Do I need a visa to enter Turkey?
Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling to Turkey?
When is the best time to visit Turkey?
What is the internet access like in Turkey?
Can I use my mobile while in Turkey?
How much does it cost for a…?
Can I drink tap water in Turkey?
Are credit cards widely accepted in Turkey?
What is ATM access like in Turkey?
Are airport transfers included and how do I arrange them?
Where is the welcome meeting on day 1 of my tour?
Can I book pre or post tour accommodation?
Do you have solo travellers on your tours?
I’m a solo passenger, do I need to pay single supplement?
Can I be roomed with my friends?
Do you arrange flights?
Will my dietary requirements be catered for?
What currency should I bring?
Is there any luggage restriction?
Do I need to tip?
What if I join the tour late?
Will my tour be affected if I travel during Ramadan?
Is Hot Air Balloon an option on my tour?
How do I get the Anzac pass?
Should I bring a sleeping bag?
Where do I keep my luggage during the ceremony?
Do I need a visa to enter Turkey?
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey, which can be applied for online via
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/. Travellers from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland, South Africa and the USA can apply for a 90-day e-visa online. Although this process usually takes only several minutes, we recommend to obtain it at least 2 weeks before you arrive in Turkey.
Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa if staying for less than three months: New Zealand, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland.
Passport validity entry requirements: Travellers entering Turkey must carry a passport or travel document valid for at least 60 days from the expiry date of their visa.
This information is provided as a guidance, we strongly advise that you check with the consulate or embassy as this information can change at any time and with little notice. It is your responsibility to make sure that all the required travel documents are ready when travelling.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling to Turkey?
Yes, all passengers travelling with Travel Talk must have travel insurance before participating in any of our tours. Your guide will collect your travel insurance details on the first day of your trip.
It is your responsibility to make sure you have an adequate and suitable travel insurance in place. You may read more about this
here.
When is the best time to visit Turkey?
Turkey has quite a variable geography and climate, make sure to check the Pre-departure file of your tour (found on each tour page online) for the average temperatures at the sites visited.
The Aegean (western) and Mediterranean (southern) coasts have a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, so beach resorts are highly popular from May to August.
March, April, September and October tend to remain moderate along the coast with many local tourists enjoying the sea and pleasant weather. During these months, inland Anatolia (i.e. Cappadocia, Ankara) is typically cooler and drier.
Winter season in Turkey (December - February) can be cold, rainy and snowy, with occasional sunny days.
Most Turkish cities and resorts carry on as normal during Ramadan. After sunset, slow-paced Istanbul gets back into full swing with a carnival-like atmosphere. Festive coloured lights are switched on and mosques are illuminated. Restaurants will be packed with locals to break their fast. Most restaurants offer special Ramazan menus or banquets. Tourists and non-Muslims are welcome to join the festivities. Please check the Pre-departure file or the FAQ for Ramadan dates.
What is the internet access like in Turkey?
Free Wi-Fi is commonly available in airports, hotels, cafes and restaurants in Turkish cities, however the quality of connection differs. You can also find plentiful of internet cafes in the cities visited. Make sure to enable data roaming on your mobile if you wish to use 3G/4G, although the connection may be unreliable in some rural areas.
Can I use my mobile while in Turkey?
Coverage is generally quite good in Turkey, you’ll rarely be far from a mobile phone signal. Make sure to enable global roaming before leaving home to be able to use your mobile in Turkey. 3G/4G is commonly available throughout the country, however may be unreliable in rural areas.
How much does it cost for a…?
The Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey. Please find below approximate prices in USD to give you an idea.
- Coffee: 0.50 USD
- Sandwiches: 0.50 - 2 USD
- A bottle of beer: 2 - 3 USD
- Mid-range restaurant meal: 10 USD
- Turkish bath entry: 15-20 USD
Can I drink tap water in Turkey?
It is not recommended to drink tap water in Turkey. Bottled water is commonly available, alternatively you may fill a reusable water bottle or carry water purification tablets with you to reduce your use of plastic.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Turkey?
Major credit/debit cards are widely accepted in Turkey. Some shops at small towns and rural areas may not accept cards, we would recommend to carry some cash with you for small purchases just in case.
What is ATM access like in Turkey?
ATMs can be easily found in many places in the cities however are not as common in rural areas or at the ANZAC Cove. Also not every small shop accepts cards, so you may need cash for smaller expenses.
Are airport transfers included and how do I arrange them?
Anzac tours longer than 3 days include arrival airport transfer if your flight lands to Istanbul on the first day of your tour between 05:00 and 23:00,
Airport Transfers.
You must inform our call center or
[email protected] of your flight details (date of flight, flight number, arrival time and name of travelers) at least 15 days prior to your departure date.
If you do not receive confirmation that your pick-up is arranged, please contact us.
You will be picked up by a Travel Talk representative holding a Travel Talk sign at the airport. Departure transfer is not available in Turkey.
Where is the welcome meeting on day 1 of my tour?
Depending on the duration of your tour the meeting point may vary, if your tour is for 12/11/10/9/8/6/5/4 days, your group meeting will be around 6-7 pm in the lobby of your arrival hotel.
The groups participating in the 2- and 3-day Anzac tours must be at the meeting point at the scheduled time, latest at 12:30.
Can I book pre or post tour accommodation?
Pre & post tour accommodation is not available for Anzac Day tours.
Do you have solo travellers on your tours?
Solo travellers often join our tours to meet and travel with like-minded adventurers, forming longstanding friendships. We also strive to provide a relaxed and sociable tour experience to allow the group to weld throughout the journey.
Solo travellers will be roomed with another solo traveller of the same gender, or can upgrade to a solo room by paying the single supplement.
I’m a solo passenger, do I need to pay single supplement?
There are always solo travelers on our tours. If you don’t mind being roomed with another single traveler of the same gender, you do not need to pay the supplement. Single supplement is for travelers who would like to stay in a single room for the duration of their tour.
Can I be roomed with my friends?
Please contact us with your request & we will do our best to arrange your room accordingly.
[email protected] 0208 099 9596
Our tours do not include airfare to/from the destination, and we do not advise on, ticket or sell flights. It is your responsibility to make it to the starting point of your tour on time.
Will my dietary requirements be catered for?
If you provide your dietary requirements at the time of booking, we will do our best to make the necessary arrangements where available. You can leave a comment under the "Notes" section when making an online booking or simply contact us. Please note that gluten-free & vegan options may be limited in the country.
What currency should I bring?
The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the local currency. Although you can pay with USD and EUR in some places, you’ll always get a better deal paying in the local currency. You can get lira from ATM's using your debit card or travel card — withdrawing cash on credit card is less favourable.
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted except in some small vendors. Avoid changing the bulk of your money at the airport as the exchange rates are usually more favorable in the city. Your tour leader will be pleased to help if you need any assistance.
Is there any luggage restriction?
Good news, there isn’t any luggage restriction on our tours as long as you’re able to carry your own luggage - usually just for a very short distance.
Tipping service staff is common in Turkey - typically around 10-15% for a restaurant meal. There is no need to tip taxi drivers, however it is customary to round up the fare for convenience.
Your tour guide and crew would be especially appreciative and honored with this kind of traditional gratitude at the end of your tour.
What if I join the tour late?
If the duration of your tour is 12/11/10/9/8/6/5/4 days, you can arrive at any time on the first day. It is no issue if you miss the welcome meeting around 6-7pm at the hotel, you can catch up with your tour leader later.
The groups participating in the Anzac tour 2 and 3 days must be at the meeting point at the scheduled time, latest at 12:30, sharp.
Will my tour be affected if I travel during Ramadan?
Ramadan (Ramazan) is the Islamic holy month, during which Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset. Fasting means 'nil by mouth' including food, water and cigarettes. Ramadan dates move every year, please see below the dates for 2020 and 2021. Some local cafes and restaurants close during the day; however tourists are not expected to fast, and there are many cafes and restaurants that stay open to cater for you.
During Ramadan, you are encouraged to show your respect by not walking around in public eating, chewing gum, smoking or drinking (especially alcohol). It is fine to do so in your hotel or in a cafe/restaurant recommended by your tour leader. Your tour leader will organise lunches and dinners to make Ramadan easier for you. During the month you will find that tourist sites often close early to allow staff to return home in time to break their fast, and shops often open late and close early.
Ramadan Dates:
- 24 April – 23 May 2020
- 13 April – 12 May 2021
Is Hot Air Balloon an option on my tour?
If your tour visits Cappadocia (applies to 12/11/10 day Anzac tours), Hot Air Balloon is one of the optional activities on your tour. Please note that optional activities are not operated by Travel Talk and that hot-air ballooning depends on the weather conditions.
How do I get the Anzac pass?
All passengers joining Anzac Day tours are required to register at the following link by the 25th of March 2021 to be able to attend the Anzac Day service:
https://overseascommemorations.ticketek.com.au.
Applications made online are strongly advised as
opposed to on-site on the day of the
commemoration. Please note that no passes will be issued once the site capacity has been reached, which also helps to organize the arrival of visitors.
To confirm your identity, you will need to provide your passport number and additional information with your application.
Your name and passport will be printed on
your attendance pass and will be checked for
identification when you are entering the commemorative site. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you complete this in due time with the correct details.
Should I bring a sleeping bag?
You need to bring a sleeping bag and warm clothing with you for the night before the dawn service. You will be sleeping outside at the Anzac Cove at the site of the ceremony, where it can get quite windy in April.
Where do I keep my luggage during the ceremony?
Your luggage will be kept on the bus. You can bring a smaller backpack with you for the night to be spent at the Anzac Cove.