BANKING
Banks are open from 8.30am - 12noon and 1pm - 5pm Mon to Fri.

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING
In summer Istanbul enjoys an average temperature of 23c while in winter the temperature drops to a chilly 5c. If traveling in summer light, cool clothing is advised along with a sun hat and sun lotion. Sweaters and jackets are advisable for winter. Beachwear should only be worn on the beach.

CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Lira (TL).
Notes: 1,000,000, 500,000, 250,000, 100,000,
5,000,000, 10,000,000
Coins: 100,000, 50,000, 25,000.
Exchange facilities are found at banks, exchange kiosks, airports and large hotels. Exchange kiosks are also open Saturday 9am - 10pm. The banks at the airport are open 24 hours.
Travelers Cheques are widely accepted, but credit cards are only accepted at major tourist establishments. Sterling is widely accepted in tourist shops as are US Dollars. All exchange receipts must be kept, particularly if you purchase any major items like carpets, as you may be required to show the receipts on departure. Receipts must be also be shown when reconverting Turkish Lira to foreign currency.

ELECTRICITY 220 volts

FOOD AND DRINK
Turkish cuisine boasts many delicacies, including lamb kebabs, spit roasts, abundant grilled fish, many different appetizers called mese, i.e. Dolma (hors d'oeuvres) and aubergines (eggplants). They have numerous tempting sweets of pastry, nuts and syrup. Both red and white Turkish wines enjoy an excellent reputation, while the drinking of anis-flavored 'raki' is a traditional way to start the evening. Also you must sample a glass of delicious 'Apple Tea', which may be offered while bartering.

GEOGRAPHY
Turkey is the only country to span 2 continents, 97% in Asia and 3% in Europe. Its rocky Mediterranean coast is backed by a mountainous central plateau. It is surrounded by four seas - the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara, the Aegean and the Mediterranean.

GOVERNMENT
Although the majority of people follow the Islamic faith, Turkey is a secular state and a democracy. Executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic and the Council of Ministers.

HOLY DAYS
Despite the Islamic influence in Turkey, most shops and business close on Sunday. Most Islamic holy days are set according to the phases of the moon and as such the date varies from year to year.

LANGUAGE
Turkish, English and German are spoken in the cities, but not in the countryside.

LOCAL TRANSPORT
Taxis are numerous in all Turkish cities and are yellow (especially in major cities) with plate numbers on both front doors. In addition, the 'dolmus' is a collective taxi, usually a mini-bus, which follows specific routes and is recognizable by its yellow band. Each passenger pays according to the distance traveled and can get off at specific stops, sometimes on request. The relatively cheap fares are fixed by the municipality. The 'dolmus' provides services within large cities to suburbs, airport and often to neighboring towns. This is a very practical means of transport and much cheaper than a taxi.

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS
The Turkish people are most gracious and generous hosts, who will make every effort to communicate despite any language barrier. Hand-shaking and other visible forms of politeness are expected. The coffee houses and Turkish bath houses are accepted meeting places.
Turkey is a fascinating blend of cultures with European, Balkan and Middle Eastern influence. The Turks revere their legendary leader, Ataturk, and any criticism of Ataturk is considered very offensive - however lightly meant! Women may enter mosques in Turkey, although they should be dressed conservatively (no shorts) and should wear a head covering. Shoes should be removed on entry.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is not usually a problem and is normally permitted in most places except sensitive areas such as borders, airport, military installations and Government buildings. A charge for photography inside museums is normal and cameras are sometimes not permitted in mosques.

POSTAL SERVICES
Post Offices are easy to recognize by their yellow PTT signs. Most post offices are open 8am - 12 Midnight Monday to Saturday and 9am - 7pm Sunday.

RELIGION
98% Islam with small Christian and Jewish minorities. Turkey is actively non-sectarian.

SHOPPING
Shopping hours 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 7pm Mon to Sat. The most entertaining shopping places are the bazaars, where you should bargain hard before finally agreeing to buy, shopping in Turkey is excellent. Turkish purchases include textiles, embroideries, leather and suede, carpets, jewellery, articles of copper, onyx and gold.

TELEPHONE
The telephone service is extensive however an interpreter may be needed in more remote areas. IDD is widely available. For outgoing international calls dial 00.

EKIT
The access number for Turkey is: 00800-151-0788.

WATER
In the larger cities and towns, the tap water is usually chlorinated; however it is better not to assume this. If you see the word Icilmez near water, this means it is unsafe for human consumption. Water that is labeled icilir, icme suyu or icilebilir is safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available.