.: What is the time difference? Does Turkey observe Daylight Saving / Summer Time?

Turkey is on GMT + 2. This means that Turkey is 1 hour ahead of European and 2 hours ahead of the UK and Ireland standard times.

Like most states in Europe, Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is observed in Turkey, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour; 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).

.: What is the best time to visit Turkey?

It depends if you like to swimming and sunbathing, sightseeing, skiing... In average, the climate in Turkey's areas is as follows:

Marmara coasts - (Istanbul): Hot summers and mild winters.
Aegean coasts - (Izmir): Hot summers and mild winters.
Mediterranean coasts - (Antalya): Hot summers and mild winters.
Black Sea coast - (Trabzon): Temperate climate, warm summers, mild winters and relatively high rainfall.
Central Anatolia - (Ankara): Steppe climate with hot, dry summers; cold winters.

Click HERE for the weather forecast in Turkey

.: Can I bring my laptop? Is there internet access? Are there any internet cafes?

Yes, you can bring your laptop with you. Make sure that you have a converter with you for the plug though.
There are WiFi points in the resort areas; most of the hotels have wireless internet, and there are many internet cafes around the resorts in Turkey.

.: What is the Mains supply voltage – are adaptors needed?

The Turkish mains power supply is 220 Vac 50 Hz. The standard Wall sockets take two round pin plugs (see picture). You will need an adapter if you are traveling from the UK or Ireland and intend to use appliances not fitted with this type of plug; it is a good idea to bring a suitable adaptor with you when traveling to Turkey.

If you end up landing in Turkey without one, you can ask a Turkish electrician's shop (elektrikci).

.: Is it safe to drink tap water in Turkey?

Tap water in Turkey is suitable for showering and regular tasks such as brushing teeth etc. However, it is recommended to drink bottled water.

.: What is the health service like in Turkey? Are foreign insurances accepted?

Turkey's health care is very good and very fast comparing to many countries in Europe.

Health Tourism is a growing sector in Turkey, for dental care, eye surgery, plastic surgery... You can read more about Health Tourism in Turkey HERE
Izmir, as the third biggest city in Turkey, is conveniently located for accommodation, shopping and sightseeing. Guests staying in Izmir, for example, can enjoy a few days relaxing on Kusadasi beaches before/after treatment or take in some of the remains of ancient civilisations with a trip to Ephesus.

Foreign insurances are accepten in private hospitals in Turkey.

.: Can I use my mobile phone in Turkey?

Yes; providing your phone is international roaming enabled.
The 3 main GSM operators in Turkey are Turkcell, Avea/Telsim and all GSM operators have roaming agreements with international operators.

The calls you’ll be making AND are receiving will be more expensive than at home. So better check with your operator and make sure you top up your phone before traveling.

.: What should I do if my Passport is lost or stolen? Consulates in Turkey?

.: What is the local currency and can I pay in EUR/GBP/USD?

The official currency in Turkey is the New Turkish Lira (YTL: Yeni Turk Lirasi) which is sub divided into New Kurus (Yeni Kurus) 100 YKr = 1 YTL,
Images of the Notes and coins can be found on the National Bank's website

You can also pay in your own currency in most of the shops, restaurants in the resort areas. The best is to use YTL though as if you ask to pay in a foreign currency, you get a lower exchange rate than by the banks.

.: Can I use my Credit Card in Turkey? Can I use Travelers Cheques?

Credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants in Turkey. However, the smaller shops may not accept credit cards, so it is generally a good idea to try always to have some cash handy.

Travelers Cheques can be cashed at banks and exchange bureaus, against a fee. It is also worth to ask your hotel as they may cash Travelers Cheques as well.

.: Are there any insects in Turkey?

There are mosquitoes in certain areas so it is also a good idea to take precautions in your bedroom with a mosquito plug, spray etc. These can be provided by the local pharmacies as well.

.: What is driving like in Turkey? Can I rent a car?

As in the most of the Mediterranean, Turkish Drivers may appear to drive “crazy”. Regarding road conditions; Turkish Roads and Highways are generally in good repair but some coastal or mountain roads can be a little narrow and winding.
See our driving in Turkey section HERE

You can rent a car in Turkey. Car hire companies and police will require you to show your full driving license from your home country. If you have your full driving license, you won't need to obtain an international one.

.: Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?

Depending upon your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Turkey.
Click to see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ detailed list

Sticker type visas are issued at the port of entry and allow staying in Turkey for up to 90 days.

It costs 10 GBP for the UK and 10 for Irish and European passport holders. If there is more than one person travelling on the same passport, each individual is liable to pay the visa fee.

.: Is there much crime in Turkey? Is Turkey safe?

Interpol ranks Turkey as the safest holiday destination in Europe for travelers.
For sure common sense precautions should be taken against petty crimes such as pick pocketing, bag snatching etc. but by and large visitors will find Turks to be friendly and helpful.

.: Do I need to carry an ID when travelling within Turkey?

You are required at all times to carry an official ID with photograph whilst in Turkey. This can be your passport, ID card, driving licence, or photocopies of these.

.: What are the shop/office opening times?

During the summer season, and especially in the resort areas, supermarkets, mini-markets and shops are open everyday, often until late night and in many cases all night. As a general guideline opening days and times are as follows:

Banks: 09.00 - 12.00 and 13.30 - 17.00 Monday to Friday throughout the year except on bank holidays. Some banks though are open on Saturdays half day during the high season.

Post Offices: 08.00 - 20.00 Monday to Saturday, and 09.00 - 19.00 on Sundays, throughout the year.
Chemists (Eczane) - 09.00-19.00 Monday to Saturday: 24 Hour Duty chemists are open on a Rota basis and their details are posted in all chemists’ window. Look for the “Nobetci Eczane” sign.

.: How to travel in Turkey?

On shorter distances, ie within cities, between villages, and cities closer to each other, “minibuses” are operating. These are reasonably priced, and are running in average every 20 minutes.

For longer distances, the most common form of transport in Turkey is the bus and Turkey has a very comprehensive, efficient and reasonably priced luxury coach service reaching every corner of the country.
Also, there are more and more private flight companies starting to operate, such as IzAir with flight between cities in Turkey.