Cappadocia Exploration Tour by Bus
If you are in Ankara, you should take a day to explore the famous Cappadocia. One-day (14 hours) tour to Göreme Museum, Kaymaklı Underground City and more.
Highlights
- Salt Lake
- A nice town near the Kizilirmak river: Avanos
- The area of the ancient churches: Goreme Open Air Museum
- Explore the Nuns and Priests Monastery
- Find the apple among the frescoes: The Apple Church
- One of the nicest sample of the ancient churches: Santa Barbara Chapel
- One of the nicest sample of the ancient churches: Saint Basil Chapel
- One of the best preserved ancient churches: Tokali (Buckled) Church
- Find the fresco of the dragon: Yilanli (Serpent) Church
- Imagine how people survived in ancient Cappadocia: Kaymakli Underground City
- See the sample of natural formations of Cappadocia: Pasabagi (Monks Valley)
- Take pictures of the view: Pigeon Valley
- A nice town in Cappadocia: Uchisar
- One of the nicest samples of the fairy chimneys: Uc Guzeller (Three Beauties)
- If you like trekking among the amazing natural formations: Devrent Valley
- Take pictures at Ortahisar Castle
Cappadocia Exploration Tour by Bus
If you are in Ankara, you should take a day to explore the famous Cappadocia. One-day (14 hours) tour to Göreme Museum, Kaymaklı Underground City and more.
Itinerary
On a one-day tour visit the most popular places in Turkey. Salt Lake, Cappadocia, Urgup, Avanos, and Goreme open-air museum.
- Starting Points: Turkey/Ankara
- Route 1 Salt Lake
This large salty lake is right on the main road from Ankara to Aksaray/Cappadocia. Imagine, 65% of the salt consumed in Turkey, comes from this lake! This place is a MUST to be visited in life! Simply amazing, for a lake that's twice the size of Singapore. Imagine yourself to be surrounded by pink/white crystals that when you touch them, all convert into the water. The lake itself is amazing, fun to walk out and take a few photos, salt crystals will splash right up your legs, t is very good for your skin: After the break time, We will move on to the steppe into Cappadocia.
- Route 2 Avanos
Avanos, watered by tuffaceous and clayey soil, dressed in a sweet redness worthy of its name, a district located on both sides of the Kizilirmak River, the longest river in Turkey. With its unique fairy chimneys, valleys, underground cities and churches, it is one of the most important touristic towns of the Cappadocia region, where handicrafts such as pottery, carpet making and winemaking are developed.
- Route 3 Goreme Open Air Museum
Goreme Open Air Museum is the centre of science and thought in Cappadocia and one of the most special places where the monastic life reigned for thousands of years. This valley, where almost every block of rock was carved and converted into areas of worship, life and teaching, where sanctity in all areas was combined with art, entered the Unesco World Heritage List in 1985. Inside the Goreme Open-Air Museum, where thousands of monks engraved their thoughts on the rocks, the inspiration of St Basil, there are dozens of monastic churches and chapels that can be seen on the trip. The painting techniques of the churches differ according to the period in which they were made. The frescoes, which mostly tell the stories of Jesus Christ and the Bible, are still waiting for their visitors with an inexhaustible energy that the smell of those periods has not passed, the light of their colours have not gone out, and they say, "once we also lived."
- Route 4 Nuns and Priests Monastery/Goreme Open Air Museum
Only two floors of the 7-storey Nuns Monastery carved into the rocks, located on the left at the entrance of the Goreme Open Air Museum, can be visited. The connections between the floors of the Monastery of Priests, which is located opposite the Nuns Monastery and has 4 floors in total, have been closed due to erosion, and only a few rooms on the ground floor could be opened to visitors.
- Route 5 Saint Basil Church/Goreme Open Air Museum
It is at the entrance of the Goreme Open Air Museum. There are burial pits in the narthex separated by columns. The church is dated to the 11th century. Scenes; On the main apse, there is a portrait of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and child Jesus on the obverse, St. Theodore on a horse on the north wall, the depiction of St. George fighting with a dragon on a horse on the south wall, St. Demetrius and 2 saints.
- Route 6 The Apple Church/Goreme Open Air Museum
One of the most important and worth-seeing churches of the Goreme Open Air Museum is the Apple Church. What makes the church special is its architecture and unique decorations. The Cross-planned church was built with three apses, four columns and 9 domes. Each of the Domes has become a symbol of different religious teachings. The paintings of the church, which were restored in the 1990s, were repainted in accordance with the original, while the frescoes, which were lost in colour, were not touched. The church dates from the mid-11th century to the early 12th century.
- Route 7 Saint Barbara Church/Goreme Open Air Museum
The chapel behind the rock where the Elmali (Apple) Church is located was built in the 11th century. It is dedicated to the Egyptian Barbara, whom his father killed because he was a Christian and was accepted as a martyr and rose to sainthood. The chapel, which has no human depictions on its walls, is decorated with red ocher, geometric patterns and mythological animal depictions. There is also an inscription on the wall that is thought to be a prayer. In the cross-shaped plan, the north, south and west arms of the cross were built with barrel vaults. On the central dome, there is a large portrait of Jesus Christ.
- Route 8 Serpent Church/Goreme Open Air Museum
The serpentine Church got its reputation from the depiction of Saint Onuphrius, the Monk who wandered in the Egyptian deserts, as a man with a long beard in frescoes, as a woman with breasts; and got its name from the depiction of the green dragon, which is likened a snake, fighting to Saint George. The church is entered from the North, and directly opposite the entrance, next to it is a depiction of Jesus carrying the Bible in his left hand with the endower of the church. In the eastern part of the vault is a depiction of the Saints, and in the West is a depiction of the Saint Onuphrius with a long-haired, naked body with a palm tree in front of it. The period in which the church is dated is the 11th century.
- Route 9 Tokali (Buckled) Church in Goreme Open Air Museum
Although it is outside the Goreme Open Air Museum, it is the largest and oldest rock church in the region that can be visited with a museum ticket. The church, thought to have been built in the 10th century, is divided into 4 sections as the old church, the new church and the chapel under the old church. The likeness of a large sphere pictured in the apse of the church to a buckle caused the name of the church to be called "buckled church". Again, on the left side of the apse, the scene depicting the multi-armed Erubin and Kerubin angels believed to bear the throne of the god in heaven is one of the scenes that have preserved their interest throughout the history.
- Route 10 Kaymakli Underground City
Kaymakli underground city, which is located in the precious Cappadocia region of Nevsehir, which has been restored and preserved until today, offers the most adventurous and exciting exploration. It excites, amazes and fascinates its visitors by presenting a completely different world in the depths of the earth! 8-storey underground city; With its huge bolt stones, wine cellars, narrow and enigmatic corridors, it enables us to feel the centuries before Christ.
- Route 11 Pasabagi (Monks Valley)
The Pasabagi Valley, also known as the priests, attracting attention among the impressive natural formations of Cappadocia and a must-visit, is a unique natural beauty that welcomes thousands of tourists every year. Considering that there are millions of people who come from one end of the world to see the unique beauty of the valley, the word beauty is less than just a word for these formations. Pasabagi Valley, which takes its place in the most famous valleys in Cappadocia, is in the most important position of the region.
- Route 12 Pigeon Valley
One of the most famous places in Nevsehir Cappadocia, which most impresses those who see it with its historical depth and nature, is the Guvercinlik Valley. The valley, which is integrated with the interesting history and the story of the pigeons who gave the valley its name from the past to the present, is the stopover point of those who want to feel the traces of the old together with the magnificent view.
- Route 13 Uchisar Castle
In fact, Uchisar is among the places "must be visited before you die" with its stone houses in the valleys and streets that smell of history, which are known as the Uchisar Castle in the Cappadocia region. The visuality and historical richness offered by Uchisar increased the touristic value of the town and made it the most concentrated area of luxury boutique hotels. Millions of people from all over the world visit this charming town, which is also famous for its rock-carved houses, tandoori house and winery.
- Route 14 Uc Guzeller (Three Beauties), Devrent Valley
Appearance of two large and one small fairy chimneys, like the core family consisting of parents and children, has made the three beauties a point that cannot be crossed without being seen in Cappadocia. As if passing through a familiar family or not saying let's take a photo is a deficiency. In Cappadocia, which is among the Unesco World Heritage Sites, the Three Beauties Fairy Chimneys are among the most photographed places. These 3 fairy chimneys are symbols of Cappadocia.
- Route 15 Ortahisar Castle
Ortahisar Castle, which is identified with the name of the town where it is located, is also known as the biggest fairy chimney in Cappadocia. The castle, which rises just like a Babylon tower, is one of the first knowns of the world's multi-storey settlements and a frequent destination of Silk Road caravans. The rocks where Ortahisar Castle is surrounded by steep valleys on three sides were carved by Hittites for the purpose of protection and shelter in the old times when wars were abundant. Later, it was used as a shelter in the times of Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans.
- End Points: Turkey/Ankara
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Informations
- What's Included
• Pick up from your hotel or meeting point.
• Drop off to your hotel or meeting point.
• Archaeological sites parking fees.
• Private professional licenced tour guide.
• This is a private tour/activity, only your group will participate.
• Local Taxes.
- What's Excluded
• Admission fees to the museums and sights.
• Personal expenses not included.
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Gratuities to tour guides and drivers.
- Travel Tips
• Please wear comfortable shoes and casual dress code.
• Guests should watch their steps at all times in order to avoid injuries to people with mobility impairments.
• Cameras (but tripods are not allowed in Turkish Museums and sites).
• Good quality sunglasses are advised and photo-chromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles.
• Hat, sunscreen, and umbrella for the rainy or sunny days, especially days that can be hot in Archaeological sites.
• You can get bottles of soft drinks, it can be scorching hot during the day.
• The clothes you bring with you should be according to the season of your trip. Shorts, t-shirts can be worn. There is no obligation to cover your head or shoulders In Turkey.
• You may pay the entrance fees by credit card or Turkish Liras (The Museums charging only Turkish Liras and Credit cards).
• This tour involves over a mile of walking on uneven, cobblestone surfaces.
• Restrooms are available at the entrance and the exit of Archaeological Sites.
- Note
• Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time
• This tour operated with just your party and a guide/driver
• Complementery Turkey Map, Turkey Brouchers.
• The tour document with details and confirmations will be e-mailed after your prebooking
• Infant seats are available
• It is suitable for wheelchair users
• All customer touchpoints are frequently cleaned
• Social distancing is maintained in vehicles.
• Masks required
• This tour is available all year round.
Tour Reminder!
You can create a reminder for yourself for this tour. We will send you a reminder e-mail/sms about this tour on the date you specify.
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FAQs
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How to meet my tour guide?
Your tour guide/staff will be waiting at pick up points such as your hotels’ lobby/main gate, a specific point etc. according to timing which you were given before tour date.
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Can I state the departure time for my tour?
Of course! We also operate tours on private basis, so you can customize the departure time, if it is a private service.
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Can I choose the sights to visit on my own?
On private tours. You can choose the sights and museums along with all sort of criteria you like by your agent according to content of service.
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How to buy museum tickets?
If the museum tickets are included in your tour, you do not need to buy it as extra. But if the museum ticket/s is/are not included in your tour, still no need to buy tickets in advance, during the tour your tour guide will help you to purchase them. Official tour guides have priority at museum ticket offices.
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Am I traveling with a group on the tour?
There will be two different tour type. Group tour and Private tour. On Private tours, you get a specific service according to confirmed plan for you/your party.
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How about the transportation?
When you book your tour with a van, you will be picked up from hotel, be transferred to the sights and then back to hotel. Otherwise, once you meet your tour guide at your hotel, you will be advised the best option for transportation such as taxi or tram.
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How do I pay?
After filling the Book Now form, there will be a payment button to complete your deposit payment, when you complete payment and secure the booking, we will confirm your tour details and balance payment will be in cash directly to the tour guide during the tour. You can choose to pay in USD, Euro or Turkish Lira.
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What is the language of group tours?
Our daily regular/scheduled group tours are organized in English. But if the number of your party is more than 10 persons you can ask for a tour guide in other languages. On the other hand, Private Tours can be organized in English, Spanish, German, Arabic, Russian and more etc.
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What type of restaurants do you use?
On group tours we use touristic restaurants which has open buffet. On private tours we use local restaurants which has a specific menu.
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How to pay for my services?
Beside money transfer by bank we accept visa and mastercard online payments on our online secure payment webpage.
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Am I traveling with a group?
No. You will be traveling independently on the regular transports according to your choice (Plane/Bus) but you will be with a small group only on local tours at the chosen areas this gives you an opportunity to meet different people through your stay. On the other hand, a private tour organization is always an option.
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If I cancel my group or private tour in last minute?
We are always tolerantly according to unexpected situations. Normally we should use cancellation policy rules but our company supports its clients as much as possible according to conditions.
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Good to Know
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Currency Regulation
Limits
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into Turkey, but not more than 5 5,000 worth of Turkish currency may be brought into or taken out of the country. -
Exchange Slips
The exchange slips for the conversion of foreign currency into Turkish lira should be kept, since you may be required to show these when reconverting your Turkish lira back into foreign currency, and when taking souvenirs out of the country (to prove that they have been purchased with legally exchanged foreign currency).
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Customs Regulations
On Entry
The following items may be brought into the country duty free personal effects of the tourist.
One TV, one color pocket TV (maximum 16 cm screen), one TV-tape-radio combination, one video recording camera and 5 video cassettes (blank); 5 records, 5 tape cassettes or compact discs, one video player, cine-projector (8 mm) and 10 rolls of film (blank), one slide projector, one pocket computer (maximum main memory capacity Ram 128k. Byte), electronic playing devices (without cassette – keyboard), one transistor radio and portable radio – tape player (its specification to be determined by the Ministry of Finance and Customs), one Walkman or pocket tape recorder, one portable compact disc player, binoculars (one pair, except night binoculars), harmonica, mandolin, flageolet, flute, guitar, and accordion (only one of each type, maximum 3 musical instruments). personal sports equipment, necessary medical items, bicycle, baby buggy, toys, 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars. 200 grams of tobacco and 200 cigarette papers, or 50 grams of chewing tobacco or 200 grams of pipe tobacco, or 200 grams of snuff (In addition to the above allowances, it is possible to purchase 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, and 500 grams of pipe tobacco from the Turkish Duty Free Shops upon entering the country), 1.5kg. coffee, 1.5kg. instant coffee, 500 grams of tea, 1 kilo chocolate and 1 kilo sweets, 5 (100 cc) or 7 (70 cc) bottles of wines and/or spirits, five bottles of perfume (120 ml max. each), one portable typewriter, one camera with 5 rolls of film, first aid, and spare parts for the car, other items necessary during the journey.
Valuable items and all items with a value of over $ 15,000 must be registered in the owner’s passport upon entering Turkey, for control upon exit.
Antiques brought into the country must be registered in the owner’s passport to avoid difficulties on exit.
Sharp instruments (including camping knives) and weapons may not be brought into the country without special permission.
The bringing into the country, trade, and consumption of marijuana and all other narcotics is strictly forbidden and subject to heavy punishment.
Gifts, not exceeding 500 DM in value and not for trading purposes, may be brought into the country duty free. In addition, gifts not exceeding 500 OM in value may be posted to Turkey duty free, if the date stamped by the sending post office falls one month before, or one month after the following holidays: Seker Bayrami, Kurban Bayrami, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Note
Cellular Telephones entering the country must be accompanied by a certification form showing ownership. Ownership must be documented in the passport of the owner and will be checked on entry and exit. For more information contact the Ministry of transportation, General Directorate at Tel: (312) 212 35 72 – 212 60 10 (10 lines), Fax: (312) 221 32 26 or write to Ulastirma Bakanligi Telsiz Gn. Md. Emek – Ankara.
On Exit
Gifts and souvenirs: for a new carpet, a proof of purchase; for old items, a certificate from a directorate of a museum is necessary. Exporting antiques from Turkey is forbidden.
Valuable personal items can only be taken out of the country providing they have been registered in the owner’s passport upon entry, or providing they can show they have been purchased with legally exchanged currency.
Minerals may only be exported from the country with a special document obtained from the MTA (General Directorate of Mining Exploration and Research). Etudler Dairesi 06520, Ankara. Phone: +90 312 287 3430 /1622, Fax: +90 312 285 4271
Tax Refund
You Can Receive a Tax Refund for the Goods You Purchased In Turkey! Refunds will be made to travelers who do not reside in Turkey. All goods (including food and drinks) are included in the refunds with the exclusion of services rendered. The minimum amount of purchase that qualifies for refund is 5.000.000 TL. Retailers that qualify for tax refunds must be “authorized for refund.” These retailers must display a permit received from their respective tax office.
The retailer will make four copies of the receipt for your refund, three of which will be received by the purchaser. If photocopies of the receipt are received the retailer must sign and stamp the copies to validate them. If you prefer the refund to be made by check, a Tax-free Shopping Check for the amount to be refunded to the customer must be given along with the receipt.
For the purchaser to benefit from this exemption he must leave the country within three months with the goods purchased showing them to Turkish customs officials along with the appropriate receipts and! or check.
There are four ways to receive your refund:
If the retailer gives you a check it can be cashed at a bank in the customs area at the airport. If it is not possible to cash the check upon departure or if you do not wish to cash it then, .e customer must, within one month, send a copy of the receipt showing that the goods have left the country to the retailer who will, within ten days upon receiving the receipt, send a bank transfer to the purchaser’s hank or address.
If the certified receipt and check are brought back to the retailer on a subsequent visit thin one-month of the date of customs certification, the refund can be made directly to the purchaser. Retailers may directly refund the amount to trustworthy customers upon purchase. The refund may be made by the organization of those companies that are authorized to make tax refunds.
Additional information:
Ministry of Finance and Tax Dept. General Directorate, (Maliye Bakanligi, Gelirler Genel Mudurlugu) KDV Subesi 06100, Ulus – Ankara Phone: +90 312 310 3880 / 725 – 728 – 735, Fax: +90 312 311 4510
Tourist Health
Turkish Tourist Health Society (Turizm Sagligi Dernegi-Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Plastik ve Rekonstrüktif Cerrahi Ana Bilim Dali, Sihhiye 06100 ANKARA
Phone:
+90 312 311 9393 – 310 98 08) performs the functions below, to provide the travelers in the entire country, mainly in the touristic regions, with proper health care:
- to secure food hygiene
- to prevent environmental pollution
- to ensure hygiene and healthy working-conditions in touristic establishments.
Health Regulations for Pets
For those who wish to bring domestic animals into the country the following are required:
- Pets have to be 3 months and older
- An International Certificate of Health issued within 15 days before the travel
- The Identification Card
- Vaccination Card
Note
If you have an official certificate, you may bring one cat, one bird, one dog and 10 aquarium fish into the country. To get information for the importation of pets, please see the Consular Services. -
Motorist Rules
General
Those who wish to enter the country with their vans, minibuses, automobiles, station wagons, bicycles, motorcycles, motorbikes, sidecars, buses, motor coaches, trailers, caravans or other transport vehicles, will have to provide the following documentations:
- Passport.
- International driving license.
- Car license (document where all details related to the car and the owner’s name are registered). If it is somebody else’s vehicle a power of attorney should be provided.
- International green card (Insurance card). The TR sign should be visible.
- Transit book “Carnet de passage” (for those who want to proceed to the Middle East).
Period
The vehicle can be brought into Turkey for up to 6 Months. The owner should declare on the opposite form, the date of departure at the border gate and should absolutely ve the country at the date declared. If for any important reason the staying period has to be ended, it is necessary to apply to;
The Turkish Touring and Automobile Club (Türkiye Turing ve Otomobil Kurumu) 1. Sanayi Sitesi Yani, 4.Levent, Istanbul, Phone: +90 212 282 8140 (7 lines).
The General Directorate of Customs (Gümrükler Genel Müdürlügü), Ulus Ankara Phone:
+90 312 310 3880, 310 3818, Fax: +90 312 311 1346, before the end of the period declared.
In Case of Accident
The accident should be reported to the police or gendarme. That report has to be certified by the nearest local authority. The owner should apply to the customs authority with his passport and report.
If the vehicle can be repaired, it is necessary to inform the customs authority first and take the vehicle to a garage. If the vehicle is not repairable and if the owner wishes to leave the country without his vehicle, he has to deliver it to the nearest customs office, and the registration of his vehicle on his passport will be cancelled. (Only after the cancellation can the owner of the vehicle leave the country.)
Following an accident, you can phone:
- Trafik Polisi (Traffic Police), Phone: 154
- Jandarma (Gendarme), Phone: 156
- For more information, contact the Touring and Automobile Association of Turkey.
Formalities for Private Yacht Owners
Yachts require a Transit Log and may remain in Turkish waters for up to two years maintenance or for wintering. There are certain ports licensed by the Ministry of Tourist the storage of yachts for a period of two to five years. For further information and regulations contact the marina concerned.
Upon arriving in Turkish waters, yachts should immediately go for control of the ship to the nearest port of entry which are as follows: Iskenderun, Botas (Adana), Mersin, Tasucu, Anamur, Alanya, Antalya, Kemer, Finike, Kas, Fethiye, Marmaris, Datça, Bodrum, Güllük Didim, Kusadasi, Çesme, Izmir, Dikili, Ayvalik, Akçay, Çanakkale, Bandirma, Tekirdag, Istanbul, Zonguldak, Sinop, Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, Rize, Hopa.
Port Formalities
All the required information concerning the yacht, yachtsmen, members, intended route, passports, customs declarations, health clearance, and any obligatory matters must be entered in the Transit Log.
The Transit Log is to be completed by the captain of a yacht under a foreign flag or amateur sailor acting as captain of the vessel.
The Transit Log is completed upon first entering a Turkish port and, generally, it is necessary to contact the Harbor Authority before leaving. For information on tax-free fuel, contact the Marina Harbor Office.
Note
If you have a certificate from the Tourism Ministry Yacht Harbor, you may take petrol at no charge, provided you possess an official marina license. -
Formalities for Private Plane Owners
General
When coming to Turkey, international air routes should be followed. Private planes may stay for up to three months in Turkey with tourist status, but for longer periods permission should be obtained from;
The General Directorate of Customs (Gümrükler Genel Müdürlügü), Ulus Ankara
Phone:
+90 312 310 3880, 310 3818, Fax: +90 312 311 1346
The airports of Ankara, Adana, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Trabzon and Dalaman have ties for private planes. It is also possible to hire planes and helicopters in Turkey.
For further information, apply to:
The Civil Aviation Department of the Ministry of Transport (Ulastirma Bakanligi, Havacilik Gen. Müd.). Bosna-Hersek Cad., No: 5 – 06338 – Emek, Ankara.
Phone:
+90 312 212 6730, Fax: +90 312 2124684, TIx : 44659 Ga-tr.
Underwater Diving
Diving for purposes of sport, with proper equipment and in non-restricted areas, is permitted. Foreign divers should have official documentation of their specifics and training and must be accompanied, when diving, by a licensed Turkish guide.
The limit for diving with diving gear is 30 meters. For educational purposes, this limit is extended to 42 meters. Dives exceeding 30 meters must be carried out with proper diving and medical equipment. In order to protect Turkish archaeological and cultural values. It is strictly forbidden to transport Turkish antiquities or natural specimens. -
Postal System
Turkish post-offices are easily recognized by their black PTT letters on a yellow background. Major post offices are open from 8:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m., Monday/Saturday, and 9:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m., Sunday. Small post-offices have the same hours as the government offices.
Postal charges vary for different services depending on destination. Post restante letters should be addressed “postrestant” to the central post-office Merkez Postanesi, in the town of your choice. You have to show your identification card to collect your letters.
All PTT branches have the facilities to exchange money at the current international exchange rates, as well as international postal orders and travelers’ cheques. There is also an express postal service (APS) operating to 90 countries for letters , documents and small packages. A wide variety of special stamps are available in all PTT centers for philatelists.
To phone from PTT telephone booths, which are extensively found in all areas; telephone cards , and tokens (“;jeton”) in three sizes are used. Local, inter-city and international calls can be made from all PTT offices. Besides these main offices there are also mobile PTT services in the touristic areas. For the area codes of major cities and touristic areas in Turkey, please see the “Area Codes” list. Foreign countries area codes are indicated in the International Telephone Codes list.
Some important service numbers are;
- 155 Police
- 112 Emergency
- 110 Fire
- 118 Unknown Numbers
- 161 PTT Information. -
Working Hours
Government Offices
Monday-Friday (8:30-12:30), (13:30-17:30)
Saturday-Sunday (closed)
Banks
Monday-Friday (8:30-12-00), (13:30-17:00)
Saturday-Sunday (closed)
Shops
Monday-Saturday (9:30-13:00), (14:00-19:00)
Sunday (closed)
Istanbul Covered Market:
Monday-Saturday (8:00-19:00)
Sunday (closed)
During summer months, the government offices and many other establishments in the Aegean and Mediterranean Regions are closed in the afternoon. These fixed summer hours are determined by the governing bodies of the provinces. -
Other Practical Information
Local time: GMT+3 hours (April-September) GMT+2 hours (October-March)
Time Differences:
Argentina -5, France -1, Netherlands -1, Australia +8, Germany -1, Saudi Arabia+1, Austria -1, Greece 0, Sweden -1, Egypt 0, Italy -1, Switzerland -1, England -2, Japan +7, Spain -1, USA -7 (EST) -10 (WEST)
*These time differences are for the period October-March; however, they may show variances according to each country’s own time-saving adjustments.
Petrol: Super (premium) – Unleaded (at some places). Normal (regular) – Diesel.
Electricity: 220 volts AC/50 Hz. all over Turkey. (Industrial:380 V) Plug: European round/ 2-prong plug.
Water: Although tap water is safe to drink since it is chlorinated, it is recommended to get advice from the conceded authorities of the places resided.
Weights and Measures:
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters , 1 centimeter = 0.3937 inches
1 yard = 0,9144 meters, 1 meter = 1.0936 yards
1 mile = 1,6093 kilometers, 1 kilometer = 0.6214 miles
1 pound = 0,4536 kilograms, 1 kilogram = 2.2046 pounds
Area: 1 acres = 0,4047 Hectares, 1 hectare = 2.471 acres
Capacity:
1 UK gallon = 4.546 liters, 1 liter = 0.2199 UK gallons
1 US gallon = 3.7831 liters, 1 liter = 0.2643 US gallons
Newspapers and Magazines:
Foreign newspapers and magazines are available in big cities and tourist areas. Also there is a Turkish daily newspaper, Daily News, published in English.
Tipping:
At various establishments like hotels, restaurants, Turkish baths, barbers and hairdressers, tipping at a rate of 5%-15% of the total is common. Taxi and “dolmus” drivers on the other hand, do not expect tips or even rounded fares.
Visiting a mosque:
Five times a day, the “müezzin” calls the faithful to prayer in the mosque. Before entering a mosque, Muslims wash themselves and remove their shoes. Foreign visitors should also remove their shoes and show the respect they would any other house of worship and avoid visiting the mosque during prayer time. Women should cover their heads and arms, and not wear miniskirts. Men should not wear shorts. (In certain famous mosques, overalls are provided for those not suitably dressed.)
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