IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL BUSINESS CUSTOMS The Turkish people feel close to their traditions and culture. However, having ties with western countries, Turkish people in major cities have adopted a western way of life. A foreigner visiting any one of the large cities in Turkey will find himself in an atmosphere similar to that of a contemporary western city. There are no local customs, beyond the bounds of normal courtesy, that a visiting businessman should feel compelled to observe. In general, a personal relationship is an important basis for a successful business relationship in Turkey. It is usually important to allow time for friendly conversation before commencing with a business agenda. Business cards are almost always exchanged, and visitors are usually offered a glass of tea or Turkish coffee. TRAVEL ADVISORY AND VISAS New visa regulations are entering into force on October 1, 1994 for U.S. citizens visiting Turkey. U.S. citizens will be required to obtain visas before entering Turkey. U.S. citizens traveling on standard passports may obtain their visas either from any Turkish Consular Offfice abroad, or at the border crossing point--for any stay up to three months. For visits of longer duration, or for those intending to study or to obtain employment in Turkey, a visa must be obtained in advance. A fee of $20.00 will be collected in reciprocity of U.S. practice, notwithstanding the type of visa issued. U.S. citizens holding diplomatic or official passports will obtain their visas from the Turkish Embassy before their departure for Turkey. Further information may be obtained from any Turkish Consular Office in the United States. There is little crime against visitors (generally less than in the U.S.) in major cities like Istanbul, although their have been reports of pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging. Visitors are advised to avoid accompanying unknown persons to bars and night clubs which may seriously overcharge. Travel to eastern Turkey except for the Black Sea Coast can be dangerous. Terrorist acts by the PKK continue in most of the eastern provinces. The terrorist attacks include civilian targets. Travel in the eastern provinces should be restricted after nightfall to city centers. During the last two years, there have been some terrorist incidents in major cities as well. Unauthorized purchase or removal from Turkey of antiquities or other important cultural artifacts is strictly forbidden. U.S. visitors may obtain updated information on travel and security in Turkey from the U.S. Embassy in Ankara or Consulates in Istanbul and Adana. TURKISH HOLIDAYS FOR 1995 January 1: New Year's Day March 2-5: Sugar Holiday April 23: National Sovereignty and Children's Day May 9-13: Sacrifice Holiday May 19: Ataturk Memorial, Youth, and Sports Day August 30: Zafer Bayrami (Victory Day) October 28-29: Turkish Independence Day (From 13:00 on 10/28, Friday) BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE Transportation. Major European airlines as well as Delta have frequent flights to Turkey. Turkish Airlines (THY) flies to many cities in Europe, New York, the former Soviet Union, the Middle East, and the Far East. THY has a number of flights daily between Ankara and Istanbul. THY also has daily flights to other cities in Turkey. Rail transportation is also available between most of the major cities. Public transportation is available in the cities. However, businessmen are advised to use taxis. Taxi fares are low. Language. The official language spoken by more than 90 percent of the population is Turkish. Most educated Turks have a command of at least one foreign language, with sufficient fluency to carry out business transactions. Most company executives were educated in western countries. English is the dominant language for international business. Other frequently spoken languages are German and French. Communication. The telephone system in Turkey's major cities is good. Faxes are widely used in international business. Lodging. Medium to luxury-type hotels, including international hotels such as the Hilton, Sheraton, Hyatt, Holiday Inn, Conrad, and Swiss Hotel, are available in major cities. Apartment rents in Istanbul are expensive. Rentals in Ankara and Izmir are more reasonable. The rental of a good quality apartment in a popular area of a city is usually set in a foreign currency, and often 6 months to one year's rent is expected in advance. Health. There is no family doctor system in Turkey. In the event of illness it is customery to go directly to a hospital or to a private specialist. There are several good private medical facilities in Istanbul and Ankara. Anyone coming to Turkey should have comprehensive medical insurance. Food. Turkish cuisine is characterized by the freshness of its ingredients and most American business travelers have no trouble finding a good meal. All major hotels have at least one restaurant serving continental cuisine. Several European restaurants are also available in major cities. Prices at these places are usually moderate-to-expensive. Good food is available not only at expensive restaurants but also moderately priced establishments. One also has the choice of fast food restaurants such as McDonald's, Wendy's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and their Turkish equivalents such as Kebap 49. A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables is found throughout the year.