The Republic of Turkey spans two continents into Western Asia and South Eastern Europe.
Its borders are Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria.
Turkey has one time zone which is 7 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
Capital - Ankara
Climate - The coastal region of Turkey bordering the Aegean and Mediterranean seas has a Mediterranean Climate with hot, dry summers and mild, cool winters,
The Black Sea region experiences warm, wet summers and cold, wet winters. The Marmara region (including Istanbul) experiences weather conditions between the Mediterranean and Black Sea patterns. The interior, on the central Anatolian Plain, has severe winters and hot, dry summers.
Population - 73.7 million (2010). Turkey is a secular state with no official state religion, however, Islam is the dominant religion.
Languages – Turkish is the official language spoken by about 70-75% of the population. English is widely spoken.
Currency - The official currency of Turkey is the lira.
Credit Cards - Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners are accepted by hotels, restaurants and larger stores.
Banking Hours - Mon-Fri 9.00 am-Midday and 1.30pm – 6pm. Saturdays from 9 am – 1pm. ATM facilities widely available.
Passport and Entry Requirements – Australian and NZ Passport holders are required to hold a visa. Information can be obtained from http://www.mfa.gov.tr/sub.en.mfa?cc4e437c-6769-4d79-9017-10b63c651224
Australian Consulate
16th Floor, Suzer Plaza
Elmadag Askerocagi Caddesi No. 15
Sisli, Istanbul, 34367
Tel. + 90 212 243 1333
New Zealand Consulate
Ionu Caddesi No. 92/3
Taksim, Istanbul, 80090
Tel. + 90 212 244 0272
Health - No vaccinations required unless arriving from infected areas.
Duty Free - 1 litre alcohol, 2 litres of wine, 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco.
Voltage and Plugs - 220 volts,50 hertz,2 prong cylindrical plug.
Phone - The international calling code of Turkey is +90. Phone cards available through one of three carriers in Turkey – Turkcell, Telsim and Avea.
Safety and Dress - Due to its proximity to neighbouring countries experiencing unrest, it is prudent to check with your Consulate for any travel advice or warnings for Turkey when you plan to travel there. There is little street crime in Turkey and travellers are generally safe. Dress Code for women, especially, should be formal and conservative and this particularly applies during Ramadan when discretion should be observed when drinking and smoking during daylight hours. Always ask permission before taking photographs of people in Turkey and do not photograph military or official buildings.
Tipping - 10 – 15% Service charges included with restaurants. Tipping optional, however, it is usual to add a further 5% for the waiter. For taxis, porterage, drivers, guides and cruises tipping is usual practice. It is standard practice to round up a taxi fare.
Medical Services - Good standard of services. Best and faster services with private doctors. Travel Insurance is essential.
Emergency Services
Police: 155
Fire: 110
Medical Emergency : 112
Hospitals and Medical Clinics can be found in all of the main cities and many are very modern and well-equipped. Your embassy can provide further details.
Transport - Many major airlines fly direct to various cities in Turkey. You can also connect from cities in Europe and Asia.
Internal Transport - Public transport varies but bus, train and taxis make up the bulk of internal transport options throughout Turkey.
Driving - Right hand side of road. Australian, NZ & International driving licence accepted for car rental.
Food and Drink - Turkish cuisine is rich and varied, reflecting the Eurasian culture of the region. The main meal of the day is eaten in the evening and may consist of several courses. Meat is often grilled. Vegetables are usually prepared in olive oil and soups are a regular component of the diet.
Turkish coffee is thick and strong and served with most meals in short cups.
Water - Tap water drinkable. Bottled water available.
Alcohol - Turkish people enjoy locally made beer, wine, and spirits. The national drink is raki, an aniseed-flavoured clear grape brandy, similar to Greek ouzo.
Entertainment - Rich and varied particularly during the summer months.
Shopping - There is plenty of choice if you’re looking for traditional handicrafts from fascinating Turkey including carpets, jewellery, ceramics, leather and suede, onyx and Turkish kilims.Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar has over 4000 shops, as well as the fabulous Spice Bazaar. Malls and boutiques in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and Bursa are modern as are many shops throughout Turkey.
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