Essential info for Turkey
Time: Turkey’s local time is GMT +2; although this moves to GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard.
Language: Turkish is the official language, but expats will find that English is widely understood in the main cities and tourist areas.
Safety Information: Tensions in neighbouring Iraq have created some security concerns in Turkey, and there is an ongoing threat of terrorist attacks and bombings in Istanbul, the capital, Ankara, and on the Aegean Coast and the Mediterranean. On the plus side, street and violent crime is low although expats should naturally observe sensible precautions with their property and belongings.
Local Customs: Turkey might be a secular country but religious customs should be respected, especially during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan when expats should refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours. No smoking is allowed on any public transport or in outdoor venues including cafés, bars, stadiums and restaurants. Tipping is a way of life here and you are expected to give small change for most services. Where a service charge is not included in the bill, you should provide gratuity of between 10 and 15 percent.
Business: When doing business in Turkey greet colleagues and associates by their first names. If the businessman is male, use his name followed by 'bey', with 'hanim' used in the case of females. The business dress code is formal and conservative; women should generally dress particularly conservatively. It is normal and expected to provide a gift as part of greeting, even an office accessory such as a pen is appropriate. Business hours throughout Turkey are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and an hour or more is taken for lunch.
Communications: The international country dialling code for Turkey is +90. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. Istanbul Asya (Asia side) is (0)216 and Istanbul Avrupa (Europe side) is (0)212. GSM 900 and 1800 networks cover most of the country. Internet cafés are widely available in the main towns and resorts.
Useful Contacts: Turkish Tourist Office: +90 (0)212 573 4136 (Istanbul) or www.tourismturkey.org. Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Emergencies: 100 (Police); 101/112 (Ambulance); 102 (Fire)
