Visa to Turkey

Visitors usually are not required to present an entry visa to Turkey if coming as tourists. A 3-month visa-on-arrival is given at the Immigration counter upon arrival. Business travelers or visitors from some countries are required to obtain an entry visa before arriving in Turkey. In case of doubt, please enquire with your travel agent, the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your country.

If you need an invitation letter in order to get a visa for Turkey, please apply in the “message for the organizers” area of the Registration & Booking form.

Time zone and weather

The time zone across the country is GMT+2. Antalya is a place with a relatively mild climate, known for being sunny most of the year. The rainy season is in the winter, although the rain usually only lasts for about three weeks once the rainy season hits. Snow is very rare. The rainy season may come anytime between October and April.  The coldest months are January and February, but it still not particularly cold in comparison with many other parts of the world at that time; average winter temperatures are around 4 ° C (40 °F) for low temperatures and 15 °C (60°F) for high temperatures.

Attire

Turkish people appreciate stylish business clothing, but MPEG is fun, not business. By good manners avoid shorts and slippers in the convention and dining areas of the hotel.

Currency / credit cards

Local currency is the New Turkish Lira (YTL). The Euro, and sometimes also the US Dollar, are widely accepted (yet the rate charge may be high, so it is recommended to exchange at a bank or an exchange counter). The current exchange rate is around 1 USD = 1.2 YTL, volatile as the current currency market is. All major credit cards are accepted by hotels, shops and restaurants. ATMs (accepting international cards), banks and currency exchange offices are around every corner.

Public telephones / cellular phones

Public telephones are conveniently located throughout the city. They work with telephone cards of 30, 60 and 100 counter. For a short international call one 30 counter card might be enough. You could buy these cards in yellow signed PTT (post) bureaus, grocers or street sellers near the telephone and in some hotels from the concierge.

Electricity

Turkey has 220 Volts, 50 Hz electricity supply. A two round-pin plug (European) can be used everywhere.

Tipping

In cheaper restaurant it's not necessary to leave more than a few coins in the change plate. In more expensive restaurants, tipping is customary. Even if a 10-15% service charge is added to your bill, you're expected to give around 5% to the waiter directly.

Language

The Turkish people speak Turkish written with the Latin alphabet. English is a compulsory school subject and you will find your way around, especially among people whose main business is dealing with tourists. All important road and shop signs are written also in English. Due the popularity of Antalya among German tourists, there are many, especially those who deal with tourists, who speak German as well.

Water quality

Although not critical, it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water. In most hotel rooms, you will find free-of-charge bottles of drinking water.