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Currency and credit
cards:
The use of credit cards is widespread in
Turkey. However, do not rely on this form of
payment as not all shops, especially in bazaar
areas, or restaurants accept credit cards.
You cannot use credit cards to obtain
cash when making payments. Use ATM's
(automated teller machines) if you want extra
cash. Money exchange
should be done at the post office where you
will receive the best rates. When you change
your money, it is strongly recommended that
you check the exchange rates and any
commission charged in advance.
Electricity: In Turkey
electricity is 220v. If you need an adaptor it
can be bought in the nearest supermarket.
Now and then there are electricity cuts
in Turkey because the power system is
overloaded. These do not usually last long.
Health and vaccinations:
There are no obligatory vaccinations for entry
to Turkey. Consult your own doctor if you have
any questions.
Important phone
numbers:
Police: 115
Ambulance: 112
Fire brigade: 110
Please be aware that English is rarely spoken
at these places.
SOS International: 0045 7010 5050 (for Nordic
countries)
Internet:
Internet cafés are
found all over Alanya. Do not expect the same
speed of transactions as in other Western
countries.
Mosques:
Apart from Friday,
which is the holy day for Muslims, the mosques
in Turkey can be visited freely. Remember to
cover your arms, shoulders and legs and women
should also cover their hair.
Newspapers:
A few hotels and
supermarkets sell international newspapers(for
example English, German, Dutch). Otherwise
there is a local paper in English, The Turkish
Daily News, which is on sale in many places.
Opening
hours:
Varies from
shop to shop. As a general rule the tourist
shops are open all day till late, while banks,
supermarkets and other food stores have the
same opening hours as in Europe.
Passport and
visa: Depending
on your nationality, visiting Turkey as a
tourist usually does not require the obtaining
of a visa in advance. Please check if you do
require a visa BEFORE departure. In most cases
you pay on arrival in Turkey (for example: UK
visitors pay £10 in cash per person, including
children, on entry). Remember also to check
the validity of your passport before
departure. In Turkey they are very strict
about lost or expired passports.
Pharmacy:
A pharmacy is
called "eczane"
and these can be found all over Alanya. Most
of them are open until late and they are very
experienced in recommending the medication
required for the most common tourist diseases
like diarrhea, sunstroke, ear and throat
infections. English or
German is spoken at most of the pharmacies.
After normal working hours there are always
three pharmacies on duty in Alanya.
Photography:
As a general
rule there is no restriction on photography in
Turkey. Remember that some, especially older,
people can be superstitious about photography
and, likewise, you should be careful around
mosques and other religious sights. Always ask
if in doubt!
Photography at or near military installations
and establishments is strictly forbidden. You
are advised therefore to take great care
whenever in these areas.
Post:
Postcards reach home in
1-2 weeks. The main post office is in the town
centre. It is normally open until late.
Price
level:
Many day to day
items are cheaper than we are used to. Buy
Turkish produced goods as these are of a good
quality and much cheaper than the imported
ones. In the supermarkets and regular stores
you cannot bargain about the price. This you
can do in the bazaar and markets, up to 50% of
the original asking price.
Sun:
Remember that the sun is
a lot stronger than at home. Always use
sunscreen of a high factor and swim with a
t-shirt on. Avoid longer stays in the sun in
the middle of the day. Children especially are
vulnerable to sunburn, make sure they are
always well protected.
Taxi: The taxis are yellow
and numerous. You can agree on a price in
advance, otherwise ensure that the meter is
turned on. The price is approximately 2 euros
per kilometre.
Telephones:
The national code
to Turkey is 00 90/+90. There is a well
established mobile network.
Theft:
Theft is rare
but it is still advisable however to use
common sense and not leave any values
unattended and keep cash and jewellery under
lock and key.
Time zone:
+2 hours GMT. +1
hour CET.
Tipping:
If you
are satisfied with the service and food, it is
normal to leave a minimum 10% tip.
Tourist
information:
Located
near the Damlatas cave and open daily.
Units of
measurement:
Turkey
uses the same units of measurements (metric)
as many other European countries.
Water:
The tap water is
perfectly safe but contains some minerals that
we are not used to. It is therefore
recommended that you drink bottled water
if you stay for a shorter time.
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 Alanya
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Guide To Alanya
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