Time
Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March
to the last Sunday in October).
Climate
A mild climate. Highest rainfall is from November to
February. Lowest humidity in July-September. Spring, early Summer and Autumn
are the best times to visit.
Language
Turkish is the official language, but English is widely
spoken in the main tourist areas.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard.
Weight & Measures
Turkey uses the metric system for weight and measures.
Currency
Turkish Lira.
Customs
Customs Formalities generally include forbidden or limited
items being brought into the country, or items registered beforehand in the
owner's passport. In general, all types of sharp instruments and weapons are
forbidden. Personal belongings can be brought in provided they will be taken
out on exit. International regulations mean that there are certain procedures
for the type and amount of these personal belongings, and the following list
should clarify this in detail.
Entry Requirements
Citizens from all countries of the world must have a valid
passport. A visa is required, which can be obtained from the point of entry,
valid for three months, either with single entry only, or multiple entry. For
exact details and entry requirements to Turkey, please contact the Turkish
Consulate or Turkish Embassy in your home country.
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.
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. Gifts are common and are usually something the
associate would use in business such as a pen or other office stationary.
Official business hours (Banks, Post Offices etc.) throughout Turkey are
generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch. Usually,
private companies are open everyday until 6pm during weekdays, and some of them
are open on Saturday, as well.
Official Holidays
Public Holidays
1
January
New Year's Day
23
April
National Sovereignty and Childern's Day
19
May
Atatürk Commemoration and Youth & Sports Day
30
August Victory Day
29
October Republic Day
Religious Holidays
The dates of these religious holidays change according to
the lunar calendar and thus occur 10-11 days (exact difference between
Gregorian and Lunar calendars is 10 days and 21 hrs) earlier each year.
According to this; Ramadan Holiday (Seker Bayrami) is a Three-day holiday when
sweets are eaten to celebrate the end of the fasting month. Sacrifices Holiday
(Kurban Bayrami) is a Four-day holiday when a lavish meal is made from the
meat, friends and family are invited to feast. The excess meat and the hide are
donated to charity.
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 0216 and Istanbul Avrupa (Europe side) is 0212. GSM 900 and 1800 networks
cover most of the country.
Exchange
ATMs can be found in even the smallest Turkish cities. Most
ATMs accept international credit cards or bankcards. A strip of logos which
indicates the cards accepted is displayed on the ATMs. Banks will exchange
foreign currency and traveler's cheques with your passport as a proof of
identity. Exchange rates change daily and can be checked through the internet
or local/national Turkish newspapers. Exchange Offices "Döviz Bürosu" also
offers fast services and usually they do not charge commission and only change
foreign cash currency. Passports are not required. Offices and banks are
generally open 09.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday, and close for lunch 12.00 to
13.30. All major credit cards are accepted by hotels, restaurants, service
supplier companies and shops. Restaurant and shops generally display signs
indicating which cards are accepted.
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