Meeting Venue
RENAISSANCE POLAT ISTANBUL HOTEL
Sahilyolu Cad.No:2 Yesilyurt, Istanbul 34149 Turkey +90 212 414 18 00
Airport
İstanbul is serviced by Istanbul Airport // IST (44 km to the venue) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport // SAW (55 km to the venue)
Climate
The average temperature in Istanbul in June is 24° / 22° Celsius (76 / 71ºF), with an average of 6 rainy days.
Currency
The main form of currency is the Turkish Lira. For current exchange rates, click here
Electricity
Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets /points.
Entry Requirements
Please be sure to check the visa requirements for your country at the official web page of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
Also, Turkey has Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Application System. This system allows visitors traveling to Turkey to easily obtain their e-Visas online (www.evisa.gov.tr), in approximately three minutes.
It is possible to obtain e-Visa 7/24 everywhere with an internet connection. The applicants can obtain their visa after they fill in the necessary information concerning their identity, passport, and travel dates and pay the visa fee online. Please check if you are eligible for the e-Visa and e-Visa application at www.evisa.gov.tr
Letter of Invitation
Letters of invitation will soon be made available here.
The sole purpose of an invitation letter is to facilitate delegates’ visa arrangements and does not imply financial or other support by the organizers. All expenses incurred in relation to the Congress are the sole responsibility of the delegate.
The SIU will not contact embassies or consulates on behalf of applicants.
It is the delegate’s responsibility to allow adequate time to make visa arrangements.
Taxi
Istanbul taxis are divided into three categories: orange taxis, blue/turquoise taxis and black taxis. The usual Istanbul taxis are yellow with the distinctive “TAXI” sign on their roof.
Payment Methods
In Istanbul, you ‘d better carry some cash with you if you are willing to take a taxi. It isn’t the rule that credit/debit cards aren’t accepted as a payment method but it’s very probable that your taxi driver won’t even have the necessary card terminal. What’s more, you should pay in Turkish liras as you may be deceived about the exchange rate. However, if you decide to book your taxi transfer in advance, credit cards could definitely be used.
How to Hire a Taxi in Istanbul
The ordinary yellow taxis are everywhere in Istanbul. You can stand at a main street and wave your hand and you will easily catch one of them. However, the most secure method in order to avoid getting scammed by an unofficial taxi is to take your cab from the taxi ranks located all over Istanbul. On the other hand, you can always book your taxi online using one of the Istanbul Taxi Apps (e.g. iTaksi, Bitaksi, Kiwi Taxi) or ask your hotel concierge to call a taxi for you.
https://istanbul-international-airport.com/transportation/istanbul-taxis/
Certificate of Attendance
Attendees can download their certificates as of Sunday, June 12. You can download your certificate of attendance via the SIU Regional Meeting Mobile App or Online Meeting Portal.