Language
Turkish is the local language. Limited English is spoken in tourist areas.

Passports and Visas
Passport and visa required. Visas can be obtained at Turkish border crossing points for tourist/business visits of up to 3 months or through a Turkish consular office in the U.S.

Currency
The official currency is the Turkish lira.

Tipping
Tipping is considered by locals to be a part of the normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "reward." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than suggested. .

Electricity
The voltage used is 220 volts
*Note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.

Shopping
Shopping in Turkey, especially for carpets, can be fun. The Craftmanship is very good. Prices changes depending on size and materials. The Grand Bazaar is a good source for small souvenirs. Don’t forget to bargain everywhere in Turkey. It’s expected. The Turkish street vendors can be very aggressive. The best policy is to ignore their unsolicited advances. Your guide will suggest shops, but need not to feel pressured to purchase anything.

Health Precautions
No inoculations is not required when arriving in Turkey from the U.S. But consult with your health care provider before traveling.
Avoid the tap water prevent "Montezuma's Revenge," including raw fruits and vegetables washed in tap water. Bring anti-diarrhea medicine in case. Your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet.

Conservation/Code of Conduct/Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting Informal wear is acceptable, but beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Smoking is widely acceptable but prohibited in cinemas, theatres, city buses and dolmuses (collective taxis).

Luggage
Allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to handling charges of up to $100 per piece. For flights to/from the USA, most airlines permit two pieces of checked luggage each weighing up to about 50lbs.

If you loss or damage your luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If you luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport.

Departure Tax
There are currently no departure taxes in Turkey.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as additional security in the case of cancellation or interruption of travel plans, lost or damaged luggage, travel delays, illness, or accident. Keep all boarding passes, ticket copies and receipts for expenses paid during your trip if it later becomes necessary to file a claim.

Local Emergency Phone #
ambulance/medical: 112
fire: 110
police: 155

Holidays
January 1 New Year's Day
Jan 21 Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Apr 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day
May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day
Aug 30 Victory Day
Oct 29 Republic Day
Nov 3-5 Ramazan Bayrami (End of Ramadan)

Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Ramazan Bayrami, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Generally, centres of tourism are unaffected. Some disruption may continue into Ramazan Bayrami itself. Ramazan Bayrami and Kurban Bayrami may last anything from 2 to 10 days, depending on the region.

Driving
Traffic drives on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory and the driving age is 18. For your safety, drive defensively, and avoid driving at night. Roads in Turkey run the full spectrum from single lane country roads to modern, divided, Trans-European motorways built to European standards. Highways in the southwestern, coastal portion of the country, which is frequented by tourists, are generally in good condition and well maintained.

Cruise Disembarkation
A Turkish visa is required for those disembarking in Istanbul (Visa fee is payable to Turkish authorities upon disembarkation).

DISEMBARKING IN ATHENS: If your program includes a transfer to a local hotel or the airport, remain on board the ship in the Reception Area until our local representative meets you. For those passengers who will be transferring independently, please note that local taxi service from the cruise port begins around 9:00 a.m. Disembarkation time is generally 7:00 a.m.

DISEMBARKING IN TURKEY: Meet your representative outside the port building after immigration.

Arrival Procedures
All passengers arriving on Turkish Airlines with a connecting flight to Izmir, Ankara or Antalya should check your luggage through to your final destination. Upon arrival at Istanbul airport, prior to disembarking, listen for the announcement with instructions for transit passengers continuing on another flight. (If instructions are not clear, please check with a flight attendant.) As you disembark the flight, Turkish Airlines personnel direct transit passengers to the waiting lounge on the International Terminal& rsquo;s departure level. Here, the flight and gate of your connecting Turkish Airlines flight will be announced, and you will be taken directly to the aircraft by bus.

Do not obtain Turkish visas or go through Passport Control to Istanbul. If you are traveling to Izmir on a Turkish Treasures Tour, your flight will disembark near the Domestic Terminal. Turkish Airlines provides a bus for all international passengers transferring directly from the plane to the International Terminal. After obtaining a Turkish visa and passing through Passport Control, please claim your luggage and exit from the International Terminal doors.

Intra-Turkey Flights
If you have purchased Trans Atlantic Air, you may receive your domestic flight tickets locally.