Congress Dates

ESL 2024 will be held between the dates of May 30 - June 1, 2024.

About İstanbul

Istanbul is one of the most visited places in the world, a central hub connecting East and West, blending the past and the future, bringing together cultures and people from all over the world. As it has been in many other civilizations in the past, Istanbul is today Turkey’s cultural and economic capital. Attracting millions of visitors each year Istanbul has also become an attractive destination for international meetings with its world class accommodation and convention facilities.

Travel Information

The fastest and consequently the least tiring way to get to Turkey is by plane. All major airlines have direct flights to Istanbul.

How to get to Istanbul

Istanbul has three international airports: two on the European side (New Istanbul Airport, Atatürk Airport) and one on the Asian side (Sabiha Gökçen Airport).

Public Transport

Istanbul Public Transportation is efficient, convenient and safe with its large number of choices of vehicles but may be very difficult to navigate if you do not know the language. Thus we suggest the use of taxis as they are very economically priced compared to most European cities.

More info for buses:

www.iett.gov.tr

More info for subway & trams:

www.istanbul-ulasim.com.tr/default.asp

Getting around in Istanbul

The easiest way to get around Istanbul is by taxi. Make sure you have some Turkish liras with you. No taxi driver will accept credit cards. You will find ATMs and a currency exchange office inside the airport. We advise you to only take official taxis. They are bright yellow and have a sign on the roof with the word taksi on it. Furthermore, their taxi registration number (and sometimes company logo) should be clearly visible on the front doors and the roof. Most importantly, all official taxis have digital meters.

Language

All presentations during the congress will be conducted in English.

Visa & Letter of Invitation

An invitation letter will be sent to all registered participants. Electronic visa application system; www.evisa.gov.tr

Currency

The Turkish Lira is the official currency of Turkey. Bank notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 TL. Coins come in the amounts of 1, 5, 10 and 25 Kuruş and 1 Lira .

ATMs

ATMs can be found all around the country. All of them offer foreign language options and pay out Turkish liras.

Changing Money

Foreign exchange offices, which are known as “döviz bürosu” can be found throughout the country. Operating hours are mostly Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 17:00. In the arrivals section of Istanbul airports, there are 24-hour exchange offices. Also the exchange offices located in shopping malls and touristic areas are open later and on Saturdays. US Dollars and Euros are accepted in highly touristic districts like Sultanahmet and Taksim but rates are often not competitive.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely used and accepted. Visitors can use their Visa and Mastercards but Amex and Diner’s are often not accepted.

Traveller’s Cheques

Traveller’s cheques can be changed at banks or post offices. Note that you’ll need to have a valid passport with you.

Time Zone

Time is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).

Voltage Information

Turkey’s electrical system operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets. You will need a voltage converter, and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.