Local Information
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Internet access at the Koç University
The University has wireless access to Internet in most locations on the campus.
Passport and visas
Delegates are advised to carry a valid passport for at least three months beyond the date and to contact the nearest embassy, consulate or travel agency for information about the passport and visa requirements for entry to Turkey. Visa for the citizens of some countries can be obtained upon arrival
Language
Turkish written in Latin alphabet is the official language in Turkey. Especially in metropolitan cities and coastal regions most of the people speak a second language such as English, German or French.
Climate and clothing
The temperature can vary from warm to very hot, with temperatures from 25 to 30 °C. The organizers suggest that you bring light clothing.
Time zone
GMT + 2 hours. Same time zone is used all over the country.
Electricity
The electrical current in Turkey is 220/230V, 50 cycles alternating current (AC). Wall outlets take continental-type plugs, with two round prongs.
Weights and measures
Kilograms and metric system are used in Turkey as weight and measuring system.
Banking, money and credit cards
The big retail banks all have ATMs, some of them give cash advances for credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express. Almost all ATMs have a language key that enable to read the instructions in English. Credit cards are commonly used in Turkey. Banks can exchange foreign currency and travelers' checks with your passport as proof of identity. Exchange offices offer a faster service and better rates when compared to banks or hotels. Turkey has no black market; foreign currencies are readily accepted in most shops, hotels and restaurants in many tourist areas. The countrywide branches of Finansbank, Fortis Bank, Denizbank, Oyakbank and TC Ziraat Bank will do Western Union transfers.
Online currency rates: Yapı Kredi
The value-added tax, here called KDV, is usually 18% and nearly always included in quoted prices. Certain shops are authorized to refund the tax for foreign tourists.
Important Notice:
| The Organizing Committee requires the delegate to pay the full amount calculated on the form. Any bank transfer fees that occur are at the responsibility of the sender. Any cut observed from the full amount will be asked to be compensated by the sender. |
| Please note that Turkey is outside the Euro zone. The credit card transactions need to be done in Turkish Lira due to Turkish Government’s banking regulations. The full amount for your registration will be converted into Turkish Lira according to the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Exchange Rates at http://www.tcmb.gov.tr/kurlar/201105/May.html. The reflection of this conversion to Turkish Lira and the re-conversion to Euro by your bank can be a fee on your credit card statement. |
Customs
Items such as jewellery, unusually expensive electronic and photographic gear are supposed to be declared on entry and may be entered in the passport to guarantee to take them out of the country again while leaving.
It is strictly illegal to export antiquities more than a century old. Customs officers may want a proof of having permission from a museum before letting to leave with an antique carpet or any other antique object.
Work hours
Banks are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until noon or 12:30 p.m., depending on the bank, and from 1:30 p.m. until 5.00 p.m. However, there are some banks continuing to serve during lunch breaks.
Museums are generally open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m., and closed on Monday. Palaces are open the same hours but are closed on Thursdays.
Shops and bazaars are normally open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m., and usually closed all day on Sunday. But most stores in shopping malls and crowded streets are open seven days a week.
Mail services and telecommunications
All post offices bear the distinctive yellow PTT sign, meaning Post, Telephone and Telegrams.
The central Post Office in Istanbul is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Smaller ones are open Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.
Direct local and international calls can be made from public phones by using telephone cards sold in PTT and big newspaper stands. In some public phones credit cards can also be used for calling. GSM service is also available in Turkey, and Turkcell, Telsim, Vodafone, and Avea as the main GSM operators of Turkey have roaming agreements with many other international operators.
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