Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time for a trip to Turkey?
Spring is the best time to visit Turkey, autumn is next, then summer, last
winter.
Can I use the local cash machines?
Cash machines (ATMs) are available throughout Turkey, accepting major European
credit and bank cards and instructions are often available in English. It is
advisable to inform your bank in advance that you are travelling to Turkey as
some will automatically put a stop on cards after the first use in an attempt to
combat fraud.
Can I use my credit card?
International credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and
restaurants throughout Turkey. However it is advisable also to carry cash for
the smaller shops and cafes, particularly in more rural areas.
What is the local currency?
The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL) available in the following
denominations: banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 & 200 TL (Turkish Liras); coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 kuruş and 1TL. (One TL is about 50 cents.).
Us dollars or other currencies can easily ve changed into Turkhis Lira without commission at the exchange office, banks or hotels.
Exchange rates are published daily in Turkish newspapers and can also be found in web site of tge Turkish Central Bank.
What should visitors dress in Turkey?
There are no hard and fast rules but it is best to use common sense when
deciding what to wear. If staying on a beach resort it is fine to dress as you
feel comfortable. For city breaks relaxed clothing is the most suitable with
comfortable shoes and casual trousers and/or a dress if you intend to do lots of
walking. When visiting mosques you should take off your shoes at the entrance
and ladies should cover their hair; often scarves are provided on the way in.
Both sexes should dress modestly with no shorts and arms and shoulders covered
during visits to mosques.
Can I drive in Turkey?
Driving in Turkey is on the right-hand side as in continental Europe and
visitors may drive with an international driving licence. You should have your
driving licence, your passport and insurance documents of the vehicle with you.
All of the major international car rental companies, as well as a number of
local ones, have offices at airports and all major centres.
What is the mains supply voltage, will I need an adaptor?
The mains voltage for electricity is 220V and 50Hz. Central European type wall
socket (two-pin plugs) is standard in Turkey.
Do I need to know Turkish in order to communicate?
English is Turkey's second widest spoken language and you will easily find
English speakers in the major cities and holiday resorts. Restaurant menus and
other information for foreigners are often printed in English
Will I be able to use my mobile phone in Turkey?
The major GSM operators in Turkey are Turkcell, Vodafone and Avea. You can use
your mobile phone in Turkey if your provider has enabled international roaming.
However if you intend to stay for a long time in the country or make several
calls, it may be preferable to buy a local prepaid SIM card. Take your mobile
phone and passport to a Turkish mobile phone shop where your new SIM will be
registered along with your handset's IMEI number and your personal information.
(Unregistered phones will be blocked and unable to receive or make calls.)
Turkey has very wide mobile coverage networks so you shouldn’t have any problems
in the main cities and tourist resorts.
What are the opening times for shops and other services?
Museums: 9 AM to 17 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Pharmacies: 9 AM to 19 PM, Monday to
Saturday. 24-Hour duty pharmacies are available on a rota basis that the names
and addresses can be found on any pharmacy.) Banks: 9 AM to 17 PM, Monday to
Friday. (Some closes for lunch brake.) Post Offices: 9 AM to 17 PM, Monday to
Friday. (Extended hours applied on peak periods at major Holiday destinations).
Shopping Centres are open seven days a week and stay open
What is the time difference?
Turkey is GMT+2, that is to say two hours ahead of the UK and one hours of the
Central Europe.
Can I use traveller’s cheques?
Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at banks, some large hotels and bureau de
changes (döviz).
Is any vaccination required for tourists entering Turkey?
There are no compulsory vaccinations for visitors entering Turkey though it is a
good idea to be up-to-date with polio, tetanus, typhoid and if you are
travelling to the east of the country.
Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
If you would like to have Visa services on the internet, you can use this adress
with no problem :
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
While planning your trip to Turkey do not forget to check your passport if it is
valid for at least 90 days. Depending on your nationality, most probably your
stay as a tourist is limited up to 3 months (for one entrance).For tourist visas
for many countries, there is no need to apply in advance or to fill in any
forms. However, please check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
http://www.mfa.gov.tr for updated information and
information on which passport holders may require a visa before leaving their
country. You may also check with the Turkish Embassy in your country for the
latest visa updates. The visa for UK passport holders currently costs £10 and
must be paid for with a Sterling note. The visa fee for USA and Australian
passport holders is $20/€15. Canadian passport holders need to pay $60/€45. The
visa fee for New Zealand passport holders is gratis. The visa for some EU
state-passport holders currently costs € 10 and must be paid for with a Euro
note.Visas are multiple entries and are valid for three months. Each
passport-holder, including infants, must purchase a visa. With tourist visas,
you will not have the right to take up paid or unpaid employment or to reside,
or to study (including student exchange program) or to establish yourself a
business in Turkey.
What can we eat in Turkey?
Are there fast-food restaurants in Turkey?
Turkish cuisine is very delicious, although some dishes may surprise visitors
because of regional flavors. But they are all worth to taste.
In all regions and cities, there are several fast-food restaurants such as
McDonalds, Burger King and Arbys
Is tap water drinkable?
It is not advised to drink tap water in Turkey.
