General information about Istanbul including the weather and what clothes you might need in early October can be found on http://wikitravel.org/en/Istanbul
Visas
Everyone is advised to look at the information about the visas required to enter Turkey which can be found on http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
Generally passports valid for at least six months from date of arrival in Turkey, return tickets and visas are required by all visitors to Turkey. Many nationalities are able to purchase sticker type entry visas at the airport when they arrive. Fees are mostly in the range $20-$30 according to nationality and can be checked on the above web site.
This is how the sticker visa is obtained:
Most visitors may enter Turkey without a visa, or by easily buying a “sticker visa” at the airport, maritime port, or border-crossing point. You hand the clerk your passport and the fee in CASH, the clerk sticks a stamp in your passport and you’re on your way. The clerk doesn’t look you up in a database or scan your passport or take your name or anything. The whole thing takes 10 seconds.
Basically, the sticker visa fee is just a tourist tax.
Be sure your passport is valid for at least 90 days from the expiration date if your anticipated visa period, or you may not be admitted. That means that if you are entitled to a 90-day visa, be sure your passport is valid for at least 180 days beyond the date you anticipate entering Turkey.
Transport from the airports
Atatürk Airport is 23 kms/14 miles to the centre of Istanbul.
A taxi to Taksim Square will cost about 30-35TL, $20-30 and take about 40 mins.
Havas (HAH-vahsh) an express bus service departs half hourly from the airport between 4AM and midnight and costs 10 TL/$7.50 one way.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (IATA SAW), located on the Anatolian side of the city and mostly used by charter flights and low cost operators is 55 kms or 34 miles from the centre of Istanbul.
There are taxis and the day time fare would be in the region of TL 75 or $50. Also a Havas bus connects it with Taksim Square taking 60-90 minutes but they don’t seem to be very frequent so check with your airline.
For help or advice
If you want advice or help with your travel plans within Turkey or to book transport from the airport to the hotel, Ozlem Tetik at InterTravel will be pleased to help.
ozlem.tetik@intertravel.com.tr t: +90 (0)212 444 99 77: f: + 90 (0)212 361 62 88: m:+90 (0)533 293 89 98
www.intertravel.com.tr www.interlimousine.com.tr
Language: Turkish is the main language used nationwide but English has become very popular as it is the second language at universities, secondary schools and even at primary schools with the new educational system. The main European languages such as German, Italian, French, Russian and Spanish are also widely spoken especially in the touristic areas.
Electricity supply:
| Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets /points.
Four- and five-star hotels often provide North American-style 120 volts, 60 Hz flush-mounted sockets (points) for North American flat-prong plugs. Check your appliances before leaving home to see what you’ll need to plug in when you travel in Turkey. Many appliances with their own power adapters (such as laptop computers and digital cameras)—can be plugged into either 110-120-volt or 220-240-volt sockets/points and will adapt to the voltage automatically, (but you will need a plug adaptor that can fit into the recessed wall socket/point. |
Safety: Crime against tourists in Turkey is not common, but keep your eyes open especially in a crowded street during high season or late at night.
Working Hours: Offices and banks are generally open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday, with a break between 12:00 to 1:30 PM
Electricty: Those who use 110 V or anything other than 220 V at home need a converter as Turkey has 220 V power system. Please check your electric appliances before you use them in your hotel room.
Tax refunds: In Turkey, there are opportunities to benefit from Tax Free Shopping at more than 2.000 retail outlets. The affiliated stores display the Tax Free Shopping logo, and staff will guide you through the process.The normal VAT rate is 18%, with 8% for food and some books. The VAT is included in the price. Anyone residing outside Turkey, are entitled to claim back the tax, if they spend TL 118.000.000.- (approx. US$ 70) or more in one shop in one day.
The goods need to be exported within three months following the month of purchase. After deduction of the handling expenses, you will receive a refund of up to 12,5 % of the purchase price. Global Refund is offering several possibilities to receiving your refund.
How to get your refund.
Shopping
Shop where you see the Global Refund Shopping sign and simply ask for your Tax Refund Cheque.
Through customs
When leaving Turkey, within three months of your shopping show your purchases, TAX-FREE invoices and passports to customs officials and have your Global Refund invoice/cheque stamped.