Coverage in SADJ
IDEF 2009
IDEF 2011
Location
Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center
Istanbul, Turkey
Contact
Tüyap Fairs & Exhibitions Organization Inc.
Phone: +90 212 886 68 86
E-mail: idef@tuyap.com.tr
www.tskgv.org.tr
Next Show
May 9-12, 2017
Focus
IDEF is a well-rounded defense show covering land, sea, and air. Attendees are mainly dignitaries, officers, and industry professionals. Small arms are prevalent, and the Turkish industry is well represented.
Hotel Hints
The Old City is approximately 45-60 minutes from the show, so you’ll have to choose to be near the show or near the main sites.. Visit tripadvisor.com for hotel user reviews.
Power & Plug Types
230 V, 50 hz. Standard rounded 2 prong European plug.
Cultural Hints
Language: Turkish. Avoid: Eating or handing something to someone using the left hand; exposing the knees, shoulders, or midriff; joking about Islam or Turkey. Take shoes off before entering a mosque or someone’s home and if someone is praying, walk behind that person, not in front. Women should cover their heads before entering a mosque.
Tipping
10% at restaurants; YTL 1-2 for bellhops; YTL 5 per day for housekeeping; nothing for taxi drivers.
Currency & Tax
Turkish Lira (YTL), but many establishments accept the Euro, USD, and GBP. An exchange office is called a “doviz boro.” 5s, 10s, and 20s are most useful when shopping or getting around. In most places, it’s safer to use cash over credit cards. Go to www.xe.com to find current exchange rates. VAT (KDV) is 18%.
Getting Around
Airport: IST. Drive on the right. Aggressive driving is common. When taking a taxi (especially from the Old City), be prepared to negotiate a price beforehand and walk away if the price isn’t right, as drivers will try to charge as much as 4 times the actual price by not using their meters.
Military Museums
Askeri Müse ve Kültür Sitesi Komutanligi, Harbiye. Phone: 0212/233-2720
Tourism
Top attractions include: Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and the Haghia Sophia. The Basilica Cistern is worth a look. Day cruises along the Bosporus are also very popular. The Sultanahmet neighborhood is great for restaurants.
