Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
An icon is used to indicated accommodation that provides an internet station or
laptops for guest use. A
icon is included if wi-fi access is offered.
If using a local computer, you may have to use a Turkish keyboard. When doing so, be
aware that Turkish has two 'i's: the familiar dotted 'i' and the less familiar dotless 'ı'. Un-
fortunately the one in the usual place is the dotless 'ı' on a Turkish keyboard; you will
need to make sure you use the correct dotted 'i' when typing in a web or email address. To
create the @ symbol, hold down the 'q' and the right-hand ALT keys at the same time.
Legal Matters
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The age of consent in Turkey is 18 - as is the legal age for voting, driving and drinking.
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Technically, you should carry your passport at all times. Many travellers choose to carry
a photocopy and leave the actual document in their hotel safe.
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It is illegal to take antiquities out of the country.
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In recent years, local politics has become increasingly socially conservative. This has
manifested itself in a number of ways, including a ban on outdoor drinking in the Beyoğlu
Belediyesi (Beyoğlu local government area) and a police crackdown on gay venues across
the city, especially gay hamams and spas, which are regularly accused of breaching public
decency laws. If you visit one of these, there is a chance that you could be caught up in a
police raid.
Media
There are print and online English-language editions of the daily
Hürriyet Daily News
printed English -language edition of the monthly
Time Out İstanbul
than its printed counterpart.
Medical Services
Turkey doesn't have reciprocal health-care arrangements with other countries, so having
travel insurance is highly advisable.
