•What is the time difference ?
Turkey is on GMT + 2 (daylight saving = GMT +3 and operates between late March to late September). This means generally that Turkey is 1 hour ahead of European and 2 hours ahead of the UK standard times. Still it is a good idea to check the local time when you arrive in Turkey and adjust your watch accordingly.
•What is the Mains supply voltage – are adaptors needed ?
The Turkish mains power supply is 220 Volt 50 Hz. The standard Wall sockets take two round pin plugs, similar to the one used in many European countries. You will need an adapter if you intend to use appliances not fitted with this type of plug; it is a good idea to bring a suitable adaptor with you as this may be difficult to find locally.
•What should I take ?
Most goods, including holiday essentials, i.e. sun tan and after sun lotions, insect and mosquito repellents, etc. are available in the larger resorts and supermarkets. A wide-brimmed sun hat is good to have also it is a good idea to have a photocopy of your passport and if you are driving a copy of your license, keep these on you as a means of ID and leave the originals in a secure place. Losing or having the originals stolen can spoil your holiday experience.
•Will I be able to use my mobile phone in Turkey ?
Yes – providing your phone is international roaming enabled. The 3 main GSM operators in Turkey are
Turkcell, Avea and Vodafone and all GSM operators have roaming agreements with international operators. If you intend to stay for a while and / or expect to be making a significant number of calls whilst in Turkey you may consider purchasing a local prepaid line to use during your stay. These can be purchased form one of the many mobile phone shops and “topped up” as required by purchasing credits (Kontor Kart) from newspaper booths, grocery stores and many other outlets, you could make a significant saving. I.e. the number should be prefixed by 00 90 and you should drop the first 0 from the area code of the number you are dialling.
•What is the local currency?
On January 1, 2009, only the prefix ‘New’ will be removed from the ‘New Turkish Lira’. Therefore, there will not be any change in the value of the currency, only the name of the currency will change. The New Turkish Lira banknotes and coins we currently use will remain in circulation until the end of 2009. Throughout 2009, for one-year period, both the New Turkish Lira and the Turkish Lira banknotes and coins will concurrently be in the circulation. The conversion from the New Turkish Lira to the Turkish Lira is simply:
1 New Turkish Lira (1 YTL) equals to 1 Turkish Lira (1 TL).
1 Turkish Lira (1 TL) equals to 100 Kurus (100 Kr).
1 YTL = 1 TL
1 YKr = 1 Kr
1 TL = 100 Kr
Turkish Lira (TL – Turk Lirasi) Physical Views can be found here http://www.tcmb.gov.tr/tlkampanya/physical.html
New Turkish Lira (YTL – Yeni Turk Lirasi) physical views can be found here. http://www.tcmb.gov.tr/ytlkampanya/banknotes/banknotes.htm
Once in Turkey, it's very easy to change all major currencies in Banks, exchange offices, post offices (PTTs) and many Hotels. Currency can be also obtained from the major debit or cash cards from many ATM machines. (Check the logos on the ATM machines).
•Credit Card and Travellers Cheques ?
Credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants in the main Cities or Resorts areas. This may not be the case in smaller villages or remote places so it is generally a good idea to try always to have some cash handy. Travellers Cheques can be cashed at banks, exchange bureaus and most of the larger hotels.
•What is driving like in Turkey?
Emergency Tel. Nummer
Police: 155 of 154
Ambulance: 112
Bear in mind the following then driving in Turkey:
• Traffic drives on the right
• The wearing of a seat belt is compulsory.
• Don’t drink and drive (Taxis are cheap anyhow)
• Drive defensively at all times
• Take care when driving after dark you may encounter inadequately lit vehicles, slow moving Tractors and Lorries or even animals wandering in the road.
•Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
This depends on your nationality. At the time of writing the Turkish Ministry of Foreign affairs posts Visa information on their website here: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
•What ID do I need to carry with me when in Turkey?
You are required at all times to carry an official ID with photograph whilst in Turkey.
•What are the shop opening times?
During the summer season, and especially in the resort areas, supermarkets, mini-markets and shops are open everyday, often until late night and in many cases all night.
As a general guideline opening days and times are as follows
Banks:
09.00 - 12.00 and 13.30 - 17.00 Monday to Friday. Although some banks are open from 09.00 - 17.00
Post Offices:
( identified by yellow PTT signs) 08.00 - 20.00 Monday to Saturday, and 09.00 - 19.00 on Sundays.
Chemists (Eczane):
09.00-19.00 Monday to Saturday: 24 Hour Duty chemists are open on a rota basis and their details are posted in all chemists’ window. Look for the “Nobetci Eczane(Today's Pharmacies)” sign.
Museums:
09.00 - 17.00 Tuesday to Sunday.
Cafés and restaurants tend not to close until the last customer has left and often stay open until very late in the evening or early morning some restaurants, especially the soup kitchens, stay open 24 hours.
