Tourist Information

Time Differences
Turkey is GMT + 2 Hours

Electricity
Current supply is 220 volts with two pin European plugs

Visas

Visas are required by all British and Irish Nationals entering Turkey and can be purchased at the airport upon arrival-before passport control. The Visa costs £10.00 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) - per person, is valid for three months and can be used for multiple entries. The visa process is very simple and straight forward however be prepared, have the correct money available as change is rarely available.

Currency

The monetary unit in Turkey is the New Turkish Lira (YTL) although the Euro is also widely accepted in and around the main tourist areas.
Most banks exchange foreign currency and indeed offer the best rates of exchange. There are also numerous exchange offices along the local streets, offering flexible opening hours and competitive rates. Some hotels will exchange money however, check the exchange rate offered before any transaction takes place, as they generally offer the lower rates of exchange. You will require your passport to exchange money and travellers' cheques, in most, if not all places. A visa card is now widely accepted, even in smaller outlets and provides another alternative to obtain currency through local ATMs.

General Opening Times

Please check locally as opening times vary before planning any trips which include visits to archaeological sites to avoid any possible disappointment.

Government offices	8.30-12.30, 1.30-5.30 closed Saturdays and Sundays
Banks	8.30-12 or 12.30, 1 or 1.30-5.00 closed Saturdays and Sundays
Shops	8.30 till late, usually with no break for lunch
Museums	8.30-12.30, 1.30-5.30 closed Mondays
Main Post Offices	8.30-12.30, 1.30-5.30 closed Saturdays and Sundays
Government hospitals	8.00-4.00, 24 Hours for Emergencies TEL 112

 

Telephones

In general using mobile phones for both texting and calling from Turkey can be very expensive and is always best to check the rates and activate international roaming with your provider before you travel. The most competitive rates available are via international phone cards and can be obtained from most local shops. The cost varies-and depends on how many units obtained on the card. They can be used at any phone box along the local streets and are very easy to use. Dial the number shown on the card and follow the instructions prompting you to press a digit to follow the instructions in the English language. Always remember the dialling code for England is 44 followed by the number less the first digit zero.

Weather

Average daily hours of sun

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
6	7	7	9	11	12	13	12	11	9	7	5

Average Monthly Temperature & Rainfall

Protect yourself
You will soon find the apartment and surroundings very pleasant and relaxing. However, take care of yourselves. Use of high factor sun creams, especially for children is a must. During the summer months the "poyraz" can hit Side. This is a warm wind off the Sahara and feels like a hot air blower, and can result in sunburns. We urge you to be especially careful at these times and protect yourselves with a good quality sun block and limit the exposure to sun.