Safety and Security Alert
Due to the unfortunate incident in Istanbul on 19 March, you are advised to take precautions. Please consider the following travel tips:
- Avoid going to crowded places such as Taksim Square, shopping malls or Istiklal street.
- Always carry your original ID while roaming the city
- Carry a photocopy of your passport when visiting locations in Turkey
- Always carry contacts and information for your hotel
- Travel in groups and keep other colleagues updated of your whereabouts
- Do not use public transport. Taxis are the safest alternative. (Orange or yellow with a meter.)
- In case of any unforeseen event, try to reach a safe location immediately, preferably any hotel. Once you have reached a safe location, call the Hilton İstanbul Bomonti Hotel immediately and inform them of your location.
Travel to Istanbul / Arrival by plane
Istanbul has two international airports; the larger of them is Istanbul Ataturk. Ataturk as the main airport for all international airlines is located 24 kilometers west of the city center. Sabiha Gokcen International, 45 kilometers is situated southeast of the city center.
Public Transportation
Taxis
Flying to Ataturk Airport (IST), or to Sabiha Gocken Airport (SAW) you can use a taxi (yellow-orange with meter) to everywhere in the city. Taxis are waiting outside the airports and the metered fare is around 60 Turkish Lira (EUR 19) from Ataturk Airport, journey time is about 30 minutes, and 75 minutes from Sabiha Gokcen airport. Due to the traffic situation, sometimes the drive can take twice as long as planned. Prices may vary, please ask for price indication before taking a taxi. Please let the driver know the following venue: Hilton Bomonti
Visa
The entry formalities for Turkey vary according to the country of origin.
Please address enquiries about entry and vaccination to your travel agent or the local Turkish consulate.
Further information can also be found on the eVisa website.
Currency
Currency is the Turkish lira (TRY). Exchange rates are announced daily. Major credit cards are generally accepted by most of the hotels, restaurants and shops.
Exchange rate
Time
The time in Turkey is Eastern European Summer Time EEST / UTC +3.
Electricity
The local voltage is 230 V. Plugs C & f. You will need a voltage converter, and plug adapter in order to use U.S. or other foreign appliances.
Bank and ATM
Banks are open weekdays between 09:00 and 17:00. ATMs are everywhere in Istanbul.