Location: Europe & Asia
Local Time: GMT+2
From 30 Oct 11 to 25 Mar 12 GMT +2
From 25 Mar 12 to 28 Oct 12 GMT +3
From 29 Oct 12 to 30 Mar 13 GMT +2
From 31 Mar 13 to 27 Oct 13 GMT +3
Capital City: Ankara
Population: 73.72 million
Area: 780,580357,021 square km, 301,382 square miles.
Language(s): Turkish
Dialling Code: 90
Emergency: Police: 153/154/155/156. Fire: 110. Ambulance: 112
TV Standard: PAL
Driving: Driving is on the right. International Driving Permit is required
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: Turkish Lira (TL)
Notes: TL: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100
Coins: Kurus: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 0900-1230 & 1330-1700 Mon-Fri
Office: 0900-1200 & 1300-1730 Mon-Fri (Government)
Shops: 0900-1900 Mon-Sat (times may vary, especially in tourist areas)
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to the phases of the moon and change each year. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Ramazan Bayrami, Muslims fast during the day and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Generally, centers of tourism are unaffected. Some disruption may continue into Ramazan Bayrami itself. Ramazan Bayrami and Kurban Bayrami may last anything from three to 10 days, depending on the region. Transport and hotels are very busy during these holidays, so book in advance.
Business/Social Hints: Business is conducted in Turkish. Many executives speak a second language. Care should be taken to respect religious conventions, particularly during Ramadan.
Smoking is banned in bars, restaurants, caf�s, shopping malls, workplaces, government offices, schools, hospitals, and all forms of public transport.
On social occasions punctuality is appreciated.
Dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 18 years.
Tipping: Tips of 5-15% are discretionary
