Basics

Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard.
Money: The official currency is the New Turkish Lira (TRY), which was introduced on 1 January 2005, whereby six zeros were dropped from the TL and the sub-unit New Kuru was created. Currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange booths, post offices, airports and ferry ports; banks have the worst rates and highest commissions, but will exchange lesser known foreign currencies. Banks open mainly Monday to Friday, but some are open daily in tourist areas. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas. Most bank branches have ATMs which accept Cirrus and Plus. Major credit cards are widely accepted; the most popular are Visa or MasterCard, but American Express is accepted in many of the more expensive places. Travelers cheques can be exchanged at some banks and currency exchange offices, but are not as welcome as cash or credit cards. US dollars or Euros are preferred. Some pensions and hotels in the most popular destinations accept US dollars as payment.

 

Note: This is not updated daily and should be used as a guide only.

Language: Turkish is the official language, but English is widely understood in the main tourist areas.
Entry Requirements for Americans: US passport holders must have a valid passport. A visa is required, which is valid for up to three months, and can be obtained from the point of entry.
Passport/Visa Note: All passports must be valid for at least the period of stay. All travelers to Turkey are required to hold documents for onward or return travel, and sufficient funds for the period of their stay. Entry may be refused to those of unkempt appearance.
Health: Numerous cases of bird flu have been reported in northern, eastern and central Turkey, but there is no evidence of the virus passing between humans; the people who died had close contact with poultry. Authorities are taking stringent measures to contain the outbreaks. Visitors are unlikely to be at risk, but are advised to avoid close exposure to caged, domestic or wild birds, and to ensure that poultry and egg dishes are cooked thoroughly. There is a risk of malaria in the south-eastern part of the country, but not in the main tourist areas in the west and south-west of the country, although mosquitoes can still be an irritation in summer. There are no vaccination requirements. Most tap water in the larger towns and cities has been chlorinated, but bottled water is still recommended for drinking. Food from street vendors should be treated with caution. Medical facilities and standard of health care are not high in state hospitals and private health insurance is recommended.
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.
Safety: Due to the current situation in neighboring Iraq, travelers are advised to be cautious and check with their embassy before departure for a current update on the situation. There is a significant threat from terrorism in Turkey and there have been a number of terrorist incidents, including small explosions, around the country, including in the capital, Istanbul. Explosions on the Aegean Coast and the Mediterranean have killed and injured many people, including foreign tourists; the latest series of explosions took place in the coastal resorts of Marmaris and Antalya on 28 August 2006. Kurdish militant groups, as well as international terrorist groups, are currently active in Turkey and further attacks against the tourism industry in particular are likely. The Turkish economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which Kurdish separatists have repeatedly threatened to target. There are continuing incidents of local terrorism in Eastern Turkey, particularly the south east. Visitors should avoid any public demonstrations. Street crime is relatively low although visitors should guard their valuables at all times. A number of sexual assaults have been reported in coastal tourist areas. Many parts of Turkey lie on a major seismic fault line and are subject to earthquakes and tremors; several fairly recent earthquakes have shaken eastern Turkey, the southwest and southeast.
Customs: Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Dress modestly when visiting mosques or religious shrines. Do not take photographs of or near military and official institutions and always ask permission when taking photographs of people.
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. A formal, conservative dress code is observed in Turkey, and women should be careful to dress particularly conservatively. Gifts are common and are usually something the associate would use in business such as a pen or other office stationary. Business hours throughout Turkey are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.
Communications: The international country dialing 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 (0)216 and Istanbul Avrupa (Europe side) is (0)212. GSM 900 and 1800 networks cover most of the country. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.
Duty Free: Travelers to Turkey do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 200g tobacco, and 200 cigarette papers, or 50g chewing tobacco, or 200g pipe tobacco, or 200g snuff tobacco. Alcohol allowance includes 1 liter or 700ml bottle of wine or spirits. Other allowances include 5 bottles perfume up to 120ml each; gifts to the value of EUR255.65; electronic articles to the value of EUR255.65; tea and coffee for personal consumption; jewelry and guns for sporting purposes permitted by foreign travelers. Tape recorders, record players and transistor radios have to be declared on arrival. Restricted items include playing cards limited to one pack.
 

Activities

Yacht cruises

The coastline along the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea holds a wealth of islands, hidden coves and inlets, rocky peninsulas, bays and secluded beaches that are ideally explored by yacht. A Blue Voyage, or cruise along Turkey's Aegean or Mediterranean shores, is one of the most favored ways of seeing the coast. Tours can last from a few days to a few weeks aboard traditional Turkish 'gulets' (sturdy wooden yachts), which can be charted with experienced crews, and well-established marinas provide yachtsmen with the services and provisions they require. Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye are the main yacht charter ports.

 

Istanbul

The splendid city of Istanbul has many unique and fascinating features. It is the only city in the world reaching across two continents, with its old city in Europe and modern Istanbul situated in Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. It is also unique in having had capital status during two successive empires, Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman, and the legacy from both is visible in the modern city today. Istanbul's location on the water made it a much coveted site as a commercial shipping port and military lookout, and as capital of the Roman Empire, Constantinople, as it was known, became extremely desirable as a centre of world trade, until Mehmet the Conqueror claimed it for the Ottoman Empire in 1453 and it became the imperial seat of the sultans. After the War of Independence the capital was moved to Ankara, but Istanbul still remains the commercial, historical and cultural heart of Turkey today. The charm and character of Istanbul lies in its endless variety and jumble of contradictions. Its fascinating history has bequeathed the city a vivid inheritance of Byzantine ruins, splendid palaces, ancient mosques and churches, hamams (bath-houses) and exotic bazaars. Modern Istanbul exudes trendy bars and nightclubs, western boutiques, office blocks, and elegant suburbs. The call to prayer heralds the start of each day and the city comes to life with over 12,000 residents forming a chaotic social and cultural mix of unscrupulous carpet merchants, wealthy shoppers, religiously veiled women and destitute beggars. Joining the noisy throng are over-awed tourists and those capitalizing on the tourist trade.

 

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Famous for its impressive size, remarkable architecture and beautiful mosaics and frescoes, the massive ochre-colored domed structure known as Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul's most popular attractions. It was commissioned as a cathedral in the 6th century and remained the most important church in Christianity for over 900 years. In the 15th century Mehmet II conquered the city and converted it into a mosque, adding the minarets and fountains. It functioned as such for the next 481 years until the founding of the secular Turkish Republic in 1934 when it was declared a museum. Hagia Sophia is one of the greatest Byzantine buildings in the world, and the vast interior, with its huge soaring dome, is extraordinary. The interior contains different features from its time as a cathedral and then as a mosque, including incredible Byzantine mosaics, icons and marble columns, a mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca), and Islamic calligraphy inscriptions on the dome from the Ottoman period. Opening Time: Open daily except Mondays from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Admission: 15 YTL.

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) The Sultan Ahmet Camii, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, with its tiers of magnificent domes and six graceful minarets is one of the most striking and immediately distinguishable structures on the Istanbul's skyline. Constructed as an Islamic rival to the Hagia Sophia in 1609, it is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture and is still used by hundreds of worshippers. The interior is splendidly decorated with thousands of blue and white Iznik tiles embellished with traditional Ottoman flower patterns, and it is this special feature that gives the mosque its name. Its design of successively descending smaller domes, soaring columns and 260 stained glass windows leaves a lasting impression of graceful accord and open space. At the back of the mosque is a Carpet and Kilim Museum exhibiting antiques from all over Turkey. Opening Time: Open daily, access restricted during prayer times, especially at midday on Fridays. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 9am and 4pm. Admission: There is no charge for visiting the mosque, but the museum has a small entrance fee.

Topkapi Palace Museum The Topkapi Sarayi, built by Mehmet the Conqueror as a Sultan's Palace, consists of a sprawling collection of buildings arranged around several interconnecting courtyards. Magnificently situated on one of the seven hills of Istanbul with uninterrupted views over the Bosphorus River and the Golden Horn, it was the seat of the Ottoman Empire for almost four centuries. Home to nearly 3,000 people, it served as royal residence, harem, state administration and military barracks. One of the most popular sections is the harem, once the quarters of about 300 women who were the sultans' wives and concubines, and their children. Visitors can view the apartments, halls and terraces of the harem, and see the lavish royal bedchamber and Imperial Hall. No expense was spared in decorating the palace and exquisitely designed rooms, intricately detailed fountains and gateways, and the splendid Treasury, housing one of the greatest collections of treasure in the world, afford insight into the opulent lifestyle of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Opening Time: Open daily except Tuesdays from 9am to 5pm. Admission: US$10 -15 depending on exchange rate; concessions available. The Harem can only be visited on a guided tour and a separate ticket is required.

The Covered Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) The oldest and biggest enclosed bazaar in the world, also known as the Grand Bazaar, is one of the most enticing and mesmerizing attractions in Istanbul. Consisting of a vast labyrinth of 65 twisting streets crammed with more than 4,000 shops, teahouses, hamams (Turkish baths), mosques, storehouses and fountains. It is a fascinating experience to wander around the alleyways, looking and enjoying, or bargaining and purchasing. Here you can find almost anything, from meerschaum pipes, carpets and jewelry, to Turkish Delight, textiles, spices, clothing and hand-painted ceramics. Protracted bargaining over a cup of tea is an important institution. Built during the rule of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461, the bazaar grew by covering an increasingly large area of shops and streets with roofs, arches and domes, and it became the centre of trading during the Ottoman period. Caravans of silk traders traditionally stayed here and rested their camels while selling their merchandise, and many of these 'hans' or caravanserais still exist as storehouses today. Opening Time: Open daily except Sundays from 8.30am to 7pm. Admission: Free.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia occupies the centre of Turkey, the region between the Black Sea in the north and the Taurus Mountains, between the capital Ankara and the city of Malatya to the east. Famous for its spectacular natural rock formations and valleys, Goreme National Park, as it is known today, is strewn with underground cities, stone chapels, monasteries and dwellings that were hewn out of the weirdly eroded volcanic rock from as long ago as 400 BC. Thousands of years of wind and rain erosion on a landscape of soft volcanic stone topped with hardened larva caps has created a fascinating landscape of rock cones and pinnacles that are known as 'fairy chimneys'. The Valley of Fairy Chimneys is the most popular area, roughly within the triangle formed by the three main towns of the region, Avanos, Urgup and the main transport hub of Nevsehir. Outside the triangle to the south are the remarkable underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, where layers of tunnels and an intricate system of caves hid generations of settlers and sheltered early Christians fleeing persecution. The Ilhara Canyon is another religious hideaway with more than 100 painted churches and about 4,000 dwellings carved into the rock walls or concealed within the cliffs; its river bed and lush vegetation stand in stark contrast to the dusty, seemingly barren land above. Cave dwellings, ancient monasteries and painted chapels are well camouflaged, with entranceways that are barely noticeable among a landscape of perforated cliff walls and rock fissures. Houses of volcanic stone blend unobtrusively into the natural surroundings, pigmented in natural shades of ochre and yellow, to pinks, greys and greens, and many people still inhabit the cones and chimney formations. In tourist towns such as Goreme, delightful little hotels and pensions are built partially into the rock or are housed within a rock cone and offer cave-style rooms.

 

Gumbet

The purpose-built resort of Gumbet on Turkey's southwest coast is a stone's throw away from the larger resort of Bodrum, and is spreading ever closer to its neighbor as it grows in popularity. The resort caters largely for those interested in relaxing on the beach by day, and partying in one of its many nightclubs by night. For those wanting to attempt something more lively during the day, a multitude of water sports are on offer, including jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and pedal boating. After all that activity, there are a number of restaurant, bars and fast food joints catering for a variety of tastes. For the less energetic, a leisurely boat trip along the coastline of the Bodrum Peninsula is a great way to catch a tan and explore the scenery. As there are not many sightseeing opportunities in Gumbet itself, most visitors opt to catch a dolmus (minibus) to Bodrum, which is about 10 minutes away, or to other nearby towns, to shop and see the sights.

 

Kalkan

The charming Mediterranean resort and fishing town of Kalkan is situated on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, and is sought after by a crowd more in search of atmosphere and charisma than mere fun and sun. Narrow twisting streets, historic Ottoman architecture, shuttered windows and whitewashed houses, and sweeping views over the harbor and sparkling bay are part of its unique character, and the genuine friendliness of its people a welcome change from the hassle experienced in most resort towns. Untouched by mass tourism, Kalkan is small, unspoiled and laid back, but still has plenty to offer holidaymakers, from beautiful beaches and watersports, to ancient Lycean history and boat cruises. Kalkan also boasts the highest number of restaurants and bars per square meter on the Turkish coast, and is renowned for its rooftop wining and dining opportunities.

 

Belek

Belek is a sprawling resort town specifically developed for tourism, and over the last two decades has grown to encompass the neighboring village of Kadriye. Boasting 300 days of sunshine and the warm, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the area has become a haven for those seeking the luxury of five-star hotel complexes, as well as top-class golfing. Many of the hotels have their own strip of private beach and some visitors never leave the comforts of their seaside accommodation. Belek is, however, close to a number of interesting sites and there are several exciting activities on offer for those who can bear to tear themselves away. The ruins of the Roman town of Perge is an interesting excursion, as is the well-preserved ancient amphitheatre at Aspendos, whose acoustics have stood the test of time and that still plays host to the occasional concert. Jeep safaris into the mountains are another popular outing, as are boat trips, watersports, and visits to nearby Manavgat waterfalls and the thermal baths at Pamukkale. Scuba diving, white water rafting, horse riding and more are also on offer. The town of Belek itself is compact and has a small shopping centre, some souvenir shops and some cafes. Kadriye has more to offer in the way of street markets and nightlife, but day trips to busier towns such as Alanya or Antalya are also available. Belek is thus the perfect resort for those seeking the indulgence of lazing on a sun lounger by the pool all day, with one's every need taken care of.

 

Bodrum

The popular resort of Bodrum, called Halicarnassus in ancient times, is the South Aegean's most attractive resort, described by Homer as 'The land of eternal blue'. The hillside is covered in painted villas adorned with bougainvillea. Narrow streets wind their way down to the sea, and the peaceful setting of its twin harbors offer shelter for yachts. Bodrum is a mustering point for local boats offering tailor-made daytrips to nearby islands or the pristine beaches and seaside restaurants along the magnificent coastline. From its position between the two harbors, the 15th-century crusader Castle of St Peter dominates every part of the town, now home to the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The other attraction in town is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the crumbling remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As Turkey's leading seaside resort destination, Bodrum is packed with foreign visitors in summer, yet it remains unspoiled and retains its charming Turkish character, perfecting the balance between exotic bazaars, the wailing cry of the muezzin and ancient history, with water sports, sunbathing and a nightlife that is notorious throughout Turkey.

 

Antalya

Antalya is the main city on the Mediterranean coast and one of the most popular vacation spots, with an attractive harbor setting and the picturesque old quarter of Kaleiçi enclosed within ancient Roman walls. Dominating the town is Antalya's symbol, the Yivli Minaret (Grooved Minaret) dating back to the 3rd century. The superb Archaeological Museum, housing one of the top collections in the country, is not to be missed. Known as the Turkish Riviera, the Antalya shoreline boasts secluded coves, ancient cities and harbors, seaside towns, sparkling seas and soaring cliffs. The city provides an excellent base for exploring the small towns nearby, as well as caves, waterfalls and Roman ruins, including Perge and the mountain-top remains of Termessos. A 30-minute drive east of Antalya is Aspendos, boasting the finest example of a Roman theatre in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is remarkably intact. In addition to the vast number of archaeological wonders, the area also has a wealth of outdoor activities. Antalya, lying at the foot of the Taurus Mountain range, is host to numerous sporting events throughout the year, including international beach volleyball, triathlons and canoeing competitions.

 

Turunc

Turunc was once a sleepy fishing village, but has grown into a popular tourist resort over the years. Sheltered by forest-covered mountains, the town is situated on a small, rounded bay and is near to the larger resorts of Marmaris and Icmeler. Turunc has managed to retain its charm and offers a more low-key resort experience than many other Turkish resorts. The beach is pleasant, with safe swimming in crystal clear water, and there are several water sports such as parasailing, pedal boating and jet skiing on offer. There are also plenty of restaurants catering for a range of tastes, as well as lively bars to enjoy, but those looking to dance the night away would be better off elsewhere. Turunc also has a large range of shops, offering the usual fake designer goods, leather items, souvenirs and jewelry, as well as a chance for visitors to improve their bargaining skills. For those looking to step off the beach for a day trip or overnight stay, there are several interesting excursions such as trips to the historic sites of Ephesus and Aphrodisias, visits to traditional Turkish baths, boat rides or micro-light flights in the Dalyan Delta and jeep safaris in the mountains. There is also a regular dolmus (minibus) service to Marmaris for those looking for more action, and a nice alternative to the bumpy mountain road is to get there by water. As the town grows, more amenities are sure to follow, but for now, Turunc offers a relaxing holiday and a chance to get away from it all.

 

Kusadasi

Kusadasi is one of the most swollen resort towns on the southern Aegean Coast, overflowing with shiploads of tourists in summer who enlarge the year-round population several times over. Once a small fishing village, today the busy town is packed with curios and carpet shops; its proximity to the ruins of Ephesus making it an ideal base for Aegean cruise ships. Despite the frenzied tourism, Kusadasi is situated amid splendid coastal scenery and several significant archaeological sites, including the three well-preserved Ionian settlements of Miletus, Priene and Didyma. There are plenty of good hotels and restaurants, and ferries link it with the nearby Greek islands of Samos and Mykonos.

 

Oludeniz

The Mediterranean resort of Oludeniz is situated just a few minutes drive from Fethiye and has an astonishing crystal-clear lagoon and a beautiful photogenic grey-white beach that adorns almost every Turkish travel brochure. Despite being developed with many hotels and apartment blocks, the scenery here is spectacular and the town is a lively place to spend a holiday. Perched on the mountain plateau overlooking Oludeniz, the resort town of Hisaronu is packed with bars, nightclubs, gift shops and restaurants. With their beautiful, rugged surrounds, both Oludeniz and Hisaronu are fast becoming realized for their potential as an outdoor activity destination: the beach at Oludeniz offers a huge variety of water sports, there is paragliding from Babadag Mountain onto the beach below, and a selection of boat trips depart regularly from Oludeniz or Fethiye for a day exploring the scenic coastline. The numerous paths that wind their way along the hillsides offer spectacular views and sights, including the fascinating 'Greek Village', which was evacuated during the Turkish-Greek war of 1919-1923.

 

Side

Situated on a peninsula and flanked by two stretches of golden beach, the pretty resort town of Side is a jumble of old and new, with an extensive range of tourist accommodation, shops, late-night bars and restaurants mixed in among the ruins of the ancient city. In the centre of town is the magnificent 2nd-century theatre with beautiful views towards the sea, and the remains of the Roman Baths houses an impressive collection of artifacts. Busy streets that lead down to the sea are lined with souvenir shops selling typical Turkish handicrafts like carpets, jewelry and leather goods.

 

Altinkum

Like Bodrum and Kusadasi, its neighbors on Turkey's south Aegean Coast, Altinkum is heavily frequented by British holiday package tourists, but unlike these other frenetic resorts Altinkum is small and quiet, making it perfect for families with young children and those seeking a relaxed, easy-going beach holiday. The resort town's main attraction are its three long sandy beaches, that stretch from the small harbor at one end of a gently shelving bay to a rocky cliff at the other end. Little wonder that the name Altinkum means 'golden sands'. In this resort devoted to leisure and pleasure, lazy days on the beach, perhaps indulging in some water sports, are the order of the day, while night time is spent trying out the laid back restaurants and bars, many of them serving up British fare and named for familiar English landmarks. Those with a yen for sightseeing will find Altinkum perfectly placed to visit two major ancient sites, the Temple of Apollo at Didyama and the vast Roman ruins at Ephesus.

 

Airports

Istanbul Ataturk International Airport (IST)

Location: The airport is situated 15 miles (23km) west of Istanbul. Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +90 212 465 5555. Transfer to the city: The Istanbul Metro system provides quick and easy access to the city, including the intercity bus terminal. Use metro station Zeytinburnu and transfer to a tram to reach the Eminonu ferry or Sea Bus docks. The Havas Airport Bus connects to Taksim Square. Taxis are also available. Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, National and Sixt. Facilities: Banks, ATMs and bureaux de change are available. Facilities for the disabled are good, but those with special needs should make advance arrangements with the airline. Other facilities include tourist information and hotel reservations, bars, restaurants, duty-free shopping, a conference centre, a post office, 24-hour left luggage and first aid. Turkish Airlines and British Airways have their own lounges, while the Millennium Lounge serves the First Class and Business Class passengers of other airlines that run scheduled flights. Parking: Short and long term parking is available. Departure tax: None. Website: www.ataturkairport.com/eng/index.php

 

Climate

The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have very hot and dry summers, and wet, mild winters when the coastal towns more or less shut down between October and April. Winter in Istanbul and Cappadocia can be very cold with a dusting of snow. The peak tourist season is during high summer, roughly between July and September. From June the mosquitoes can be a problem. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, as the climate is still hot, but not unbearable. Eastern Turkey should be visited during summer as roads and mountain passes may close due to winter ice and snow.