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useful info
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Visas
British and Australian passport holders can obtain a 3 month tourist visa upon arrival in Istanbul at a current cost of GBP£10 or Euro 15. Australian passport holders, USD$20 or Euro 20. For New Zealand passport holders, if the duration of your stay in Turkey is less than 3 months you do not require a visa. South African passport holders must get a visa prior to arrival in Turkey. Please click here for further info. |
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Voltage
230-240v AC. Turkish sockets are of the 3 round-pin variety, similar though not identical to European sockets. |
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Health
It is recommended that you be vaccinated for Tetanus and Polio, if you haven’t had a booster in the last 10 years. Food and waterborne diseases are more common, so we recommend vaccinations for Typhoid (valid 3 years) and Hepatitis A (validity varies). Please call us and we’ll recommend whom to call for impartial advice and appointments.
Recommended Vaccinations
 Tetanus |
Polio |
Typhoid |
Hepatits A |
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Average max temp °C |
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Istanbul |
| Jan |
9 |
| Feb |
9 |
| Mar |
11 |
| Apr |
16 |
| May |
21 |
| Jun |
26 |
| Jul |
29 |
| Aug |
28 |
| Sep |
25 |
| Oct |
19 |
| Nov |
14 |
| Dec |
10 | | |
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Climate
Turkey is a destination that can be visited year-round. Temperatures in Turkey during the Northern Hemisphere summer are generally high, particularly during the summer months from June through September. April can spring up surprising results. Days can be amazingly warm, though temperatures do drop at night, so pack some warmer clothes. Summer in Turkey for the most part is hot and dry. For the beach worshipper, June through September is best, when you’ll enjoy glorious Mediterranean sun. 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 GMT. |
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Money
GBP£1.00 = TRY2.40 USD$1.00 = TRY1.20 EURO 1 = TRY1.90 (correct as of July 08 but subject to fluctuation).
Pound Sterling, US Dollars or other major currencies can be exchanged into Turkish Lira 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.
The Turkish Lira (TRY) comes in the following denominations:
NOTES: TRY100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of TRY 1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 New Kurus (Ykr)
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Food, glorious food
Turkish food is famous throughout the world.
Turkish cuisine is similar to that of Syria, Egypt and other Middle East countries. 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. If feel like a java jolt, Turkish coffee - rich, dark and often laced with cardamom and drunk from tiny cups is your ticket to an alert state of mind!
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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. Markets and bazaars abound in other towns, too.
Known locally as Kapali Çarsi – the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul’s Old City is a massive conglomeration of shops (some 4000) divided into selling 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!
Opening hours: 0900 – 1900hrs Monday – Saturday (closed Sunday).See our Turkey A to Z guide for more.
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Tipping
It is customary to tip in Turkey. For Western travellers who are not used to it, requests for tips for doing anything from opening your door to carrying your bags may be quite irritating. However, it is a part of Turkish society and locals see it as a reward for services and an essential way to supplement their income.
Tipping is an acceptable practice at most restaurants. Tip around 10% of the total bill. In better restaurants and bars a service charge may automatically be added to the bill. In hotels, the porter will expect a tip if he carries your luggage to your room. If you don’t want to tip him, carry it to the room yourself. Cab drivers don’t expect a tip, though it is usual practice to round off the fare. Carry a range of small denomination notes or change for the purpose of tipping. Additionally it is customary to tip your tour leader and driver. As a guideline for a 10 day tour , we would suggest for your tour leader USD$20 - 35 and for your driver USD$10 - 15 for a job well done. Naturally, the amount is up to you. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture.
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