WEATHER

The climate in Istanbul is so notoriously changeable that it has won a reputation lor producing all lour seasons m one day. All the same, there is a clear pattern to the seasons, and Istanbul in summer is scarcely recognisable as the same city in winter. Winters, which begin around November-December, are wet, cold, and grey and usually include the occasional snow storm. The general gloom is further added to by a serious air pollution problem and the mud swamps that appear with the slightest precipitation. Action is currently being taken to tackle the air pollution and nolicable sucsesses have been achieved by the new city administration, and many households arc now converting their coal-fired healing systems to natural gas. On the positive side, winters are generally short. Spring, arguably the best time of year, follows in March. Suddenly, the whole place springs to life and colour permeates the monochrome winter landscape. The shores ol the Bosphorus, in particular, blaze with vibrant shades of green and flowering Judas trees Summer begins in late May/early June, with the honest months July and August. Temperatures climb as high as 30°C degrees and are accompanied by high humidity levels. Ram is fairly rare in summer, however, municipality has succeeded in realizing many projects in the near past, and water shortages has been brought to minimum. Autumn then arrives with the onset of the rains in September/ October. Probably the most tinpredicatable seasons in terms of weather are spring and autumn.

CURRENCY/MONEY EXCHANGE CREDIT CARDS

The currency unit in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL). It is always a good idea to be well-stocked with small change since more often than not taxi drivers, shopkeepers, and the like will not have any of their own. Thanks to the rapid depreciation of the Turkish lira over the years, there is an endless stream of zeroes to deal with on price tags ol goods and services. Official circles have talked for months of dropping the last three for the inevitable practical reasons, this has yet to be realized but by the time vou made it here this might have happened.
Changing foreign currency is best done at the many "rioviz burolan" (.exchange offices) now around. These are regulated by law, charge minimal commission, and do not require identification for a straightforward currency swap. Exchange facilities are also available at the banks, but transactions tend to take longer and rates to be less favourable. Most banks will also change travellers cheques, but again the process is a lengthy one and involves heavy commission charges.

Credit cards have taken off m a big way in Turkey during the last few years. Nowadays most of the larger hotels, restaurants, and retail stores accept major credit cards (Visa is the most common), although it is still worth checking first. Be prepared to produce proof of identity and preferably a    | document with a photograph: this may be services to Saturdays and lunchtime. Exchange offices open Monday-Saturday between the same limes, but do not close at lunchtime.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Turkey has a reciprocal Social Security agreement with Germany, Holland, Belgium and Austria. Guests from these countries who have their Social Security details with them, are entitled to treatment at a Turkish Social Security Hospital or other hospitals, if transferred for specialist treatment.
Check that your policy is valid in Turkey, (most are)
Travel operators in E.U. countries, when selling a package holiday, by law must include a travel insurance.
It is important to check the contents of your policy. Does it cover medication? All hospital fees (blood transfusions, lab costs etc.)7 Does it cover transport to and from hospital?
Are repatriation costs covered- This includes change of flight home and air ambulance.
Many policies are non valid when alcohol has contributed to the medical condition, or if it is a reoccurrence of a condition not staled on your insurance application forms. Many policies do not cover psychiatric illness.

DRIVING LICENCES

To bring a car into the country an International Driving Permit, obtainable from motoring organisations before you leave, is required, but a domestic licence is valid for the purposes of renting cars within the country. Relevant registration documents (at least copies) and insurance details should also be on hand at all times when driving.

TIPS FOR THE HANDICAPPED

Although changes are beginning to be made, only the top hotels and resorts will have ramps and other facilities for the handicapped. New buses with wheel chair access have recently been introduced by the municipality, and plans are underway lor accessible public conveniences in the central areas. These developments, though, whilst a promising sign for the future, only as yet manage to scratch the surface. To any Turk n is an unforgivable sin to watch a wheel chair bound guest creep over an expanse of cobble stones. Six husky men will swoop towards you and carry you of. Sit back and accept the help with grace, You cannot convince 10 million people you want to do it your way
The handicapped are not hidden away in Turkey and parents with physically or intellectually handicapped children will find Istanbul a wonderful place to holiday.

DUTY-FREE, CURENCY REGULATIONS

You are entitled to bring through customs 3 cartons of cigarettes and 5 liters of alcohol. Heavy import duties are levied on non tourist items such as TV etc. Lap top computers and the like will be entered in your passport to ensure you leave the country with it.
There are no incoming or outgoing currency limits in Turkey.

TIPS FOR THE OLDER VISITOR

More senior souls have it made in Istanbul Age is greatly respected in the Turkish culture. Older guests need little advice, ihey don't forget their hats or try to see ten historic sites before lunch!
Accept the fact that people will want to help you if they perceive you are in difficulties, even when you don't really need help. It's rather nice really.

VISITING ISTANBUL WITH CHILDREN

The old saying 'Children should be seen and not heard' Certainly does not apply in Turkey. If a child is fractuous or spills food, this is all part of everyday life to the Turk, as children are adored and not expected to behave as miniature adults. Parents are often alarmed when a waiter scoops up a toddler and disappears.
Don't worry, your child has been taken to meet the cook and just about everyone else. Strangers may pin a blue bead onto your child's clothing, this is to ward of evil. It definitely works Your children will be safe and cared for in Turkey.
Now there is also the recently opened Tatilya theme park- one of the largest in Europe- built on the outskirts of the city to entertain those kids, both young and old, who have seen enough museums and culture, though there is plenty for children to do within the city itself. (s2)