Practical Information
Visiting a destination for the first time is exciting. Everything is new to you including the food, language, culture and traditions. You may also be wondering what the accepted practice is when it comes to issues like tipping or dress code. With this in mind, My Guide has put together this helpful list of practical information to help kick-start your holiday in Bodrum.
Language
Turkish but within the holiday resorts of Bodrum, English is widely spoken
Check out Turkish Language basics for some helpful words
Time zone
GMT +2
Currency & the Exchange Rate
Turkey's currency is Turkish lira, which consists of paper notes and coins, called Kurus.
Current and historical exchange rates can be monitored through Turkish Central Bank submissions.
Religion
Muslim of which a majority are Sunni.
Tipping
The expected tipping amount is 10% of the bill depending on how happy you are with the service. You would normally tip when in restaurants, hotels and the hairdressers. Taxis and local transport do not expect tips.
Bodrum Business hours
During the summer season, the shops, bars and restaurants will be open seven days a week until the late hours. Banks close on a Saturday and Sunday.
Bodrum Post offices
The sign PTT signifies a post office and there is many located throughout the Bodrum peninsula. If you want to send postcards, enquire with the reception desk at your hotel first because many of them will include this as part of their service. In Bodrum town there is a post office located centrally on Carsi Mahallesi.
Taxi Ranks
These are located at the corner of every main street. Taxis are yellow and operate on meters. In many of the hotels, they will call a taxi for you if you enquire at reception.
Water
Water in Turkey is not dirty but is high in calcium, which can cause tummy upsets. In restaurants, bars and hotels, bottled water is generally used. You can also purchase it at most local shops and supermarkets.
Internet and photography
Bodrum has many internet cafes and most hotels allow open access to their internet signal. Check before connecting as to whether there is a charge or is it free.
Photography rules are relaxed in Turkey but you should not photograph any military building. Some museums that have ancient artifacts also forbid photography but displayed signs are at the entrance if this rule is in place.
Electricity
Current is a 220v and plug outlet are operating on two tongs. Most hotels do not provide adapters from three prongs so be prepared by stocking up before you leave your home country.
Using The Telephone and Calling Home
Buy a phone card from any general store to use the local phone boxes. If you intend to use your mobile phone while in Turkey, you should check with your provider for the current charges and rates. To call your home country from Turkey, after double zero you will need to dial your country code, followed by the area code and number. Remember to drop the beginning 0 from your area code.
Bartering Practices
Bartering and bargaining over products is an accepted practice in Turkey. If you see a displayed price, it is set, however; no price means the shop owner is willing to barter. For this reason, you will not see prices on large purchases such as jewellery or Turkish carpets.
Dress Code
Bodrum is very liberal when it comes to dress codes. We recommend that if women are coming off the beach, or at the shops/ markets to wear a t-shirt rather than a bikini top as this will reduce unwanted attention. There is no dress code for men but it is good manners if men wear a t-shirt or shirt when entering establishments.
Dos and Don'ts in Bodrum
Carrying drugs in Turkey is a serious offence and if found, you may face criminal charges as well as deportation and a ban. Do not dis-respect or cause damage to any public statues, the flag or any representation of the founder of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, as these are serious offences. Smuggling antiquities is another serious offence, and it is strongly advised that you shoud consider correspondence with local authorities, if you have even a slightest daubt of the thing you are exporting, before you leave the country.
Crime and safety in Bodrum
Bodrum has a relatively low crime rate however be careful not to be the victim of opportunity theft. Carry your bag close to you at all times and be aware of pickpockets at the local market. For safety, ensure that friends or family know where you are and do not accept opened drinks from strangers. Only use official taxis that are yellow and display their licenses.
Disabled Travellers
You should book a hotel, checked by an independent body regarding the suitability for disabled people. Please bear in mind that some areas of Bodrum are located on high hills while others areas have a poor standard of paving and roads so getting about in a wheelchair may prove difficult.
Alcohol & Smoking
Alcohol is widely sold on the Bodrum peninsula. Imported alcoholic drinks are highly priced so you should check the price on the drinks menu first. The most popular type of beer is Efes but Tuborg is widely sold as well. Not allowed to sell Alcoholic drinks and tobacco to the under eighteens. Smoking is only allowed in open spaces.
National and Religious Holidays in Turkey
If you are visiting Turkey on any of these dates, you may find disruption to your plans. Shops, restaurants and bars in the tourist areas will generally stay open however; public buildings and museums may be closed.
April 23rd – Children’s Day
May 1st – Solidarity Day
May 19th – Youth and Sports Day
August 30th – Victory Day
October 29th - Republic Day
Ramadan Feast – This is a different time every year but it occurs after the Islamic month of fasting. Also called the Sugar festival, it lasts for three days
Sacrifice Feast – This festival is also at a different time each year and it occurs 70 days after the end of fasting. It will last for four days and involves the sacrifice of an animal, usually a goat or sheep. If you are in the main tourist areas, you will not see any sacrifice take place.
