Area
779,452 sq. km. (300,948 sq. miles)
Location
Southeastern Europe / Asia Minor
Population
73.3 million (as per estimates of 2005) and Population Density of 94.04 per sq. km.
Capital City
Ankara with a total population of 3.5 million (as per estimates of 2005).
Language
Turkish is the official and most popular language of Turkey. Among other languages, Kurdish is widely popular in the southeatern regions of the country. The tourist regions have lots of people speaking English, French, and German.
Electricity
AC 220 volts, 50Hz
Currency
New Turkish Lira (TRY, symbol YTL). 1YTL = 100 New Kurus (Ykr).
Notes prevalent = YTL 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100
Coins prevalent = YTL 1; New Kurus 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available at banks, major hotels, and bureaux de change. Travellers are advised to retain the exchange receipt during their stay in the country. For more details and exchange rates, travellers are advised to consult their banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards of all major companies like Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, etc. accepted. However, it is advisable to carry some cash as well. Many shops, petrol stations, restaurants, and hotels accept card payments. ATMs are also conveniently situated.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques can be easily exchanged from banks. The travellers are also advised to carry travellers’ cheques in major currencies, like US Dollars, or Pounds Sterling, in order to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
Banking Hours
Banks in Turkey function from Monday to Friday from 0830-1200, and 1330-1700. The tourist regions and bigger cities have some branches that are open daily.