Venue
Hilton Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Centre   Harbiye 80230 Istanbul, Türkiye Telephone: 00 90 212 315 6000 Faks: 00 90 212 240 4165 Dates Saturday, May 17- Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Istanbul
The strategic setting of Istanbul, the only city in the world built on two continents, has formed its destiny as an imperial capital for 1600 years. From the empires of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, this metropolis with its rich history and natural beauty, offers a friendly welcome and genuine hospitality. Numerous museums, ancient churches, synagogues, basilicas, mosques, mausoleums, palaces, bazaars and baths are standing today as the pride of all civilizations. With more than ten universities and many institutions, Istanbul is the most important centre of Turkish science and culture.

Language
The official language of the Congress is English.

Congress Website
Please visit the congress website for regular updates regarding all information relating to the Congress (www.ichca7.org).

Letter of invitation
Individuals requiring an official letter of invitation in order to attend the Congress can write to the Organising Secretariat. This procedure is designated to assist participants to obtain a visa or permission to attend the meeting and does not apply to registration fees or other expenses.

Accommodation
TOPKON TRAVEL has reserved hotel rooms of various categories in various parts of the city mostly in the center of walking distance to the Congress Centre. Most hotels are easily accessible by taxi. Hotel rates will be available in 2007.

Time
Türkiye is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Telephones
Pay phones and credit card phones are available at the meeting venue as well as in the city.

Electricity
The electrical power supply in Türkiye is 220 volts.

Climate and Clothing
May is the beginning of summer with mild weather of approximately 20 - 22 °C in the daytime and about 14 - 17 °C in the evenings. We recommend you to bring light clothes.

Restaurants and Turkish Cuisine
There is a wide choice of restaurants in Istanbul offering everything from excellent national cuisine to first class international dishes. Traditional Turkish cuisine is famous for its many specialties prepared with fresh vegetables. There are lots of quality restaurants and fast-food shops in the vicinity of the hotels reserved for this meeting.

Tipping
Although service charge is included in most restaurants, leaving a tip at one's own discretion is appreciated.

Shopping
One of the most enjoyable parts of a trip to Türkiye is shopping for the rich variety of Turkish crafts. Turkish carpets, kilims, suede and leatherwear as well as other items of clothing are the best buys. Copper, silver, brassware and jewellery are also choices for buying, along with works of ceramics and the famous Turkish meerschaum.

Airport Information
All international and domestic flights arrive at Istanbul's Atatürk Airport. Buses depart from Istanbul airport to Taksim Area (downtown) every 30 minutes, operating between 06:00 - 23:00 hours. Travel time is 45 minutes and the cost is approximately Euro 5 per person.
Private taxis are available, and the approximate cost is Euro 15-20 per taxi.

Travel within Istanbul
Public airport shuttle buses (HAVAS) run between the airport and the city center (Taksim Square) from 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. every half hour for a fee of € 6.- per person (to be paid on the bus in Turkish Lira). It takes about 30 min from airport to the city centre. Taksim Square is 5-10 min by taxi from the main congress hotels and in walking distance for some. Transportation within the city centre is by bus or by taxi. All taxis have taximeters, and the rates are reasonable. There will be a Welcome Desk at the airport to assist with transportation.

Social Programme
An enjoyable social programme is planned for the participants. It will include:
• Opening Ceremony and Cocktail Reception on Saturday, May 17,
• Congress Dinner (optional) highlighting the tastes and sounds of Istanbul on Monday 19. We may also together celebrate; the "Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day" which marks the 89th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's. Along the congress we may also together enjoy traditional Turkish music and folk activities.    
There are many things to see and do in Istanbul. Information will be available on-site at the hospitality desk and various suggestions will be posted on the website.

Visa
Please check with your travel agent whether you require an entry visa to Türkiye. Most visitor visas are obtainable for a fee on arrival at the airport, but it is advisable to check in sufficient time before departure.

Currency
The Turkish currency is Turkish Lira. The exchange rate for Turkish Lira as of May is: TRL 1,51 = 1 USD - TRL 1,94 = 1 EURO.

Liability and Insurance
The organizer is not able to take any responsibility whatsoever for injury or damage involving persons and property during the Congress. Participants are advised to take out their own personal travel and health insurance for their trip.

Banking and Exchange Facilities
Foreign money can be changed at banks during normal business days (09.00-17.00 Monday-Friday) as well as at hotels, at the airport and in exchange offices. Exchange rates are set daily by the Central Bank. All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Automated bank machines are available at many points throughout the city and at the airport.

Financial Aid
The applicants from low resource and currency restricted countries will be accept for some aids, include accommodation and possible help in costs towards travel and daily expenses. Applications should be forwarded to the congress organizer, together with the registration form and a copy of the applicants' abstract. 

FLIGHT INFORMATION

OFFICIAL CARRIER Turkish Airlines is the official carrier for our event. They offer the most frequent flights to and from Turkey. Please contact your nearest Turkish Airlines office or travel agent where you will receive information on flights and fares. As participant of the "7th International Congress on Headache in Children and Adolescents, May 17-21, 2008" you and one accompanying person will benefit from a favourable congress fare on Turkish Airlines flights. Please identify yourself as participant by quoting your registration and referring to: Special Fare Note – BB538 If your ticket is issued at a travel agency, please ask your agent to contact his Turkish Airlines office. Excluding Group and Promotional fares