Passports and Visas
UK passport holders require a visa to visit Turkey, this can be purchased for £10 at the point of entry payable in sterling and is acceptable for stays up to 90 days (important this is 90 days NOT 3 months). The passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry.
Currency
The currency of Turkey is YTL (Yeni Turk Lirasi - New Turkish Lira). While some shops, restaurants and hotels will accept Sterling we advise that you change your money to YTL. There are many cash points in Dalyan that accept most UK Bank and Credit Cards, the post office and a bank are also available for money exchange and accept travellers cheques.
Many places will accept Credit Cards.
Health
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before coming to Turkey as it is not in the EU and you will not be covered. Dalyan has a number of private doctors and dentists scattered throughout the town as well as a general health clinic located in the centre close to the river.
Chemists in Turkey offer a similar service to the UK and many are able to offer over the counter medicines for simple problems without the need to visit a doctor. There is a rota for late pharmacy cover should you require medicines during the evening.
We advise that you drink bottled water and wash fresh fruit before eating.
Driving
When driving in Turkey you must carry your driving license with you at all times, failure to do so will result in a fine.
Driving in Turkey is relatively safe, however be careful as the standard of the roads and driving standards are not to UK standards.
Sun Protection
The sun in Turkey is very strong, we recommend using a high factor sun cream at regular intervals. During July and August the sun is at its hottest, during these months avoid the sun around noon, take the opportunity of shade at these times.
Identity
It is illegal not to carry photographic proof of identity in Turkey, we advise you take a photocopy of you passport photo page and keep this with you are all times.
Clothing
Although Turkey's population is predominately Muslim the dress in Dalyan is largely western, however Dalyan Holiday would like to recommend the following:
- Swim wear, if venturing away from the hotel pool or the beach please cover up a little, a pair of shorts, a wrap, a T-Shirt will ensure you don't offend anyone.
- When visiting a mosque women must cover their hair, arms and legs. It is also advised that men cover their arms and legs as well.
Transport
The cheapest form of transport has to be the Dolmuş (mini bus) and the Dalyan Dolmuş stop is located next door to the post office, they offer regular services to Ortaca bus station from where there are many national services on offer. They also offer a regular service to the beach as well as some popular tourist attractions on particular days.
There are also a number of Taxi firms operating within the town.
Of course we also have the boats that offer trips to the beach, the lake and other beaches around the area.
Money
Dalyan has one bank (Iş Bank) in the centre of town, there are also around 6 cash points located throughout the town. During the summer months the bank operates an exchange service from a small kiosk window into the evenings.
There is also a post office (PTT) located just opposite the bank which offers an exchange service.
While some shops, restaurants and bars will accept Sterling Dalyan Holiday would recommend that using Lira will be more cost effective.
Communication
The post office also contains 2 phone boxes which offer probably the best rate for calling back to the UK or anywhere else abroad.
The town has a large number of Internet cafés for keeping up with email while away from home. Many of these also offer a wireless connection for those travelling with laptops.
Shopping
For everyday items there is a large supermarket (Migros) on the main road into Dalyan, there are also several smaller markets around the town in convenient locations.
The towns market is held on a Saturday, currently this is held in a central location and the streets around become alive with sellers and buyers alike. However this is due to change to a new purpose built location in May 2007. As with the rest of Turkey the market has a good range of quality 'fake' designer gear.
We also have a number of shops selling clothing, souvenirs, electrical goods and carpets.
Do I need to hire a car?
Dalyan has good transport links, there are regular bus services to Ortaca and from which there are many bus services to the whole of Turkey.
If you plan to visit historical sites there are many tour companies offering good priced excursions to many of the sites.
Renting a car is a personal choice but you won't be left feeling stranded without one. If you do hire a car make sure to take your driving licence with you at all times, it is illegal to drive without it in your possession.
How do I get to the Beach?
IzTuzu Beach (commonly referred to as Turtle Beach) can be reached by boat, there are regular Public Shuttle Boat services from the harbour in Dalyan. Alternatively you can get a minibus from the centre of town. Many people prefer to take the peaceful 30 minute boat ride through the read beds to get to the beach.
Is Dalyan safe?
Dalyan is a very safe town. The town attracts mainly family and retired tourists. You will find the locals very welcoming and friendly especially to children.
Street crime and robberies are very low in Dalyan.
Recent terrorist activities in parts of Turkey have not affected Dalyan.
Should we use bottled water?
The water in Dalyan is safe to drink, however we recommend using bottled water as the mineral content of the local tap water may cause slight stomach problems.
I've heard Dalyan has a Mosquito problem?
There are mosquitoes in Dalyan, just as any other holiday resort. People believe Dalyan has a larger number and larger mosquitoes than other resorts because of the Dalyan Delta, however mosquitoes bred in shallow, still water and as such Dalyan poses no greater breding ground than other resorts.
However we do advise you to take precautions during the evenings and we highly recommend the 'Sin Kov' repellent which is widely available around Dalyan.
Further Travel Advice can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Turkish Consulate in London
