General Information

Fifth International Symposium on Image and Signal Processing and Analysis (ISPA 2007)

Istanbul- TURKEY September 27-29, 2007

  Istanbul from aboveMaiden Tower  Hagia Sophia Museum  Rumeli Fortress  Istiklal Road in Beyoglu  Bosphorus Bridge  Skyline of MaslakOrtaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge

 

 

 

Local Currency

The local currency is New Turkish Lira (YTL).  Exchange rates for foreign money are determined by The Central Bank of Turkey daily and announced in the newspapers. Convertible foreign money can be exchanged at the Airports, Banks, Hotels and Exchange Offices. Presently, the rates are about 1.8 YTL = 1 Euro and 1.40 YTL = 1 US. All major credit cards (Visa, Master, Euro card and American Express) are accepted in most hotels and shops. 

Language

 

Though Turkish is a Ural - Altaic language and spoken only in Turkey and at the Turcic Republics, most of the young Turks speak at least one foreign language like English, German, French, and Italian etc.

Local Transportation

Istanbul has bus service that covers almost the entire city. Additionally, there is Istanbul Metro (subway), suburban trains, trams and ferry. Taxis are very convenient to use with affordable rates.

Driving License

Most international driver's licenses are recognized in Turkey. Car rental companies require for a valid national or international license. Remember to keep to the right-hand side of the road and wear your seat belt at all times.

Time Zone

Turkish Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2)

Electricity

AC, 50 cycles, 220 Volts

Business Hours

Official business hours are 09:00 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:00 Monday through Friday. Banks and Post Offices are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Shops are open 09:00 – 20:00, some even later and/or on weekends.

Communication

Post offices carry the sign PTT in black on a yellow background. At a PTT you can telephone, send mail, telegrams and faxes. For local calls buy telephone cards, Istanbul area codes are 0-212 on the European Side and 0-216 on the Asian Side. When calling abroad from Turkey, you must first dial the International code 00 and then country code (90) and the number. GSM system is also used in Turkey on 900-1800 band frequency. Your GSM operator will almost surely have a partner in Turkey, so you can use your mobile phones.

Visa

 

There are not many countries’ citizens who need visa to visit Turkey. And those who may need easily receive their visa at the Atatürk Airport in Istanbul when attending such an international congress.

 

 

Useful Links

On the following pages you will find a few useful links with local information about Istanbul and Turkey.

ISPA home page