Practical information

Money and payment

The official currency is the Turkish lira. Euros and dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but change usually comes back in lira and the rate is rarely in your favour. Paying in lira is almost always cheaper.

Cards work nearly everywhere. Market stalls and some dolmuş minibuses want cash.

Exchange offices give better rates than banks. Airport rates are noticeably worse than in town — avoid them unless you have to.

Tipping

Not obligatory, but common. In restaurants, 5–10% of the bill is fine. Some places add a service charge — if you see "servis" on the receipt, no extra tip is expected.

In taxis, rounding up is enough. A small tip for hotel porters and housekeeping is a kind gesture.

Tipping tour guides is entirely up to you; it isn't expected.

Getting around

Within the city, the tram and the dolmuş (a shared minibus on a fixed route) are the cheapest options. The tram requires an Antalyakart, sold at kiosks and station machines. [VERIFY: current fare]

The tram line also serves the airport. [VERIFY: line and stop]

Taxis are yellow and required to use the meter. If a driver offers a "fixed price" for a short ride, ask for the meter. Curious about current rates? Message us.

Health

Pharmacies are open weekdays and Saturday daytime. Every night and on Sundays, one duty pharmacy stays open in each area; closed pharmacies post that day's duty pharmacy on the door. Can't find it? Ask your reception or us.

Private hospitals are common, and most have staff speaking English, Russian and German. Make sure you have travel health insurance — uninsured visits can get expensive.

Bottled water is the preferred drinking water. It's very cheap in supermarkets.

Emergencies

112 — the single number for ambulance, police, fire and gendarmerie. [VERIFY]

If you lose your passport, go to the police first, then your consulate. A photo of your passport on your phone speeds things up.

Sun and sea

From May to September, UV is very high. The harshest hours are 12:00–15:00 — shade and plenty of water. Sunscreen is sold in local supermarkets too; airport and hotel prices are high.

Sea temperature, roughly: May 21°, August 29°, October 25°, January 17°. Comfortable swimming lasts until late October.

The gap between air conditioning and the outside can reach 15 degrees in summer — the number one cause of sore throats. Keeping the AC no lower than 24° is a good idea.

Culture and etiquette

When visiting mosques, shoulders and knees should be covered; headscarves for women are provided at the entrance of most mosques. Shoes come off at the door. Keep visits short during prayer times.

Asking before photographing people is the local custom — especially bazaar sellers and the elderly.

On the beaches, wear whatever you like. Walking around the city centre in beachwear, though, is frowned upon.

Shopping

Bargaining is normal — even expected — at bazaars and markets. In supermarkets and shops with price tags, it isn't done.

Keep your receipts. Purchases at shops with the "Tax Free" logo can qualify for a VAT refund when leaving the country; the process requires customs approval at the airport. [VERIFY: conditions and minimum amount]

Weekly neighbourhood markets are the cheapest and most colourful places to shop. Ask us which market is on which day.

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