Tips for Travelers

Passport and Visa

Passports of British visitors must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of arrival in Turkey.  A visa must be obtained on arrival by British Passport holders which is sufficient for a stay of 90 days, this currently costs £10. For longer stays or more information on entry requirements please contact the Turkish Consulate in London, Turkish Embassy in Berlin or Turkish Embassy in Holland.

Language

The native language is Turkish, however most retailers, restaurateurs, tour guides and bar staff speak good English, German and/or Dutch.

Currency and Shopping

The currency of Turkey is the New Turkish Lira (YTL), this recently replaced the Turkish Lira (TL) by removing 6 zeros from the value of the currency.  Money can be changed at banks, POST offices and many hotels also provide an exchange service, travelers cheque's can also be exchanged and there are many cash machines.

Haggling is customary in many of the Turkish shops and markets, successful haggling is conducted with a smile and an easy manner - 'My Friend!'.  Haggling should be conducted before you use the service or show strong commitment to purchase.  Credit cards are accepted in many shops, restaurants and hotels.

Health

Please ensure that you travel with comprehensive medical insurance as treatment can be very expensive.  If you visit rural areas you should ensure that inoculations are up to date.  It is advisable to drink bottled water and wash all fruit and vegetables before eating.

General

It is illegal not to carry photograph ID in Turkey. It is therefore advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.

Turkey is 2 hours ahead of the UK and 1 hour ahead of mainland Europe.

When driving in Turkey you must carry your driving licence with you at all times.  Further it is advisable not to travel long distances at night as road and driving conditions are not to UK and European standards.

The sun in Turkey is very strong, especially in July and August, a strong factor sun cream should be applied frequently.

Tipping is common for hotel staff, bar and restaurant staff and for tour reps and drivers, a rate of 5-15% is normal.


Further Travel Advice can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Turkish Consulate in London, Turkish Embassy in Berlin or Turkish Embassy in Holland.