OVERVIEW

When traveling to Turkey, we suggest that you consider these points for a happy journey... Travel with an open mind and leave your preconceptions at home. Remember, our standards in America do not always hold true in other parts of the world. Travel with curiosity and imagination. Travel relaxed. Make up your mind to have a good time. Travel patiently. It takes time to understand others, especially when there are barriers of language and customs - keep flexible and adaptable to all situations. We know that you will have a wonderful time.

PASSPORTS & VISAS

Tourists are required to hold a passport valid for 6 months from date of entry. A visa is required for American and Canadian citizens and may be secured upon entry for $45. (current cost).  Visas are not required for tourists visiting Turkey ― via cruise ship ― for a day. 

CUSTOMS

You are allowed to bring in almost anything you may need for your personal use and convenience. Limited items are: 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 2 1/2 liters of alcohol. Upon Departure: It cannot be emphasized strongly enough that Turkey is extremely tough on anyone attempting to export antiques without authorization or anyone caught with illegal drugs, whatever the amount.

CURRENCY

The monetary unit is the Turkish lira (TL), which comes in bank notes of 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 250,000, 500,000 and 1,000,000. Coins of 1000, 2500, 5000, 10,000 and 25,000 are also in use. Please consult your bank or newspaper for the current exchange rate before you leave the country. Traveler's checks and major U.S. credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and resort areas. You'll need cash, however, for restaurants and shops in the countryside. Turkey is constantly devaluing its currency due to high inflation, so wait to exchange your money until you arrive. Banks offer significantly better exchange rates than hotels. And, don't exchange all of your money. Sometimes, payment in U.S. dollars can help you in bargaining for a special price.

BANKING HOURS

Banks are open weekdays from 8:30am to Noon and from 1:30pm to 5:00 pm. Branches in major hotels offer additional hours.

TIME

Turkey Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time; 1 hour ahead of mid-European time and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, U.S.A.; Daylight Saving Time(s) may differ.

VOLTAGE

The electric current in Turkey is 220 volts AC in all parts of the country. Most major hotels in the main cities have adapters and converters available for guests' use.

CLIMATE

April to October:
The climate is perfect on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and in Istanbul. It is somewhat cooler in central Anatolia.
July and August:
These months are much warmer but perfect months for enjoying the beaches in the coastal areas.
November to March:
The climate is very changeable in the winter. It never gets very cold along the Mediterranean coast, but it can become damp, rainy and chilly; there may even be dustings of snow in Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara.

STORE HOURS

Shops are open from 9:30 or 10:00 AM to 1:00 or 1:30 PM and again from 4:30 or 5:00 PM to 7:30 or 8:00 PM. Obviously, times do vary. Some shops are closed on Fridays; most shops are closed on Sundays.

SHOPPING

Shopping is one of the greatest pleasures in Turkey, especially at the various bazaars. The rich variety of Turkish crafts offers endless opportunity for unusual discoveries and bargaining. The best buys in Turkey are: leather and suede, copper, brassware, tiles, porcelains, jewelry, embroideries, meerschaum pipes, ceramics, and, the famed Turkish carpets. Remember to bargain-that's part of the pleasure!

HOLIDAYS

On national holidays, such as Ramadan and Kurban, shops are closed on the first day; banks are closed for the entire holiday period. Consult the Turkish Tourist Office for exact dates before your departure from the U.S.
 
WATER & BEVERAGES

We recommend that bottled water be used throughout the country, easily available at all stores and hotels.

CLOTHING

The dress code in Turkey is informal. No need to bring very "dressy" clothes for men or women. Men will find that a jacket and tie may be appropriate for top restaurants and hotel dining rooms in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. While on tour and when visiting holy places of different faiths, dress should be conservative (no shorts or sleeveless shirts for men or women). Women should avoid revealing outfits and very short skirts; slacks are considered appropriate everywhere. The general rule is: the smaller the town, the more casual and conservative the dress.
April to October:
Very light and comfortable clothing, preferable cotton and drip-dry for day wear. suggested.
November to March:
Coats, lined raincoats, sweaters and suits. The secret to dressing this time of the year is to "layer" and "peel" as the weather changes.

DON'T FORGET TO PACK

• Sunglasses,sunhat and sunscreen
  
• Extra pair glasses/contacts
  
• Medical and eyeglass prescriptions.
  
• Soft, foldable slippers for the plane and Scarf for head and/or shoulders
  
• Packets of tissues and towelettes and First-aid kit.
  
• Comfortable walking shoes
  
• Packable tote-bag for day trips
  
• Bathing attire
  
• Travel Alarm and Diary
  
• Decaffeinated coffee/tea packets
  
• Rubber Shoes for the Pamukkale Springs
  
  
  

TIPPING

Although service charges are included, it is customary to show your appreciation to hotel personnel and to your guide and driver.
We suggest the following tipping scale: (per person, per day):
Hotel Personnel ― $I.00
Driver ― $1.00 - $2.00
Tour Guide ― $3.00 - $5.00

SEAT ROTATION ON THE MOTORCOACH

Seats on the bus are rotated on a daily basis in order to enable everyone to have the opportunity to sit in the front.

INSURANCE

We recommend that you purchase adequate guaranteed comprehensive travel insurance before departure. Neither Holy Lands Sun Tours nor your travel agent is responsible for loss/damage to luggage, accidents en route or ill health that may require you to miss part of your trip/ return to the U.S.A. with the group.