About Turkiye

1- Passports/Visa:
A valid passport is necessary throughout your travels. You can contact Turkish embassy for visa documents. Generally a visa can be obtained easily at the airport..

Visa Information
Most travelers can purchase a visa at any port of entry, but you must have cash. Customs do not accept traveler's checks or Turkish lira. If you'd like to avoid the delay of purchasing a visa when you arrive, you can apply online.
 
2- Customs:
On departure, it can not be emphasized strongly enough that Turkey is extremely sensitive on anyone attempting to export antiques without authorization or anyone caught with illegal drugs, whatever the amount is.

3- Baggage:
Transatlantic flights allow two checked bags per person neither to exceed 62 inch plus one carryon bag (not to exceed 39 inches). On flights between European countries baggage is weighted and limited to 44 pounds per person in economy class and 66 pounds in first class.

4- Climate :

Varies depending on the area. Aegean and Mediterranean coast have hot summers and mild winters. Black Sea coast has warm summers, mild winters and relatively high rainfall. Central and Eastern parts have hot dry summers and cold winters. Humidity is higher in Black Sea coast and Istanbul compared to the moderate humidity of the rest of the country. Generally August is considered the warmest month of the year. Average daytime temperature being between 70 degrees F. to 90 degrees F. from June to September. Nighttime temperature drops to around 70 degrees F. Central and Eastern regions generally are in the same range however night are cooler. Winter is between December and March coastal this means rain in the coastal regions and moderate snow inland. The Mediterranean Sea is warm during summer, the Aegean Sea cooler. Both seas are ideal for swimming.

5- What to Wear :

In summer light summer wear for all coastal regions will be sufficient it will be advisable to keep warmer clothing for evenings when it can be cooler in Central, Northern and Eastern Anatolia. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended since itineraries include numerous trips to ancient sites. For wintertime travelers we recommend regular winter clothing especially for central turkey where heavy snow and cold weather can be encountered. If you are planning your trip in summer sun bloc and hat will recommended.

6- Season :

Turkey can be visited year-round depending on your itinerary. Spring and fall are the more popular seasons to travel due to mild temperatures little rain can be expected during this time. Very comfortable season to travel. Summer season the temperatures are higher, however this season is ideal for cruises, the sea breeze that starts blowing in mid morning makes it very comfortable

7- Health :

There are no special immunization requirements. You can check with the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers for information regarding your destination.

8-Time Zone:

Turkey is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

9-Electricity:

Voltage in Turkey is 220 volt, 50-60 cycle. If you intend to bring any electrical equipment an adapter that converts electricity from 220V to 110V is suggested.

10-Tap Water :

Turkey has good drinking water, water is chlorinated and safe to drink. Bottled water can be found in nearly all stores at a reasonable price.

11-Money Exchange :

Money exchange is very easily done at all banks and private exchange centers. Daily newspaper publishes the exchange rate daily. US dollar is accepted in many stores.

12- Telephone and Mail :

Public phones operate with tokens or calling cards. Public service is very reliable average time for a letter to arrive to US is 7 to 10 days.

GEOGRAPHY

Turkey is about 9 hours non-stop flight from New York City. Turkey is roughly the size of State of Texas 97% of the country is in Asia, 3% is in Europe. There are about 5000 miles of coastline. Northern Turkey has Black Sea Mountains and Mediterranean has Taurus Mountains running parallel to the sea. Central and eastern Anatolia is a plateau.
Total Area : 755.000 square km (Asia) + 24.000 square km (Europe)
Surrounded by : Aegean Sea, Mediterranean, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Greece, Nakhitchevan, Armenia, Georgia, Black Sea, Bulgaria.
Highest Mountain: Mount Ararat 50165 m.
Straits : Bosphorus, (Linking Black Sea to Marmara Sea), Dardanelles (Linking Marmara Sea to Aegean Sea)
Natural Resources: Oil, coal, iron ore, copper, uranium, manganese, antimony, chromium, Mercury, borate, sulfur, zinc, borax, meerschaum.

ADMINISTRATION

Population : Turkey: About 65 million, Istanbul: About 12 million, Ankara: About 4 million, Izmir: About 3,5 million,
Language : Officially Turkish, English is widely used in business and tourism.
Government: Republican Parliamentary Democracy.
Money : Turkish Lira
Parliament : 550 Deputies, general elections in every 5 years, President every 7 years, elected by the parliament.

TURKEY AND CUSTOMS UNION WITH EEC: 1959 Turkey’s relations with the Community date back to the founding of the European Community. Turkey’s early application in 1959 was welcomed by the Community and but gained official membership rights in 1999.

AMERICAN BUSINESS : Turkey has considered as an emerging market. All major US companies has been operating in Turkey.