(Last updated: 28 Mar 2011)

Visas

Australians need to pay US$20 for a visa that is valid for three months. Visas can be obtained from the airport on arrival, just before passport control. Nationals of other countries resident in Australia should check with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate before departure.

Australian Diplomatic and Official passport holders should obtain a visa from a Turkish mission before travelling. Australian Diplomatic and Official passport holders cannot obtain a visa on arrival in Turkey.

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.

Airports

There are two airports in Istanbul – Ataturk Airport (on the European side, oldest and biggest in Istanbul) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (on the Asian side).

Many cities in Turkey have airports operating and big cities such as Ankara, Izmir, Antalya have international airports.

It’s best to fly between cities in Turkey. Visitors can choose state-owned Turkish Airlines or other private airlines operating in Turkey. In winter and autumn, fog often disrupts flights so it’s wise to factor in possible delays during these seasons. Private planes and helicopters are available for charter.

Ground transport

Taxis are plentiful and cheap. If you haven’t arranged an airport transfer with your hotel, taxis are readily available at airports and provide the best option. Generally the distance between airports and city centres is approximately 30 kilometres and the one-way fare shouldn’t exceed A$60.

All taxis are yellow, equipped with meters and can be hailed anywhere, anytime. One small red light will be evident on the meter, a star (*) or the word ‘gunduz’ displays the flag fall which is valid until midnight. The flag fall after midnight, is indicated by two small red lights, two small stars (**) or the word ‘gece’. Where possible, take a taxi from a rank. It’s essential that you have an idea – or at least know of a landmark – close to your destination. Street addresses are not well known nor is the driver likely to consult a street directory.

Buses travel between most cities. Choose reputable companies such as Varan and Ulusoy to ensure maximum safety and comfort.

Travel time by road between Istanbul and Ankara is about four hours on a modern expressway. Snow in winter months may cause delays.

If it’s rainy, foggy or snowing leave earlier to make your appointment on time as the traffic deteriorates drastically under these conditions. Punctuality is a valued attribute in Turkey so planning your transport is important. For the tourists there are buses and ‘dolmus’ (shared shuttle vehicles that run fixed routes).

There are various modes of boat transport used to cross the Bosphorus (including 10 Australian built vessels servicing the Bosphorus and Marmara Sea).

Hotels

International hotel chains such as Hilton, Sheraton, Hyatt, Swissotel, Conrad, Ritz Carlton are available in major cities.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Turkey. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Some precautions include:

• Eating food prepared from street carts isn’t recommended.
• Avoid green salads, especially in summer, and beware of shellfish - such as mussels.
• Check the standard and cleanliness of a restaurant before you’re seated.
• Always drink bottled water, which is widely available. Contrary to popular belief, liquor is almost universally available in restaurants. Turkey is very liberal in this respect.

Tipping

A 10 per cent tip is expected at restaurants. Tips should be paid in cash. Restaurants usually do not accept adding the tip on to the credit card slip. In taxis, rounding up the fare is appropriate.

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.

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
19 September - Ramadan Feast (day prior - half day)
20-22 September - Ramadan Feast
28-29 October - Republican Day (one and half days)
26 November - The Feast of Sacrifice (day prior - half day)
27-30 November - The Feast of Sacrifice

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.

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.

Dining

Dining is an important part of Turkish social life and long dinners are common. There are many well known fish restaurants by the Bosphorus in Istanbul that are enjoyed by locals and tourists. There are many international restaurants in the Taksim, Nisantasi, Ortakoy and Sultanahmet areas. There are also many kebab houses cooking traditional Turkish kebabs.

Tourist attractions

There are many attractions to see in Istanbul including the Sultanahmet area with the Saint Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Underground Cistern.

Grand Bazaar is a great stop for shopping. A boat tour on the Bosphorus is great especially in spring, summer and autumn. Prince’s islands are popular especially during summer.

There are also many new shopping malls including local and international brands. A few sites relevant to Turkish tourism are www.istanbul.net and www.tourism.gov.tr.