PRE DEPARTURE PLANNING
PRE DEPARTURE PLANNING
Useful Information
Visa
Welcoming millions of visitors from around the world every year, Turkey aims to ensure with its advanced visa system that visitors have a pleasant holiday experience.
Visitors can easily apply for a tourist visa in just a few steps at www.evisa.gov.tr and start to explore the unique nature of Turkey the minute they arrive in Turkey.
Tourists can obtain an electronic visa (e-Viza) via an online application provided that they have a minimum of 6- months- valid passport by the date of application. Tourists can explore Turkey and its wealth of culture, history and scenic beauty as they like unless their visit exceeds 90 days.
Currency
The official currency of the Republic of Turkey is Turkish lira. The Turkish Lira is divided into subunits called kuruş. Paper currency comes in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 TL money notes and metal currency comes in 5, 10, 25, and 50 kuruş and 1Lira coin money.
Images of the founding father of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk take place on the front face of money notes while the back sides depict prominent names and places of Turkish culture.
Currencies of foreign countries can be converted into Turkish Lira at exchange offices and banks in accordance with the daily exchange rate determined by the Turkish Central Bank.
Apart from Turkish Lira, strong currencies such as U.S. Dollar and Euro are widely accepted by large shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants.
It is advisable, however, that you carry some Turkish Lira with you at all times for your own convenience.
Public Holidays in Turkey
Official and religious holidays are celebrated with great enthusiasm in Turkey which is a vast and culturally diverse country. The public holidays are listed as follows:
January 1 New Year’s Day
April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day
May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
August 30 Victory Day
October 29 Republic Day
Climate of Turkey
It is advisable to complete any bookings in advance in case your vacation coincides with these dates so that you can enjoy your vacation without any inconveniences.
Surrounded by high mountains and open seas, Turkey is a cornucopia of natural wonders. Apart from that, Turkey is noted for its climatic diversity ranging from the Mediterranean to oceanic to continental climates.
The northern regions of Turkey have an oceanic climate whereas the southern areas are affected by a temperate Mediterranean climate. The continental climate reigning in the internal regions makes one experience four seasons in one day.
Road safety in Turkey
Visitors who are dreaming of an extraordinary vacation by making use of the advanced highway network in Turkey should get informed about certain rules and regulations for their own convenience.
The unique and magnificent landscape of Turkey is waiting to be explored by vacationers who are ready to hit the road!
Car Rental: Car rental companies positioned in close proximity to the airport and terminal exit gates as well as in numerous city centers and holiday resorts will provide you with the most appropriate vehicle for a pleasant car trip.
Traffic Lanes: Turkey drives on the right-hand side of the road, as in many other countries of the world. Drivers who check the mirrors as frequently as possible will automatically improve their safety.
Seat Belt and Child Safety Seat: drivers and passengers are legally required to fasten their seat belts as soon as getting into the car and to wear their belt until arriving at their destination. Likewise, children under the age of 7 are legally required to be seated in child safety seats for their own safety.
Drink Driving: The legal alcohol limit for drivers is limited to 0.5 promilles since drink driving is prohibited in Turkey. Drivers who are convicted of driving while over the legal alcohol limit run the risk of having to pay a fine of 700 TL and suspension of driver’s license for six months.
Mobile (Cell) Phones: Drivers are not allowed to use mobile phones while driving for their own security and that of their passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited by law and the penalty for breaking this law.
Traveling to destinations away from tourist centers: Turkey is like a riddle to be solved as it hides numerous interesting spots and towns in the interior regions waiting to be explored. It is advisable to make use of a GPS device and road map and to keep an eye on the road signs at all times.
Tolls: Some of the major highways of Turkey are toll highways that can be used in return for a small fee collected at automated HGS (fast pass system) and OGS (automatic pass system) stations located at the entrance and exit of toll highways. Tourists intending to rent a vehicle may bring up the matter and ask the car rental agency for their assistance.
Emergency Call: Drivers can dial the following numbers in case of an emergency situation: 154 Traffic or 156 Gendarmerie.