TRAVEL
Useful Information
Essential Information
Practical facts for your stay in Istanbul.
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Card payments are widely accepted; ATMs are common.
Plug Types
Type C & Type F
230 V · 50 Hz.
Time Zone
UTC +3
Türkiye observes a single time zone all year.
Language
Turkish
English is widely spoken in hotels and the venue.
Country Code
+90
Dial +90 followed by the area code.
Emergency
112
Single emergency number for ambulance, fire and police.
Internet & Wi-Fi
Widely available
Free Wi-Fi at the venue, hotels and many public spaces.
Driving
Right-hand traffic
An international driving permit may be required.
Weather in October
Mild
Typically 15–22 °C; bring a light jacket.
Good to Know
Credit cards & payments
Contactless card payments are accepted almost everywhere, including public transport.
ATMs & currency exchange
ATMs are widely available. Exchange offices operate in the city centre and at the airports.
Mobile connectivity
Local SIM cards and eSIMs are available at the airports and mobile operator stores.
Business hours
Shops generally open 10:00–20:00. Public offices work weekdays 08:30–17:30.
Public holidays
Check the national holiday calendar when planning meetings around the Congress dates.
Local customs
Istanbul is a large, cosmopolitan city; ordinary respectful behaviour is all that is expected.
Further practical details will be added as the Congress approaches.