Travel Facts: Information for Travellers going to Turkey Time differences Electricity Visas It is valid for multiple entries and is valid for three months and cost £10.00 or its equivalent in foreign currency. Change is rarely available, so be prepared. Markets Turkey is famous for its bazaars. Manavgate is a short dolmus (mini bus) ride away from Sides and market days are Mondays and Thursdays. You are sure to pick up a bargain there. |
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National Holidays
Government Offices and Businesses shut on these days, but shops and tourist sites remain open.
01 January; |
New Years Day |
23 April; |
National Independence and Children’s Day |
19 May; |
Atatürk Commemoration and Youth and Sports Day |
30 August; |
Victory Day (end of War of Independence) |
29 October; |
Republic Day |
Religious Festivals
Shops (except food shops, which are open from the third day), bazaars, offices and banks are shut during these festivals, the dates of which follow the lunar calendar and change from year to year. Museums and tourist shops, however, normally remain open at these times.
The feast of Ramadan (Seker Bayrami) is a three day national holiday at the end of the month of fasting.
The feast of the Sacrifice (Kurban Bayrami) is a four day holiday commemorating.
Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac.
Money Matters. The monetary unit is the New Turkish Lira (YTL)
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into Turkey however there is a limit to the amount of Turkish Lira you can bring in and take out of the country (Check with your Travel Agent).
Exchange rates are published daily in the newspapers. Most banks exchange foreign currency and offer the best rates of Exchange. There are also , numerous Exchange offices along the streets which offer better rates than the hotels and are open longer hours than the banks but you will need your passport to Exchange Money. Visa cards can be used to obtain local currency from cash dispensers. Eurocheques and travellers' cheques can be cashed at banks, hotels and Exchange offices. Credit cards are now widely accepted throughout Turkey even at the small corner shop.
Opening times
Please check locally as opening times vary before planning any trips which include visits to Archaeological sites to avoid any possible disappointment.
Government offices |
8.30-12.30, 1.30-5.30 closed Saturdays and Sundays |
Banks |
8.30-12 or 12.30, 1 or 1.30-5 closed Saturdays and Sundays |
Shops |
8.30 till late, usually with no break for lunch |
Museums |
8.30-12.30 1.30-5.30 closed on Mondays |
Main Post offices |
8.30-12.30 1.30-5.30 closed Saturdays and Sundays. Post |
Government Hospitals |
8.00 AM - 4.00 PM, 24 hours for Emergencies Tel 112 |
Offices located in tourist areas don' t close till late evening.
Telephones
The cheapest way to make a phone call is from a PTT (Post office). Telephone booths are located outside the post office and around the resort. The phones are accessed by telephone cards and tokens bought from the Post Office and are available in three different sizes. Cheap rates within Turkey apply between 6pm and 8am. International calls are cheap between midnight and 8am and all day Sundays.
Preventative Measures
Use a high factor sunscreen and from June to August stay out of the sun from 11.00-15.00. Protect your children in or out of the sun. Use mosquito repellent after sundown both on yourselves and in your accommodation.
Water – drink plenty to prevent de-hydration. Although the tap water is safe to drink it is heavily chlorinated and visitors are recommended to use bottle water which is cheap, sold by the bottle and available everywhere. Eat plenty of yoghurt, bread and bananas to counterbalance the olive oil in meat and vegetable dishes.
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