| •
People
of Turkey are easy to approach. You do not need to speak the
language to communicate, but saying a few words in Turkish will
open up any barrier. You will see a smile on the faces - not
because you pronounce it wrong, but you give it a try. A simple
phrasebook will be useful. |
| •
Especially
in the countryside you will be more comfortable in a conservative
dress. Long skirts or pants, and long sleeves will do fine for
women. Going into a mosque requires a suitable dress, knees
and shoulders for both men and women should be covered. Women
will also need a scarve to cover their head, appreciated as
a sign of respect. |
| •
Bring
good walking shoes and layers of clothing, and pack versatile.
As you go inland it gets dry, elevation and night and day temperature
difference increases. Early in the spring and late fall you
may need warmer clothes. |
| •
Use
of credit cards is common, but you may have difficulties in
cashing traveler cheques. Shops will accept them though. ATM
debit cards usually work fine (you may need to contact your
bank in advance to inform them that you will be using the card
abroad), several ATMs are available in larger towns and cities,
but not easy to find when you are in the rural areas so having
some cash as well will be useful. |
| •
Try
to arrive at least a day early, especially if you are flying
overseas, to overcome jet lag. Fresh air, exercise and lots
of water usually helps. |
| •
Water
is usually safe for general consumption, but we advise that
you do not drink the tap water. Bottled drinking water is inexpensive,
and available anywhere you go. |
| •
Western
style toilets are nowadays the norm, but do not be surprised
when you see an oriental (alaturca) one. Plumbing is not up
to current standarts in older sections of towns, you will see
warnings not to throw paper or other material, use the trashcan
next to the closet. There is a charge for public bathrooms,
usually 25 to 50 c. |
|
| •
Other
than to stop a cab, or asking the attention of the waiter, it
is considered rude to call some one with your hands and your
fingers. |
| •
As
you talk to someone from the opposite sex, try to keep a certain
distance, and do not touch as you talk. |
| •
A
hand gesture that is cute in your country may be seen as an
insult in a different culture. Putting your thumb between your
index and middle finger and making a fist is something like
showing the middle finger! Making a circle with your thumb and
index finger - that is common around the world to signify something
is good - means something else when you do this gesture as you
twist your hand. If you would like to imply something is good
with your hands, just make thumbs up. |
| •
People
of Turkey love to share what they have, but someting offered
to you is offered to you only. If you do otherwise, it may put
this person in a difficult position, as they may not have more
of it to offer. This is a very humiliating situation for the
Turks. |
| •
In
Istanbul, for a real people's experience you may have to go
beyond the boundaries of the Old Town where almost anyone has
a cousin(!) who just happens to live where you come from. |
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All
service fees and tips are included in the tour price regarding
group activities. When you are on your own, a %10 is fine if
you are satisfied with the service. |
| •
It
is important that you pack light, you may be carrying your luggage
as we walk to hotels and pensions, sometimes up or down steps. |
| •
If
you have diet restrictions (or on medication) please refer to
the information sheet attached to the tour application form. |
| •
Smoking
is not allowed during group activities and on the tour bus,
intercity, or any other public transportation vehicle. |
| You
will receive further information on these and other topics,
as part of tour update information. |
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