| Under
the "essentials" pages you will find brief
information on various subjects of interest, and answers to
common questions, we believe will be useful as you travel
in Turkey. |
| For
your suggestions on any information you would like to see
under these pages, or for your messages to appear on the graffiti
wall, please write to us. |
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The country is 2 hours ahead of GMT. Daylight saving is applied
with the rest of continental Europe. |
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New currency unit is YTL - New Turkish Lira - from 2005 on.
The old currency (TL - Turkish Lira) will also be in circulation
till 2006. |
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Turkey uses the metric system. |
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Current is 220 V. 50/60 Hz. (same round plugs) like the rest
of continental Europe. |
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Internet use is wide spread in the cities. You will find many
internet cafes in downtown areas. |
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Telephone and other communication systems are developed almost
all through the country (than again you will be amazed by the
number of cell phones in use), but postal services are slow.
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Pre-paid phone card seems to be a good option if you are to
make an international call. It is comparetively inexpensive
and there is a large number of card operated phones in urban
areas. You may also use international operators and calling
cards, but be aware that you are paying for the initial call,
and hotel operators may not realize that the call is toll-free,
so ask before you call. |
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Use of credit cards is common in major cities, however Visa
and Mastercard are more readily accepted. Money exchange offices
usually give better rates for cash. |
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You will find that the people are very helpful, language should
not be a barrier in larger towns and cities. The young generation
learns a foreign language (basicly English, Germain and French)
at school, and they will do their best to communicate despite
the fact that foreign language education in general is inefficient.
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Monday through to Friday are the official work days, work hours
are 9:00 am till 5:00 pm, but there may be differences. Private
sector takes Saturday afternoon and Sunday off. |
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Stores are open on Saturday, and usually on Sunday in urban
areas. State offices and banks are closed at weekends and on
the religious and national holidays. Museums are closed one
day a week, but again there are exceptions. |
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