Time Zone

Turkey’s time zone is +2 GMT.

Currency

Currency of Turkey is Turkish lira. Cash can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices and at the reception in the hotel.

Custom regulations

It is allowed to bring 2 liters of wine, 1-1, 5 liters of liquor, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars toll-free. The import of all kinds of drugs, obscene literature and indecent photographs is prohibited.

Behaviour

Turkey has secular lifestyle, but still the vast majority of people is religious. You should not drink alcohol in the street, talking loudly in the mosque or to express any disrespect for religion. Do not take photos of people without their permission, especially in the province. While entering the mosque or the house, be sure to take your shoes off.

Insurance

Carefully read the terms and conditions of the insurance described in the policy. If the insured event has happened you must immediately notify the insurance company about the incident by calling the numbers listed in the insurance policy and follow your insurance company operator's instructions.

Health

Carefully read your insurance policy terms of service when the insured event happens. In Turkey, there are both public and private clinics. ‘Pharmacy’ in Turkish is ECZANE (edjzane). The pharmacies are open from Monday to Saturday, from 9.00 to 19.00. On Sundays and in night time only on-duty pharmacies are open.

Credit cards

Visa and Mastercard are accepted in almost all shopping centers, shops and restaurants. At the same time, you can withdraw cash (in Turkish lira) in almost all ATMs.

Shops’ working hours

Shops in Turkey are open from 9:00 to 21:00. The large shopping centers and supermarkets are open from 10:00 to 22:00.

Tips

The restaurants it is usually 5-10% of the bill. For porters and maids, for the driver after the tour is usually 5 - 10 USD.

Telephone

To call from phone booth outside is always cheaper then from hotel. Telephone cards are available kiosks located near the machine.

To call from Turkey to your country, you should dial country code + area code + phone number

Important telephone numbers

Ambulance/rescue service: 112

Police: 115

Touristic Police in Istanbul: +90 (212) 527-45-03

Touristic Police in Ankara: +90 (0312) 384-06-06

Traffic Police: 154

Fire: 110

Telephone reference: 118

Tourist Information Service in Istanbul: +90 (212) 663-0793

Additional services

All additional services (group and individual tours, car and yacht rentals,  translator services, restaurant reservations, and other services) can be ordered at the reception.

Have a nice stay!

Yours respectfully

Tria