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Ready...Set...Go!
What to know before you go to
Turkey
Travel Insurance
Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health
insurance may not cover them outside of the country. If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen
emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable if
you are not insured. In the
event you become ill during your travels, finding and receiving medical
care may be very frustrating without insurance.
Travel insurance also covers lost baggage and worldwide emergency
assistance. For a minimal
amount of money, travel insurance is a must.
Passport and Visa Information
U.S. citizens need a valid passport with at least three months
validity beyond intended stay for entrance into Turkey. Make three
photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry the
other separately from your original. Due to airline regulations,
you also need to send a photocopy of your passport to Pilgrim Tours.
U.S. citizens also need a visa to enter Turkey. It can be
purchased upon arrival at the airport in Turkey. For anyone
traveling on one of our Pilgrim Tours to Turkey which begins in Greece,
we will purchase your Turkey visa for you ahead of time. If you
are traveling on one of our tours that requires an overnight in Turkey,
Pilgrim Tours will purchase your Turkey visa for you ahead of time.
Health Certificates
None required.
Language Spoken
Turkish (official), Kurdish, and Arabic. English is
spoken at many hotels and commercial establishments.
Currency
The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish Lira.
Check the travel section of your newspaper or the Internet for
the most recent exchange rate. If possible, exchange currency at a US bank before you leave.
. ATM machines are available in the major cities throughout
Turkey. However, in smaller
towns, ATM cards, traveler’s checks and credit cards may not be
accepted. Please be advised
that the ATM machines dispense money in LIRA ONLY - NOT US DOLLARS.
Voltage
Electricity is 220 volts.
You will need to bring along the necessary converters to operate
any 120-volt appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, etc.
Medication
If you are required to take medications, you should notify
the leader of your group in the event of an emergency.
Ask your doctor to write an extra prescription to take with you
if your medication is lost. All
medication must be kept in its original container, including
over-the-counter medications.
Baggage Allowance
Due to the size of baggage compartments in touring coaches,
each passenger is restricted to ONE suitcase and ONE carry-on bag (in
addition to your purse, camera case or video camera).
Be sure your luggage is clearly marked (using the baggage tags
provided). It is wise to
also insert an index card with your name, address and phone number
inside of your luggage.
Airlines limit carry-on luggage to ONE piece not to
exceed a 45-inch dimension, as it must fit under the seat in front of
you or in the overhead compartment.
Time Zone
Seven hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of GMT.
Climate
Istanbul
Average Temperature
Average Rainfall
Jan-Mar
40-55F
3”
Apr-Jun
55-75F
1.5”
Jul-Sep
65-80F
1.5”
Oct-Dec
45-55F
4”
Pre-Flight
Leave your travel information with a family member or friend,
including a copy of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel
itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers.
In the event of an emergency, family members may contact Pilgrim
Tours at 800-322-0788.
Dress comfortably for the flight, wearing clothes
that allow freedom of movement and shoes that slip on and off easily.
Never leave your luggage unattended or any length
of time…no matter how short. Do
not accept packages from strangers to carry on to the plane for them.
Check-in time for international flights is normally
two hours prior to departure. When
checking in at the airport, a valid passport is needed as proof of
identification for international travelers.
Bring along a moisturizer, as the air in the plane
cabin is extremely dry. In
order to avoid jet lag, limit caffeine, alcohol and carbonated
beverages. Rather, opt for
natural fruit juices and water.
What to Pack
Comfortable, casual clothing that can be layered to match the
weather is a good suggestion. Planning
your wardrobe around one or two colors is also helpful.
Dress throughout is casual.
You may choose to bring along one dressy outfit, but it is not
necessary. Be sure to
include comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight jacket for mornings
and evenings.
A raincoat and rain hat (or poncho) are easier to
use when sightseeing than an umbrella.
Be sure to pack important items such as documents,
money, medications, keys, etc. on your person or in your carry-on
luggage. Never pack these
items in your checked luggage.
Do not make yourself a target by wearing expensive
jewelry. A good way to
conceal your money and valuables is by purchasing an inexpensive,
lightweight pouch that attaches around your waist and is worn under your
clothes.
Do not over-pack.
Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs.
If you are traveling with a companion, consider
cross-packing your clothing with them.
Put half of your items in your companion’s luggage and
vice-versa. This will ease
the frustration of lost luggage.
Take along a small backpack. When you are touring, fill it with bottled water, tissues,
notebook and pen. It will
also come in handy for carrying souvenirs.
Do not forget these travel-sized necessities:
sewing kit, first-aid kit, tissues, travel clock, toiletries, notebook
and pen, pre-printed address labels (for sending postcards), and plastic
zip-locking bags (for storing open bottles and containers).
Purchase your film and batteries in the US.
Remember to bring extra for your video camera.
Tipping
A service charge is often added to the bill in hotels and
restaurants; however, if it is omitted, a tip of 10-15% is customary.
A usual tip for the tour bus drivers is $2.00 per person, per
day, and a tour escort usually receives $3.00 per person, per day.
Hotel maids receive $1.00 per person, per day.
Tip taxi drivers at least 10-15% of the fare.
This is simply a general guideline.
Tips and gratuities are earned for services rendered in a
courteous and professional manner.
Meals
For meals that are not included, check with your tour group
leader or the front desk of your hotel for suggestions (be sure to
mention your price range). If
you have never eaten Turkish food before, you are in for a treat.
Hailed as some of the best cuisine, Turkey offers a wide range of
fresh foods offered by large restaurants on down to small street
vendors. The appetizer, or meze,
is almost more of a meal. Expect
fresh vegetables, which may be fried, mashed, or stuffed with raisins or
nuts, various salads, or warm foods such as meat and cheese pastries. A
popular main dish includes kebap (kebabs) of grilled, roasted, or
barbequed meat, most often lamb. Seafood
is also available, but it is more expensive.
Desserts are plentiful in Turkey.
Look for baklava, a pastry made with nuts and syrup, lokum
(Turkish delight), and dondurma (ice cream). An exotically dressed man carrying a sword usually serves the
dondurma on the street.
Shopping
Check with your group leader or the front desk of your hotel
for the best shopping areas. Specify
that you are interested in purchasing items that are known for their
local and cultural appeal. Shop
for handicrafts such as leather, jewelry, copper and brassware, and
ceramic and pottery. Do not
be afraid to haggle over prices—it is expected. Your exchange
rate makes practically everything in Turkey a true bargain.
In Turkey
By reading a little about Turkey before you depart, including
its ancient and modern culture, you will be able to appreciate the rich
history of the country as well as feel more at home among the locals
living there now. Just for
fun, try to learn some Turkish phrases to help you out while visiting in
the country.
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