WEATHER
Average Air and Water Temperatures For Major Regions

		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Antalya	Air	50	52	55	61	68	77	82	82	77	68	59	54
	Water	63	63	63	64	70	75	81	82	81	77	72	66
Izmir	Air	48	50	52	61	68	77	82	81	73	64	59	50
	Water	52	52	54	59	68	75	79	79	75	70	63	55
Istanbul	Air	41	43	45	54	61	70	73	73	68	61	54	46
	Water	48	45	46	52	59	68	73	70	70	63	57	52
Trabzon	Air	43	43	45	52	59	68	72	72	66	59	54	48
	Water	50	48	48	50	57	68	75	77	75	68	61	55
Ankara	Air	32	34	41	52	61	68	73	73	64	55	46	36
Erzurum	Air	16	19	27	41	52	59	66	68	59	48	36	23

PASSPORT & VISA
U.S. citizens need a passport valid for at least 3 months as well as a visa required to enter Turkey. Visa can be obtained from Turkish Consulates in the US but it is easier to get it at the port of entry in Turkey. All you need is a valid US passport and $45 per person in cash. Non US citizens please call the nearest Turkish Consulate for passport and visa issues.

DRIVING DISTANCES IN MILES

Ankara
Antalya															335
Bodrum														240	431
Bolu													512	364	116
Bursa												172	340	362	234
Çanakkale											175	339	337	476	409
Cappadocia										569	395	275	513	322	160
Dalaman									464	380	382	436	117	142	406
Fethiye								27	441	407	373	413	144	119	383
Istanbul							476	499	432	183	147	158	487	428	274
Izmir						339	216	189	468	190	193	365	147	286	356
Kemer					309	452	135	158	349	500	349	388	276	27	359
Konya				212	337	407	303	326	137	480	304	272	382	185	159
Kusadasi			395	272	57	397	179	152	525	247	250	423	88	248	413
Marmaris		124	343	216	162	485	85	58	473	352	354	421	89	201	391
Pamukkale	113	130	249	167	171	390	133	141	379	357	288	327	152	144	297

MEDICATION
It is perfectly safe to bring any legal medication to Turkey. Just make sure that they are in their original package. Many hotels in Turkey have doctorson call 24 hours a day. Nominal medical bills acquired in Turkey may be paid in cash to attending physician. Upon receipt of payment, the doctor will return a receipt that may be necessary when filling a claim with your insurance company. All "major" injuries should be handled through your travel insurance compan

WATER
Tap water in Turkey is considered safe to drink in the major cities. However, since it is heavily chlorinated, we recommend to drink bottled water. An easily attainable alternative, bottled water can be purchased in hotels, restaurants, bars, and stores for a minimal cost.

FOOD
Turkish cuisine, as vast as its citizens, offers a variety of delectable delights. Although the fare varies from region to region, the food is consistently fresh and delicious. Turkey abounds in healthy meals; full of vegetables, grains, fish and lamb. Meats and fish are typically grilled or roasted so the flavor is rich and robust. Desserts are rich with sweet flavorings, and are usually soaked in honey or rose water.

SAFETY MEASURES
Be sure to secure your valuables throughout your trip. Use extreme caution while in crowded places such as bazaars and markets, by securing all zippers and clasps on handbags and by carrying all wallets in your front pockets. It is also highly recommended to carry only enough money for the day, and to leave excessive amounts of cash and other valuables in the safety deposit box of your hotel.

ELECTRICITY
In Turkey, electrical appliances manufactured in the U.S. require the use of a standard two-prong adapter. A converter is also needed if the appliance does not have dual voltage as the voltage varies between 110 and 220 of the 50 cycles. However, many hotels are equipped with 110-volt outlets for such items as shavers, and are clearly marked "For Shavers Only". As the voltage in the U.S. is considerably higher (240v), the use of high wattage appliances such as blow dryers should not be attempted.

MONEY AND BANKS
The monetary unit in Turkey is the Lira. There is no limit on the amount of American currency brought into Turkey. No more than $1,000 worth of Turkish currency may be taken in or out of the country. Although all credit cards are accepted throughout Turkey. Visa and Master Card are most commonly used. Automated teller machines are typically available in larger cities. However, it is important to know that your PIN number must be all numerals, "no letters", and that the money dispensed will be in Turkish Lira. Banking hours are 09:00 am to 12:30 pm, and 13:30 to 17:00 hours Monday to Friday, throughout Turkey. Although commission rates and exchange rates vary from bank to bank, commission rates typically remain within 1% to 3%. Money exchange bureaus usually offer a decent rate for cash, while hotels are as good a place as any to cash travelers checks. Please note that a passport is required when exchanging travelers checks for large amounts of cash.

CALLING HOME FROM TURKEY
As throughout the world, hotels in Turkey apply heavy service fees to international phone calls. Therefore, we recommend using a long distance calling card. Although your calling card will be billed for the call, the hotel will asses a nominal fee for connecting you with the international operator. You may access AT&T at 00 800 12277, sprint at 00 800 14477, and MCI at 00 800 11177.