Practical Information 

Clothing
Generally, everyday clothing that is appropriate at home is also appropriate in Turkey. When visiting a mosque, bare shoulders and short shorts are not allowed and thick socks are recommended, as you will be required to remove your shoes beforehand. For women, a head covering is greatly appreciated and often required, so bring a light pashmina or shawl.

Since many of our programs involve a fair amount of walking, often on uneven terrain, sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended. Turkey can get quite hot in the summer so wear comfortable, light-weight clothing. Dressing in layers is best in the fall and spring as the temperature can vary between sun and shade and from day-to-day. Colder weather, rain and snow can be expected in the winter, especially in Cappadocia, Eastern Turkey and along the Black Sea.

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Banks and Currency

Turkey’s currency, the Turkish Lira (TL), is used throughout the country and is easily accessible from bank ATMs and exchange offices. Some retail shops and restaurants in large cities may also accept dollars and euros, though the exchange rate can be unpredictable.

There are a number of national and international banks represented in Turkey and ATMs are located throughout the country. Be sure to get a 4-digit PIN code from your bank if your PIN is longer.

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Food

Turkish cuisine encompasses many traditions and is a highlight itself for many travelers. Grilled fish, roasted lamb, eggplant in all its forms and fresh, local fruits and vegetables are abundant. Turkish breakfast, a staple in most hotels, consists of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, white cheese (similar to Feta) and usually a hard-boiled egg and is always served with a hefty serving of freshly baked bread. Desserts tend to be very sweet and are usually soaked in honey or rose water.

Please advise us on your booking form if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions so that we can request a special menu during your stay.

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Water

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Turkey’s large cities, though it tends to be heavily chlorinated. For taste and as a general precaution, we recommend drinking bottled water, which is inexpensive and easily found throughout Turkey.

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Medical Assistance

Many hotels have doctors on call 24 hours a day. Nominal medical fees can be paid in cash to the physician, who will provide a receipt for your health insurance provider back home. More serious medical problems should be handled through your travel insurance provider.

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Toilets

Public toilets are common in Turkey but often charge a small fee, so keeping small change and tissues handy is highly recommended. Cleanliness can vary greatly and our guides will do their best to take you to the best facilities available. Western-style toilets are the most common, but you may encounter the Eastern “squat” variety, especially in more rural areas.

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Electricity

Turkey uses round two-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets. Voltage varies between 110 and 220 volts of the 50 Hz cycle.

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Religion

Though most Turkish citizens identify themselves as Muslim, Turkey is a secular republic and has been home to many Christian and Jewish people throughout history. Please ask us for available places of worship if you would like to attend a religious service during your stay.

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Passport & Visas

To enter Turkey, all U.S. citizens need a passport (valid for at least 3 months after the date of entry) and a 90-day tourist visa. A tourist visa can be obtained from a Turkish Consulate prior to departure, but it is much easier to purchase one at the port of entry. As of April 2010, the fee for a tourist visa for U.S. Citizens was $20.

For other nationalities, please contact the nearest Turkish Consulate for passport and visa regulations.

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Vaccinations
There are no immunizations required for travel to and throughout Turkey.

Time Zones
Turkey is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time

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National Holidays

Turkey celebrates several national and religious holidays, which may affect the traffic and the operating hours of museums, sights, and offices in Turkey.

January 1 - New Year’s Day

April 23 - National Independence & Children's Day. Celebrates the anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

May 19 - Atatürk Commemoration & Youth Day. Signifies the arrival of Atatürk in Samsun, and the beginning of Turkey’s War of Independence.

August 30 – Victory Day. Celebrates the successful conclusion of the War of Independence in 1922.

October 29 – Republic Day. Anniversary of the declaration of the Turkish Republic in 1923.

Ramazan
Also known as Ramadan, Ramazan is the 30-day Holy month in the Islamic calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), smoking and sexual relations from dawn until sunset. At sunset, families and friends celebrate the end of the fast with a ceremonial meal known is the Iftar.

In Turkey, Ramazan is diversely observed but tends to be more strictly followed in rural areas. Offices, tourist attractions, and restaurants may have shorter operating hours, but visiting during the month of Ramazan generally does not interfere with regular tour and travel plans. In fact, being asked by the locals to join them for the Iftar is a highlight for many travelers and a marvelous way of experiencing genuine Turkish hospitality!

The dates of Ramazan are set according to the Islamic calendar and thus change every year.

2010: August 11 – September 9
2011: August 1 - August 30
2012: July 20 – August 18

Seker Bayrami (Sugar Festival)
Is a 3-day festival that marks the end of fasting during Ramazan. Offices and stores are closed and public transportation tends to fill up quickly as people visit family members and friends to deliver Turkish Delight and other sweets. The dates of Seker Bayrami are set according to Ramazan and the Islamic calendar and so vary from year to year.

2010: September 9 – 11
2011: August 30 – September 1
2012: August 18 – 20

Kurban Bayrami (Sacrification Festival)
Kurban Bayrami is a four-day festival that occurs 10 weeks after Ramazan and is set according to the Islamic Calendar. During this festival, families that can afford to sacrifice goats, sheep or cattle and donate the meat to the poor and those who are less fortunate. Public transportation fills up quickly and can affect traffic during the festival.

2010: November 16 – 19
2011: November 6 – 9
2012: October 26 – 29

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Tipping

Gratuity to the hotel staff, waiters and porters are included in the price of all escorted tours. However, guides and drivers rely on tips and work hard to ensure everyone’s enjoyment of and safety on the tour. If you are satisfied with the service you have received, we recommend $5 per person per day for the guide and $2 per person per day for the driver