Turkey Property Direct UK Ltd

Turkey!Kusadasi Living

Turkey’s national language is Turkish. In Turkey especially in Kusadasi most people can speak fluent English and also some can speak some other foreign languages such as German , French , Italian and other languages.

Duty Free Allowances incoming to Turkey

The following goods may be imported into Turkey without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco and 200 cigarette papers or 50g of chewing tobacco or 200g of pipe tobacco or 200g of snuff tobacco* (see Note below). • Additional 400 cigarettes can be bought at the Turkish Airport on the way in. • Five bottles (1l) or seven bottles (700ml) of wine and/or spirits. • Five bottles (up to 120ml each) of perfume. • Gifts up to a value of €255.65 (or equivalent). • Electronic articles up to a value of €255.65 (or equivalent). • Reasonable amounts of coffee and tea.

Note: (a)* A further 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars and 500g of pipe tobacco may be imported if purchased on arrival at a duty-free shop. (b) Very specific amounts and categories of personal belongings may be imported duty-free, according to a list available from the Turkish Embassy, Financial and Customs Counsellor's Office. Prohibited Imports Narcotics, sharp implements (including camping knives) and weapons. Prohibited Exports (a) The export of souvenirs such as carpets is subject to customs regulations regarding age and value. (b) The export of antiques is strictly forbidden, with harsh penalties for those caught doing so. (c) Minerals may only be exported under licence from the General Directorate of Mining Exploration & Research.

Water

It is safe to drink tap water in your villa in Kusadasi , but it has an unpleasant taste. In hotels and restaurants it’s best to order bottled spring water , which is abundant and cheap. In your villa in Kusdasi, or apartment your buy large bottles with a pump and a refill costs 4 ytl, and can be delivered free daily.

Electric

Main electricity in your villa in kusadasi is 220 volt, 50 (HZ) alternating current , the same as in most Europe plugs and sockets are the same as in the continental country of the European union British and American visitor need plug adapters for electrical appliance. It does however go off occassionally, so you will need to keep candles around and gas for cooking and possible heating.

Money

The national currency is the New Turkish Lira (YTL),unfortunately you cannot feel a millionaire in Turkey anymore because they have knocked all the noughts off the old lira to form the New Turkish lira. One British pound is worth between 2.3 and 2.8 Turkish lira depending on time of year. At the moment the Turkish lira is 2.557 to the pound. Midday 9th April 2008. Interest rates 14% after tax.

Foreign currencies and travellers cheque can be changed all over Kusadasi ,in banks hotels and moneychangers. Banks provide standards service nation-wide Monday through Friday except public holidays between 8:30am and17:00pm some banks and money changers remain open until midnight.

Major international credit cards, such as American express Diners, Carte Blanche, Master card and Visa are accepted by major banks restaurants hotels and shops.

Driving Licence

EC licence is accepted for up to 3 months. An international driving licence can be used until expired. You can apply for a Turkish licence via the local police department. All documents ie insurance, driving licence, and vehicle registration documents must be shown to the police and should be kept in the vehicle.

Minimum driving age is 18. That means, you can rent a car, or you can also buy a car, if you think of staying longer. To rent a car you must be over 21 and have a valid driving licence.

Driving is on the right. Seat belts to be worn by the front and rear passengers. On spot fines can be issued for speeding offences, or other rules of the road and they can be expensive. If you are involved in an accident do not move any vehicles until the police arrive. Accidents in the city call 154 for traffic police. Accidents outside the city call 156 for Jandarma.

Wills

It is advisable on having purchased a property in Turkey to have a will drawn up. All though an English will, will be honoured, it is advisable to have a Turkish will drawn up and noted. If there is no legal will, then the Turkish law of succession is applied, which means the children succeed not the wife even though she might appear on the Tapu(deeds). Your will can be lodged with your Turkish based lawyer, and registered at the Notary.

Medical Care in Kusadasi

Medical insurance is expensive approximately £1500 per person per year and do not include any medical conditions you have, and the private Hospitals do like to make as much money as can from you. We recommend you sign up to a local Doctor for free and use the local hospital 15ytl to register and 15ytl for the specialist doctor to treat you. The medical care in Kusdasi is of the highest quality and no waiting as in the British Isles.

Public Holidays in Kusadasi

2008

January 1st New Year's Day.

April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day.

May 1st May Day Public Holiday (Istanbul only).

May 19th Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day.

August 30th Victory Day.

september 29th to 2nd October (29th is half-day) Ramazan Bayrami (End of Ramadan).

October 28th and 28th (28th is a half-day) Republic Day.

December 8th until 11th Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice).

2009

January 1st New Year's Day.

April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day.

May 1st May Day Public Holiday (Istanbul only).

May 19th Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day.

August 30th Victory Day.

September 19th until 22nd (19th is half-day) Ramazan Bayrami (End of Ramadan).

October 28th and 29th (28th is a half-day) Republic Day.

November 27th until 30th Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice).

Note Muslim festivals are timed according to the phases of the moon and change each year. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Ramazan Bayrami, Muslims fast during the day and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Generally, centres of tourism are unaffected. Some disruption may continue into Ramazan Bayrami itself. Ramazan Bayrami and Kurban Bayrami may last anything from three to 10 days, depending on the region. Transport and hotels are very busy during these holidays, so book in advance.