TURKEY
General Information
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.
|
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Antalya |
20 |
11 |
13 |
16 |
20 |
25 |
28 |
28 |
25 |
20 |
15 |
12 |
|
Izmir |
09 |
10 |
11 |
16 |
20 |
25 |
28 |
27 |
23 |
18 |
15 |
10 |
|
Istanbul |
05 |
06 |
07 |
12 |
16 |
21 |
23 |
23 |
20 |
16 |
12 |
08 |
|
Bursa |
06 |
06 |
07 |
11 |
15 |
20 |
24 |
25 |
19 |
15 |
12 |
09 |
|
Ankara |
00 |
01 |
05 |
11 |
16 |
16 |
23 |
23 |
18 |
13 |
08 |
02 |
|
Pamukkale |
03 |
03 |
06 |
14 |
16 |
15 |
23 |
30 |
22 |
18 |
10 |
05 |
|
Cappadocia |
00 |
00 |
03 |
09 |
15 |
16 |
30 |
25 |
18 |
12 |
08 |
04 |
|
Cannakkale |
08 |
08 |
10 |
14 |
19 |
16 |
23 |
26 |
20 |
14 |
10 |
07 |
(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.
** HAVE A
PLEASANT TRIP **