Hotels in Aegean Coast <<>> Hotels in Turkish Riviera <<>> Hotels in West Turkey

DESTINATION TURKEY - TRAVEL GUIDE & IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Climate, Language, Money, Time, Communications, Tipping, Safety, Health, Customs, Electricity, Destinations, Hotels

Linking Europe and the Middle East, suspended between the new and the long-established, Turkey retains a disconcerted balance of both east and west, representing a cultural mix with many discrepancies and contradictions. Modern city boutiques and exotic bazaars clamour for customers, the weekly tolling of church bells interrupts the daily call of the muezzin, and Roman ruins and the beginnings of Christianity compete for attention with the history of the Ottoman Empire and modern secularity.

The different regions of Turkey offer an assortment of landscapes, activities and characters, and whether one is a history or archaeology enthusiast, a sun-worshipper, sailor, or city-lover keen on shopping, there is something on offer for everyone. Istanbul, with one part in Europe and the other in Oriental Asia, is a fascinating city with its frenzied market places, imperial residences and minarets, and sporting a lively ambience of contemporary art and musical entertainment. Cappadocia in Central Turkey offers an astounding landscape of eroded volcanic rock cones and fairy chimneys, remarkable subterranean cities and rock-hewn houses that merge harmoniously with the ochre-coloured landscape; while further south the ’Turquoise Coast’ is a haven for boat cruises. One can enjoy a variety of water sports, sunbathe on golden sands, or explore the wonderful ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus on the shores of the Aegean Sea.

Most visitors concentrate on Western Turkey, with its picturesque seaside resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, scenic and recreational attractions, well-preserved archaeological sites and fascinating museums that bring its rich history to life. Wherever one ventures in Turkey there is certain to be a warm welcome and traditional hospitality, making this a deeply satisfying corner of the world in which to travel.

Climate

The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have very hot and dry summers, and wet, mild winters when the coastal towns more or less shut down between October and April. Winter in Istanbul and Cappadocia can be very cold with a dusting of snow. The peak tourist season is during high summer, roughly between July and September. From June the mosquitoes can be a problem. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, as the climate is still hot, but not unbearable. Eastern Turkey should be visited during summer as roads and mountain passes may close due to winter ice and snow.



Language

Turkish is the official language, but English is widely understood in the main tourist areas.

Money

The official currency was the Turkish Lira (TRL), however a new currency, the ’New Turkish Lira’ (TRY), was introduced on 1 January 2005, whereby six zeros were dropped from the TL and the sub-unit new kuru was created. Both currencies will be used side by side until 31 December 2005. Shops are legally obliged to display prices in both currencies during 2005. Currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange booths, post offices, airports and ferry ports; banks have the worst rates and highest commissions, but will exchange lesser known foreign currencies. Banks open mainly Monday to Friday, but some are open daily in tourist areas. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas. Most bank branches have ATMs which accept Cirrus and Plus. Major credit cards are widely accepted; the most popular are Visa or MasterCard, but American Express is accepted in many of the more expensive places. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at some banks and currency exchange offices, but are not as welcome as cash or credit cards. US$ or Euros are preferred. Some pensions and hotels in the most popular destinations accept US$ as payment.

Convert Pounds Sterling into Turkish New Lira
Enter Amount in GBP:
Time

Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Communications

The international country dialing code for Turkey is +90. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). GSM 900 and 1800 networks cover most of the country. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

Tipping

Tipping is a way of life in Turkey and it is customary to give some small change for most services, or a small percent of the bill. In bigger hotels and restaurants if a service charge is not added to the bill, it is customary to tip between 10 and 15%. For taxi fares it is enough to round up the bill. Attendants at turkish baths expect to share about 15% of the total bill if service has been good.

Safety

Due to the current situation in neighbouring Iraq, travellers are advised to be cautious and check with their embassy before departure for a current update on the situation. There is a significant threat from terrorism in Turkey and there have been a number of terrorist incidents, including small explosions, around the country. Explosions in July 2005 in Cesme and Kusadasi (Aegean Coast) and most recently in Antalya on the Mediterranean have killed and injured many people, including foreign tourists. Kurdish militant groups, as well as international terrorist groups, are currently active in Turkey and further attacks against the tourism industry in particular are likely. Visitors are advised to be vigilant especially in the coastal resorts of the Aegean Sea. There are continuing incidents of local terrorism in Eastern Turkey, particularly the south east. Visitors should avoid any public demonstrations. Street crime is relatively low although visitors should guard their valuables at all times. A number of sexual assaults have been reported in coastal tourist areas. Many parts of Turkey lie on a major seismic fault line and are subject to earthquakes and tremors; several fairly recent earthquakes have shaken eastern Turkey, the southwest and southeast.

Health

There is a risk of malaria in the south-eastern part of the country, but not in the main tourist areas in the west and south-west of the country, although mosquitoes can still be an irritation in summer. There are no vaccination requirements. An outbreak of bird flu on a farm in north west Turkey was reported in October 2005, but measures have been taken to contain the outbreak. No human cases have been reported and visitors are unlikely to be at risk, but are advised to avoid exposure to caged, domestic or wild birds. Most tap water in the larger towns and cities has been chlorinated, but bottled water is still recommended for drinking. Food from street vendors should be treated with caution. Medical facilities and standard of health care are not high in state hospitals and private health insurance is recommended.

Customs

Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Dress modestly when visiting mosques or religious shrines. Do not take photographs of or near military and official institutions and always ask permission when taking photographs of people.

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard.

Click on an area on the map below for Hotels in that Area

Hotels in Turkey

Hotels in West Turkey
Show Hotels in: Dalyan Hotels, Fethiye Hotels, Hisaronu & Ovacik Hotels, Icmeler Hotels, Marmaris Hotels, Oludeniz Hotels
Hotels in Turkish Riviera
Show Hotels in: Alanya Hotels, Antalya Hotels, Belek Hotels, Kemer Hotels, Kalkan Hotels, Kas Hotels, Manavgat Hotels, Side Hotels
Hotels in Aegean Coast
Show Hotels in: Altinkum Hotels, Bitez Hotels, Bodrum Hotels, Didim Hotels, Gumbet Hotels, Kadikalesi Hotels, Kusadasi Hotels, Ozdere Hotels, Torba Hotels, Turkbuku Hotels

© 2009 - 2009 Turquoise Travel & Tours Limited -Email:reservations@lastminuteturkey.co.uk