TURKEY


Turkey is a land of myth, a cradle of various civilizations, a canvas of nature`s most aesthetic bounties and a confluence of varied streams of culture. Owing to its favorable position, Turkey happens to be the bridging nation between two most important continents of the east and west (Europe and Asia) and the point where the three continents of the old world (Europe, Asia and Africa) meet.

This country therefore boasts of a spicy blend of oriental and modern, East and West, splendor and sleekness, which makes diversity its other name. This is a place where every visitor can find something for himself. The world-class cuisine, vibrant market places, warm hospitality of the Turkish people, recreational facilities, architectural splendor of the mosques and castles and an unparallel natural beauty make Turkey an invincible tourist attraction and answer the question of your wonder-lusting heart - "why go to Turkey?"

If it is said that Turkey is the land where History comes alive, it`s not an over statement. When you go to Turkey, you will see that all the legends of your history book have originated from this land - be it the Troy of Homer`s Iliad, Constantinople of the legendary Roman Empire, landing place of the great Ark of Noah, garden of Eden, home of Virgin Mary or the Seven churches of the Testament. Thirteen successive civilizations rose and fell in Turkey over a span of 10000 years including the Hittite, Roman, Hellen, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Empires.

So if you are planning to take an unwinding vacation, come to Turkey. This Mediterranean country has an ancient charm nestled in a magnificent natural surrounding, which combines with the extremely gracious and warm welcome from the locals. You will really gather an experience to treasure for your lifetime.

 

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR TURKEY
At the outset, we should point out that not all nationalities need a tourist or entry visa to enter Turkey. Passport holders for Greece, France, Germany, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore, as well as numerous other nationalities, for instance, are entitled to a 90 day stay in Turkey without having to get any visa at all.

Some nationalities, including but not limited to, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States of America, can obtain a visa direct from the port of entry in Turkey rather than going through the Turkish consulate.

The visa counter in Turkish airports is usually located near or just before the passport control area inside the arrivals hall. To obtain your visa, you will need to pay a set fee in Euros or American dollars. This amount will differ according to your nationality. Americans, for instance, must pay $20, while British ordinary passport holders should pay £10 in STERLING. Scottish notes will not be accepted. Both amounts must be paid in cash. Traveler´s cheques, Turkish lira or credit cards will not be accepted. It is very important, therefore, that you check the amount of money you are required to pay before you travel and carry it in cash on your person. Please note that you need to pay this money for each person traveling with you – children included – regardless of whether they are on your passport or not.

This fee will grant citizens of the above countries a 90 day multiple-entry sticker-type visa. This type of multiple-entry visa allows you to holiday in Turkey for up to 90 days but you are not allowed to work (paid or unpaid), reside, study or establish a business in Turkey during that time.

 

WEATHER IN TURKEY
Because of Turkey's geographical conditions, one can not speak about a general overall climate. In Istanbul and around the sea of Marmara (Marmara region) the climate is moderate (winter 4 deg.C and summer 30 deg.C); in winter the temperature can drop below zero. In Western Anatolia (Aegean region) there is a mild Mediterranean climate with average temperatures of 9 deg.C in winter and 35 deg.C in summer. On the southern coast of Anatolia (Mediterranean region) the same climate can be found. The climate of the Anatolian Plateau (Central Anatolian region) is a steppe climate (there is a great temperature difference between day and night). Rainfall is low and there is more snow. The average temperature is 27 deg.C in summer and -2 deg.C in winter. The climate in the Black Sea area (Black Sea region) is wet, warm and humid (summer 23 deg.C, winter 7 deg.C). In Eastern Anatolia and South-Eastern Anatolia there is a long hard winter, where year after year snow lies on the ground from November until the end of April (the average temperature in winter is -13 deg.C and in summer 17 deg.C).
 Turkey is a year-round destination depending on your itinerary. Although the tourist "high season" (with associated higher rates) is from mid-June through mid-September, Spring and Fall are the best seasons to travel. The sun is warm and skies are generally clear. You can expect mild to warm temperatures and some rain during this time.

 

TIME DIFFERENCE
Turkish standard time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European time and seven hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard time. There is one time zone in Turkey.

 

CURRENCY INFORMATION FOR TURKEY
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into Turkey, but as you leave Turkey, it is wise to spend or exchange your Turkish Lira for foreign currency. Currency and Exchange: The currency unit in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL). Traveler's checks are not widely accepted and will generally get a less favorable rate of exchange than cash. American Express traveler's checks should be cashed at Akbank. The best place to exchange cash is around the "Doviz" offices near the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, but may also be done at P.T.T. (Post) offices in other areas. There are bank machines almost everywhere in Turkey now and cash advance offices in tourist areas where you can use a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard etc). Larger shops generally accept US dollars, Euro, traveler's checks and credit cards, but small shops will accept only cash and you will need Turkish lira for local convenience stores or grocers. American Express is not widely accepted and personal checks almost impossible to cash. A credit card is necessary to rent a vehicle. 

                                                                                   

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS   
2009 
  2010

New Year's Day

1 Jan

1 Jan

National Sovereignty and Children's Day

23 Apr

23 Apr

May Day

1 May

1 May

Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day

19 May

19 May

Victory Day

30 Aug

30 Aug

Ramazan Bayrami

19 Sep - 23 Sep

09 Sep-13 Sep

Republic Day

28 Oct - 29 Oct

28 Oct - 29 Oct

Kurban Bayrami

27 Nov – 01 Dec

16 Nov-20 Nov

 

TELEPHONE
We recommend using a long distance calling card or buying a telephone card from a local kiosk or post office. For international calls dial the country code preceded by two zeros (i.e. 001 for the U.S. and Canada, 0044 for England etc). When calling from abroad remember that the country code of Turkey is 90. You may have to dial a prefix. For intercity calls within Turkey, you must first dial a 0, then the city code. When making a local call (inside a city or area) omit the city code. Istanbul has two city codes: 212 (European Side), 216 (Asian Side).

 

HEALTH AND INSURANCE
It is important to have adequate health, travel and accident insurance while touring. No vaccinations are currently required for Turkey. It is best to bring your own medication along in its original prescription bottle.

 

CLOTHING
Turkey is a modern country and dress is in general casual and comfortable. In Istanbul and other large cities including beachside resorts and major tourist centers you may dress as you like except when visiting mosques. Keep in mind that neither shorts/short skirts nor bare shoulders are allowed in the mosques, and that a head covering for women is greatly appreciated. You will be required to remove your shoes upon entering a mosque. We do recommend dressing more conservatively if you are visiting the central, eastern or Black Sea area. Bring a visor/hat or covering to avoid sunburn and plenty of sunscreen, also a daypack with a jacket or sweater and extra drinking water. Wear layered clothing, which is easily washable and sensible shoes with good soles.

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