touristic information istanbul  
Districts              

Adalar, Avcılar, Bağcılar, Bahçelievler, Bakırköy, Beşiktaş, Bayrampaşa, Beykoz, Beyoğlu, Eminönü, Eyüb, Fatih, Gaziosmanpaşa, Kadıköy, Kâğıthane, Kartal, Küçükçekmece, Pendik, Sarıyer, Şişli, Ümraniye, Üsküdar, Zeytinburnu, Büyükçekmece, Çatalca, Silivri, Şile, Esenler, Güngören, Maltepe, Sultanbeyli, Tuzla

    
     
Geography              
The summer months in Istanbul are generally hot and quite humid. The winters can be cold and wet, although not as extreme as other areas of the country. June, July and August see temperatures creep up to 30 degrees, with very little rain. Spring and autumn are popular times to visit because of the comfortable climate, good for lots of walking and sightseeing, with highs between 15 - 25 degrees C, in April, May, September and October. By the winter, the dry cold air mass from the Black Sea and cold damp front from the Balkans brings a chilly season with daytime highs of between 10 - 15 degrees C, and nights much colder. Although rarely falling to freezing point, there is the occasional light snow in the city.    
Time Zone    
GMT +2 hours / Eastern Europe Time      
Population
13.000.000  
Currency

New Turkish Lira (YTL)
Banknote denominations currently range from 5 YTL to 100 YTL
Changing foreign currency is best done at the exhange offices ''doviz burolari'' These sre regulated by law, charge minimal commission, and do not require identification for a straightforward currency swap. Click here for currency exhange rates

Electric Current    
The electric current in Turkey is the same as in Europe - 220 Volts and the plugs have two circular metal pins.
Tipping and Bargaining    
Tipping is standard practice in bars and restaurants, although not obligatory. Generally 10 % is an acceptable rate, but even if service is included, a small token is expected. On the other hand, there is no need to tip taxi drivers, unless some special service has been provided.
Public Holidays in 2008    

1st January: New Year's Day

23rd April: National Sovereignty and Children's Day

19th May: Youth and Sports Day

30th August: Victory Day

30th September & 1st, 2nd October: Ramadan Bayrami

29th October: Republic Day

8th, 9th, 10th & 11th December: Kurban (Sacrifice) Bayrami

 

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