FAQ Istanbul Turkiye

Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 TL; Coins: 50 kuruş and 1 TL. Cash can usually be exchanged without commission at bureau de changes (döviz), banks and hotels. Exchange rates are published daily in Turkish newspapers and can also be found in web site of Turkish Central Bank at http://www.tcmb.gov.tr (please click “bugün” under “TCMB Döviz Kurları” on the left column).

Cash machines (ATMs) are available throughout Turkey, accepting major European credit and bank cards and instructions are often available in English. It is advisable to inform your bank in advance that you are travelling to Turkey as some will automatically put a stop on cards after the first use in an attempt to combat fraud.

The mains voltage for electricity is 220V and 50Hz. Central European type wall socket (two-pin plugs) is standard in Turkey.

International credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants throughout Turkey. However it is advisable also to carry cash for the smaller shops and cafes, particularly in more rural areas.

English is Turkey’s second widest spoken language and you will easily find English speakers in the major cities and holiday resorts. Restaurant menus and other information for foreigners are often printed in English.

Museums: 9 AM to 17 PM, Tuesday to Sunday.
Pharmacies: 9 AM to 19 PM, Monday to Saturday. 24-Hour duty pharmacies are available on a rota basis that the names and addresses can be found on any pharmacy.)
Banks: 9 AM to 17 PM, Monday to Friday. (Some closes for lunch break.)
Post Offices: 9 AM to 17 PM, Monday to Friday. (Extended hours applied on peak periods at major Holiday destinations). Shopping Centres are open seven days a week and stay open until late.

Turkey is GMT+2, that is to say two hours ahead of the UK and one hour ahead of Central Europe.

It is advisable to drink only bottled water unless it has been boiled or purified. You can buy bottled drinking and sparkling water at any supermarket or street kiosk in all cities and villages.

The average maximum daytime temperature in Istanbul in November lies at 15.3°C (59.54°F). The average minimum temperature goes down to around 7.6°C (45.68°F) (often the minimum temperature is noted at night). Rainfall during November is moderate with an average of 80mm (3.1 inches).

International Driving Licenses are recognized throughout Turkey. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. At the time you register for the congress and book your travel you may wish to take an insurance policy of your choice. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.

Smoking is not allowed in closed spaces such as shopping malls, museums, restaurants but designated areas. Fines apply for offenders.

Available at taxi stands or hailed on the street. All are yellow and have meters.

Ambulance 112, Fire Dept 110, Police 155