Last updated: 24 Sep 2013
Visiting
Business hours
Business hours are from 9.00am–6.00pm.
Bank operating hours are normally 9.00am–5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Public holidays
1 January – New Year’s Day
23 April – National Independence & Children’s Day
19 May – National Youth & Sports Day
30 August – Victory Day
29 October – Republican Day
Climate
Turkey’s climate can be described as Mediterranean on the South Coast and continental inland. The hottest month is August and the coldest, January. Highest rainfall is during winter - from November to March/April.
For weather details in Turkey, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The official currency is the Turkish Lira.
Banking
International credit card facilities such as Cirrus, Visa Electron, Mastercard and American Express operate from a wide range of ATM machines attached to major banks and retail locations, sometimes allowing cash withdrawals in Euro and US$ as well as local Turkish currency. Credit cards can be used for relatively small transactions such as fast food purchases.
Time zones and time differences
Turkey is seven hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time - from March to October and nine hours behind from November to February.
To find out the current time in Ankara, view the World Clock.
Dialing codes
Turkey's country code is 90.
For calls to Turkey from Australia dial: 0011 + 90 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Turkey to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialing codes.
There are 3 GSM operators, Turkcell, Vodafone and Avea. Prepaid cards are available from all three operators. All have nationwide coverage. Mobile roaming operates in Turkey with Australian carriers but check before departure that your phone has the necessary facility.
Electricity and water
Turkey’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires. The two-pin plugs are the most common.
Links and resources
Explore Turkey – www.exploreturkey.com
Smartraveller (Turkey) – www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Turkey
Turktravel.net – www.turktravel.net
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.
The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.