GENERAL INFORMATION ON TURKEY

Passports & Visas

Turkish immigration requires the tourist to posses a passport with a minimum of 6 month’s validity.

It is advisable to keep separately a photocopy of your travel document.

At all times do not keep your passport in the luggage.

In Turkey, it is necessary to submit your passports to the tourist police for inspection, upon demand.

Telephone services

There is GSM network coverage in Turkey, therefore mobile phones can work when roaming with a dual band or tri band handset. IDD service is also available at all hotels and post offices. Turkey country code is 90 216 and outgoing international code is 00.

Baggage
Ensure your baggage is properly labelled and tagged at all times. As you will be staying in several hotels and travelling a fair bit, big and bulky suitcases would be burdensome. Travel light and pack only items that you will need.

Clothing
Travel light dress comfortably and pack easy items.
Spring
(March – May )
Light cotton clothing, long sleeves, light jacket/sweater

Summer
(June – September)
A cool T-shirt, light pant and sun block lotion, sunglass, hats or caps are useful

Autumn
(September – November)
A mixture of light & warm clothes and a good warm coat

Winter
(December- Feb)
Woollen sweater, socks, gloves and mufflers. A good warm jacket/coat

When visiting religious sites, such as mosques and churches, it is important not to wear shorts and sleeveless top for women to cover their head with a scarf in a mosque. Also remove your shoes at the entrance of a mosque to keep the carpets clean. Visitors are advised to dress modestly. Women are required to cover their hair before entering mosques.

Shoes
There will be lots of walking around. Comfortable and casual shoes are recommended. Please make sure that your shoes have a good grip on the ground especially in the winter and visiting mountains.

(Pls note, the temperature chart is just a guide)

Cameras and Batteries
Ensure that you have enough films and batteries.
Although they are easily available, they are generally more expensive overseas.
Although most airport authorities assure that the X-ray machines are film safe, it is still advisable to hand carry your camera and films.
Some places of visit require visitors to purchase a ticket for photography and videography.

Jewellery
Avoid carrying excessive jewellery unless you have a good reason to.
Remember to insure your jewellery.

Medication
All controlled drugs require a doctor’s prescription. It is better to carry a small first and kit along with simple medications, e.g. Po Chai pills, panadol, antacids.

Custom Restrictions
On arrival, each visitor over the age of 21 years may bring into Turkey, free of duty.
1 litre of alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars.

Currency
Turkish currency is the Turkish “lira”
Banks notes US1 = 1.28 YTL
YTL = New Turkish Lira
Coin denomination TL 250,000 / 100,000 / 50,000 /20,000 / 10,000 /5,000

It is better to change US Dollars into Turkish lira, which is easily available from the Bank and hotels that will provide a receipt which is necessary for you to convert your remaining money back into US dollars at the end of your holiday. One important point is the Singapore currency is not convertible in Turkey. Before departing Singapore, it is advisable to change sufficient amount in US currency, as Singapore dollars is not accepted. Credit Cards are widely accepted.

Voltage
The electric current voltage is 220 Volts, with European-style plugs (Two pins round are normally used). Bring along an adapter if necessary.

During the Flight
Do not arrive at the airport exhausted. Try to rest as much as possible during the flight. Drink lots of fluid but not alcoholic beverages. Dress comfortably, as swelling occurs during flight. When there is opportunity, do walk about as this will help blood circulation and reduce swelling.

Time Difference
Turkey is 6 hours behind Singapore. (Winter)
Turkey is 5 hours behind Singapore. (Summer, after April)

Arrival
Immigration and custom procedures vary in different countries. The process may at times be slow. Always be polite and try to put on a smiling face. It will definitely help the situation.

Punctuality
One key success factor an enjoyable tour is punctuality. Waiting for late comers is both frustrating to fellow tour members and disruptive to the smooth running of the entire tour.

Coach
All coaches are fully air-conditioned.
To ensure everybody has a fair share of the seating arrangement, as seat rotation system will be implemented.
No smoking or drinking of alcoholic beverages is allowed on board.
All belongings should not be left in the coach overnight. This is to prevent break-ins.

Tipping and Services Charges
Tipping is a way of life in Turkey. Anybody and everybody in the industry and outside, expect to be tipped which is generally practised in Turkey. Tips are often given to those who rendered special service. As a GUIDELINE,

Restaurants : 20% of the bill as most restaurants do not include service charge.

Coach Driver : USD1.50 per day per person.

Tour Guide : USD2.50 per day per person.

Tour Leader : Recommended $2.00 per day.

Please note that the above is a guideline of the general practice for touring in Turkey. Passengers can use their own discretion when giving tips.

Travel information TURKEY

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