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One of the most beautiful things about traveling is to learn about our destination. Every trip makes us better people, because we get to know new things including: history, customs, people, languages, etc, of a new place in the planet… Traveling is then one of the most interesting and useful ways to learn, grow and expand our horizons. However, every journey has to start with a prior “preparation” that includes gathering the basic information about our destination.
If you plan to spend a few days in Istanbul, the following is the information you need to know to avoid unpleasant surprises:
1) Visa: Not everyone requires a visa and not all nationalities have to pay on arrival fees. Those who need a visa have to be that you can get it at the customs or ask at the Turkish consulate in your country. The best thing you can do is to check all details before traveling.
2) Money & Currency: Turkey’s official currency is the Turkish Lira (Türk Lirası). If you didn’t have time to change money in your country, you can do it at any exchange office at the airport or at any bank in the main streets of the city.
3) Electricity and phone: The electrical voltage in Turkey is 220 V 50. Power sockets are the same as in most European countries (type C and F). Telephone code is +90, for the European part +212 and for the Asian part +216.
4) Time zone: In Turkey there is a GMT +2 time zone; in summer it becomes GMT +3.
5) Working Hours: Banks are open from 9:00 to 17:00, with a break between 12:00 to 13:30 hours. They are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Exchange offices are open from 9.00 to 19.00 and closed on Sundays. Shops are open from 9:00 to 19:00 and closed on Sundays, but many others remain open until 22h and even on Sundays. The Grand Bazaar is open from 8:30 to 19:00 and it is closed on Sundays.
6) Museum Opening Hours: On Monday you can’t visit any museum in the city as they are all closed. During the other six days of the week you can visit the city’s museums from 9:30 h to 17:00 h.
7) In the Mosques: Before entering a mosque you have to take your shoes off, you’ll be given a plastic bag to put them in. Women also have to cover their heads; they should bring you a handkerchief or ask for one at the entrance. Remember that during prayer times (5 times a day) is not allowed to enter the mosques.
With this information in mind, you have nothing to worry about, because now you know the basics. For any further information about Istanbul, visit our blog. Remember: It is always good to learn something new.
Getting informed means to start your trip in the best possible way. Write down what you need to know before traveling to Turkey; find apartment accommodation in Istanbul knowing a little more your destination.
