USEFUL TIPS IN KUSADASI

• First of all, do not stay in the sun in summer between 12.00 – 16.00 without sun cream, hat, etc.

• Do not drink tab water. Beter to buy a bottled water.

• You can listen to news in English on Tourism Radio. Frequencies for this station in Kusadasi is 101.9 and in Izmir it is 101.6. Foreign newspapers and magazines are only sold in some bookstores and newsagents, but the local newspapers are sold in every markets.

• Shops in Kusadasi are open between 9:00 am until midnight during summer season which starts May 1st and ends October 31st. There is no siesta in Turkey.

• Government offices and banks are open in weekdays between 9:00 and 17:30 and have lunch break between 12:30 and 13:30.

• You should bring water, hat, camera, sun cream with you while joining to excursions.

• If you are planning to visit Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary during the months of summer due to the hot weather the best time to go is either early in the morning, before 11:00 am or late in the afternoon, after 4:00 pm.

• Tipping in Kusadasi is more than welcome. While dining out arround 10% tip is normal. Some restaurants,however, include service charge in the bill.

• Do not forget to taste Turkish coffee, Ayran and Raki that are the traditional drinks of Turkey.

• Most of the credit cards like VISA, Mastercard, Amex and Dinners Club and traveler's checks are accepted in almost all the shops. However, make sure to ask before you purchase a product or service. You will get a lower price on most of the goods when paid by cash for two reasons: 1. Shops pay 7 % commission on credit card sales to banks 2. Tax

• It is better of exchange your currency at an exchange office since you are more likely to get a better rate. Foreign currency rates are due to change daily.

• The beaches in the center are for sunbathing, it is not advisable to swim in.

• Wear the clothes as normally wearing in your own country, as you will see the same amount of variety in Turkey.

• Turkish post and telephone offices are easily recognizable by their ' PTT ' and 'Turk Telekom' signs. The major post office in Kusadasi operates between 8:30 am and 11:30 pm.

• Here are some of the time differences between Kusadasi and some countries:
Australia : +9 hours / England : -2 hours / France : -1 hour
Germany : -1 hour / Italy : -1 hour / Japan : +6 hours
Netherlands : -1 hour / USA (east): -7 hours / USA (west) -10 hours

• Friday market is located in city centrum where you can buy fres vegetables and fruits. If you go there in the morning, the prices higher than afternoon. Because the sellers make discount since it’s a one day market and they want to finish all products. Same place textile market helds every Wednesdays. You can bargain for textiles but not for fruits and vegetables.

• Nightlife in Kusadasi tend to continue until 5:00 am.

• Most of Turkish people speak enough English.

• Taxi meters run double between 12:00 am and 06:00 am. Do not get surprised if you are charged double for the same distance after midnight.

• Most of the medical centers and hospitals may assist you, if you have medical insurance. The official hospital in Kusadasi also assist at emergency.

• The traffic in Turkey is on the right hand side of the road. Inside the city center, maximum 50 km is allowed. The speed limit is 90 km outside the city, 130 km on the highway. Highways are generally in good condition on the coastal area. Seat belts are compulsory. Pedestrians have the right of the way at zebra crossing.

• Penalty for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Turkey is very strict. So do not bring or use any kind of drugs in Kusadasi.

• Although robbery is not a major concern in Kusadasi, it is advisable to carry as little with you as possible and lock up your valuables and documents in the hotel's safe boxes. In the event of a robbery, call 155 Police Help.