Tips from Trip Advisor website

When obtaining visas at the border or airport, seek out the separate visa sales desk before getting in the line for passport control.

Euros, Dollars, Or even GBP are greatly accepted so either is fine. But the local currency is the YTL ( Turkish liras ) Change your currency as needed at the dovis ( change office bureau ) Travelers checks are not recommend to Turkey or Antalya as they are a hassle and also charge a service fee to cash them at the banks. A lot of hotels will not accept. Better with dollars, or euros or better yet use the ATM's.

Exchange some of your foreign currency to Liras at a change offices in Turkey. But don't exchange at the airport wait until you can get to a change office you will get a better price. However you can use the ATM at the airport at your arrival. As you will need some Liras to pay for small items to the markets, taxis etc. Small places probably not take Euros or dollars. Most of the changes offices are located in the center of town and I am sure that the hotel will give you some help or directions.

If you use a ATM please use one that is located outside of a national bank and also during regular business hours. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

This way if you experience any problems with your card you can directly report it at the bank. Also do make sure that you advise your bank of your planned travel to Turkey. If not the bank after a transaction or two may freeze your card after one or two transactions.

1. Turkish belongs to the Ural-Altaic family of languages, and is rather different from languages of the Indo-European family. There are 29 letters in the Turkish alphabet, and it may be helpful to look at the list of letters following this phrase list to familiarise yourself with the pronunciation. You can see that some of the endings (especially the questions in these examples) have an '-iz' . This indicates a formal, less familiar tone, similar to "vouz" in French.
   
2. Turkish pronunciation is phonetic, very few letters are 'swallowed' in most instances each letter is pronounced, usually in pairs i.e. Merhaba is pronounced MARE - HA - BA with the MARE being pronounced as mare in english, HA as in haha :o), BA as in bah humbug :o)
3. Try using a little Turkish whilst your here, it will be greatly appreciated and bring a big smile.
4. One very important phrase is Hoş Geldiniz pronounced "hosh gel din iz". You may well hear this a lot as you enter a resturant or shop, it's a form of greeting, it's near literal translation is "You came well", basically well come or welcome :o) The proper response is Hoş Bulduk pronounced "hosh bull duk", " we found well". If you remember nothing but this you'll go a long way :o)
5. The phonetic pronounciation is written using english English pronounciation, sorry to any Americans etc. just pretend you're English and use that pronounciation :o)
   

Hello	Merhaba!	MARE-HA-BA see above
Good evening	İyi akşamlar!	EE AK-SHAM-LAR
Good-bye	Hoşçakal!	HOSH-CHA-KAL
How are you?	Nasılsın?	NA-SEL-SIN
I am fine, and you?	İyiyim, sen nasılsın?	EE-IM, SEN NA-SEL-SIN
Not very well.	Çok iyi değil.	CHOK EEYI DEY-EEL
Thank you	Teşekkür ederim.	TE-SH-QU-ERR ED-ERR-IM
You’re welcome	Birşey değil. (in response to “Thank you”)	BEER-SHEY DEY-EEL
Please	Lütfen.	LUT-FEN
Do you speak English?	İngilizce konuşur musunuz? İngilizce biliyor musunuz?	INN-GLIZ-JE CON-NUSH-OR MUS-UN-UZ (BILL-IYOR)
I don’t speak Turkish	Türkçe bilmiyorum!	TURK-JEH BILL-MI-YOR-UM
I don’t understand	Sizi anlamıyorum.	SI-ZI ANN-LA-MA-YOR-UM
Could you please repeat	Şunu tekrar edebilir misiniz?	SHU-NU TEK-RA ED-EBB-ILL-EAR MISS-IN-IZ
Pleased to meet you	Tanıştığımıza sevindim./Memnum oldum	TAN-ISH-TI-IM-IZA SEV-IN-DIM/ MEM-NUM-OLL-DUM
Where is the washroom?	Afedersiniz, tuvalet nerede?	AFF-ED-DER-SIN-IZ TOO-WA-LET NER-REY-DE
How much does it cost?	Ne kadar?	NAY KAD-AR
May I speak to [Name]?	[Name] ile görüşebilir miyim?	... ILL-EH GOR-EH-SHEBB-ILL-EAR ME-YIM
I am sorry	Özür dilerim. Pardon!	OUZ-UR DILL-EAR-IM PARR-DON
Excuse me	Afedersiniz.	AFF-ED-DAR-SAN-IZ
Can you help me?	Yardım edebilir misiniz?	YARR-DIM ED-EBB-ILL-EAR MISS-IN-IZ
Yes	Evet.	EV-ET
No	Hayır.	HI-EAR
I don’t know	Bilmiyorum.	BILL-ME-YOR-UM
Okay/Alright	Tamam	TAM-AM
Welcome	Hoş Geldiniz	HOSH GEL-DIN-IZ
We came well(response to hoş geldiniz)	Hoş Bulduk	HOSH BULL-DUK

Pronunciation guide of Turkish alphabet:

A – sounds like ah as in " awful"

B – sounds like b as in " bed"

C – sounds like j as in " juniper"

Ç – sounds like ch as in " chipper"

D – sounds like d as in " dog"

E – sounds like eh as in " hey"

F – sounds like f as in " fun"

G – sounds like g as in " gift"

Ğ – silent letter ( The English word 'yoghurt' (or yogurt) is taken from the Turkish yoğurt, pronounced: 'yo-urt')

H – sounds like h as in " happy"

I – sounds like ə as in "th e"

İ – sounds like i as in " interest"

J – sounds like je as in "mira ge"

K – sounds like k as in " king"

L – sounds like l as in " love"

M – sounds like m as in " man"

N – sounds like n as in " none"

O – sounds like o as in " over"

Ö – sounds like ö as in "c ook"

P – sounds like p as in " pickle"

R – sounds like r as in " river"

S – sounds like s as in " supper"

Ş – sounds like sh as in " shelf"

T – sounds like t as in " top"

U – sounds like u as in " oodles"

Ü – sounds like ü as in "astute"

V – sounds like v as in " vestibule"

Y – sounds like y as in " yes"

Z – sounds like z as in " zoo"

The International Dialing Code to access Turkish telephone numbers is 0090. However, as it is normal to remove the first 0 from a number after adding the International code, it's easier to regard Turkey's International Code as 009

Municipal areas have a 4 digit access code and each village within that area has it's own 3 digit code. There is a 4 digit code for each line. Hence, a Turkish telephone number for use within the country will appear as 0252 ( Fethiye Code) 618 (Kaya Koyu code) 1234 ( phone number ) .

Their are a huge number of public call boxes in Turkey and the majority work by insertion of a call card. These cards can be purchased at most small general shops, the post offices ( PTT ) and some supermarkets. You can also use metered telephones within post offices and pay at the completion of the call.

Most mobile telephone numbers in Turkey can be recognised by their 05 prefix. Turkish SIM cards can be purchased cheaply at all mobile phone shops for use in mobile phones. In most phone shops in towns there is usually someone who's English is reasonably good and they will be able to help you. This is a much cheaper way of making calls within the country than using your own airtime supplier's roaming service.

Tipping: It is customary to leave a tip in restaurants (10%), for hotel chambermaids, in reception for hotel staff . Taxi drivers do not normally expect a tip, but they do appreciate it, and it's acceptable to "round up" the fare. So if you're charged 4.5YTL it's usual to give the driver 5YTL. Hairdressers also get tips, similar to the UK.

Visiting mosques: Both men and women are expected to wear clothing which comes to below knee level and to have their shoulders and chests covered. Shorts, tanks tops and halters are completely inappropriate. Women must cover their hair with a hat or scarf, and men should be bareheaded. Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque, carry them with you unless you are with a guide who instructs you to leave them outside. Many of the larger mosques provide plastic sacks for you to carry your shoes in.

There are usually signs which indicate whether picture taking is allowed; pay attention to whether flash is allowed. Do not aim your camera at anyone who may be praying.

Do not enter a mosque during a prayer service, wait outside until it is finished.

Etiquette

Please as tourists remember that this is a largely Muslim country and modesty is appreciated. In restaurants it's expected that men will wear at least T shirt and shorts and women to wear more than beach wear. It is also more polite to cover up a little when shopping etc. If you come from the beach at least wear a sun dress over the bikini or shorts and a top.

It is totally normal for men and women to greet each other with a kiss on each cheek and a hug and will often walk around arm in arm regardless of gender. This is a natural expression of affection.When greeting people shake the hand of the eldest person first. You may also see/ experience younger people kiss an older persons right hand and then put it to their forhead. This is a mark of respect for the older person.

Emergency Phone Numbers

• Ambulance/Medical: 112
• Fire: 110
• Police: 155

Turkish pharmacies are great. They go out of their way to help travelers. Many medicines usually only available on prescription in the UK are available over the counter. The pharmacist often being in a role more akin to that of the UK General Practitioner. Also (may you guys never need it) the quality of medical care in Turkey is high. Not only is the Turkish medical care excellent it is also very cheap. In some resort areas there are clinics were basic assessment and investigations wil be provided free of charge on production of a valid travel insurance certificate. The private hospitals are excellent. Usually you will be provided with an English speaker to accompany on your appointment. The wait is generally minimal and then medicines purchased on prescription from the pharmacy. A consultation, investigation costing around 30GBP.

Dentists are also much less expensive than in the UK. It's often best to find a recommendation but most are very accommodating and no long waits for treatment. A replacement filling cost around 20GBP.

There have been some posts where women traveling in coastal regions have been hassled. This might have something to do with attire. Try to avoid beachwear while visiting places other than the beach. In cities remember that while Turkey is a secular culture it is wise to dress like you're in a big city. For visiting religious sites women should wear a long sleeved tops, long skirt or pants and cover their heads with a scarf or hat. This type of respect for the religion and culture in Turkey is ALWAYS greatly appreciated. Going about alone in Turkey is fine (in East Turkey, it is wise to travel with a group), people have walked about alone all over Turkey day or night and have never had a problem but common sense should prevail in any foreign place.

For men, there have been some incidents of drink price scams in Istanbul and other places lately. Be careful of anyone who offers to take you to a great place with drinks, ladies, disco, etc. If you find yourself there and feel uncomfortable, LEAVE, don't be embarassed, if you find you have been victimized report it to the Tourist Police and local police, again don't be embarassed. If you feel uncomfortble in any situation not just the one mentioned above, just leave. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption is also a good idea. You're on holiday but use your good sense. Avoid places where there is no menu or where prices are not clearly posted. If in doubt about meal or drink price, simply ask! And also bear in mind that the legislation in touristic areas forbids sales persons to "touch" or "hassle" tourists. If you are asked to buy stuff and you will be asked for sure, just say "no thank you" and keep moving. Just be polite and you won't have a problem. "Hasslers" are also not supposed to hassle you in the street. They should remain on their own premises - can be worth pointing this out!

When you leave your hotel during your stay always tell the staff where you are going. Take along the number of the consular office for your country just in case you encounter a problem and need some help. Keep your money in a safe place, not in your suitcase or backpack. Use the convenient ATMs and be careful when using them just like you would do in your home country. You need a 4 digit pin number to use ATMs in Turkey. The Turkish people are friendly and helpful, they will help you get where you are going. Don't confine yourself to tourist sites, you'll be surprised at what's off the beaten path, some of the best experiences in Turkey have come from just walking around the various districts and talking to people. Go to the local stores, you'd be surprised what you find. Migros, a big shopping center, they are in lots of Turkish cities.

In the summer, it is wise to bring along a hat and drink plenty of bottled water. Water is sold everywhere. Perhaps the most important: open yourself to the friendliness and culture of Turkey, talk to people, learn a few phrases, hello, please, thank you. Also take the time to talk to people. Their outlook on life is fascinating and you'll learn so much more about the country, its culture and customs. In most of the tourist areas the waiters, barmen etc are a long way from their homes as well as they've travelled to work for the season. They appreciate some time out and enjoy a chat. They love to improve their English and take every opportunity.

From the Turkish Culture & Tourism Office website called Go To Turkey: "The following items may be brought into the country duty free personal effects of the tourist; - one TV, one colour 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, flageole, 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.

Legendary Anatolia, or Asia Minor is one of the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea which was eventually the birth-place of a bold and unsurpassed civilization for centuries. This peninsula of the Turkish Republic has the coastline on the Mediterranean Sea, almost half of which is the border of Antalya City. The wonders still stand there today, even in ruins, in its power to amaze - through the excellence of monuments, its spectacular tombs and, above all, the awesome spin of time through which its greatness has survived. It is God’s work that country was rich in art and accomplishment while Europe was in its Stone age, and also to its life it was so gratifying that man asked better nothing but eternity than to go living in a close replica of this fruitful earth he loved.