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Turkey Country Information
Linking Europe and the Middle East, suspended
between the new and the long-established, Turkey retains a disconcerted
balance of both
east and west, representing a cultural mix with many discrepancies
and contradictions. Modern city boutiques and exotic bazaars clamour
for customers, the weekly tolling of church bells interrupts the
daily call of the muezzin, and Roman ruins and the beginnings of
Christianity compete for attention with the history of the Ottoman
Empire and modern secularity.
The different regions of Turkey offer an assortment of landscapes,
activities and characters, and whether one is a history or archaeology
enthusiast, a sun-worshipper, sailor, or city-lover keen on shopping,
there is something on offer for everyone. Istanbul, with one part
in Europe and the other in Oriental Asia, is a fascinating city with
its frenzied market places, imperial residences and minarets, and
sporting a lively ambience of contemporary art and musical entertainment.
Cappadocia in Central Turkey offers an astounding landscape of eroded
volcanic rock cones and fairy chimneys, remarkable subterranean cities
and rock-hewn houses that merge harmoniously with the ochre-coloured
landscape; while further south the 'Turquoise Coast' is a haven for
boat cruises. One can enjoy a variety of water sports, sunbathe on
golden sands, or explore the wonderful ancient cities of Troy and
Ephesus on the shores of the Aegean Sea.
Most visitors concentrate on Western Turkey, with its picturesque
seaside resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, scenic
and recreational attractions, well-preserved archaeological sites
and fascinating museums that bring its rich history to life. Wherever
one ventures in Turkey there is certain to be a warm welcome and
traditional hospitality, making this a deeply satisfying corner of
the world in which to travel.
Top of Page The Basics
Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday
in March to the last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard.
Money: The official currency is the New Turkish Lira (TRY), which
was introduced on 1 January 2005, whereby six zeros were dropped
from the TL and the sub-unit New Kurush was created. Currency can
be exchanged at banks, exchange booths, post offices, airports and
ferry ports; banks have the worst rates and highest commissions,
but will exchange lesser known foreign currencies. Banks open mainly
Monday to Friday, but some are open daily in tourist areas. ATMs
are widely available in major cities and tourist areas, but Turkish
ATM keypads usually do not have letters of the alphabet on their
keys. Most bank branches have ATMs which accept Cirrus and Plus.
Major credit cards are widely accepted; the most popular are Visa
or MasterCard, but American Express is accepted in many of the more
expensive places. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at some banks
and currency exchange offices, but are not as welcome as cash or
credit cards. US dollars or Euros are preferred. Some pensions and
hotels in the most popular destinations accept US dollars as payment. Language: Turkish is the official language, but English is widely understood
in the main tourist areas.
Travel
Health: There are no vaccination requirements,
although a typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travellers, unless
coming for a short period and only eating in major hotels and restaurants
(e.g. business travellers or cruise ship passengers). There is a
risk of malaria in the south-eastern part of the country, but not
in the main tourist areas in the west and south-west of the country,
although mosquitoes can still be an irritation in summer. Most tap
water in the larger towns and cities has been chlorinated, but bottled
water is still recommended for drinking. Food from street vendors
should be treated with caution. Medical facilities and standard of
health care are not high in state hospitals and private health insurance
is recommended. Modern facilities exist in private hospitals in Ankara
and Istanbul.
Tipping: Tipping is a way of life in Turkey and it is customary
to give some small change for most services, or a small percent of
the bill. In bigger hotels and restaurants if a service charge is
not added to the bill, it is customary to tip between 10 and 15%.
For taxi fares it is enough to round up the bill. Attendants at Turkish
baths expect to share about 15% of the total bill if service has
been good.
Safety
Information: Due to the current situation in neighbouring
Iraq, travellers are advised to be cautious and check with their
embassy before departure for a current update on the situation. There
is a significant threat from terrorism in Turkey and there have been
a number of terrorist incidents, including small explosions, around
the country, including in Istanbul and the capital, Ankara. Explosions
on the Aegean Coast and the Mediterranean have killed and injured
many people, including foreign tourists. Kurdish militant groups,
as well as international terrorist groups, are currently active in
Turkey and further attacks against the tourism industry in particular
are likely. The Turkish economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which
Kurdish separatists have repeatedly threatened to target. There are
continuing incidents of local terrorism in Eastern Turkey, particularly
the south east. Visitors should avoid any public demonstrations.
Street crime is relatively low although visitors should guard their
valuables at all times. A number of sexual assaults have been reported
in coastal tourist areas. Many parts of Turkey lie on a major seismic
fault line and are subject to earthquakes and tremors; several fairly
recent earthquakes have shaken eastern Turkey, the southwest and
southeast.
Local
Customs: Religious customs should be respected, particularly
during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during
daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim
culture. Dress modestly when visiting mosques or religious shrines.
Do not take photographs of or near military and official institutions
and always ask permission when taking photographs of people. There
is a smoking ban on all forms of public transport and in outdoor
venues (including stadiums and playgrounds). By July 2009 this will
include cafes, bars and restaurants as well.
Business: In Turkey, business associates are addressed by their
first names. If the associate is male, then his name is followed
by 'bey', and 'hanim' is used for females. A formal, conservative
dress code is observed in Turkey, and women should be careful to
dress particularly conservatively. Gifts are common and are usually
something the associate would use in business such as a pen or other
office stationary. Business hours throughout Turkey are generally
9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.
Communications: The international country dialling code for Turkey
is +90. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country
code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use,
e.g. Istanbul Asya (Asia side) is (0)216 and Istanbul Avrupa (Europe
side) is (0)212. GSM 900 and 1800 networks cover most of the country.
Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.
Duty
Free: Travellers
to Turkey do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200 cigarettes,
or 50 cigars, or 200g tobacco, and 200 cigarette
papers, or 50g chewing tobacco, or 200g pipe tobacco, or 200g snuff
tobacco. Alcohol allowance includes 1 litre or 700ml bottle of wine
or spirits. Other allowances include 5 bottles perfume up to 120ml
each; gifts to the value of €255.65; electronic articles to
the value of €255.65; tea and coffee for personal consumption;
jewellery and guns for sporting purposes permitted by foreign travellers.
Tape recorders, record players and transistor radios have to be declared
on arrival. Restricted items include playing cards limited to one
pack.
Top of Page
Visa and Entry Information
- Entry
requirements for Americans: US passport holders must have
a valid passport. A visa is required, which can be obtained from
the point of entry, valid for three months and single entry only.
- Entry
requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders must have
a valid passport. British Citizens and British National (Overseas)
residing in Hong Kong can obtain a multiple-entry visa on arrival
for three months, but other passport holders must obtain a visa from
an overseas Turkish mission prior to arrival.
- Entry
requirements for Canadians: Canadian passport holders must
have a valid passport. A visa is required, which is valid for up
to three months (multiple entry), and can be obtained from the point
of entry.
- Entry
requirements for Australians: Australian passport holders
must have a valid passport. A visa is required, which is valid for
up to three months (multiple entry), and can be obtained from the
point of entry.
- Entry
requirements for South Africans: South Africans must hold
a valid passport. A visa is required which can be obtained on arrival
for a period of one month (multiple entry). South Africans may be
required to show they hold US$50 funds per day for the duration of
their intended stay.
- Entry
requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require
a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three
months.
- Entry
requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require
a valid passport. A visa is required which can be obtained on arrival
for a period of three months (multiple entry).
Passport/Visa
Note: All
passports must be valid for at least the period of stay. All travellers
to Turkey are required to hold return
or onward tickets, documents for the next destination and sufficient
funds for the period of their stay. Entry may be refused to those
of unkempt appearance. Visas on entry incur a fee of around US$20.
Weather and Climate Information
Turkey's climate is characterised by extremes, with temperatures
varying greatly from season to season in the country's different
regions. The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Turkey have very
dry, hot summers, and the mild, though wet, winters occur between
October and April, when the coastal towns tend to more or less shut
down. Istanbul and Cappadocia can experience very cold winters, with
light snow. High summer, usually between July and September, is the
peak tourist season, though from June mosquitoes can be a problem.
The best time to visit Turkey is usually between spring and autumn
as the climate is still hot, but not unbearable. Eastern Turkey experiences
bitterly cold winters, and so it is best that travellers wait until
summer, because although hot, roads and mountain passes are less
likely to be closed due to ice or snow.
In summer the weather
in Istanbul is hot and humid, the temperature between June and
September averaging 82°F (28°C). Summers
are relatively dry, but rain does occur all year round. During winter
it is cold, wet and often snowy. Snowfalls tend to be heavy, but
temperatures rarely drop as low as freezing point. Istanbul also
tends to be a windy city.
Summers are warm and dry and the winters are cold and snowy. The
rainy season is spring, especially May.
Top of Page
Turkey Attractions
- Blue
Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) - The Sultan Ahmet Camii, commonly known as the Blue Mosque,
with its tiers of magnificent domes and
six graceful minarets is one of
the most striking and immediately distinguishable structures on the
Istanbul’s skyline.
- Topkapi
Palace Museum - The Topkapi Sarayi, built by Mehmet the Conqueror as a Sultan's
Palace,
consists of a sprawling collection of buildings arranged around
several interconnecting courtyards.
- Covered
Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) -The oldest and biggest enclosed bazaar in the world, also known
as the Grand Bazaar, is one of the
most enticing and mesmerizing
attractions in Istanbul.
- Ephesus - Ephesus is the biggest and best-preserved ancient city in the
country
and is one of the world’s spectacular historical sites.
- Ancient
Troy - For about 3,000 years the fascinating story involving the
destruction of the prosperous city of Troy in a long war fought over
the legendary
beauty, Helen, was thought to be fiction.
- Temple
of Augustus - The Roman Temple of Augustus
was built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, and contains the
best-preserved copy of Emperor Augustus'
last will and testament, inscribed on the vestibule walls.
Events in Turkey
- International
Istanbul Music Festival - One of the most prominent events on
the city's cultural calendar
and one of the foremost musical events in Europe, the International
Istanbul Music Festival is a summer extravaganza of opera and
ballet, as well as classical and traditional music.
- Turkish
F1 Grand Prix - One of the newer tracks added to the Formula
One Season, Istanbul
Park has been described as 'The greatest track ever built', by
Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of the Formula One Administration.
- Contemporary
Istanbul -
Every October artists from all across Turkey converge on the capital
to showcase their latest creations in contemporary art.
- Whirling
Dervishes Festival - Each December a million visitors descend
on the Mausoleum of Mevlana
in Konya, where the ceremony of the Whirling Dervishes commemorates
the great Sufic saint Mevlana in one of the world's greatest
events.
- The
Bosphorus Swim - This annual event sees over a thousand swimmers navigate
the 4.3
miles (7km) of the Bosphorus Straight between Kanlica and Cemil
Topuzlu Park, essentially swimming from Asia to Europe.
Top
of Page
Turkey Airports Istanbul Ataturk International Airport (IST)
Location: The airport is situated 15 miles (23km) west of Istanbul.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last
Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +90 212 465 5555.
Departure Tax: None.
Antalya International Airport (AYT)
Location: The airport is situated six miles (10km) from Antalya.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last
Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +90 (0)242 330 3600.
Departure Tax: None.
Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport (ADB)
Location: The airport is located 11 miles (18km) from Izmir.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last
Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +90 (0)232 274 2626.
Departure Tax: None.
ATM Dalaman Airport (DLM)
Location: The airport is situated about four miles (6km) from Dalaman.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last
Sunday in October).
Contacts: Tel: +90 (0)252 792 5555.
Departure Tax: None.
Esenboga International Airport (ESB)
Location: The airport is located northeast of Ankara, 17 miles
(28km) from the city centre.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from March to October).
Contacts: Tel: +90 (0)312 590 4000.
Departure Tax: None.
Top of Page
Driving
Information
Drinking and driving:
If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05 per cent or
more, penalties are severe. For drivers of cars with caravans or trailers
the alcohol
level in the bloodstream is 0%.
Driving licence:
The minimum age at which a UK licence holder may drive a
temporarily imported car and / or motorcycle 18. UK driving licence
valid for 90
days; licences that do not incorporate a photograph must be accompanied
by an
International Driving Permit.
Fines:
On-the-spot. Vehicles may be towed away if causing an obstruction.
Fuel:
Leaded (96 octane), unleaded petrol (95 octane) and Diesel are
available.
LPG is available in large centres. Petrol in a can permitted (fireproof
container).
Credit cards accepted at many filling stations, check with your
card issuer for usage
in Turkey before travel.
Driving
Distances:
Ankara to Istanbul - 450kms (4 hours / 30 minutes)
Ankara to Hattusas - 200 kms (2 hours / 35 minutes)
Istanbul to Bursa - 150 kms (2 hours / 30 minutes)
Please click here http://www.viamichelin.com/ for
more driving distances
Lights:
Dipped headlights should be used in poor daytime visibility, and
after
sunset in built up areas.
Motorcycles:
Wearing of crash helmets compulsory.
Motor Insurance:
Third party insurance compulsory. Foreign insurance e.g. UK
insurance is recognised in the European part of Turkey, if the
policy covers Turkey.
Visiting motorists driving vehicles registered in the UK may use
a valid Green Card
when driving in Turkey. The green card must cover the whole of
Turkey, i.e. both
the European Part and the Asian part (Anatolia).
Visiting motorists who are not in possession of a valid Green Card
or who are not in
possession of a valid UK insurance policy (validated for the whole
of Turkey) must
take out short term insurance at the border or TTOK offices.
Passengers / Children in cars:
Child under 10 cannot travel as front seat
passenger.
Seat belts:
Compulsory for front seat occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted.
Compulsory for rear seat passengers to wear seat belts outside built
up areas
Speed limits:
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private
vehicles without trailers. In built-up areas 31 mph (50 km/h), outside
built-up areas
55 mph (90 km/h) for cars, 43mph (70km/h) for motorcycles; motorways
74mph
(120km/h) for cars and 49mph (80km/h) for motorcycles. Minimum speed
on
motorways: 24 mph (40 km/h). Speed limits are 10km/h less if the
car has a
trailer.
Compulsory equipment:
-
First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Warning triangle – two
required
Other
rules / requirements:
The use of the horn is generally prohibited in towns between 2200
hours until
sunrise.
The use of spiked tyres is prohibited.
It is recommended that winter tyres are used in snowy areas and
snow chains are
carried.
In the event of an accident it is compulsory for the police to
be called and a report
obtained.
Top of Page
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