doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness, hotel staff can arrange a doctor for you.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate travel and health insurance prior to commencement of travel. Further information can be obtained from your travel agent.
Tipping
Tipping is as common in Turkey as it is in other parts of the world. However, it is optional and depends on how happy you were with the service. It is customary to tip hotel porters, and a gratuity of about 10-15% is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Gratuity may automatically be added to the bill at some hotels and restaurants. If service charge has been added to the bill, you do not need to leave an additional tip. In most places it is not possible to tip using your credit card, only by cash.
Restaurants & Turkish Cuisine
There is a wide choice of restaurants in Istanbul offering everything from excellent local cuisine to first class international dishes. Traditional Turkish cuisine is famous for its many specialties prepared with fresh vegetables. There are lots of quality restaurants and fast-food shops in the vicinity of the hotels reserved for this meeting. Whether you like seafood, pasta, red meat or happen to be a vegetarian, Turkish cuisine will offer you a plethora of choices.
Shopping
One of the best things about visiting Istanbul is the shopping and the rich variety of Turkish crafts. Istanbul is a shopping paradise with the Grand Bazaar as well as the modern malls. Turkish carpets, kilims, suede and leatherwear as well as terry cloth, cotton shirts and clothing are the best buys here. Copper, silver, brassware and jewelers are also popular, along with clayware and the famous Turkish meerschaum. Bargaining over the price of items is expected.
Telephones
Pay phones are available at the meeting venue as well as in the city. Your mobile phone will also probably work as mobile service in Turkey is exceptional.
Time
Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2).
Visa Requirements
Participants are requested to check with the Turkish consulate in their home country or with their travel agency or at for visa requirements. Entry visa to Turkiye can also be obtained at Istanbul Ataturk Airport for some countries. (For detailed information : http://www.mfa.gov.tr)
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are open from 9 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday, and Saturday mornings and are denoted by a large red 'E' sign. 24 hour pharmacies rotate based on an official chart displayed on pharmacy windows and online.
Taxis
Taxis are usually painted yellow with a roof-light to identify them. In towns they use taximeters. It is always best to make sure the driver remembered to switch the meter on.
Disclaimer
In the event of industrial disruptions, the Congress Organizers cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred by delegates. The program is correct at the time of printing, but the Congress Organizers reserve the right to alter the program if and as is deemed necessary.
