The monetary unit is the Turkish lira (TL), which comes in bank notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. ATMs can be found in even the smallest Turkish towns. Most accept international credit cards or bank cards (a strip of logos is usually displayed above the ATM). ATMs have a language key to enable reading the instructions in English.
Although Turkey is situated in a geographical location where climatic conditions are quite temperate, the diverse nature of the landscape results in significant differences in climatic conditions from one region to the other. While the coastal regions enjoy milder climates, the inland Anatolia plateau experiences hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall. Istanbul has different climate conditions from many areas of inhabitance due to its geographical location and physical geography. Summer is one of the pleasant seasons in Istanbul with a warm climate approximately 25 - 30 Celsius degrees and sun shining during the day.
The Turkish cuisine, which is one of the richest in the world, appeals to the eye as well as to the taste. Turkish food that is found today in Istanbul is truly a living synthesis of Eastern and Western cultures and enjoys a very traditional background, enriched both by the sophisticated cuisine of the imperial palaces and the everyday eating practices of the common people. In addition to the many restaurants that serve traditional and international menus to satisfy the varied tastes of their guests, many night clubs, cafes and bars offer fine menus along with a wide range of entertainment choices.
Banks are open weekdays from 9AM until noon and from 1PM to 5PM in the afternoon. Museums are generally open Tuesday through Sunday from 9AM to 5PM and closed on Monday. Palaces are open the same hours but are closed on Thursday. In Istanbul shops and bazaars are normally open Monday through Saturday during the day, and closed all day on Sunday. But most stores in shopping malls and in common streets are open seven days a week. You can find restaurants or cafes open virtually at any time of the day or night during the week.
Public phones operate with cards which are sold at post offices and some street booths. Some public phones have access to AT&T and some other telecommunication networks. Fax messages can be sent from major post offices and hotels. Cellular telephones can be hired.
The central Post offices are open Monday through Saturday from 8AM to 9PM, Sunday from 9AM to 7PM. Smaller ones are open Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM and 5.00PM.
Turkish Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2)
The electrical current in Turkey is 220 volts and wall outlets take continentaltype plugs,with two round prongs.
Turkey uses the metric system for weight and measures.
Most international driver's licenses are recognized in Turkey. Car rental companies require a valid national or international license. Remember to keep to the right-hand side of the road and wear your seat belt at all times.
The value-added tax, here called "KDV” is almost always included in quoted prices. Certain shops are authorized to refund the tax (ask).
There is no serious health risks associated with travel to Istanbul and to Turkey. No vaccinations are required for your travels to Turkey.
Copyright © 2007-2018 DEKON Group - All rights reserved
