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Cash Machines:
Can I use the local cash machines?
Cash machines (ATMs) are
available throughout Turkey, accepting major European credit
and bank cards and instructions are often available in English.
It is advisable to inform your bank in advance that you are
travelling to Turkey as some will automatically put a stop on
cards after the first use in an attempt to combat fraud.
Credit Cards:
Can I use my credit card?
International credit and debit
cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants throughout
Turkey. However it is advisable also to carry cash for the
smaller shops and cafes, particularly in more rural areas.
Currency:
What is the local currency?
The local currency in Turkey is
the Turkish Lira (TL) available in the following denominations:
banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50 &100 TL; coins: 10, 25 & 50 kuruþ and
1 TL.
Cash can usually be exchanged without commission at bureau de
changes (döviz), banks and hotels. Exchange rates are
published daily in Turkish newspapers and can also be found in
web site of Turkish Central Bank at
http://www.tcmb.gov.tr (please
click “bugün” under “TCMB Döviz Kurlarý” on the left column).
Dressing:
What should visitors dress in Turkey?
There are no hard and fast rules
but it is best to use common sense when deciding what to wear.
If staying on a beach resort it is fine to dress as you feel
comfortable. For city breaks relaxed clothing is the most
suitable with comfortable shoes and casual trousers and/or a
dress if you intend to do lots of walking. When visiting
mosques you should take off your shoes at the entrance and
ladies should cover their hair; often scarves are provided on
the way in. Both sexes should dress modestly with no shorts
and arms and shoulders covered during visits to mosques.
Driving:
Can I drive in Turkey?
Driving in Turkey is on the right-hand
side as in continental Europe and visitors may drive with an
international driving licence. You should have your driving
licence, your passport and insurance documents of the vehicle
with you. All of the major international car rental companies,
as well as a number of local ones, have offices at airports
and all major centres.
Electricity:
What is the mains supply voltage, will I need an adaptor?
The mains voltage for electricity
is 220V and 50Hz. Central European type wall socket (two-pin
plugs) is standard in Turkey.
Language:
Do I need to know Turkish in order to communicate?
English is Turkey's second widest
spoken language and you will easily find English speakers in
the major cities and holiday resorts. Restaurant menus and
other information for foreigners are often printed in English.
Mobile Phones:
Will I be able to use my mobile phone in Turkey?
The major GSM operators in Turkey
are Turkcell, Vodafone and Avea. You can use your mobile phone
in Turkey if your provider has enabled international roaming.
However if you intend to stay for a long time in the country
or make several calls, it may be preferable to buy a local
prepaid SIM card. Take your mobile phone and passport to a
Turkish mobile phone shop where your new SIM will be
registered along with your handset's IMEI number and your
personal information. (Unregistered phones will be blocked and
unable to receive or make calls.) Turkey has very wide mobile
coverage networks so you shouldn’t have any problems in the
main cities and tourist resorts.
Mosquitoes:
Are there mosquitoes in Turkey?
In the summer months there can be
mosquitoes in some areas so it is advisable to use suitable
repellent. However, no Malaria incident is observed in Turkey.
Opening Times:
What are the opening times for shops and other services?
Museums: 9 AM to 17 PM, Tuesday
to Sunday.
Pharmacies: 9 AM to 19 PM, Monday to Saturday. 24-Hour duty
pharmacies are available on a rota basis that the names and
addresses can be found on any pharmacy.)
Banks: 9 AM to 17 PM, Monday to Friday. (Some closes for
lunch brake.)
Post Offices: 9 AM to 17 PM, Monday to Friday. (Extended hours
applied on peak periods at major Holiday destinations).
Shopping Centres are open seven days a week and stay open
until late.
Safety:
Is Turkey safe?
Turkey is one of the safest
countries in the world with Interpol ranking it as one of the
safest holiday destination in Europe. As is the case when
travelling in any country though, do be careful with your
personal possessions when out and about and never leave items
unattended. You will find the police helpful and friendly and
in many of the tourist resorts there are special tourism
police who speak different languages.
Time Difference:
What is the time difference?
Turkey is GMT+2, that is to say
two hours ahead of the UK and one hours of the Central Europe.
Traveller’s Cheque: Can I use
traveller’s cheques?
Traveller’s cheques can be
exchanged at banks, some large hotels and bureau de changes
(döviz).
Vaccinations:
Is any vaccination required for tourists entering Turkey?
There are no compulsory
vaccinations for visitors entering Turkey though it is a good
idea to be up-to-date with polio, tetanus, typhoid and if you
are travelling to the east of the country.
Visa:
Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
While planning your trip to
Turkey do not forget to check your passport if it is valid for
at least 90 days. Depending on your nationality, most probably
your stay as a tourist is limited up to 3 months (for one
entrance). For tourist visas, there is no need to apply in
advance or to fill in any forms. If you are flying to Turkey,
you will buy your visa at the Turkish airport on arrival. You
will see the visa desk, situated just before passport control.
You must buy your visa, which will be stamped on your passport
by the official, before you join the queue for passport
control. The visa for UK passport holders currently costs £10
and must be paid for with a Sterling note. The visa for other
EU state-passport holders currently costs € 10 and must be
paid for with a Euro note. Visas are multiple entries and are
valid for three months. Each passport-holder, including
infants, must purchase a visa. With tourist visas you will not
have the right to take up paid or unpaid employment or to
reside, or to study (including student exchange program) or to
establish yourself in business in Turkey.
For more information please
click here.
Note
: quoted from goturkey.com
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