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About Turkey
A country of sun and history, Turkey forms a bridge between Europe, Asia and Middle East because of its geographical location and its culture. The mainland Anatolia, has witnessed the mass migration of numerous people, which has shaped the course of its history. The home to countless civilizations, Anatolia has developed a unique synthesis of cultures, each with its own distinct identity, yet each linked to its predecessors through insoluble treads.
Turkey extends over 780,580 km2 and has a population of more than 68 million. 10 million people live in Istanbul. The capital city of Turkey is Ankara, which has a population of 4 million. The official language is Turkish. Latin alphabet is used in Turkey.
VISAS
Visa requirements for Turkey depend upon the diplomatic agreements between the countries concerned. Entry visas to Turkey can also be obtained at Istanbul Ataturk Airport for some countries. Participants are advised to check visa requirements with the Turkish consulate in their home country or with their travel agency.
To avoid any inconvenience, apply for your visa in person and 1 month before you proceed to Turkey. The most updated visa information can be received from the web-site www.mfa.gov.tr.
CUSTOMS
All personal belongings may be imported freely into the country. Importation, use and trade of narcotics are illegal and subject to severe punishments. Also there are very strict rules on the export of antiquities. Import limits include 200 cigarettes and 150 cc alcohol.
HEALTH REGULATIONS
A current valid international vaccination certificate is requested from those participants coming from infected areas. It is highly recommended to check this with the diplomatic mission of Turkey in your country or the airline company.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Turkish. In areas frequented by tourists it is easy to find many bilingual citizens.
TIME
GMT + 2 hours in the entire country (seven hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time).
ELECTRICITY
The electric current is 220V AC with a frequency of 50 Hertz. European standard plugs with two round pins are used.
CURRENCY
The Turkish Lira is available in notes and coins. Turkish Lira (TL) denominations
Banknotes : 5; 10; 20; 50; 100; and 200 TL
Coins (kurus) : 1; 5; 10; 25; 50 Kurus and 1 Lira
BANKING AND EXCHANGE FACILITIES
Foreign money can be changed at banks during normal business hours (09.00-17.00 Monday-Friday) as well as at hotels, at the airport and in exchange offices. Exchange rates are set daily by the Central Bank. All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. ATMs are available at many points throughout the city and at the airport.
WEIGHT AND MEASURES
Turkey uses the metric system for weight and measures.
PHONING IN TURKEY
Turkish Telecom Inc. is the only telecom service provider. All hotels have direct dial telephone systems in the rooms.
Turkey has 3 GSM operators (Avea, Vodafone, Turkcell). Please consult your local GSM operator to find out if they have roaming agreement with Turkish Operators.
Post offices are open for general business between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
All over Turkey, phone numbers consist of two sections: area code with three digits and the number itself with seven digits.
Same area / city calls : just the 7 - digit number
From area to area : 0 + area code + 7 - digit number
International : 0 + 0 + country code + area code + number
SIZES AND MEASURES
Turkey uses continental European sizes for clothes and shoes. Food and drink are sold in metric measures.
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