It is a land of mystery and deep historical significance, rich in culture and robust in modern infrastructure.
When you visit Turkey, you stand where civilization began.
 Population: Turkey's population is about 68 million ,40% of whomlive in the countryside. The major cities are Istanbul , Ankara(the capital) Izmir , Adana,Antalya and Bursa.
Language: The Turkish language uses a Latin-based alphabet.
Visitors will find that many Turkish people in large cities speak English, French and German and are extremely helpful in assisting travelers with directions, etc
 Climate: The climate varies from region to region.
Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean coasts: Typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Black Sea Coast: Temperature climate with warm summers, mild winters and relatively high rainfall.
Central Anatolia: Hot, dry summers and cold winters.
Eastern Anatolia: Long snowy, cold winters and mild summers.
Southeastern Anatolia: Hot summers with mild, rainy winters.
Average Daily Temperature (°F)
| |
Jan. |
Apr. |
Jul. |
Oct. |
| ISTANBUL |
43 |
54 |
75 |
61 |
| ANTALYA |
52 |
63 |
84 |
56 |
| IZMIR |
48 |
61 |
82 |
66 |
| DIYARBAKIR |
35 |
57 |
88 |
65 |
 Museums and Archaeological Sites: Modest entrance fees vary and additional fees are charged for permission to take photographs. Most museums are open every day between 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., except on Mondays. Palaces are also closed on Mondays, except for Topkapi Palace which is closed on Tuesdays.
Cuisine: Turkish food is prepared with fresh-from-the-garden ingredients. A meal usually begins with a soup or several of many traditional meze (hors d'oeuvres) followed by a fish or a meat dish such as "shish kebab" or a mixed grill served with rice and vegetables cooked in olive oil. Dessert may be fresh fruit, sweets or a pastry such as "baklava". Turkish coffee, light beer, wine and the national drink "raki" complement the meal.
 Clothing: Comfortable shoes are essential for touring archaeological sites. Hats (with visors) and sunglasses are recommended for the summer sun, and head scarves are necessary for women visiting mosques.
Currency: The national monetary system is the Turkish Lira (TL). The coinage is in 25,000 50,000 and 100,000 lira pieces. Bank notes are in denominations of 100 thousand, 500 thousand, 1 million 5 million 10 million and 20 million lira. The exchange rates for foreign currencies are published daily. American dollars, traveler's checks, and major credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATM machines and exchange bureaus throughout the big cities.
1 USD is approximately 1.650.000 TL (2004)
 Electricity: 220 volts a.c. throughout Turkey. Voltage is clearly marked on all hotel outlets.
Tap Water: Water is chlorinated and potable in all cities, but bottled water is advisable.
Daily Newspapers: Foreign papers are available in large cities and all tourist areas. The Turkish Daily News is published in English with international news coverage.
Tipping: 15% tipping is appropriate.
Time Zone: Seven hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time.
Passports/Visas: U.S. citizens are required to present a valid passport upon entry. U.S. citizens must present visas when entering Turkey.Visas can be obtained from the Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C., Consulate General Offices in the United States, or at border gates in Turkey.The fees for obtaining a multiple entry visa is $20.00.
Canada: Canadian citizens are required to present a Canadian Passport, valid at least for 6 months when entering Turkey.
All Visa requirements are subject to change. Please check the updated visa information by calling Turkish Consulate.
Customs: Gifts and souvenirs with proofs of purchase can be brought or sent home from Turkey. Upon entering the United States, items worth up to $400.00 are duty free.(subject to change).
 Transportation:
By Rail: Istanbul serves as a direct rail link with select European cities. The Istanbul Express departs daily from Munich, Vienna and Athens with connecting services in Belgrade and Sofia.
By Bus: Bus is the most popular mean of transportation between cities.
Rental Cars: Most of the major U.S. car rental companies have reps in Turkey.
All general information given above are given in good fate, to the best of our knowledge, without any responsibility on the part of Tursan Travel Co.
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