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