Some Useful Info
Money & Banks - The currency in Turkey is the New (Yeni) Turkish Lira (YTL). YTL come in the form of 1,5,10,20,50 and 100 Lira notes. Each Lira is made up of 100 Kurus (coins). In addition to this there is also a 1 Lira coin. It is advisable to change a small amount of currency before you leave, especially if your flight arrives late in the evening or early in the morning. Check the daily exchange and commission rates before you change any money. NB - you should not accept old Turkish Lira notes any more. Bank opening hours are Mon - Fri 08.30 - noon and 13.30 - 1700. The majority of restaurants,bars & shops will also take sterlings and even euros !!
There are several ATM facilities in Hisaronu that take credit, Maestro or Electron cards. It is best to withdraw enough money to last a week, as this will keep any charges to a minimum, although if you have a Nationwide cash point card they do not charge if you have an account with them. Credit cards are widely accepted in larger shops and restaurants but not in cheaper smaller establishments or market stalls.
Hisaronu town now has a small shopping mall/complex having just been developed.This is near the post office.
Turkish Airports - When arriving in the airport and as you head towards the arrivals be prepared to pay £10 each for your 90 day entry Visa,before going through you have to get your passport stamped with your Visa and hand over £10 english pounds.
When travelling home Dalaman airport is quite expensive for food & drink, as at most airports prices are inflated. Stock up before you arrive or pay £3 for a coke or a coffee or about £8 for a Mcdonalds or more for a Pizza.
Tipping - even though generally speaking, the cost of living is extremely low when compared with the UK and those fortunate to be in employment are not paid particularly well. The money you will spend to travel and stay in Turkey is a small fortune to the Turkish people. Although not expecting any gratuities, waiters will be grateful to receive any tip offered. However tipping is entirely your discretion.
Phoning to & from Turkey - Remember to top up any pay as you go phones prior to leaving your home country, as you will not be able to obtain top up cards once you leave. Ensure that your phone is able to make international calls; you will be surprised how many people don’t and later find that they can’t!
The cheapest option is to buy an inexpensive pay phone card at most supermarkets,the post office (PTT) or convenient stores dotted around the town. Turkey is 2 hours ahead of GMT
Medical - These are Hospital addresses in Fethiye which I hope you will not need but may be of help to you if you do. For emergencies the town hospitals are open 24 hours a day and most of the duty doctors are bilingual. It is advisable to obtain medical insurance as unless you are covered, it can be expensive for you.
Local Hospital -- Atatürk Cad. Tel: 252- 614 4017-18.
Letoon Private Hospital -- Patlangic Mah. Tel: 252- 612 5400.
Likya Health Centre -- Atatürk Cad. Tel: 252- 614 6812 - 616 6932.
Esnaf Hospital -- Dolgu Sahasi 533 Sok No 4-252-6126400
Turkish Baths - are great fun and a visit to one of the ultimate Ottoman pleasures is a must for any holiday. To take full advantage of the experience, make sure you go at the beginning of your stay because if you leave it to the end of the holiday, your tan will be scrubbed away!
Mosques - If you intend to visit keep a 'mosque kit' in the car to avoid embarrassment. Before entering a mosque, the head, shoulders arms and legs of ladies should be fully covered. Men also have to cover their legs.
Mosquito's - their bites won't give you malaria, Buy an electric mossie repellent, and the tablets or liquid to go with it as soon as you arrive, and turn it on before you go out in the evening. If you've forgotten to bring any with you, the local brand is called KOV and is available at any chemist.
Public Transport - The forms of local transport are either by Dolmus or Taxi (more expensive). Dolmus (means 'stuffed ' or 'full up') is like a mini-bus and travels a certain route. The Dolmus pass through Hisaronu going to either Fethiye or Olu Deniz, recognised by the sign on the windscreen. All you have to do is put your hand out wherever you are and one will stop for you. The fare is very cheap and reasonable.
