Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and it is compulsory to wear a
seatbelt.
The highways in Turkey
around Istanbul, Ankara and the
network around Izmir are to a
high standard, but elsewhere,
particularly smaller 'scenic'
routes, the roads can be in a poor
state of repair so be on your
guard against having an accident.
The accident rate in Turkey is
considered high compared with
other countries. If you are plan-
ning to drive while in Turkey,
either a hire car or your own, you
can do so on a full British or
International Driving Licence.
Provisional driving licences are
not recognised in Turkey. Do not
speed while driving and do not
drink and drive. There is a 50km
per hour speed limit within
urban centres and 90km outside
urban centres. The police have
the power to breathalyse,
demand an 'on the spot' fine or
confiscate your driving licence if
you are over the drink limit.
By Bus Intercity buses operate
on a highly efficient system
within Turkey itself, and run
between towns and cities as well
as to and from the airports.
Intercity buses are generally
modern and it is relatively easy
to carry a buggy on and off.
The main bus companies are:
Kâmil Koç , Istanbul b + 90 212
658 20 00 ; Bursa b +90 242 261
50 00
Each town has its own bus sta-
tion ( otogar ) where bus compa-
nies have their own office, but
information can be obtained
from the head offices for all
routes. Route information and
timetables are available from
these offices, the tourist infor-
mation offices or by telephone
or Internet.
Another popular form of
transport in some of the larger
towns and cities is the dolmu@ .
Again, locals use it because it is
inexpensive and each one follows
specific routes, albeit to a loose
timetable. The idea is that if you
see one you can hail it and, once
aboard, you can ask the driver to
stop wherever you wish along
his or her route. Dolmu @ buses
can be quite small and space is
likely to be limited, so if you
have buggies and equipment,
they won't be terribly comfort-
able or convenient.
For a little more than double
the price you would pay for a
bus, you can hail a taxi in most
towns and cities. In Istanbul you
can't help but see the bright
orange taxis right outside the air-
port arrivals terminal or the yel-
low ones that are everywhere in
the city. Even city dwellers use
the taxis. All the taxis have a
meter, so be sure that the driver
has switched it on as you begin
your journey. If you are planning
to travel by taxi beyond the
boundaries of a major town or
city, it is advisable to agree a rate
in advance.
By Train The rail network is
operated by the Turkish State
Ulusoy , Istanbul b + 90 212 471
71 00 , www.ulusoy.com.tr
Varan , Istanbul b +90 212 251 74
74 , www.varan.com.tr
35
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