Basic Info
Population:80 million
Language: Turkish
Time Zone: GMT +3 hours
Measures: Metric System
Voltage: 220 volts
Plug Type: European
Mobile Phones: GSM 900 / 1800
Visa
Most international travelers require visas to enter Turkey. Travelers holding passports from Germany, France or Japan, among other countries, can enjoy visa-free access to Turkey for up to 90 days. For further details, consult your travel agent or any Turkish embassy or consulate. View visa requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Weather
The best time to visit Antalya is in April, May, October and November, when guests can take full advantage of the city’s mild temparatures, low humidity and light, cooling breezes.
Weather in October: Antalya’s weather can be described as temperate, with warm and humid summers and mild and wet winters. Daily high temperatures decrease by 10°F, from 84°F to 74°F, rarely falling below 66°F or exceeding 91°F. Daily low temperatures decrease by 9°F, from 63°F to 55°F, rarely falling below 48°F or exceeding 69°F.
Business Hours
Bank Hours: 9am – 5pm, throughout the week
Office Hours: 9am – 5pm, Monday through Friday
Shopping Hours: 9am – 10pm, throughout the week
Electricity
The electricity current is 220V AC with a frequency of 50 Hertz. European standard plugs with 2 pins are used at the hotels.
Banking & Currency
TL – Turkish Lira Banknotes: 5 TL, 10 TL, 20 TL, 50 TL, 100 TL and 200 TL
TL – Turkish Lira Coins: 1c, 5c, 10c, 25c, 50c and 1TL
Most Turkish Banks change traveler’s cheques as well as cash.
1 EUR = 16 TL (approximately)
1 USD = 15 TL (approximately)
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday / 9:00 – 12:00 / 13:30-17:00
The Turkish currency is known as the Turkish Lira (TRL). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and most shops and restaurants. Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.
Traveller’s Cheques & Credit Cards
Traveler’s cheques and Euro cheques may be cashed in banks. Major credit cards like VISA, American Express, MasterCard are accepted in most of the hotels, restaurants and shops.
Communication
Turkish Telecom Inc is the only telecom service provider. All hotels are direct dial telephone systems in the rooms. There are 3 GSM operators in Turkey namely Avea, Vodafone and Turkcell. Please consult with your own local GSM operator to find out if they have roaming agreement with Turkish operators.
Post offices are opened from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.
Sizes & Measures
Turkey uses continental European sizes for clothes and shoes. Drink and food are sold in metric measures.
Optional City Tours
The hospitality desk team will be happy to process additional bookings on your behalf during your stay, which will be subject to space availability.
Tax Refund
Turkey has a value-added tax (KDV) of 8% or %18 depending on the item, which is included in the price of most goods and services. If you purchase an item from a store that participates in the national ‘Global Refund: Tax Free Shopping’ scheme and then take the item out of the country, you are entitled to a tax refund. There aren’t many shops participating in this scheme, however, it is always worth asking the shopkeeper if it is possible to get a Tax Free Invoicer or Tax Refund Cheque. Please note that your purchased goods must be available for inspection.
To claim a refund, you must obtain a Turkish Customs stamp on the Tax Free Invoice or Tax Refund Cheque before visiting the Tax Free Refund Office at the Antalya Airport.
Taxis
Hailing a yellow taxi on the Street is an easy and affordable way to travel around the city, though these can be scarce during peak hour. A light on the roof will signify availabality and, generally, taxis that display their company telephone number are more reputable, safer and better maintained. The drivers are supposed to switch on the meter before setting off. If there is no meter, fares should be agreed upon in advance. Occasionally, drivers do not understand English, so it is advisable to carry written details of your destination in Turkish. It is useful to know the landmarks near one’s destination because Street adresses are not well known and the driver is unlikely to consult a directory. Due to unpredictable traffic congestion, plenty of time should be factored in.
Taxi Tariff
Taxis are plentiful and a convenient way of getting around Istanbul. Fares are relatively inexpensive. The fare for the 15-to-25-minute ride is around 10 EUR.
Tipping
Tips are generally modest in Turkey and in recognition of good service. Try to keep coins or small notes handy and follow these guidelines when you are undertaking independent arrangements. By the way, please note that gratuities are not, generally, accepted by credit card.
Upscale Restaurants: 10% of the bill
Cafes: 10% of the bill
Taxi Drivers: Round up the fare to the next 10 or 25 Turkish Lira.
Valuables
Although Turkey is relatively safe, keep a close check on your belongings and beware of pickpockets and bag-snatchers. Additionally, drivers do not necessarily obey to the road rules so be cautious when crossing a street in the absence of traffic lights. Please carry out your valuables in a very secure fashion. Items such as passports, mobile telephones, iPad, laptop, camera, cash and jewellery should be stored in your in-room-safe when they are not required. The hotels will not accept any responsibility for the loss of items from guestrooms.
Airport
There is only one airport in Antalya, named as Antalya Airport.
Water
Drinking tap water is not recommended. Bottled mineral or spring water is plentiful in Turkey and of good quality.
Public Health
Medical services are of a reasonable standard, though public hospitals can be crowded and private clinics may be expensive. The hotel recommends that you drink only boiled or bottled water during your stay in Antalya.
