GENERAL INFORMATION&CHECKLIST FOR YOUR TOUR IN TÜRKİYE
A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of exit from your country (for US citizens it is 8 months). You should carry a second form of photo identification, such as driver’s license or a photocopy of the first page of your passport (the page with your signature).
- A valid visa (can be obtained upon your arrival at the airport)
- One other picture (such as driver’s license)
- Photocopy of passport’s signature page to carry in your wallet
- Air tickets and expense money
- Travel insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance from your country before you travel. If you are covered by medical insurance at home, you may also be covered while you are traveling abroad. But, please check to be sure that you’re covered for travel.
Visa
A visa is required while it can easily be obtained upon your arrival at the airport when you pass through customs formalities. However, it is much easier online. Here is how to get your Turkish e-Visa online and avoid the queue;
The e-visa can only be applied in the official government’s portal (above link). This means that if anyone tries to redirect you to a different site, it’s a possible scam!
Note that this site is secure, so you can include as much information as required. No information is shared with any third parties, and no one can interfere with your application process. Once the site loads, you will see 3 different buttons, including APPLY, MAKE PAYMENT, and DOWNLOAD buttons. This makes it quite convenient for your application and get back to it later at either step. As a first time applicant, click the “#APPLY” button which will lead you to the “NEW APPLICATION” page.
This government e-visa page will direct you step by step. In case you may need, we will send you more detailed written information about the process. The most important thing that you should be aware of that you get your visa on the official e-visa site of Turkish State, as there are some other links based on different countries that give Turkish online visa on a higher cost! (When you make “e-visa” search for Türkiye, there are many sites appearing on the screen, and they all give different prices. Please be careful with that).
GENERAL INFORMATION
Banking hours
Monday to Saturday: 09.00 am – 05.00 pm
Saturdays, Sundays and on Public Holidays: All banks are closed.
All ATMs are on service 24/7. No problem if you need cash!
Alcoholic Beverages
The local drink in Türkiye is usually Raki; a liqueur made with grapes and aniseed. It is clear, but turns White when mixed with water or ice, and it has a sweet liquor taste. Selection of local wines, beers and international alcoholic beverages can be easily found in stores&bars.
Electric Current
The electrical system is 220/230 volts. Most hotels have hair dryers and plug adaptors in the bedrooms.
Mobile Phones & Wi-Fi
For data roaming; your GSM company will be contracted either with Turkcell and Vodafone which work perfectly throughout the country. Wi-Fi is accessible for free of charge in all hotels, restaurants, cafes, etc. And Attalos Travel will supply Wi-Fi on the bus that you are traveling on.
Drinking Water
Please DON’T drink tap water, and DON’T eat street food, unless your travel guide recommends.
Money Matters
The currency of Turkey is the TL (Turkish Lira).
Coins; 25 kr, 50 kr, 1 TL (kr = kuruş)
Banknotes; 5 TL, 10 TL, 20 TL, 50 TL, 100 TL, 200 TL
Most major credit cards (VISA and MasterCard are the most widely accepted) are recognized and accepted all around country while Amex might be an issue at some places. ATM cash machines are available in many towns, with Access to the Cirrus, Plus and Maestro systems.
Changing money upon arrival in Türkiye rather than in the US is recommended.
Note on Dress for Men and Women
For church and mosque visits, neither men nor women should wear shorts or sleeveless shirts. Even though you may see other foreign tourists who are not aware of this tradition, women should wear long pants or a below-the-knee skirt, a long sleeved shirt and a headscarf. All visitors to mosques must take off their shoes before entering the mosque. Your guide will brief you regarding appropriate dressing. Note that, Konya Mevlana Museum is a holy place for Muslims and dressing code applies as in mosques.
Souvenirs
Türkiye is a big colorful mosaic with different cultures and the country offers low prices and a great variety of goods. Anatolian rugs and carpets, especially in Cappadocia, kilims, hand-beaten copper and brass, embroidery, pottery, harem rings, genie lanterns, leather goods, traditional Ottoman costumes, gold and silver, hand-painted miniature plates, meerschaum pipes and onyx are good buys. Bargaining is appropriate, although in some of the most modern shops, prices are fixed and bargaining may insult the shopkeeper. When in doubt, please ask your tour guide for assistance.
Caution! It is illegal to buy, sell or export antiquties. The Turkish government takes vigorous measures to defend its treasures against theft. Imitations are allowed, but be sure what you are buying.
Tipping
Tipping is all custom in Türkiye to show how satisfied you are. If you don’t tip someone, it is not an offense, but it is nice to tip when you are happy with the service. More or less of these amounts are all up to your own judgement. Please ask your guide for assistance when in doubt during your travel.
Bellboy: 1 to 3 dollars per luggage
Housekeeper: 1 to 3 dollars per night
Restaurants: %10 of the bill is satisfied (feel free not to tip if you didn’t like the service/food)
Hot-air balloons: The crew may have a tip box. Feel free to tip. 5 to 10 dollars, if you like the service.
Restroom attendants: There will be a sign showing what they expect.