GENERAL INFORMATIONS
TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
Divided by the Bosphorus, Istanbul' s unique location that spans Europe and Asia makes it a naturel crossroad of international importance and a rare city, that can be approached by land, air, sea or rail.
By Air: Ataturk Airport is situated on the European shore of the Sea of Marmara, 25km. from the old center of the city. Here, more than 500 flights arrive and depart daily, carrying over 9 million passengers a year. The airport can be reached by E-5, the Trans European Motorway (TEM) and the Coastal expressway. The tremendous growth of Istanbul over the last years has created numerous population centres within the city, some only a few kilometres from Ataturk Airport. Those on the Asia side of the city are over 50km. away. The airport is served by numerous international airlines. Daily flights link Istanbul with all major European cities with frequent connections to destinations in the Middle East, Asia and the Far East. Daily connections to North and South America are available both directly and via transfer points in Europe. Turkish Airlines, with a fleet of 35 aircraft, flies to 55 international destinations, including 26 cities in Europe.
By Sea: The Bosphorus is a major sea route of the region, making Istanbul a vital port in Europe, with a constant parade of cargo ships, freighters and passenger liners that make their way between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea. Cruise ships dock at the mouth of the Golden Horn in Karakoy or Sirkeci, close to the old city and Modern City Centers. Haydarpasa Port has facilities to handle container and cargo imports and exports. Sea transport has always played a prominent role in Istanbul' s daily life.
By Rail: Istanbul' s two main train stations, Haydarpasa on the Asian side of the city and Sirkeci on the European side, operate as centers for suburban commuter trains. The Haydarpasa station handles rail traffic within Turkiye. located on the Sea of Marmara, the station allows for easy connections with ferryboats to different areas of the city. The Sirkeci Train station handles rail traffic for the European portion of Turkiye, and more importantly, connects the country with Europe. The main quays for all sea transport are situated near the station as well as the origin of the rapid light rail system.
By Road: Two highways currently serve Istanbul: The Trans-European Motorway and E-5. These cross the Bosphorus over the two intercontinental bridges that span the waterway and provide convenient access to districts on both sides of the city.
TIME ZONE
Turkish Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
ELECTRICITY
General Household electric power is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Plugs are generally standard continental Europen type. British and USA appliances need an adaptor.
CURRENCY
The local currency is New Turkish Lira (YTL). The exchange rate changes daily. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks, hotels and exchange offices.
CREDIT CARDS All major credit cards (Visa, American Express, Mastercard) are accepted by almost every shop, restaurant, hotel, etc.
BANKS
Bank business hours are from Monday to Friday, 09.00-16.30. Banks are closed on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. All banks have almost similar exchange rates. Exchange offices are open seven days a week and approximately 16 hours a day.
POSTAL SERVICES
Hotels often provide basic postal services. Post offices are open daily except Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
TELECOMMUNICATION
Turkey is one of the most advanced countries in the world in the fields of telecommunications and publishing. Istanbul, in particular, possesses a highly advanced telecommunication infrastructure. The city is the base for more than ten television and dozens of radio stations, and also serves as a primary Eurasian bureau site for major international services. There are numerous satellite transmission facilities and service companies in the city ready to assist in the development of all up-link and down-link and down-link sites for large congress.
RESTAURANTS
It is possible to find various kinds of Turkish, Western, Asian and all other cuisine in Istanbul.
SHOPPING
Istanbul is no stranger to the shopping center, with its traditional covered bazaars like Kapalicarsi (the famous Grand Bazaar, the first mall in the world] and Misircarsisi (Egyptian Bazaar). Besides these ancient and traditional places, there are many malls including Akmerkez. Akmerkez was declared to be the Europe's Best Shopping Center by the International Council of Shopping Centres, and was selected as the World's Best Shopping Center by the same organisation and received the International Design and Development Award. Istanbul has the shops of major famous brands, which are cheaper than European cities. Traditional Turkish artefacts like leather coats, costumes, carpets, kilims, gold and silver jewellery, etc. could be found with reasonable prices.
ENTERTAINMENT
There are many museums, palaces, and historical places to visit. Anybody could enjoy the famous nightlife of Istanbul. There is always something to do during 24 hours in Istanbul.
HEALTH FACILITIES
During the last decade, Turkey has implemented a nation-wide program to upgrade its medical-care system to world-class standards. New, well equipped public and private hospitals provide a high standard of medical technology and personal care that attracts Patients from neighbouring countries.
Health services in the city are channelled through various groups and agencies. State hospitals, operating underthe Ministry of Health, are the largest health-care providers with 29 hospitals, of which 16 are general-purpose hospitals that provide diagnosis and treatment services in every field of medicine. SSK, Social Security Administration, serves the Istanbul public with 11 hospitals. Istanbul' s network of sophisticated private hospitals is highly developed. There are 48 private hospitals in the city, 28 of which provide general health services.
INSURANCE
The insurance coverage for personal injury and/or property damage could be provided with additional fee. Conditions of the insurance will be declared following the official agreement with the insurance companies.
DRIVING LICENCE
International driving licences are recognised throughout Turkey. Car rental firms ask for a valid national licence.
VAT
The value-added tax, here called KDV, is 18%. Hotels typically combine it with a service charge of 10% to 15%, and restaurants usually add a 15% service charge.
Value-added tax is nearly always included in quoted prices. Certain shops are authorized to refund the tax (ask).
SAFETY & SECURITY
The streets of Istanbul are considerably safer than their counterparts in the United States or Western Europe. Travelers should nevertheless take care of their valuables, as pickpockets, although not as common as in the U.S. or Europe, do operate in the major cities and tourist areas.
