TRAVEL
TIPS
| Driving |
U.S
Driving Permit accepted |
| Currency |
(TRL)
Turkish lira |
| Electrical |
230 Volts |
| Telephones |
Country
Code 90, City Code, Istanbul(Europe) 212+7D, Istanbul(Asia)
216+7D, Bursa 224+7D |
Customs:
A visa is required of holders of US tourist passports (regular,
official, or diplomatic). The visa can be obtained at Turkish
Consulates General or upon arrival at entry point in Turkey. Currency:
There are no restrictions on the importation of Turkish lira or
hard currencies into Turkey. However, residents of Turkey must
declare all currencies in excess of the equivalent of $5,000 upon
entry. Visitors to Turkey may exchange Turkish lira up to the
equivalent of $5,000 into foreign currency without any documentation.
Climate and clothing: Clothing and shoe requirements are
about the same as for the eastern US. Climate on the periphery
(Istanbul, Izmir, and Adana) is Mediterranean with cool, rainy
winters and hot, moderately dry summers. The Black Sea coast receives
the greatest rainfall. Shielded by mountains, the interior (Ankara)
has continental climate with cold winters and dry, hot summers.
Climate in the eastern mountainous area is often severe.
Health: Public health standards in the larger cities approach
those in the US, but care must be taken, especially in rural areas.
While tap water in major cities is generally potable, it is recommended
that bottled water be used at all times, because of possible intermittent
contamination of water lines. Turkish law requires that at least
one pharmacy be open in a neighborhood at all times.
Telecommunications: Telephone and telegraph services, domestic
and international, and generally dependable. During peak hours,
circuits are often overloaded. Turkey is seven hours ahead of
EST. Daylight savings time is used.
Transportation: More than 20 scheduled airlines connect
Turkey with all parts of the world. Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya,
and Dalaman are Turkey's primary international airports. Turkish
Airlines (THY), Turkish state railways, and a variety of intercity
bus companies serve many points in Turkey, Europe, and the Middle
East. Local buses, share cabs, and minibuses (dolmus), although
somewhat crowded, provide satisfactory local transportation. Taxis
are readily available. Main roads are fairly good in and between
the large centers; secondary roads are generally adequate. Roads
frequently lack shoulders. Drivers should exercise extreme care
because of heavy truck and other traffic, and unpredictable drivers.
Driving at night in the countryside should be avoided because
of many or poorly-lit vehicles on the highway.
Publications Concerning Turkey
Also available from the
Superintendent of Documents, US Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC, 20402: Turkey Post Report-US Department of State (1990). Turkey,
A Country Study- American University (1989). Foreign Labor Trends-
US Department of Labor. Foreign Economic Trends-US Department
of Commerce. Economic trends and trade information is available
from the International Trade Administration, US Department of
Commerce, Washington, DC, 20230, or from any Commerce Department
district office.
