One City Two Continents
Istanbul is a two-part city, divided by the Bosphorus, one part lying in Europe and the other in Asia. It is a natural gateway offering a friendly welcome with genuine hospitality. The city has been an imperial capital for Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman Empires, all of which is reflected in the beauty of its many museums, churches, and great mosques. It is a metropolis proud of its rich history and unrivalled natural beauty. With a population of over 10 million it is the biggest city in Turkey.
Although, not the capital, Istanbul remains the heartbeat of Turkey! Local cuisine is excellent and of a great variety, from the simple village kitchen to the most refined tastes of the imperial Ottoman Cuisine. A visit to Istanbul could not be concluded without attending one of the many cabarets offering traditional folk music and exotic belly dancing. Finally shopping is not only an excellent deal but also a lot of fun. Busy, modern shopping malls offer all the great brands of the world. Take a stroll through the traditional covered bazaars of the city; where, tastefully created by that extraordinary blend of cultures and handed down through generations, rugs and flat weaves (kilims), ceramics, copperware, embroidery and objects in gold and silver, all of stunning beauty await the enthusiastic shopper.
If you require further information on Turkey and Istanbul you can visit the following websites: www.turizm.gov.tr & www.tourismturkey.org
Climate
In November the average daytime temperature in Istanbul is 14°C. The evenings can drop to 9°C
What to Wear?
In November you may encounter rain, and the air may be cool or even chilly at night, but comfortable during the day. It is recommended to have a warm jacket or sweater and windbreaker or raincoat.
Public Transportation
Public transportation options include the limited Metro (stations at Taksim - Osmanbey - Gayrettepe - Levent - 4 Levent), a large bus fleet, the light rail system departing from Sirkeci station in the historic Sultan Ahmet district, and numerous ferryboats that criss-cross the Bosphorus from the main terminals at Eminonu, Karakoy and Besiktas. Also not to be missed is the historic tramway that shuttles up and down the pedestrian-only Istiklal Caddesi in Beyoglu and the 19th century funicular subway, Tunel, located at the end of Istiklal Caddesi.
Taxis
Taxis are a dependable means of public transportation available at all times of day and night. Taxis are yellow and have a "Taksi" sign. Taxis charges are determined officially. Taxis have a Taximeter that works when the customer gets in the car. Taxis have two charges tariffs, daytime and night. Night tariffs starts at 24.00 and end at 6.00 a.m. Night time is more expensive than daytime.
Eating Out
Turkey is well known for its diverse range of dishes, mostly due to regional variation. Istanbul has become a melting pot of both local and international cuisines. The Ottomans' contribution to world cuisine is magnanimous. The word "kebab" is synonymous with Turkey, and a vast selection of kebabs can easily be found everywhere. Fresh fish is traditionally eaten at restaurants by the Bosphorus accompanied by meze (Turkish hors d'oeuvre) and the local aniseed-flavor raki (national drink). Vegetarians are also well catered at special restaurants.
In an effort to broaden culinary horizons, more and more western-style cafes, bars and continental restaurants are popping up all the time. One may as well find many Japanese, Chinese, Indian, French, Italian, German, Russian, American, Mexican or fusion cuisine restaurants around the city.
Shopping
Here is Istanbul...While getting the most out of shopping, does this metropolis not impress you with the contrast between modern and traditional? Walk through the Nuruosmaniye gate of the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi) as you breathe in some history. You cannot take your eyes off of shop displays filled with much gorgeous merchandise from jewellery to leatherwear, to carpets. Or walk down to the wonderful aroma of the Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi). This is definitely going to make you feel like you are walking through history.
Although walking in this city is like walking in time, different shopping centers dispersed throughout the city can make you reach the contemporary designs. You can find the elite boutiques of the world famous name brands under the 19th century buildings in Nisantasi and Tesvikiye, or in elegant stores in Bagdat Caddesi.
This is Istanbul - a city where you can derive joy from shopping.
Time
Turkish Standard Time from October to March is GMT + 2, CET +1, and EST (US) + 7.
Business Hours
Offices and banks are open generally from 09.00 to 17.00 hours, from Mondays to Fridays, and close for lunch 12.00 to 13.30.
Currency
The Turkish Lira is available in notes and coins. The exchange rate is announced on daily basis. There are many banks and exchange bureaus. Traveler's checks can be cashed at most banks. Hotels and many shops and restaurants accept foreign currency.
The monetary unit is the Yeni (New) Turkish Lira.
New TL (YTL) denominations
Banknotes 1; 5; 10; 20; 50 and 100 YTL
Coins (kurus) 1; 5; 10; 25; 50 New Kurus and 1 New Lira
1 YTL = 100 kurus
Exchange
ATMs can be found everywhere. Most ATMs accept international credit cards or bankcards. A strip of logos which indicates the cards accepted is displayed on the ATMs.
Banks will exchange foreign currency and traveler's cheques with your passport as a proof of identity. Exchange rates change daily and can be checked in the press.
All major credit cards are honoured by the hotels, restaurants and shops. Restaurant and shops generally display signs indicating which cards are accepted.
Electricity
220 volt, 50 cycle. Most hotels have a receptacle with 110 volts. Socket type is standard European two-pin.
Weight and Measures
Turkey uses the metric system for weight and measures.
Communications
Turkey's GSM operators have a wide range of roaming agreements with foreign operators. It is possible to use most of the Cellular phones in Turkey.
Public telephones have two different systems. Some of them work with cards while others work with tokens. They are both sold in post offices and tobacco shops. For international calls, it is advisable to purchase cards.
All over Turkey, phone numbers consists of two sections: area code with three digits and the number itself with 7 digits.
Same area / city calls - Dial 7-digit number
From area to area - Dial 0+area code-7-digit number
International calls - Dial 0+0+country code + area code + number
Customs
Customs formalities generally include forbidden or limited items being brought into the country, or items registered beforehand in the owner's passport. In general all types of sharp instruments and weapons are forbidden. Personal belongings can be brought in provided they will be taken out on exit. International regulations mean that there are certain procedures for the type and amount of these personal belongings, and the following list should clarify this in detail.
For further information, see the website of Republic of Turkey Prime Ministry Undersecretariat of Customs or Ministry of Tourism of Turkey (www.gumruk.gov.tr or www.tourismturkey.org )
Vaccination
A current international vaccination certificate is requested from those participants arriving from infected areas. It is highly recommended to check this with the airline that you will be traveling or your travel agent.
Tipping
Tipping in Turkey is most of the time not included for services. In any case tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service.
