The information provided here is given in good faith and we have done our best to keep it current and accurate. Sometimes things change and the information may become out of date. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@middaytravel.com
What will the weather be like?
Turkey can be visited year-round, depending on your itinerary. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons to travel, due to mild temperatures and less rainfall. Summer temperatures are high, and the season is ideal for cruising the Aegean or hanging out on the beach. The colder temperatures are found in winter is between the months of December and March. This means rain at the coastal regions and moderate snow inland. So the most ideal time to visit Turkey, is April, May and September, October.
Where is Turkey and what’s it like?
97% of the country is in Asia, while 3% is in the most eastern part of Europe.
Will I need a visa? How do I obtain one?
Most Nationalities require a visa for entering Turkey, which can be purchased upon arrival at Ataturk Airport or at the border if you enter by train or bus. Be sure you have cash (US dollars, euros, or pounds sterling) to pay for your visa when you enter Turkey, no travellers cheques or credit cards are accepted, only cash!
What’s the time zone in Turkey?
GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Turkey is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time Zone.
How can I keep in touch with those back home?
The international dialling code for Turkey is +90. IDD is widely available. The outgoing international code is: 00. Mobile phones work across 99.9 % of the country and there are internet cafes in all cities. The average time for a letter to arrive the US is 7 to 10 days.
Is my hairdryer,lap top, or electric shaver going to work in Turkey?
Electricity in Turkey is 220 volt, 50-60 cycle. If you want to bring any electrical equipment, an adapter that converts electricity from 220V to 110V is suggested. Two pin plugs are used throughout Turkey.
How is Turkey’s transportation network?
Turkey has a good bus network with air-conditioned buses, reserved seats and generally good service quality, at least with the big operators. There are a few firms now provide luxurious buses with 1st class seats and service. Buses are staffed by good drivers and a number of assistants.
…and the airports?
Ataturk International Airport is located 24km (15 miles) west of Istanbul and is connected to Istanbul by a Metro rail system. On the Asian side of Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen receives a large amount of budget airline traffic, but it is much further from the city center (110km). There are 47 domestic airports around Turkey and flights between major cities can be a real time saver. And of course, taxis are available from the airport.
Will Ramadan affect my vacation?
As a tourist you will not be affected by Ramadan, and night life will continue in the city as usual. Although most people in rural Turkey will be fasting during the day, many people in the cities and tourist areas typically will not be.
Is Turkey safe?
The crime rate in Turkey is actually less today than in the past. Having said that, locking valuables in safes at the hotel is always a good idea. Some areas of Istanbul can feel a bit dodgy at night, take care in the Taksim area at night. Some pick-pockets have been known to work around the train stations, so some extra attention is advised. Keep an eye on your bags and keep your wallet in a safe hard to reach places. In small cities the crime rate is so low that it is not even worth mentioning. One can totally relax and mingle with the local population without safety worries.
