Entry into Izmir

To enter İzmir , Turkey’s third largest city all you need is a valid passport. It is possible to reach İzmir by land ,air , sea and rail transportation. There are also frequent ferryboat services from Greece and Italy to İzmir. Direct motorways from the airport to the city make access to İzmir very simple. How to reach the hotels upon arrival at the airport? Click to learn.

Currency

As with the majority of Turkey the currency in İzmir is Turkish Lira (T.L.). It is possible to change currency in banks , hotels and exchange bureau’s. Also it is possible to shop in most places with your own currency. With credit cards being acceptable in most places it is also possible to draw money from cash dispense machines found in Turkish Banks.

Transportation

Transport within the city can be done in several ways among with are the municiple buses and steamers , metro , dolmuş ( co-shared large taxi’s ) and taxi’s. There are also rent-cars for very reasonable prices. Traffic in İzmir is on the right . Wearing a seatbelt while driving is compulsory and all traffic signs are in accordance with the universal norm. Surrounded by a network of motorways it is possible to reach the furthest point of İzmir within an hour.

Language

The official language is Turkish however English, German, French and Flamish are widely spoken, especially by the traders. Most signs have been written in both Turkish and English.

The people of Izmir

The population of İzmir is made up of Greek ,Yugoslavian and Bulgarian migrants and also gypsies. Also Greek , Italian and Jewish minorities hold an important place in the population. There are also many Europeans and Americans residing in İzmir. Although a majorty of the population is Moslem other religions are freely praticed and all have their own places of worship.

Due to its accumulation of histical culture the people of İzmir are very democratic, fore-sighted and modern.

Telecommunication

To dial İzmir from your own country first dial Turkey’s code ( 00 90) followed by the code for İzmir (232) and then the number you request to call.

Cellular phones used in your own country can also be used and will work through one of the Turkish GSM networks. It is also possible to buy phone cards which you can use in the many pay phones scattered around İzmir.

Food

Aegean cuisine is rich in dishes containing vegetables and natural herbs. The herb culture is the same as that found in Greece. However it is also possible to find many restaurants catering in food from various areas of Turkey. Fish restaurants are also very common. Food from different cultures is also very popular among which are Chinese, Korean, Mexican, British, Italian cuisines to name but a few.

Shopping

Silver and gold accessories , jewelery, backgammon sets , leather, blue stones to guard against the “evil eye” , rugs , carpets are the most popular souvenirs bought however İzmir has much more to offer. Considering the fact that Turkey is a main import and exporter of textiles, many hours can be spent shopping. İzmir with its standard of living is one of the cheapest cities in Turkey.

Climate

İzmir has a typical Meditteranean climate. During the summer it is hot and dry, in the winter it has a moderate climate. It is possible to experience all four seasons in İzmir.

Natural growth

İzmir is interwined with history and natural beauty , filled with plants and vegetation it is rich with many types of birds and insects. It has around 1.000.000 hectars covered with forests and many types of scrubs can be seen here.

Arth and culture

The many cinema’s , theatre’s , art centres and museums attract attention. Playing host to many different civilisations and the fact that it is a port has made İzmir a very modern city.



Industry and trade

Because of its port, import and export is very easy from İzmir. It has a developed industrial sector and is among the most prefered investment sites in Turkey.

Agriculture and breeding of the livestock

All types of vegetables and fruit are grown in the area this is done both outside and inside in green houses. İzmir supplies both other areas of Turkey and also exports these products abroad.

Breeding chickens is one of the most common sources of income other forms of nutrition are also vast. The export of flowers to the European Union is also an important part of İzmir’s income together with the export of fruit and vegetables.

Discover İzmir with us.