Climate and Clothing

Daytime temperatures in September are in the range of 22-28°C and evening temperatures are 17-24°C. You may encounter rain, and the air may be cool or even chilly at night, but comfortable during the day.

 

Currency and Exchange

The Turkish currency is Turkish Lira (TL). Foreign money can be exchanged at banks on business days (09.00 - 17.00 Monday-Friday) as well as in hotels, at the airport and in exchange offices. All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Automated bank machines are available at many points throughout the city and at the airport.

 

Electricity

The electrical power supply in Turkey is 220 volts. Outlets are standard European.

 

Language

The official language in Turkey is Turkish. Communication in English is possible in most stores, restaurants and cafes.
Some phrases in Turkish are given below (Turkish is read as it is written)

Hello:	Merhaba
Good morning:	Günaydın
Good evening:	İyi akşamlar
Good night:	İyi geceler
Thank you / Thanks:	Teşekkür ederim / Teşekkürler

 

Restaurants and Turkish Cuisine

There is a wide choice of restaurants in Istanbul offering a broad spectrum ranging from excellent national cuisine to first class international dishes. There are numerous quality restaurants as well as fast-food shops in the city.

 

Shopping

One of the most enjoyable parts of a trip to Turkey is shopping for the rich variety of Turkish crafts. Istanbul is a shopping paradise with its Grand Bazaar as well as modern malls. In the Grand Bazaar bargaining over the sale price with shop traders is expected.

 

Time

Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

 

Tipping

Although service charge is included in most restaurants, leaving a tip (which is usually 5-10% in most restaurants) at one’s own discretion is appreciated.