General Info

Visa Requirements to Enter Turkey

The Turkish government requires visa from citizens of certain countries. Please see the e-consulate web site to learn about the visa requirements to be admitted to Turkey.

Climate

In October the weather is usually pleasant in Istanbul Ataturk Airport. The average temperature is about 20 ^oC. Even though there is probability of rainfall, the weather is generally sunny.

From Boğaziçi University into the city

The city is accessible from Boğaziçi University via very frequent buses. The buses leading to the center of the European side are 59R Şişli – Rumelihisarüstü ; 43R Karaköy – Rumelihisarüstü and 559C Beşiktaş – Rumelihisarüstü, while the one leading to the Asian side is 125 Kadıköy – Rumelihisarüstü. As you walk down the hill to Bebek wharf on the Bosphorus, you can also take one of the commuter boats to the harbour.

If you prefer to use taxi instead, you can use the taxi firms described here.

Driving License

Most international driver's licenses are recognized in Turkey. Car rental companies require for a valid national or international license. Remember to keep to the right-hand side of the road and wear your seat belt at all times.

Time Zone

Turkish Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2)

Electricity

AC, 50 cycles, 220 Volts

Currency

The Turkish Republic Monetary Unit is the New Turkish Lira (YTL). Exchange rates for foreign money are determined by The Central Bank of Turkey daily and announced in the newspapers. Convertible foreign money can be exchanged at the Airports, Banks, Hotels and Exchange Offices. Presently, the rates are 2 YTL = 1 Euro and 1.3 YTL = 1 US. All major credit cards (Visa, Master, Eurocard and American Express) are accepted in most hotels and shops.

Business Hours

Official business hours are 09:00 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:00 Monday through Friday. Banks and Post Offices are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Shops are open 09:00 – 20:00, some even later and/or on weekends.

Communication

Post offices carry the sign PTT in black on a yellow background. At a PTT you can telephone, send mail, telegrams and faxes. For local calls buy telephone cards, Istanbul area codes are 0-212 on the European Side and 0-216 on the Asian Side. When calling abroad from Turkey, you must first dial the International code 00 and then country code (90) and the number. GSM system is also used in Turkey on 900-1800 band frequency. Your GSM operator will almost surely have a partner in Turkey, so you can use your mobile phones.

You can read more information about the city here.