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turkish VISAS
British, Irish, American and Australian passport holders (resident in the UK) can obtain a 3 month tourist visa upon arrival in Istanbul at a current cost of GBP10/Euro 15/USD20.00 for British passport holders, USD$20.00/Euro 20 for Australian and American passport holders and USD$10/Euro10 for Irish passport holders.
New Zealand passport holders (resident in the UK) - If the duration of your stay in Turkey is less than 3 months you do not require a visa.
South African passport holders (resident in the UK) - All South Africans need to get a Turkish visa issued prior to arrival in Turkey.
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voltage
220 Volts. Sockets are of the European, 2 pronged variety. If taking a camera, mobile phone or hairdryer, be sure to pack a power adapter.
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health advice
Please visit your local GP or health clinic for professional up to date advice on what vaccinations you need, but generally if visiting Turkey it is recommended that you be vaccinated for Tetanus and Polio, if you haven't had a booster in the last ten years. Food and waterborne diseases are more common, so we recommend vaccinations for Typhoid (valid 3 years) and Hepatitis A (validity varies). Make sure you drink bottled water and that the cap is sealed before you drink it. Remember, a healthy traveller is a happy traveller so check with the professionals and be sure you're covered against the unexpected!
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climate
Turkey is a destination that can be visited year-round. Temperatures in Turkey are very high during the summer months particular;y from June through September when its blessed with fabulous Mediterranean sunshine, great for beach worshippers! April can spring up surprising results, days can be amazingly warm, though temperatures do drop at night, so a jacket and a few long sleeved tops. In winter, although the weather is for the most part temperate, it has been known to snow, so you may enjoy Istanbul, Anatolia or Cappadocia draped in snow during the months of December to February. Whatever month you consider, you’ll be rewarded with seasonal variations that range from leaf-strewn autumns to sun-kissed summers and a mixture of skies for great photos!
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time
Turkey is 2 Hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
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money
The Turkish Lira 1 GBP = YTL2.40 / 1 EURO = YTL1.90 / 1 USD = YTL1.20 (as of July 2008)
Subject to fluctuation
Pound Sterling, US Dollars or other major currencies can be exchanged into New Turkish Lira (YTL) locally or in advance of departure. Istanbul Atatürk Airport offers speedy currency exchange facilities adjacent to the baggage hall. Additionally, exchange facilities are available at various bureau de changes and banks in major towns have ATMs
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food glorious food
Turkish food is famous throughout the world. Look forward to meze comprising houmous and other dips, dolma (stuffed vine leaves), cheese cigars, the ubiquitous doner kebab and pide - a kind of pizza. Exotic freshly squeezed juices, nuts and fruit are available everywhere. Deserts/cakes in Turkey are incredibly sweet and sugary! Obviously the countries' most famous sweet treat is Turkish Delight, which comes in an amazing array of different flavours and varieties, it's very tasty! If feel like a java jolt, try Turkish coffee - rich, dark and often laced with cardamom, it will certainly give you a buzz!
On our group tours we tend to make lunch/refreshment stops (at your own expense) at the popular gas station restaurants. Our reasons for doing this are numerous: the well-prepared food (generally a serviced buffet) offers a wide variety of tasty Turkish staples, bread and a drink for around less than GBP£4. There are plenty of tables to accommodate our group, the service is quick and allows us to have our fill and resume touring. In addition, the rest rooms at the majority of these establishments are clean, well maintained and offer Western WCs as opposed to Asian ‘squat-style’ WCs which is always a bonus for the ladies!
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shopping
Turkey is a virtual Aladdin’s Cave. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is cavernous and full of unusual and everyday objects. Known locally as Kapali Çarsi – the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul’s Old City is a massive conglomeration of shops (some 4000) divided into areas specialising in gold, carpets, leather, souvenirs and clothing. Turkish handicrafts include a rich variety of textiles and embroideries, articles of copper, onyx and tile, mother-of-pearl, inlaid articles, leather and suede products. Jewellery, carpets and kilims represent top buys at the bazaar. Opening hours: Mon - Saturday 0900 – 1300hrs and 1400 – 1900hrs (closed Sunday).
The Egyptian Spice Bazaar at Eminonu near Istanbul is an easy continuance from the Grand Bazaar or good start point before heading onto the cavernous Grand Bazaar. Here, you can buy a dizzying array of spices at a fraction of the cost you’d expect to pay back home. Pine Kernels, peppercorns, real Iranian saffron and other precious commodities are hawkered here at knockdown prices! Real Turkish delight is available by the tonne as well. Why not try the milk-based Turkish delight studded with pistachios, yum! Opening hours: 0900 – 1900hrs Monday – Saturday (closed Sunday)
Markets and bazaars abound in other towns, too. During your stay in Turkey, you may visit a leather manufacturer and emporium. Although the quality of some of the jackets and clothing at these places is outstanding, the initially quoted prices can also be rather outstanding! If you do fancy a particular item, you must haggle, even if you are in the confines of what looks to be a smart emporium/showroom. | |
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