Last updated: 27 Mar 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 Years Day
23 April – National Independence & Childrens Day
19 May – National Youth & Sports Day
30 August – Victory Day
28-29 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.
International credit card facilities such as Cirrus, Visa Electron, Mastercard and American Express also operate from a wide range of ATM machines attached to major banks and retail locations, sometimes allowing cash withdrawals in Euros and USD as well as local Turkish currency. Credit cards can also 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.
Dialling 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.
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.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
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.