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TRANSPORT
The local mini-bus service (Dolmus) runs a predetermined route, and as there aren't really any set stops, you can get on or off where you wish along the way. The price list is on display at the front of mini-bus, and fares should be paid to the driver when you get on. The service starts at approximately 7:30 AM and finishes at 11:00 PM, in the high season it goes on later. In some resorts you'll find a 24 hours service. Dolmus translated into English, means "squashed" and this is very often the case!! So, please note that the dolmus is fine for short journeys around the resort, but not recommended for long journeys.
Taxis: There are several taxi ranks around and about the resorts, but you can also flag down a passing taxi (they often beep their horns at you, to let you know they are free). Most of them nowadays have meters, if not try to agree a price before getting into the taxi. Please note: taxi prices are usually 50% higher after midnight
CHEMISTRY
Chemists are identified by the sign 'Ezcane' and are open daily from 8:00 am until approximately 8:00 pm in high season. However, after normal business hours, one chemist remains open as the chemist 'On Duty' and this chemist is posted on the door of all the chemists.
WATER
We recommend that you do not drink the tap water in Bodrum due to it's high mineral content. Both 1 liter and 5 liter bottles can be purchased from the bar or market in your hotel or from one of the many markets around the resort.
For those staying in self-catering accommodation the tap water can be used for making tea or coffee as there is no problem once the water is boiled.
CREDIT CARDS
Major credit cards are widely accepted in Bodrum, however, please double check particularly in restaurants, cafes, etc. beforehand.
When using credit cards in shops it is normal for the prices to be slightly higher than if you pay by cash as the shops pay commission to the banks for this service. This mainly applies with leather, jewelers and carpet shops.
Cash advance on your credit card can also be obtained from most banks.
Please note that the amounts on credit card slips are always written in Turkish Lira (YTL) and not foreign currency.
LOCAL CURRENCY
The currency here is the Turkish Lira (YTL)and your representatives will advise you of the rate as it fluctuates daily.
Sterling, Euro and US Dollars are also widely accepted in Bodrum.
You can change your Travelers Cheques and cash at the reception in your accommodation or in one of the many banks or exchange offices located all over the resort.
The banks are open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, some closing for lunch and change bureaus are open until late at night.
Don't forget while changing travelers cheques you will need to show your passport. POST & TELEPHONE
In the centre of all resorts you will find the Post Office which is indicated in Bodrum with a yellow sign residing "P.T.T."
The opening hours may vary from town to town but in general in high season your local post office is open from early morning until at least midnight and seven days a week. Here you can buy stamps and make telephone calls.
Some hotels sell stamps and will post letters and cards for you.
When calling home of course the easiest way is to phone from your hotel or apartment. Most hotels have direct telephones in the rooms or if not the reception can connect you. Please note there are of course extra charges for this service and we recommend you settle the bill immediately having finished the call. From outside the easiest way to make a call is to buy a phone card. They come in different denominations up to 100 units depending on how long you intend to spend on the phone. SECURITY AND VALUABLES Please ensure that your apartment or hotel room is secured at night and when leaving during the day. Also please do not leave money or valuables in your room. All hotels here offer safety deposit boxes at a small charge and we recommend you make use of this facility. Also please keep separate records of your travelers cheques serial numbers and passport numbers. Please note insurance policies will not cover the loss of money not carried on your person or not kept in a locked security safe.
The Metric and Kilo system is used in Turkey.
The local time is equal to GMT+2 hours. It is the same time zone all over the country
ELECTRICITY
The voltage here in Bodrum is 220 volts. All electrical appliances may be used here but of course as the plugs here are different i.e. 2 pin circular, then you will need an adapter.
Unlike Europe, most Turkish bathrooms have sockets and we advise caution when using these.
From time to time power cuts may occur which unfortunately are out out of our control but generally they do not last very long and normally power is quickly restored.
FREQUENTLY ASKING QUESTIONS
How does the buying process work in Turkey?
• In Turkey a change in ownership of property must be noted in the land register at a land registry office. Information relevant to the previous and past ownership of property can be found at this office. This system is unlike that of many European countries where the handing over of property takes place at a notary's office.
Can foreigners purchase property in Turkey?
• According to the law on ‘property purchase by foreigners in Turkey’ enacted on January 7, 2006, foreign nationals (real persons) are able to acquire real estate in Turkey on the conditions of being reciprocal and complying with legal restrictions.
In implementation of the reciprocity principle, it is essential that real estate acquisition rights given by a foreign country to its own citizens and to commercial companies established in foreign countries according to the laws of these countries are also given to the citizens and commercial companies of the Republic of Turkey.
In this context, there exist reciprocity between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Turkey regarding real estate acquisition.
Can I purchase more than one property?
• Yes of course, you are allowed to purchase as many as you want.
Are the properties freehold or leasehold?
• All properties offered by OzEmlak are 100% freehold. This means that buyer owns the land as well as the property.
What documents are required?
• Your passport(s) which will be copied and translated into Turkish and passport sized photographs. The notary’s office works in conjunction with the title deeds office and the Aegean Army. The translated documents will be checked by the army to ensure there is no record of criminal intent or activity against Turkey and that any property being purchased by a foreigner is not in the proximity to or intended to be used for any military purposes.
What is a TAPU?
• . The TAPU is the Title Deeds for the property. The TAPU will be registered in either joint or single names at the purchaser’s request
How does the payment process work?
• The payment process differs from developer to developer and seller to seller, however, in most cases a deposit that amounts from 10 to 20 percent of the sales price of the property is usually required. The property will usually be paid for in cash, some developers will also offer monthly installments, however, both the buyer and seller must agree upon the number and size of required. The property will usually be paid for in cash, some developers will also offer monthly installments, however, both the buyer and seller must agree upon the number and size of installments when they draw up the initial sale contract.
Are there any English speaking lawyers in Turkey and how can I getting in touch with one?
• There are qualified English-speaking solicitors in all-major cities and towns across Turkey. We can provide you with the contact details of English-speaking solicitors within the Bodrum Peninsula if you need.
Are there any (universal) mortgage companies in Turkey?
• Currently, there are no (universal) mortgage companies in Turkey. However, you can borrow a long term credit from a Turkish organization up to 5-to-15 years if you can provide the creditor with enough financial guarantees or you can get a re-mortgage on your existing property in your own country. Currently, there are no (universal) mortgage companies in Turkey . However, the Mortgage bill is being reviewed by the Parliament and is expected to be enacted this year.
If I sell my property, can I transfer the money I make through the property abroad?
• You can freely transfer abroad your money you will make through either selling or renting out your property. Please be aware of tax implications.
How much money can I bring into Turkey?
• There are no restrictions on the amount of money (either YTL or any foreign exchange) you can bring to Turkey. (Foreign Exchange Regime)
According to the current regulations, any monetary transaction which exceeds YTL 8,000 (approximately £ 3,000) has to be made through banks, private financial agencies or Post Office (PTT).
Making your payments through the systems mentioned above will enable you to document your property-buying transactions. In case of any dispute or undesirable events, you will be able to make use of those records.
The Turkish legislation states that one may take up to $ 5,000 or its equivalent of foreign currency notes out of the country. Non-residents- provided that they have declared it on their arrival- and residents those present a document that they purchase foreign exchange from the banks and special finance institutions within the framework of the regulations of invisible transactions, may freely take abroad foreign currency notes whose value is exceeding $ 5,000. Otherwise, they can transfer foreign exchange whose value is exceeding $5,000 only through banks and private finance institutions.
Please note that if a person breaches the above rule and this is detected/proven by authorities (either in Turkey or abroad):
a) The money is seized and becomes a possession of the Republic of Turkey.
b) A principal penalty of YTL equivalent of the seized amount is to be charged if the money is captured by Turkish authorities.
c) If the money brought abroad had not been seized/detected by the Turkish officers, then the principal penalty is twice stated in (b). Thus, the total principal penalty may amount to up to twice the seized money.
d) Moreover, a 'late payment penalty' (the interest) is to be charged based on the above mentioned principal penalty at the interest rate mentioned by Law No. 6183, which is currently 4% per month for the duration between the time of the breach and the date when penalty will be paid.
» Will I be able to set up a bank account and how can I do this?
• You can open accounts at Banks in Turkey in your own name. All you need to do this is just to have a tax number from a local tax office, which takes only few minutes, and then to submit it and a copy of your passport as well to a Bank branch you want to use.
Thanks to the strict banking regulations in Turkey, any body cannot withdraw money from your account and any body (except Courts of Turkey in case of legal inquiries) cannot learn the details of your bank account unless;
• you provide the relevant person with a valid Power of Attorney, or
• you open a joint account on which the other party has a right to withdraw money.
If you want a bank account in Turkey to be opened when you are in the UK, then you
- can assign someone to carry out the above transactions for you through a power of attorney, or,
- contact the Turkish banks based in the UK
The banks that we most recommend using are Finans Bank, Garanti Bank, HSBC, and AK Bank.
Will I be able to rent out my property and for how long?
• Yes. The main season is from April to October but you will still be able to rent it out over the winter at lower rates. At the height of the summer, you can expect a more than reasonable return.
Please be aware of income tax liablilities.
What is the crime rate like in Turkey?
• Serious crime and crime against property and the individual are very low in Turkey meaning that an investor and his assets are safe and secure - unfortunately this is certainly not the case in the currently popular eastern eight emerging markets and it is another reason to consider Turkey over and above countries like Poland, Bulgaria or the Czech Republic.
» Will my property be safe while I'm not in Turkey?
• There are some Property Management companies in the market and we can help you to find the right one for you.
» Can you bring your pets to Turkey?
• You can bring your pets to Turkey as long as you carry the live animals’ health/vaccination certificates with you. Veterinary health certificate must be issued not more than 10 days before departure. Rabies vaccination must be given the animal not more than 6 months ago and not less than 15 days before departure. None of the documents need to be legalised by either Foreign and Commonwealth Office Legalisation Department or Turkish Consulate General, provided that you accompany your pets.
However, there is a legal limitation on the number of pets to be brought to Turkey. A person can bring 1 cat or 1 dog or 1 bird or 10 aquarium fishes at most. If you like to bring more pets, then you are advised to have somebody to accompany you during your travel to Turkey.
» Would it be necessary for me to learn the language?
• It is entirely your choice. Many Turks know English or German but it is handier if you know some of the language. Anyway, it's fun learning a new language and don't you think the locals would be more appreciative if you made an effort.
» How does the general cost of living compare to the Europe?
• Fresh produce is great value for money. You’ll find most items up to 50% cheaper than in the Europe with electrical items being the most expensive. Also petrol prices are about the same as in the Europe.
» Will I be taxed twice when taking money out of Turkey?
• Turkey is part of a treaty against double taxation with several EU countries. In most cases you will not be taxed twice on your income. However, where there are differences between the rate of tax you pay at home and the rate you pay in Turkey you will most likely end up having to make up the difference. For example: if you were to sell your Turkish property for a profit and the amount of tax that you paid on that profit was lower in Turkey than it was at home then you might have to make up the difference in the rate at home. For more details regarding this matter we advise you speak to a lawyer or accountant in your home country.
Check out
http://www.turkisheconomy.org.uk/buyingproperty/avoid_taxevasion.htm
http://www.turkisheconomy.org.uk/investment/double_taxation.htm
» Can I ship my belongings over to Turkey?
• Household items can be brought to Turkey through a system called "temporary import" provided that the validity of the residence permit is not less than one year. In this case, you pay a deposit and take it back when you return to your own country or submit a bank guarantee letter which should be obtained either from a Turkish bank or a well-known foreign bank ensuring that all customs duties will be paid if the goods are not taken out of Turkey at the end of the period of residency during the first five years. You do not need to extend the guarantee letter for the period starting from the completion of the first five years following the importation of goods.
Lots of reliable Turkish carriage/freight/shipping companies are available to move your items to Turkey from any point in the world.
You also may consider buying new furniture, as you will find furniture is cheaper here than in the Europe. Even if you have expensive taste there is a selection of shops to satisfy your needs. There is a wide variety of shops for furniture and electrical goods.
http://www.gumruk.gov.tr/english/Brosurler.aspx
» Can I work in Turkey?
• Yes you can but you will need to request for a work permit. For further information you should contact the foreign office in Ankara, since the rules are changing currently for some EU citizens. You can not, under any circumstance, work on your residence visa.
Can I establish or buy a company in Turkey?
• According to Foreign Direct Investment Law, unless stipulated by international agreements and other special laws: 1) Foreign investors are free to make Foreign Direct Investments in Turkey, 2) Foreign investors shall be subject to equal treatment with domestic investors. The Law defines foreign direct investments as either establishing a new company or branch of a foreign company, or share acquisitions, where the foreign investor owns 10 percent or more of the shares or voting power, by means of: i) Assets acquired from abroad by the foreign investor: Capital in cash in the form of convertible currency bought and sold by the Central Bank of Turkey, stocks and bonds of foreign companies (excluding government bonds), machinery and equipment, industrial and intellectual property rights; ii) Assets acquired from Turkey: Re-invested earnings, revenues, financial claims, or any other investment-related rights of financial value, commercial rights for the exploration and extraction of natural resources. According to the Law, foreign direct investments shall not be expropriated or nationalized, except for a public purpose and upon compensation in accordance with due process of law. Foreign investors can freely transfer abroad the followings: profits, dividends, proceeds from the sale or liquidation of all or any part of an investment, amounts arising from license, management and similar agreements, and reimbursements and interest payments arising from foreign loans through banks or special financial institutions. For the settlement of disputes arising from investment agreements subject to private law and disputes arising from conditions and contracts made with the administration and under which concessions concerning public services are granted, foreign investors can apply either to the authorized local courts, or to national or international arbitration or other means of dispute settlement, provided that the conditions in the related regulations are fulfilled and the parties agree thereon.
» Can I live on my pension salary if I reside in Turkey?
• A Turkish pensioner is paid an average pension approximately worth one sixth of the average pension in Europe. Thus, your pension accrued in Europe will be sufficient in Turkey.
» Will I be able to leave my property in a will?
• It is possible to include your Turkish property in a will, which can be written by a solicitor in Turkey. Otherwise your property will be left to your next of kin.
» Is social insurance coverage compulsory for foreigners?
• Short-term risk coverage (maternity, health, occupational diseases) by the associated scheme is compulsory for all foreign nationals working in Turkey. On the other hand, foreign citizens can voluntarily register to social insurance institutions for the long-term risk coverage (invalidity, old-age, mortality). However, citizens of the countries with which reciprocity agreements in the power of law have been made are to be covered (compulsory) by the relevant social insurance scheme. These countries are UK, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, France, Sweden, Libya, Denmark, Norway, and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
» What is the weather like?
• Turkey has seasons similar to Europe but much better temperatures. In winter, you’ll find the temperatures by the south coast ranging from 44.2°F to 55.9°F, in spring it warms up to 51.3°F to 67.6°F . The summer is usually dry and hot from May through to September, usually 64.8°F to 84.9°F, cooling again as we move into autumn back down from 58.6°F to 73.4°F.
» If my property was on a complex, how much maintenance should I expect to pay?
• The maintenance charge varies depending on the facilities on site. Costs can range from £200 to £1000 per year and that includes the up-keep of gardens, cleaning out pools and anything else that is necessary. We will advise you about these charges as they can be higher if the complex is new or being renovated.
» How much do I need to pay to set up my electricity, water, telephone line?
• Telephone - Connection fee: £6 (A resident’s permit is needed to register a landline) Water - Connection fee: £40, Cost per m3: £0.35 Electric - Connection fee: £70, Cost per kWh: £0.15
Which airlines fly to Turkey?
• Nowadays there are many Airlines flying to Turkey from all major airports in Europe regularly as well as plenty of charter carriers arriving at Bodrum/Milas airport. As from November 2006, there are to be all year round flights into Bodrum. Easy Jet will also be flying to Istanbul. Check out our Links page for cheap flights.
http://www.ozemlakbodrum.com/Mainpage.asp?Page=Links
Can I drink water from the tap?
• When in Turkey it is not advisable to drink water from the tap. Bottled water is very cheap and so it is practical to get a water dispenser where the bottles are several gallons big and delivered upon request.
Can I get cable television for my home?
• Yes, it is possible to get a satellite connection where you pay monthly and receive many European channels such as BBC, MTV, CNN, MOVİE MAX, HALLMARK, CNBCe, COMEDY MAX etc. and other European national channels. I have been told some 800 channels can be received.
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