Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time difference? What is the mains supply voltage and are adaptors needed? What should I take? Will I be able to use my mobile phone in Turkey? What is the local currency? Can I use travellers cheques? Are there insects? What is driving like in Turkey?

Do I need a visa to visit Turkey? What ID do I need to carry with me when in Turkey? What are the shop opening times? How should visitors dress in Turkey? Is it safe to drink tap water in Turkey? Are there any vaccinations required for tourists entering Turkey? What do I do if my passport is lost or stolen? How can I get around by myself?

 

Q1. 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.

Q2. �What is the Mains supply voltage and are adaptors needed?

The Turkish mains power supply is 220 Vac 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.

Q3. 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. Bringing these items with you may not only you save time but it will also ensure that you will have your preferred brands.

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Q4. Will I be able to use my mobile phone in Turkey?

Simply, 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, but remember to check with your provider regarding the actual roaming costs.

Q5. What is the local currency?

The official currency in Turkey is the New Turkish Lira (YTL -> Yeni Turk Lirasi) which is subdivided into New Kurus (Yeni Kurus) 100 YKr = 1 YTL, Images of the Notes and coins can be found here. http://www.tcmb.gov.tr/ytlkampanya/banknotes/banknotes.htm

The YTL is internationally TR.

Q6. Can I use Travelers Cheques?

Travelers Cheques can be cashed at banks, exchange bureaus and most of the larger hotels.

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Q7. Are there insects?

here can be mosquitoes in certain areas so some form of repellant is advisable, especially for those people who are prone to bites, it is also a good idea to take precautions in your bedroom with a mosquito plug, spray etc. Ants are frequent in some rural areas.

Q8. What is driving like in Turkey?

As in the most of the Mediterranean, Turkish Drivers may appear to drive somewhat ?unpredictably? Turkish Roads and Highways are generally in good repair but some coastal or mountain roads can be a little narrow and winding.

Q9. 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/MFA/ConsularInformation/ ForForeigners/VisaInformation/

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Q10. 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. It is a good practice to have a photocopy of your passport, ticket details, travel insurance, hotel address etc. plus a 24-hour emergency contact number and you should allways carry these with you.

Q11. 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.

Q12. How should visitors dress in Turkey?

To avoid potential problems, should you be traveling around the countryside be a little ?conservative? in your attire. Ladies should wear pants or skirts and when visiting a mosque it is recommended that a scarf is worn on the head, both sexes should avoid wearing shorts out of respect.

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Q13. Is it safe to drink tap water in Turkey?

Turkey has an abundance of Natural Springs and water sources and the sanitation standards are quite good. As a general rule? Tap water is suitable for bathing and regular tasks such as brushing teeth etc.

Q14. Are any vaccinations required for tourists entering Turkey?

Currently there are no vaccination requirements for any international traveler to enter Turkey. Please check at The World Health Organization web site, http://www.who.org For more country specific details.

Q15. What should I do if my Passport is lost or stolen?

This is a tourist's biggest nightmare, replacing a passport is very serious business and requires all manner of bureaucratic hoops to be jumped through before travel documents can be issued or re-issued. (The very best thing to do is not to lose it!)

Q16. How can I get around by myself?

Compared to most places in Europe, Turkey is big; about 300,000 Square Miles (780,580 sq km) and remembering that the region has been inhabited for the last 2,500 years or so there are plenty historical places to visit, if you do intend to tour the country bear this in mind and do plenty of research before setting off alone.

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