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Tourist Office – The Turkish Tourist Office in Sydney closed in 2003.
Australian Embassy, Ankara
MNG Building
Ugur Mumcu Caddesi No. 88, 7th Floor
Gaziosmanpasa, Ankara.
Telephone: (90 - 312) 459 9521
Fax: (90 - 312) 446 4827
E-mail: anka.passports@dfat.gov.au
Office hours: Monday to Friday between 0800 and 1645.
Australian Consulate-General, Istanbul
Asker Ocagi Caddesi No:15
Elmadag, Sisli , Istanbul.
Telephone: (90 - 212) 243 1333
Fax: (90 - 212) 243 1332
Office hours: Monday to Friday between 0830 and 1700.
Consular Emergency Centre: (61 2) 62613305.
Health Regulations - No vaccinations required unless arriving from infected areas.
Duty Free -
Tobacco : 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or 200g of tobacco.
Alcohol : 1 bottle (1L) or 2 bottles (70 or 75cl).
Perfume: 4-5 bottles, eau de cologne, lavender essence, location (120 ml max per bottle)
Banking Hours - Banks open from 0830 - 1200 & 1330 - 1700 Monday to Friday.
Currency - New Turkish Lira (YTL). 1 YTL = 1 Australian dollar approximately.
US dollars or Euros are also useful when travelling or when bargaining for major purchases. ATMs are widespread and major credit cards are accepted.
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Climate - Coastal Turkey has hot summers with little rain and mild winters.
Phone Service - Phone cards or tokens are used for calls from public phones.
Wide mobile phone range is available.
Medical Services - All types and standards of services are available.
Tipping - Tips are accepted and appreciated but not expected. If in doubt, do as in Australia.
Voltage and Plug Shape - 220 volt. Two pronged cylindrical plug (standard European).
Dress Requirements - There is no dress code in Turkey. A head scarf and modest dress is recommended for women when visiting mosques.
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Transport - Most major airlines, including Turkish Airlines, have direct flights to Turkey. There are rail and road connections to Asia and Europe and hydrofoil or ferry services to several Greek islands.
Internal Transport - Excellent bus network and some rail and coastal ferries. Dolmus (shared taxi service usually a minibus), taxis and buses for local travel.
Driving - Right hand side of the road. Excellent signage in English script and well-maintained road network. Local (ie Australian state) driving licence is sufficient.
Accomodation - All types from palaces to pensions are available including many with historical or special character. Most hotels include breakfast in the rate.
Entertainment – Night clubs, discos, cafes and restaurants. Traditional belly dancing.
Major Attractions - Turkey is often referred to as "the world's largest open air museum" and even seasoned travellers will find new, exciting vacation experiences. Opportunities for water sports, trekking, climbing, shopping, nightclubbing, relaxing on a beach or spending time exploring natural wonders, ancient cities and cultures are everywhere. Istanbul, Antalya and the south coast, Cappadocia and Gallipoli are just some of the attractions.
Food and Drink - Turkish cuisine is rich and diverse and one of the world's best and healthiest. Food is prepared using the freshest ingredients. Famous and popular dishes include: kebabs, vegetable dishes, pide, baklava, Turkish coffee, raki, and Turkish delight.
Tap water is drinkable but bottled water is available everywhere and preferable.
Alcohol is widely available.
Shopping - Turkey's exchange rate makes any luxury affordable and any shopaholic ecstatic. Traditional crafts include carpets, kilims, leather and suede, copper and bronzeware, gold and silver jewellery, meerschaum pipes, embroidery, ceramics and onyx. Istanbul boasts great shopping with its historic Covered Bazaar and Spice Market plus modern malls and boutiques carrying the latest fashions and goods. There are modern shops and traditional bazaars throughout Turkey.
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