About Turkey

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to use my mobile phone?

Generally speaking, mobile phone coverage in Turkey is very good - the exception being some of the more remote and/or mountainous areas. It is important to remember that when using a British mobile phone, in Turkey, to contact our overseas offices and staff, even though you are linking up to the local network your call must be prefixed by 00 90 and you should then drop the first 0 of the Turkish phone number.

What currency will I require?

New Turkish Lira (YTL) is the official currency in Turkey. Currency can be purchased in the UK but we advise you to order at least two weeks before your departure date to avoid any last minute rush. Once in Turkey, it's easy to change up all major currencies in exchange offices, post offices (PTTs) and hotels. Currency can be also obtained from ATM/cash machines throughout Turkey, providing the symbols on the machine match those on your debit/cash card. Your bank should be able to give you further information on using your card abroad. If you do find yourself short of Turkish Lira at any point, foreign currency, including pounds sterling, is readily accepted in many shops, hotels and restaurants in the tourist areas.

Travellers Cheques or Credit Cards?

Credit cards are now very widely accepted in shops and some restaurants in the main towns and resorts. Though you should always check beforehand if you intend to have a meal and pay afterwards using the card. Many small, family run restaurants or establishments may not accept cards. The smaller villages and places 'off the beaten track' may also not accept credit cards so have some cash handy.

Currency can be obtained from ATM/cash machines throughout Turkey, providing the symbols on the machine match those on your debit/cash card. Your bank should be able to give you further information on using your card abroad.

Travellers Cheques can be cashed at banks, exchange bureaux and most of the larger hotels.

What is the voltage and do we need to use adaptors?

The current is 220 V. Wall sockets take two rounded pin plugs, like many European countries. You will need an adapter plug to use UK appliances.

Is there a time difference?

Yes, Turkey is on GMT + 2 (daylight saving GMT +3 operates between late March to late September). This means that for most of the year, Turkey is two hours ahead of the UK. It is a good idea to adjust your watch as soon as you arrive in Turkey.

What should I take?

You can now find most western goods, including holiday essentials such as suntan and aftersun lotions, insect and mosquito repellents, and such like in most of the larger resorts and supermarkets. Taking these items with you saves time and also ensures that you can find your preferred brands. It's worth taking a high protection sunscreen, especially during high season when temperatures can soar, a wide-brimmed sun hat, and a mosquito repellent both for your room and a spray for youself when you are outside in the evenings. Also do take a European-type 2 pin adaptor for your electrical equipment - these can be difficult to find in Turkey. A photocopy of your passport is useful to keep on you as a means of ID, and if you are driving, a copy of your license as well to keep in the car.

Are shops open on the day of our arrival?

During the summer season, and especially in the resort areas, supermarkets, minimarkets and many shops are open daily, often till early evening.

As a general guideline opening days and times are as follows:

• Banks: 09.00 - 12.00 and 13.30 - 17.00 Monday to Friday.
• Post Offices: (identified by yellow PTT signs) 08.00 - 20.00 Monday to Saturday, and 09.00 - 19.00 on Sundays.
• Museums - 09.00 - 17.00 Tuesday to Sunday.
• Chemists (eczane) - 09.00-19.00 Monday to Saturday. A duty chemist is appointed on a rota basis to remain open for 24 hours, details of which are posted in any chemist's front window.
• Shops: in the resorts, and particularly during the summer months, bazaars and many tourist shops open daily from around 09.00 till late in the evening, often till 22.00. More regular type shops may close earlier in the evening, and on Sundays.
• Supermarkets: Most supermarkets are open daily, and the larger ones are often open till 22.00 during the summer, a few open 24 hours.
• Cafés and restaurants tend to operate open-ended hours and may not close till early in the morning.

Are there insects?

There can be mosquitos in certain areas so a plug in deterrent is an idea. Ants are frequent in some rural areas.

What is driving like in Turkey?

As in the rest of the Mediterranean, other road users may seem to the UK driver to drive unpredictably. The roads are generally well kept though some coastal or mountain roads can be narrow and winding.

You should be aware of the following points:

• Traffic drives on the right in Turkey, which means you must give way to the right at junctions and roundabouts (vehicles joining the roundabout have right of way).
• The wearing of seat belts is compulsory.
• There are strict drink driving laws - the rule is absolutely no alcohol if you intend to drive. Random tests are quite common and police will issue on the spot fines.
• If another vehicle flashes it's lights, this means that it is coming through, not that they are giving way to you.
• You should drive defensively at all times, and great care should be taken when driving after dark as you may come across inadequately lit vehicles, slow moving lorries or animals wandering across the road.

How do I book my holiday?

By speaking to us personally, we can advise you on every aspect of your Turkey holiday, if there is anything that is particularly important to you, please let us know. We try to portray our holidays as representative for the majority of the season, during early and late season some resort facilities may be closed and in high season even the quietest towns and beaches may become busy.

Are there any child or infant discounts?

Turkish Places has discounts for children at all of our villas and cottages. One child discount is valid per each two full paying adults in the booking and the discounts are valid for children aged 2 to 15 inclusive. Please contact us for further information. For infants under 2 years on the date of return you pay only £40. Infants are not allocated a flight seat and should be seated on a parents lap. Cots (and highchairs where available) are provided free of charge at many of our properties and should be requested at the time of booking. Guests should bring their own cot linen.

Do you have any winter lets?

Part of the adventure of travelling to Turkey is visiting out of the main tourist period and discovering the true delights of the Turkish way of life. We have a selection of properties that are suitable for occupation in late autumn, winter and early spring, Please ask for our updated list. There may be an additional charge for heating. Turkey does quieten down in winter and many facilities such as restaurants may not be available.

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