General Information

NPPES DATE

NPPES 2024 will take place between 2-3 July 2024

ABOUT ISTANBUL

Istanbul, a center which connects East and West and builds a bridge between past and present by bringing various cultures and people together, is one of the most visited countries in the world. Like many other civilizations in the past, Istanbul is the capital of culture and economy in Turkey. By attracting a great deal of attention of millions of visitors each year, Istanbul has become a charming place for international meetings with its world class accommodation and congress facilities.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

The fastest way to travel to Turkey is by plane. Almost all of the renowned airlines have direct flights to Turkey.

TRANSPORTATION TO ISTANBUL

There are two international airports in İstanbul: one is located on the European Side (Istanbul New Airport) and the other is located on the Asian Side (Sabiha Gökçen Airport). Both of them can be used for transportation.

Istanbul New Airport

İstanbul New Airport has a distance of 50 km to Taksim and it is located on the European Side between Tayakadın and Akpınar villages on the Black Sea coast. Airport shuttles (Havaist), taxi  or private transfer services can be facilitated for going to the city.
From Istanbul New Airport to NPPES Hotel is 40 minutes by Taxi.

Airport Shuttles (HAVAIST)
Shuttles take off every 15 minutes from Taksim Square (city center) Fee is 18 TL (around 3 € ). Payment is done only by İstanbul Kart. For detailed information:   www.havaist.com

Bus (FROM ISTANBUL NEW AIRPORT)
From Istanbul New Airport to  Taksim city center takes 55 minutes. Bus takes off every 15 minutes from Istanbul New Airport.
Payment is done only by İstanbul Kart.

Taxi
Taxis can be found in streets and taxi stands. In Turkey, taxis are coloured in yellow and turquoise and they have counters. The counter works with Turkish Lira (TL) and payment will be done according to that. Taxi price lists are the same during day and night. BI – TAXIS apply for credit cards.

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located on Asian coast of Istanbul and is in 50 km southeastern part of the center.

Airport Shuttles  (HAVABUS – FROM SABIHA GOKCEN)
There are shuttles that take off every 30 minutes from Taksim (center of Istanbul) with the payment of 18 TL (3 € ) For detailed information  www.havabus.com

Bus (FROM SABIHA GOKCEN)
The route of public transport vehicles (İETT- Istanbul Electric Tramway and Tunnel Establishments)  is from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to the center of Istanbul. For detailed information:    www.sgairport.com/havaalani/eng/ulasim/iett.asp

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Public Transport in İstanbul can be feasible, useful and safe as there are various vehicle options but if you do not know the language it might be challenging. That is why taxis are recommended thanks to their cost-effective pricing.

More information regarding buses:
www.iett.gov.tr

More information regarding underground and trams:
www.istanbul-ulasim.com.tr/default.asp

More information regarding trains:
www.tcdd.gov.tr/tcdding/index.htm

More information regarding ferryboats:
www.ido.com.tr/tr/index.cfm

WANDERING IN ISTANBUL

The easiest way to wander in Istanbul is taxi. Make sure that you have Turkish Money with you or else no taxi driver will accept credit cards as a payment method. You will see ATM’s and exchange offices in the airport. We kindly recommend you to take official taxis only. They are coloured in bright yellow or turquoise and “taxi” is written on them. The most important thing is that all the official taxis have digital counters.

LANGUAGE

All presentations will be done in English and Russian languages. However, simultaneous interpretation service will be provided for Turkish participants.

VISA AND INVITATION LETTER

Invitation letter will be sent to all registered participants. Electronic visa application system; www.evisa.gov.tr

CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDS:

Turkish currency is the Turkish Lira, TL.
Major credit cards including American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in large hotels, car rental companies and major stores.

LOCAL TIME:

GMT+2 (GMT = Greenwich Mean Time)

RESTAURANTS AND TURKISH CUISINE

There is a wide choice of restaurants in Istanbul offering a broad spectrum ranging from excellent national 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 as well as fast-food shops in the vicinity of the hotels reserved for this meeting.

SHOPPING

One of the most enjoyable parts of a trip to Turkey is shopping for the rich variety of Turkish crafts. Istanbul is a shopping paradise with its Covered Bazaar as well as the modern malls. Handmade jewelry, carpets, kilims, textiles and brass & copperware are typical of the country.

TELEPHONES

Pay phones and credit card phones are available at the meeting venue as well as in the city.

ELECTRICITY

The electrical power supply in Turkey is 220 volts.

BANKING AND EXCHANGE FACILITIES

Currency is the Turkish Lira. Foreign money can be changed by banks during working days (09.00 – 17.00 Monday – Friday) as well as hotels, exchange offices. Exchange rates are set daily by the Central Bank. All major credit cards are accepted in most of the hotels, restaurants and shops. Automated bank machines are available at many points throughout the city and the airport.

INSURANCE

The conference participants are not covered by any insurance (travel, medical, accident or liability) provided by the Conference Organizers. The Conference Organizers cannot accept liability for any loss or damage suffered by any participant or accompanying person or other person during travel to and from the conference or during the conference. Participants are advised to consider getting their own travel insurance and to extend their personal policy to cover personal possessions.