Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
adjust downward to reflect this
change. Meanwhile, alcohol is
now taxed (by alcoholic content)
at a rate that could make even an
alcoholic think twice before
ordering a drink. Stick to Turkish
brands (or drink raki rather than
white wine), and if you're going
to splurge in a wine shop, ask the
store owner to provide you with
the special VAT Refund Invoice,
which must then be validated at
the Customs Office at the airport
prior to departure.
Taxis See 'Getting Around', p. 34.
Telephone and Area Codes
See 'Staying in Touch' p. 43.
Time Zone In the summer
months Turkey is GMT plus
two hours.
Tipping Indispensable as a sup-
plement to an already low wage,
gratuities are a way of life in
Turkey and are often expected for
even the most minor service. Try
to keep small notes handy and
follow these guidelines: Give the
bellhop 50 kuru @ to 1YTL
(45¢-87¢/20p-40p) per bag;
leave at least an additional 10% of
the restaurant bill for your waiter;
reward your tour guide with €10
to €20 ($15-$29/£7.15-£14) for
a job well done; thank the cap-
tain of your gulet with about
€50; and give the attendant in
the Turkish bath €3 to €5
($4.35-$7.25/ £2.15-£3.55)
before the rubdown. Shows of
appreciation are also expected
from your chambermaid, your
barber or hairdresser, and an
usher who has shown you to
your seat.
Toilets and Babychanging
You are likely to find few public
toilet facilities if exploring the
rural areas of Turkey. They tend
to be provided in the centre of
the larger towns and cities only,
along with highways where they
are usually modern and to a high
standard. It is always advisable to
use the facilities of restaurants or
picnic areas when you stop for
refreshments. Bay is for men,
bayan for women. Always carry
toilet paper with you as it is not
always provided.
Turkish Baths The tradition
of taking a Turkish bath dates
back to medieval times, with
both men and women enjoying
the chance to socialise while at
the same time cleansing their
bodies. Cleanliness is consid-
ered essential in Turkish and
Islamic culture. Men and
women always bathe separately,
either in different hammams
or at different times, with the
exception being in tourist spas.
The practice may not be suit-
able for children.
Water Tap water is chlorinated
in Turkey, making it safe to
drink. However, to avoid an
upset stomach it is probably
best to drink bottled water,
which is available cheaply from
supermarkets and most kiosks.
You may even see street traders
selling it in tourist areas. Of
course, always check that the
seal is unbroken before pur-
chase. In restaurants always
check that the seal on a bottle
of water brought to your table
is undamaged.
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