Practical Information

Climate
The climate varies depending on the area. The Aegean and Mediterranean coast have hot summers and mild winters. The Black Sea coast has warm summers, mild winters, and relatively high rainfall. Central and Eastern Turkey have hot dry summers and cold winters. Humidity is higher on the Black Sea coast and Istanbul compared to the moderate humidity of the rest of the country. Generally, August is considered the warmest month of the year. Average daytime temperature is between 70°F to 90°F from June to September. Nighttime temperatures drop to around 70°F. Central and Eastern regions generally are in the same range, however nights are cooler. Winter is between December and March. This means rain in the coastal regions and moderate snow inland. The Mediterranean Sea is warm during the summer, while the Aegean is cooler. Both seas are ideal for swimming. See Average Temperature chart for more detailed information.

Passport/Visa
A valid passport is necessary throughout your travels.  U.S. citizens traveling with ordinary passports can obtain their visas either at the entry point upon arrival or from the Turkish Consulate in advance. You can also contact the Turkish Tourism Office for visa applications. There visa fee is currently $20 per person.

Health
There are no special immunization requirements as far as we know. You can check the Travel Advisory website for medical requirements and warnings regarding your destination.

Time Zone
Turkey is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Electricity
Electricity in Turkey is 220 volt, 50-60 cycle. If you intend to bring any electrical equipment, an adapter that converts electricity from 220V to 110V is suggested.

Tap Water
Although Turkey has good drinking water - the water is chlorinated and safe to drink - bottled water is highly recommended and can be found in nearly all stores at a reasonable price.

Money Exchange
Money exchange is very easily done at all banks and private exchange centers. Daily newspaper publishes the exchange rate daily. US dollars are accepted at some stores.

Telephone and Mail
Public phones operate with tokens or calling cards. The average time for a letter to arrive the US is 7 to 10 days.

Geography
Turkey is about a 9-hour non-stop flight from New York City. Turkey is roughly the size of the State of Texas. 97% of the country is in Asia, while 3% is in Europe. There is about 5000 miles of coastline. Northern Turkey has the Black Sea Mountains and the Mediterranean has the Taurus mountains running parallel to the sea. Central and eastern Anatolia is a plateau. See the Geography section for more detailed information on the different regions of Turkey.

What to Wear
In summer light summer-wear for all coastal regions will be sufficient. It is advisable to keep warmer clothing for evenings when it can be cooler in Central, Northern, and Eastern Anatolia. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended since itineraries include numerous trips to ancient sites. For wintertime travelers, we recommend regular winter clothing especially for central Turkey where heavy snow and cold weather can be encountered. If you are planning your trip in the summer, sun block and a hat is recommended.

Seasons
Turkey can be visited year-round depending on your itinerary. Spring and fall are the most popular seasons to travel due to mild temperatures and little rain. In the summer temperatures are higher; however, this season is ideal for cruises since the sea breeze that starts blowing in mid-morning makes it very comfortable.

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