Here are some useful tips to make your client's stay a pleasant one :
Time zone: Eastern European time (+2). Daylight saving period may vary from those in Europe.
Weather is very pleasant, but you must know that Istanbul can have rain and showers in winter and spring. A day before you travel, surf a weather site for accurate weather forecast for the following days. Check local holidays before planning your trip.
 Money: Do not change large amounts of money in the airport (change about $20). Exchange rates are usually better in Turkey compared to those at home. You may get a better deal at change offices. Do not try to change your money at local banks, you will be exhausted waiting your turn and the formality is too hard to take. Make sure that none of bills have any rips on them. I recommend to not bringing with you travellers checks. Bring Cash US$ or Euro, They will be accepted with love.
Public Holiday : Saturday & Sunday are weekly public holiday days in Turkey. Most of the governmental and private corporations are closed on these days. Some shops are open on Saturday, while many of them close on Sundays.
Sites of interest in western and central Turkey: Istanbul, Ankara (Capital city), Urgup (Cappadocia), Konya, Antalya, Side, Manavgat, Alanya, Kemer, Pamukkale, Marmaris, Fethiye, Kalkan, Kusadasi, Izmir, Ayvalik, Bergama, Bursa. Tourism is developing also very quickly on Black Sea region.
How to visit mosques: You can't visit a mosque when the people are praying. Anyone entering a mosque should have arms and legs covered. Women should wear a scarf on their heads. You should bring socks, because you can't wear shoes in the mosque. If the weather is too hot for long sleeves and long pants those mosques frequently visited by foreign visitors often provide sheets to wrap you in (man and women) to cover up bare arms and bare legs.
Nightclubs for foreign visitors are recommended, do not miss them. However stay away from striptease clubs, where the costs may be unexpectedly high.
Make a reservation. This is the only way to meet Turkish Folklore and Oriental belly dancers. The prices are variable (with or without dinner). If you are in a group 4-6 people together you can ask the manager for transport to his place and back to your hotel.
Hotels are ranked like in every part of the world and most of the rooms have private facilities. Air-conditioning in room is recommended for hotels in Southern Turkey especially during the hot and humid summer season.
Electricity is 220V. Most of hotels use "'energy saving" adapters. Power outlets are European standard with 2 plugs.
PUBLIC WC: With payment up to 25 cents.
Do not forget your glasses/sun-glasses and your personal medicaments.
Transportation in Turkey is quite easy with intercity coaches. Most of the cities are connected with the well-done coach network. Turkish Airlines is flying to several cities across Turkey at reasonable fares under US$ 100 per person, each way. Railroad is pretty slow and not well connected. There are ferries connecting the Greek Isles to the Turkish mainland at several towns along the west coast of Turkey.
Taking pictures of local people : Many ladies at countryside have a strong objections to be photographed. You just need to ask their permission. To solve this unpleasant situation use sign language.
Food: Very delicious and extraordinary. Most of it is based on vegetables veal and lamb. Try seafood specialties and also puddings & pastries served in pudding shops.
Restaurants: Check the rates before you decide to eat. Try those dishes before you live Turkey : Karni Yarik, Doner, Sis-kebap. Drink yoghurt (national drink called ayran), Turkish tea and coffee. Sweets: Baklava and Kadayif.
Tips: Check your bill and look if the tip is included. If it is not included they will expect for 10% tip. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, unless they carry your suitcase etc.
 Shopping: Most popular local items are hand-woven carpets, jewellery and leather goods. Remember that you must bargain. There is not only one price there and the shopkeepers love to negotiate the prices. Label price is only to be paid in big shopping centres.
Visit Istanbul's Kapali Carsi Bazaar. There are more than 4000 shops within this big and colourful marketplace (old city). The Spice Bazaar next to the Galata Bridge is also worth to see and discover.
Visit Akmerkez shopping centre, for western style shopping (north side Istanbul in Etiler). Do not miss out the Turkish bath experience. Take your comfortable shoes for walking.
Feel free to call us, for further assistance.
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