Language: The Turkish language belongs to the Ural-Altaic group and has affinity to the Finno-Hungarian languages. Turkish is written in the Latin alphabet in Turkey and is spoken by more than 150 million people around the world.

Visa: Participants from a country requiring visa for entry to Turkey are strongly advised to make their application in their home country at least a month before the intended date of travel. If in doubt, information can be obtained from the nearest Turkish Embassy, Consulate, or the Conference web site.

Religion: 98% of Turkish citizens are Muslim. Turkey guarentees complete freedom of worship to non-muslims.

Time: Australia +8, Austria –1, England –2, France –1, Germany –1, Italy –1, Japan +7, Netherlands –1, USA +7.

Customs Regulations: Customs formalities include generally forbidden or limited items, or the items registered beforehand in the owner’s passport.

Climate: In the southern region of Turkey where Antalya is located, summers are hot and dry, with a mean monthly temperature of 23°C in April.

Currency & Exchange: The national monetary unit is Turkish Lira. Exchange rates are announced daily. Official opening hours of banks in Turkey are Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 17.00. Exchange offices are also available which are open from Monday to Saturday from 09.00 to 18.00. Exchanges can be made at most of the hotel receptions.

Credit Cards: The credit cards accepted in most hotels, shops, and at the Conference Registration desks in the “Atlantis Hotel” are Euro Card, Master Card and Visa.

Telephones: Pay phones are available at the Conference center as well as in the city.

Electricity: The electrical current in Turkey is 220 volts AC in all parts of the country. Plugs are in continental style.

Insurance: Neither the Organising Committees of “Turkish Thoracic Society 6th Annual Congress”, Figür Congress Organisations or The Atlantis Hotel accept any responsibility for loss or damage to property belonging to Conference participants, either during or as a result of the Conference. Registration fees do not include any form of insurance. Please check the validity of your own insurance.

Language: The offical languages of the Conference are Turkish and English. Translations will be provided in all sessions.

Badges: Badges are essential for admission to the scientific sessions, social events, and exhibitions.

Certificate: A Certificate of Attendance will be issued on request from the Registration Desk at the Conference.

Web Site: The Conference website is www.toraks.org.tr. All the details concerning the Conference will be updated regularly in English and Turkish on this site. You may also register to attend the Conference through website, providing payment is made by credit card.

The 6th Annual Congress of the Turkish Thoracic Society will be held between April 23-26, 2003 at the Atlantis Hotel in Belek/Antalya.

You may receive all the information about registration, applications for papers and presentations and can also receive registration forms through “www.toraks.org.tr”.