IIASA-DPRI Forum, August 2006

Istanbul is the only city in the world built on two continents. It spreads along the shores of the uniquely beautiful Bosphorus (Istanbul Bogazici) where the waters of the Black Sea merge with those of the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. Istanbul has been the capital city of Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Today it houses the precious remains of these civilizations and stands with all its glamour and mysticism as a harmonious link between East and West, past and present, antique and modern.

Istanbul is one of the richest cities in historical background, is beautiful, enchanting and lively. It has a unique atmosphere with its life-style, people and numerous attractions. The old palaces, the great mosques with soaring minarets, ancient churches, museums, bazaars, the Istanbul Strait and others are wonderful sites worth seeing.

Passport and Visa
Tourists are required to carry a valid passport. For some countries a visa is required. Please consult the nearest Turkish Consulate or Turkish Embassy for visa related issues. For further information please see ‘Consular Information’ at www.mfa.gov.tr.

Banking and Shopping Hours
Banks are open week days from 09:00 to noon and from 13:30 to 16:30. Exchange rates at hotels and banks are slightly different. You can also use the Exchange Offices. Euro, USD and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Shops are generally open from 09:00 to 19:00

Electricity
The voltage in Turkey is 50 Hz, 220 volts AC in all parts of the country.

Climate
The Mediterranean climate, with its hot summers and mild winters, prevails in Istanbul, Marmara, the Aegean and Meditterranean coastal regions.

	JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JULY	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
MAX	8	9	11	16	21	25	28	28	24	20	15	11
MIN	3	2	3	7	12	16	18	19	16	13	9	5

Tipping
Though service charges are included, it is customary to show your appreciation to hotel staff, to your guide and to the driver, if you feel satisfied. We suggest the following tipping scale: Hotel staff 2.-USD, Driver 1.-/2.- USD, Guide 2.-/3.- USD. Usually %10 of the bill at restaurants and a round-up for taxis.

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 “0212” on European Side and “0216” on the Asian Side. When calling abroad from Turkey, you must first dial the International code “00” and then country code and the number. GSM system is also used.

Transport
International and most national flights land on Atatürk International Airport. You can take a shuttle bus or taxi from the Airport to Taksim. Shuttle (Airport) buses depart from Atatürk Airport every 30 minutes. It takes approximately 30 minutes fare is approximately 5.-USD.
The taxis are yellow, numbered and metered. Prices are higher after midnight when two orange lights appear on the meter. The fare is indicated on the meter, which is placed next to driver.