Holiday in Turkey

Banks are open Monday-Friday, 08:30-12:00 and 13:30-17:00 normally, they are closed on religous holidays. The word for Bank is ''Banka'' in Turkish. Eurocheques and Travellers cheques can be used at the banks. Always remember to take your passport with you for money matters in the banks. ATM's located in all city and town centers and can be found easly. ATM machines accepts credit and bank cards of all international - national banks. Travellers cheques can be changed at Banks and Post Offices.

CREDIT CARDS

Most major credit cards are accepted in many of the shops, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets. American Express and Diners is not used commonly. Always check the display stickers where you are shopping etc.

CLIMATE

The climate along the Turquoise Coast is predominantly Mediterranean Summers are hot and dry, the winters mild. The rainy season lasts from November to March. The best times to visit the region are in April, May, June, early July, September and October. Here are some average temperatures (in Fahrenheit):
Maximum:
Jan 60, Feb 65, Mar 67, Apr 67, May 76, Jun 80, July 86, Aug 90, Sep 82, Oct 80, Nov 72, Dec 63
Minimum:
Jan 50, Feb 54, Mar 58, Apr 58, May 63, Jun 69, July 73, Aug 78, Sep 75, Oct 70, Nov 65, Dec 57
Water Temp: Jan 56, Feb 58, Mar 60, Apr 66, May 70, Jun 72, July 74, Aug 75, Sep 73, Oct 70, Nov 66, Dec 60

CLOTHING

Light clothing for May till November and Warm clothing for november till April would be OK. It can be cold on the evenings on May and October in Central Anatolia ( Cappadocia, Konya, Kayseri etc.) and Istanbul, please be sure that you take some warm clothing with you while you are travelling among the areas mentioned.

DANGERS AND ANNOYANCES

Turkey is definately a safe country compared to most of the others. It has a very low crime rate. Please do not however leave the doors and windows unlocked when you are going out from the place you are staying.
According to the Turkish Laws Passports should be carried with you all the time and police has the right to ask your ID card. It is illegal to buy, sell, possess, or export antiquities. The Turkish government takes vigorous measures to defend its treasures against theft. Imitations are allowed, but be sure you know what you’re buying.

DRIVING

Foreigners are alloewed to drive in Turkey with their licences, which are valid for its type.But except tourists and the ones who temporarily visit our country, other foreigners who come to country for educational or business purposes have to present a copy of their licences translated and ratified by notary or consulate. Propertravel can assist and book your desired rental car while travelling in Turkey.

ELECTRICITY

Electricity in Turkey is 220V out of a double pin socket.

LANGUAGE

The Turkish language belongs to Ural-Altaic group and has an affanity to Finno-Hungarian languages. You will find a mini glossary on Propertravel web site, you might need on your stay in Turkey

LOCAL TIME

Local time is GMT+2 in Turkey

MONEY

The currancy in Turkey is New Turkish Lira (YTL) which breaks down into coins. 1 Ykr, 5 Ykr, 10 Ykr, 25 Ykr, 50 Ykr, 1 Ytl. Banknotes exist in 1 Ytl, 5 Ytl, 10 Ytl, 50 Ytl, 100 Ytl amounts.

MOSQUES

When entering into a mosque it is a courtesy for both men an women to cover legs. Shoes must also be removed. It is polite to keep a respectfull distance from people at prayer.

NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES

Most of the English languaged newspapers and magazines can be found in most of the cities and touristic areas.

POST OFFICES

All post offices in Turkey are recognizible by its yellow ''PTT'' sign. Stamps and phone cards can be obtained. In touristic ares cash money change is possible.

RELIGION

The Turkish population is 98% Moslem, but Turkey is a secular country, which guarantees complete freedom of worship to non-Moslems.

TIPPING

By law, service charges are included in the bill at the hotels and restaurants but it would be appreciated to leave %10 of the bill if you have satisfied with the service you get. Tipping the porter in the hotel is usual. Dolmus and taxi drivers are not paid by Turkish people.

VISAS

A visa is required for entry into Turkey, but can be easily obtained upon arrival at the airport in Turkey when you pass through customs formalities. We recommend that you obtain your visa this way. At the time of printing, the visas cost US$20 for citizens of the US, GBP 10 for citizens of the UK, US$20 for citizens of Australia, US$45 for citizens of Canada.

WATER

Tap water is chlorinated in Turkey but it is still suggested to buy bottled water to drink which is easily purchased everywhere. Turkish people take shower with running water, thats why you may not be able to find a plug for the sink or bath, it is always provided on request.