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Museums: Most
Turkish museums are open every day of the week,
except Mondays. Palaces are also closed only on
Mondays. Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays
and Thursdays. The famous Topkapi Palace is closed
on Tuesdays instead of Mondays. The Covered Bazaar
is closed on Sundays. In order to receive
permission for photos or films in museums or at
ancient ruins, a fee, which varies according to
the entrance fee, is charged. The photographing or
filming, for commercial use, have yet unpublished
objects, which are copyrighted, requires a special
permit from the general Directorate of Antiquities
and Museums. In Ankara most museums are closed on
the first day of religious holidays.
Passport
and Visa:
A passport with at least 3
months validity left on it is required for
entrance into Turkey. Be sure that the name
on your passport and your airline tickets are
identical. A visa is also required for U.S.
citizens and can be obtained from a Turkish
consulate prior to departure or upon arrival in
Turkey.
Customs:
Turkey has a strict antiquities law
and prohibits exportation of certain items. One
may need to clear some items with the appropriate
authorities if in doubt.
Vaccinations: No
immunization shots are required for travel within
Turkey.
Time
Difference: Turkey is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard
Time and two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Money
/ Banks: The
monetary unit in Turkey is the lira. There is no
limit on the amount of American currency brought
into Turkey. No more than $1,000 worth of Turkish
currency may be taken in or out of the country.
Although all credit cards are accepted throughout
Turkey, Visa and Master Card are most commonly
used. Automated teller machines are typically
available in larger cities. However, it is
important to know that your PIN number must be all
numerals, (no letters), and that the money
dispensed will be in Turkish Lira. Banking hours
are 8:30AM to 12:00PM, and 1:00PM to 5:00PM Monday
through Friday, throughout Turkey. Although
commission rates and exchange rates vary from
bank-to-bank, commission rates typically remain
within 1% to 3%. Money exchange bureaus usually
offer a decent rate for cash, while hotels are as
good a place as any to cash travelers checks.
Please note that a passport is required when
exchanging travelers’ checks for large amounts
of cash.
Post
Offices: Post Offices are easily identified by their
bright yellow facades and PTT (Postal, Telegraph,
and Telephone) signs. The main post offices in the
large cities are open Monday-Saturday 8:00AM to
9:00PM, and 9:00AM to 7:00PM on Sunday. Smaller
post offices are open Monday-Saturday from 8:30AM
to 5:00PM. Postal fees fluctuate according to
inflation rates, though the cost of mailing
postcards and letters is minimal.
Is
it safe to visit Turkey? Absolutely! Turkey is an Extremely safe country
to visit and especially for tourists. The Turks
are very proud people and welcome visitors and are
honored to see foreigners exploring their land.
Therefore all visitors are special guests and are
treated like royalty. Crime is low compared to
many countries and the Ministry of the Interior
has established a special squad of police that are
assigned to the major tourist areas. We believe
that Turkey in general is safer than most any
other country in the region.
Cuisine:
The Turkish Cuisine is one of the
best in the world. It has a wide variety of dishes
many prepared with fresh vegetables and olive oil.
Turkish food is very healthy as well as delicious.
The fresh fruits are plentiful and very tasty.
Tipping:
Tipping is customary at hotels and restaurants and for guides and
drivers during tours.
Clothing: Since
Turkey is an informal country; comfortable, casual
clothing is appropriate to wear throughout.
Layered comfortable clothes and sensible walking
shoes are advisable to wear during sightseeing.
You will be required to remove your shoes upon
entering a mosque; therefore, we recommend wearing
heavy sock. Be mindful that neither shorts nor
bare shoulders are allowed in the mosques, and
that a head covering for women, although not
required, is greatly appreciated.
Laundry
Facilities: Most hotels have dry cleaning/laundry services,
however you will need a minimum of 2 nights stay
in order to get your laundry done.
Hair
Dryers: Are available at all 5 star
hotels and most of the 4 star hotels.
Electricity:
In
Turkey, electrical appliances manufactured in the
U.S. require the use of a standard two-prong
adapter. A converter is also needed if the
appliance doesn't have dual voltage as the voltage
varies between 110 and 220 of the 50 cycle.
However, many hotels are equipped with 110-volt
outlets for such items as shavers, and are clearly
marked "For Shavers Only." As the
voltage in the U.S. is considerably higher,
(240v), the use of high wattage appliances such as
blow dryers should not be attempted.
Bus:
Buses
are inexpensive. However, they are typically
crowded and their destinations are not always very
clear. But if you're feeling adventurous and your
time is flexible, they are a good cheap mode of
transportation.
Dolmus:
These
are shared mini-shuttle buses that operate between
specific points for a set fare. The literal
translation in Turkish of dolmus is stuffed; and
the translation fits! The dolmus hold between 8
and 10 passengers, and the trips do not begin
until the vehicle is completely full.
Ferry: Water
ferries are an inexpensive yet efficient way for
locals to cross the Bosphorus. There are set times
of operation, and further information may be
obtained from the local Ferry terminals.
Taxis: Taxis run on meters that
increase 50% after midnight. The amount shown on
the meter is based on the distance of the ride,
rather than the number of passengers. Considering
a taxi may hold up to 4 passengers, it remains an
inexpensive, safe, and comfortable mode of
transportation.
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