FAQ
- Reservation
When you have selected a yacht, and the dates and ports of embarkation /disembarkation have been agreed upon, we will prepare a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). We will send you this agreement to be signed and returned to us. At this point 50% of the charter Fee should be transferred to a special bank account to secure the yacht on your behalf. The agreement then will be sent to owner for his countersignature and a completed copy is returned to you for your retention. The balance of the charter Fee, the advance towards provisioning of the yacht (A.P.A.), V.A.T. and any applicable delivery or redelivery fee will be due for payment one month prior to embarkation. Cancellation and curtailment insurance can be arranged on request to cover the loss of Charter Fee if you, for any reason, decide to cancel you reservation. The approximate cost for such coverage is 2% of the charter fee and we highly recommend it.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Getting on Board
We will send you full details on how to reach the boarding place, we also can arrange flight reservation, limousine and what ever makes your getting aboard and getting back home with all comfort and convenience.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Charter Terms & Conditions
MYBA – WMT (Western Mediterranean Terms)
Means that the owner will charter out his vessel at a stipulated place and time, with all necessary gear, in full working order, properly insured for marine risk (apart from charterer's liability that we can arrange) and managed by crew whose wages, clothing and food are included, ship's laundry too.
All other expenses such as fuel and lubricating oils for the vessel and its tenders, local taxes, pilotage and harbor dues, charterer's food and drinks, laundry, communication costs and crew gratuities are all payable by the charterer.
SEMT (Standard Eastern Mediterranean Terms)
Means that the owner will charter out his vessel at a stipulated place and time, with all necessary gear, in full working order, properly insured for marine risk (apart from Charterer's liability that we can arrange) and managed by crew whose wages, clothing and food are included, ship's laundry too. The charter fee also includes fuel for up to 5 hours cruising per day (averaged throughout the charter), berthing and harbor (except Corinthian Canal dues), the arrangement about fuel charges sometimes vary.
All other expenses such as fuel for tenders, local taxes, berthing and harbor expenses outside the yacht's normal cruising area, charterer' food and drinks, laundry, communication costs and crew gratuities are all payable by the charterer.
EMT (Eastern Mediterranean Terms)
Means that the owner will charter out his vessel at a stipulated place and time, with all necessary gear, in full working order, properly insured for marine risk (apart from Charterer's liability that we can arrange) and managed by crew whose wages, clothing and food are included, ship's laundry too. The charter fee also includes half board for the chatterers (breakfast and lunch), fuel for up to 3-5 hours cruising per day (averaged throughout the charter), berthing and harbor (except Corinthian Canal dues), the arrangement about fuel charges sometimes vary.
All other expenses such as fuel for tenders, local taxes, berthing and harbor expenses outside the yacht's normal cruising area, charterer's evening meal, spirits and soft drinks, laundry, communication costs and crew gratuities are all payable by the charter.
SCT (Standard Caribbean Terms)
Means that the owner will charter out his vessel at a stipulated place and time, with all necessary gear, in full working order, properly insured for marine risk (apart from Charterer's liability that we can arrange) and managed by crew whose wages, clothing and food are included, ship's laundry too. The charter fee also includes full board meals for the chatterers (some yachts also include wine and bar), fuel for up to 5 hours cruising per day (averaged throughout the charter), the arrangement about fuel charges sometimes vary.
All other expenses such as fuel for tenders, local taxes if any, marina-type berthing, bar, vantage wines and champagne, laundry, communication costs and crew gratuities are all payable by the Charterer.
GRK (Greek Terms)
Means that the owner will charter out his vessel at a stipulated place and time, with all necessary gear, in full working order, properly insured for marine risk (apart from Charterer's liability that we can arrange) and managed by crew whose wages, clothing and food are included, ship's laundry too. The charter fee also includes fuel for up to 4 hours cruising per day (averaged throughout the charter), berthing and harbor within Greek waters, the arrangement about fuel charges sometimes vary.
All other expenses such as fuel for tenders, local taxes, berthing and harbor expenses outside the Greek waters, Corinth Canal dues where applicable, charterer' food and drinks, laundry, communication costs and crew gratuities are all payable by the charterer.
Gullet Terms (Gullet Charter Terms in Turkey)
Means that the owner will charter out his vessel at a stipulated place and time, with all necessary gear, in full working order, properly insured for marine risk (apart from Charterer's liability that we can arrange) and managed by crew whose wages, clothing and food are included, ship's laundry too. The charter fee also includes fuel for up to 4 hours cruising per day (averaged throughout the charter), berthing and harbor within Turkish waters, the arrangement about fuel charges sometimes vary.
All other expenses such as fuel for tenders, local taxes, berthing and harbor expenses outside the Turkish waters, charterer' food and drinks, laundry, communication costs and crew gratuities are all payable by the charterer.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Advance Provisioning Allowance (A.P.A)
This is used to cover all expenses excluded from the charter rate (as stated above). The amount varies depending on the yacht, the itinerary chosen, provisioning requested by the charterer, the number of passengers and days of travel. In general it falls somewhere between 15%-30% of the charter fee.
All costs incurred by the yacht, which are accountable to the charterer, will be deducted during the cruise and full accounts will be produced at the end. Occasionally the A.P.A is not sufficient and the Captain will keep you advised if further funds are required.
At the end of the charter, the final account will determine if a refund or any further payments are due. Please note that yachts are only able to accept payments in cash or, in some instances Traveler Cheques.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Repositioning charges
If you require your yacht to relocate to a port of embarkation or disembarkation away from its homeport, delivery and/or redelivery fees will be charged based on the distance and fuel required.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- V.A.T.
In accordance with the European Union Directive of January 1st 1993, yacht charter prices are subject to varying tax rates depending on the country or countries you visit during your charter. In Turkey V.A.T rate applied to yacht charter prices is 18% of the charter fee.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Gratuities
It is customary, if you are pleased with the service on board, to leave a gratuity for the crew. The amount is left at your discretion; a figure within the range of 5-15% of the charter fee is usual.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Insurance
We advise all chatterers to consider cancellation and curtailment insurance. You may also consider Personal Accident or Medical Insurance plus Personal Effects Insurance, which is generally not included in the Charter Fee.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Preparing Your Boat
At least one month prior to embarkation, we will send you some forms requesting information about you and your guests, i.e. your travel arrangements & flight details, special equipment you wish to have on board, any celebrations you wish to arrange during the cruise and of course, your food & drink preferences. These forms should be completed and returned to us so we can prepare the yacht for your cruise.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Charter Rates
The charter rates quoted are for the high season bookings (15th June-15th September); most yachts offer advantages for low season bookings.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Water Sports and Scuba Diving
The Captain and crew will gladly instruct you in the use of the yacht's water sports equipment. Most yachts carry a range of such equipment, but we cannot guarantee that it will be the same as what is listed in the brochure. Jet skis may be operated by the Chatterers themselves but only with care and due consideration for the peace and safety of other yachtsmen and swimmers, and in accordance with relevant laws in force at the time. Tenders may only be used in the company of experienced crew members.
Scuba diving - Please note that Greece and Turkey place severe controls on independent scuba diving in their waters in an effort to curb the plundering of underwater antiquities. It is therefore necessary to dive with local licensed diving instructors. According to your itinerary we can arrange for instructors and equipment from scuba diving schools on various destinations.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Currency Regulation
Limits: There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into Turkey, but not more than 5 5,000 worth of Turkish currency may be brought into or taken out of the country.
Exchange slips: The exchange slips for the conversion of foreign currency into Turkish lira should be kept, since you may be required to show these when reconverting your Turkish lira back into foreign currency, and when taking souvenirs out of the country (to prove that they have been purchased with legally exchanged foreign currency).
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- Customs Regulations
On Entry
The following items may be brought into the country duty free
• personal effects of the tourist.
• one TV, one color pocket TV (maximum 16 cm screen), one TV-tape-radio combination, one video recording camera and 5 video cassettes (blank); 5 records, 5 tape cassettes or compact discs.
• one video player, cine-projector (8 mm) and 10 rolls of film (blank), one slide projector.
• one pocket computer (maximum main memory capacity Ram 128k. Byte), electronic playing devices (without cassette - keyboard).
• one transistor radio and portable radio - tape player (its specification to be determined by the Ministry of Finance and Customs), one Walkman or pocket tape recorder, one portable compact disc player.
• Binoculars (one pair, except night binoculars)
• harmonica, mandolin, flageolet, flute, guitar, and accordion (only one of each type, maximum 3 musical instruments).
• personal sports equipment.
• necessary medical items.
• bicycle, baby buggy, toys.
• 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars.
• 200 grams of tobacco and 200 cigarette papers, or 50 grams of chewing tobacco or 200 grams of pipe tobacco, or 200 grams of snuff
• (In addition to the above allowances, it is possible to purchase 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, and 500 grams of pipe tobacco from the Turkish Duty Free Shops upon entering the country).
• 1.5kg. coffee, 1.5kg. instant coffee, 500 grams of tea.
• 1 kilo chocolate and 1 kilo sweets.
• 5 (100 cc) or 7 (70 cc) bottles of wines and/or spirits.
• five bottles of perfume (120 ml max. each).
• one portable typewriter.
• one camera with 5 rolls of film.
• First aid and spare parts for the car.
• Other items necessary during the journey.
Valuable items and all items with a value of over $ 15,000 must be registered in the owner's passport upon entering Turkey, for control upon exit.
Antiques brought into the country must be registered in the owner's passport to avoid difficulties on exit.
Sharp instruments (including camping knives) and weapons may not be brought into the country without special permission.
The bringing into the country, trade, and consumption of marijuana and all other narcotics is strictly forbidden and subject to heavy punishment.
Gifts, not exceeding 500 DM in value and not for trading purposes, may be brought into the country duty free. In addition, gifts not exceeding 500 OM in value may be posted to Turkey duty free, if the date stamped by the sending post office falls one month before, or one month after the following holidays: Seker Bayrami, Kurban Bayrami, Christmas, and New Year's.
Note: Cellular Telephones entering the country must be accompanied by a certification form showing ownership. Ownership must be documented in the passport of the owner and will be checked on entry and exit. For more information contact the Ministry of Transportation, General Directorate at Tel: (312) 212 35 72 - 212 60 10 (10 lines), Fax: (312) 221 32 26 or write to Ulastirma Bakanligi Telsiz Gn. Md. Emek - Ankara.
On exit
Gifts and souvenirs: for a new carpet, a proof of purchase; for old items, a certificate from a directorate of a museum is necessary.
Exporting antiques from Turkey is forbidden.
Valuable personal items can only be taken out of the country providing they have been registered in the owner's passport upon entry, or providing they can show they have been purchased with legally exchanged currency.
Minerals may only be exported from the country with a special document obtained from the MTA (General Directorate of Mining Exploration and Research). Etüdler Dairesi 06520, Ankara
Tel: (312) 287 3430 /1622, Fax: (312) 285 42 71
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- Tax Refund
You Can Receive a Tax Refund for the Goods You Purchased In Turkey!
• Refunds will be made to travelers who do not reside in Turkey.
• All goods (including food and drinks) are included in the refunds with the exclusion of services rendered.
• The minimum amount of purchase that qualifies for refund is 5.000.000 TL.
• Retailers that qualify for tax refunds must be "authorized for refund." These retailers must display a permit received from their respective tax office.
• The retailer will make four copies of the receipt for your refund, three of which will be received by the purchaser. If photocopies of the receipt are received the retailer must sign and stamp the copies to validate them. If you prefer the refund to be made by check, a Tax-free Shopping Check for the amount to be refunded to the customer must be given along with the receipt.
• For the purchaser to benefit from this exemption he must leave the country within three months with the goods purchased showing them to Turkish customs officials along with the appropriate receipts and! or check.
• There are four ways to receive your refund:
1. If the retailer gives you a check it can he cashed at a bank in the customs area at the airport. If it is not possible to cash the check upon departure or if you do not wish to cash it then, .e customer must, within one month, send a copy of the receipt showing that the goods have left the country to the retailer who will, within ten days upon receiving the receipt, send a bank transfer to the purchaser's hank or address.
2. If the certified receipt and check are brought back to the retailer on a subsequent visit thin one-month of the date of customs certification, the refund can be made directly to the purchaser.
3. Retailers may directly refund the amount to trustworthy customers upon purchase
4. The refund may be made by the organization of those companies that are authorized to make tax refunds.
Additional information: Ministry of Finance and Tax Dept. General Directorate, (Maliye Bakanligi, Gelirler Genel Müdürlügü) KDV Subesi 06100, Ulus - Ankara
Tel: (312) 3103880/725 - 728 - 735, Fax: (312) 311 45 10
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- Health Regulations for Pets
For those who wish to bring domestic animals into the country the following are required:
• Pets have to be 3 months and older
• An International Certificate of Health issued within 15 days before the travel
• The Identification Card
• Vaccination Card
Note: If you have an official certificate, you may bring one cat, one bird, one dog and 10 aquarium fish into the country. To get information for the importation of pets, please see the Consular Services.
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- Motorist Rules
General: Those who wish to enter the country with their vans, minibuses, automobiles, station wagons, bicycles, motorcycles, motorbikes, sidecars, buses, motor coaches, trailers, caravans or other transport vehicles, will have to provide the following documentations:
• Passport.
• International driving license.
• Car license (document where all details related to the car and the owner's name are registered). If it is somebody else's vehicle a power of attorney should be provided.
• International green card (Insurance card). The TR sign should be visible.
• Transit book "Carnet de passage" (for those who want to proceed to the Middle East).
Period: The vehicle can be brought into Turkey for up to 6 Months. The owner should declare on the opposite form, the date of departure at the border gate and should absolutely vet the country at the date declared. If for any important reason the staying period has to be ended, it is necessary to apply to;
• The Turkish Touring and Automobile Club (Türkiye Turing ve Otomobil Kurumu) 1. Sanayi Sitesi Yani, 4.Levent, Istanbul, Tel (212) 282 81 40(7 lines). Fax (212) 282 80, or to
• The General Directorate of Customs (Gümrükler Genel Müdürlügü), Ulus Ankara Tel (312) 310 38 80,310 38 18, Fax (312) 31113 46, before the end of the period declared.
In Case of Accident: The accident should be reported to the police or gendarme. That report has to be certified by the nearest local authority. The owner should apply to the customs authority with his passport and report.
If the vehicle can be repaired, it is necessary to inform the customs authority first and take the vehicle to a garage. If the vehicle is not repairable and if the owner wishes to leave the country without his vehicle, he has to deliver it to the nearest customs office, and the registration of his vehicle on his passport will be cancelled. (Only after the cancellation can the owner of the vehicle leave the country.)
Following an accident, you can telephone:
• Trafik Polisi (Traffic Police), Tel :154,
• Jandarma (Gendarme), Tel :156
For more information, contact the Touring and Automobile Association of Turkey.
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- Formalities for Private Yacht Owners
Yachts require a Transit Log and may remain in Turkish waters for up to two years maintenance or for wintering. There are certain ports licensed by the Ministry of Tourist the storage of yachts for a period of two to five years. For further information and regulations contact the marina concerned.
Upon arriving in Turkish waters, yachts should immediately go for control of the ship to the nearest port of entry which are as follows: Iskenderun, Botas (Adana), Mersin, Tasucu, Anamur, Alanya, Antalya, Kemer, Finike, Kas, Fethiye, Marmaris, Datça, Bodrum, Güllük Didim, Kusadasi, Çesme, Izmir, Dikili, Ayvalik, Akçay, Çanakkale, Bandirma, Tekirdag, Istanbul, Zonguldak, Sinop, Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, Rize, Hopa.
Port Formalities: All the required information concerning the yacht, yachtsmen, members, intended route, passports, customs declarations, health clearance, and any obligatory matters must be entered in the Transit Log.
The Transit Log is to he completed by the captain of a yacht under a foreign flag or amateur sailor acting as captain of the vessel.
The Transit Log is completed upon first entering a Turkish port and, generally, it is necessary to contact the Harbor Authority before leaving. For information on tax-free fuel, contact the Marina Harbor Office.
Note: If you have a certificate from the Tourism Ministry Yacht Harbor, you may take petrol at no charge, provided you possess an official marina license.
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- Formalities for Private Plane Owners
General: When coming to Turkey, international air routes should he followed. Private planes may stay for up to three months in Turkey with tourist status, but for longer periods permission should be obtained from
• The General Directorate of Customs (Gümrükler Genel Müdürlügü), Ulus Ankara, Tel: (312) 3103880,3103818,Fax: (312) 311 1346
The airports of Ankara, Adana, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Trabzon and Dalaman have ties for private planes. It is also possible to hire planes and helicopters in Turkey.
For further information, apply to:
• The Civil Aviation Department of the Ministry of Transport (Ulastirma Bakanligi, Havacilik Gen. Müd.). Bosna-Hersek Cad. No: 5 - 06338 - Emek, Ankara. Tel: (312) 212 67 30, Fax: (312) 212 46 84, TIx : 44659 Ga-tr.
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- Underwater Diving
Diving for purposes of sport, with proper equipment and in non-restricted areas, is permitted. Foreign divers should have official documentation of their specifics and training and must be accompanied, when diving, by a licensed Turkish guide.
The limit for diving with diving gear is 30 meters. For educational purposes, this limit is extended to 42 meters. Dives exceeding 30 meters must be carried out with proper diving and medical equipment. In order to protect Turkish archaeological and cultural values. It is strictly forbidden to transport Turkish antiquities or natural specimens.
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- Postal System
Turkish post-offices are easily recognized by their black PTT letters on a yellow background. Major post offices are open from 8:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m., Monday/Saturday, and 9:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m., Sunday. Small post-offices have the same hours as the government offices.
Postal charges vary for different services depending on destination. Post restante letters should be addressed "postrestant" to the central post-office Merkez Postanesi, in the town of your choice. You have to show your identification card to collect your letters.
All PTT branches have the facilities to exchange money at the current international exchange rates, as well as international postal orders and travelers' cheques. There is also an express postal service (APS) operating to 90 countries for letters , documents and small packages. A wide variety of special stamps are available in all PTT centers for philatelists.
To phone from PTT telephone booths, which are extensively found in all areas; telephone cards , and tokens (jeton) in three sizes are used. Local, inter-city and international calls can be made from all PTT offices. Besides these main offices there are also mobile PTT services in the tourist areas. For the area codes of major cities and tourist areas in Turkey, please see the "Area Codes" list. Foreign countries area codes are indicated in the International Telephone Codes list.
Some important service numbers are;
• 155 Police
• 112 Emergency
• 110 Fire
• 118 Unknown Numbers
• 161 PTT Information
- Tourist Health
Turkish Tourist Health Society (Turizm Sagligi Dernegi-Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Plastik ve Rekonstrüktif Cerrahi Ana Bilim Dali, Sihhiye 06100 ANKARA Tel: (312) 311 93 93-310 98 08) performs the functions below, to provide the travelers in the entire country, mainly in the tourist regions, with proper health care:
• to secure food hygiene
• to prevent environmental pollution
• to ensure hygiene and healthy working-conditions in tourist establishments
- Working Hours
Government Offices
Monday-Friday (8:30-12:30) , (13:30-17:30)
Saturday-Sunday (closed)
Banks
Monday-Friday (8:30-12-00) , (13:30-17:00)
Saturday-Sunday (closed)
Shops
Monday-Saturday (9:30-13:00) , (14:00-19:00)
Sunday (closed)
Istanbul Covered market: Monday-Saturday (8:00-19:00)
Sunday (closed)
During summer months, the government offices and many other establishments in the Aegean and Mediterranean Regions are closed in the afternoon. These fixed summer hours are determined by the governing bodies of the provinces.
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- Other Practical Information
Local time:
GMT+3 hours (April-September) GMT+2 hours (October-March)
Time Differences:
Argentina -5, France -1, Netherlands -1, Australia +8, Germany -1, Saudi Arabia+1, Austria -1, Greece 0, Sweden -1, Egypt 0, Italy -1, Switzerland -1, England -2, Japan +7, Spain -1, USA -7 (EST) -10 (WEST)
* These time differences are for the period October-March; however, they may show variances according to each country's own time-saving adjustments.
Petrol:
Super (premium) - Unleaded (at some places). Normal (regular) - Diesel.
Electricity:
220 volts AC/50 Hz. all over Turkey. (Industrial:380 V) Plug: European round/ 2-prong plug.
Water:
Although tap water is safe to drink since it is chlorinated, it is recommended to get advice from the condemned authorities of the places resided.
Weights and Measures:
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters , 1 centimeter = 0.3937 inches
1 yard = 0,9144 meters, 1 meter = 1.0936 yards
1 mile = 1,6093 kilometers, 1 kilometer = 0.6214 miles
1 pound = 0,4536 kilograms, 1 kilogram = 2.2046 pounds
Area:
1 acres = 0,4047 Hectares, 1 hectare = 2.471 acres
Capacity:
1 UK gallon = 4.546 litters, 1 litter = 0.2199 UK gallons
1 US gallon = 3.7831 litters, 1 litter = 0.2643 US gallons
Newspapers and Magazines:
Foreign newspapers and magazines are available in big cities and tourist areas. Also there is a Turkish daily newspaper, Daily News, published in English.
Tipping:
At various establishments like hotels, restaurants, Turkish baths, barbers and hairdressers, tipping at a rate of 5%-15% of the total is common. Taxi and "dolmus" drivers on the other hand, do not expect tips or even rounded fares.
Visiting a mosque:
Five times a day, the "müezzin" calls the faithful to prayer in this mosque. Before entering a mosque, Muslims wash themselves and remove their shoes. Foreign visitors should also remove their shoes and show the respect they would any other house of worship and avoid visiting the mosque during prayer time. Women should cover their heads and not wear miniskirts. Men should not wear shorts. (In certain famous mosques, overalls are provided for those not suitably dressed.)
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FAQ
- What makes a crewed yacht different from a cruise ship or seaside resort?
Chartering a private yacht offers you the ultimate in comfort, privacy and flexibility. The boat and crew are dedicated only to you and your guests from the moment you board. With a private yacht you can simply anchor at more secluded spots and sail into serene, pine-clad bays and immaculate, find sand beaches that are accessible only by boat. But it is also possible to visit the more populous destinations. With a private yacht, you can see at least one different place every day. Cruising allows you the luxury of only unpacking your bags once while touring many different areas.
- Can I bring children?
Of course as all yachts are child-friendly, although the crew is always quite busy with their assigned duties and are not at liberty to offer childcare services. So if your charter party consists also children, you will be fully responsible for their safety, conduct and entertainment and no member of the crew shall be held responsible for their safety or entertainment unless you require babysitter in advance.
- Can I bring my pet?
Yachts do not permit guests to bring pets on board for several reasons. Crew is required to maintain rigid cleanliness standards for all their guests and there is a potential of allergens from animals remaining on board. Animals are typically not accustomed to the strict confinement of a ship and an active cruising itinerary can be quite uncomfortable for pets. Just like humans, animals can also be sensitive to the effects of motion and may become disoriented or lethargic.
- Do I need to carry my passport?
Yes, all guests must carry valid passports even in the case the charter will take place entirely within the jurisdiction of the country where you embark. Visas, if applicable, are the responsibility of the charterer and must be secured in advance of the charter.
- Who plans the menus?
Your personal chef will prepare the menu to meet your requests. We will be sending you a food preference sheet to fill in, so you let us know your favorite foods and beverages. Your chef will usually provide a sample menu of the yacht’s cuisine. Chefs take great pride in their dishes and use the freshest ingredients available.
- What if I’m on a special diet?
It is critical that you take time to have each member of your party complete the preference form that you will be provided to you in advance. It is also critical to know of any allergies or serious aversions in advance.
- Will I experience seasickness?
This situation is hard to predict. In fact you may be the best judge based on previous experience. If you are worried about seasickness check with your local pharmacist for special medication before you leave home. If you are new to yacht chartering, let the crew know; they will make your trip as comfortable as possible by recommending routes in protected waters and keeping tabs on changing weather conditions.
- Can we smoke on board?
For safety reasons, notably the prevention of fire, smoking is not permitted in the staterooms or cabins. Many yachts allow smoking in the salons and day areas, but an increasing number only allow smoking out on deck. If there are smokers in your party please tell your charter broker and be honest about your needs – we will do our best to ensure that you and the crew are well informed in advance. Substances that are illegal on land are also illegal on the yacht.
- Does the yacht have laundry facilities?
Almost all large yachts have full-equipped laundry facilities on board for the stewards to handle a large amount of linen and crew uniforms. Few yachts carry the guest’s laundry, however many crew are willing to take your laundry to the professionals ashore.
- How do my friends, family and business colleagues reach me during the cruise?
Many vessels are equipped with the very latest communications equipment including cellular service, global satellite telecommunications, personal computers and fax machines. If that is not the case, we can set you up with a mobile phone account for the duration of the charter at extra charge.
- Will my privacy be respected while on board?
Professional crews are experienced with entertaining the yacht’s owner and guest, celebrities and prominent statesmen. They are trained to be discreet and to give you as much privacy as you desire.
- I understand that a tip is expected? Can you clue me in on how and how much?
The crew’s gratuity is entirely a matter for your personal discretion, should you feel satisfied with the level of service received on board, a usual gratuity amount is in the range of 5-15% of the charter fee. We recommend that any gratuity should be handed to the captain to distribute fairly amongst all members of the crew.
- Do I need to buy insurance during the charter?
Your charter agreement will detail insurance provisions: the yacht remains insured by the owner during your charter, however we advise all chatterers to consider cancellation and curtailment insurance. You may also consider Personal Accident or Medical Insurance plus Personal Effects Insurance, which is generally not included in the Charter Fee.
- Will you give me the chance to evaluate my experience with Ada Yachting?
Of course we will be giving you the chance to evaluate your experience with us, since what matters to us the most is your opinion! After the end of the charter we will be giving you a questionnaire to fill, which will give us the opportunity to analyze your experience with Ada Yachting, with the crew of the yacht, the condition of the yacht, and the service provided.
- How does a charter cost?
The daily and weekly rates are quoted in our yacht listings – the size and amenities on board usually dictate pricing. Charter rates are specified in Euros. The charter agreement is standard for almost all yacht chartering companies in Turkey. Terms of refund in case of cancellation are specified in the charter agreement.
The charter fee also includes all operational expenses, such as fuel for 4 hours cruising per day, crew’s wages and their food, insurance on yacht and crew and harbor charges including water and/or electricity taken from the shore. Crewed yachts are also outfitted, at no extra charge, with leisure equipment such as dinghy with outboard motor, water-skis, windsurfer, snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, television, video, stereo and often many more items, depending on the boat.
The charterer will be charged extra, at cost to the yacht, for all other operating expenses while on board such us; V.A.T., passenger’s food, wine and bonded goods (liquors) and personal laundry, private marina fees and an approximately 10 per cent surcharge for sailing in waters that are not Turkish (covers port dues, agency rights, sanitary dues and legally required surcharge on crew’s wages).
We are at your disposal to analyze your trips parameters and consult with the captain to provide an estimate of these charges in advance. A good rule of thumb is to allow 25% of the charter fee towards expenses. This does not include gratuity to the crew, which is discretionary.
- Which type of yacht is best for me?
The choice of yacht for your cruise is very important to the success of your holiday. We listen and advise you for your requests and help you to select the yacht best suited to your needs. We will also advise on the right crew to complement the style of charter you may prefer. It is the combination of the right yacht and the right crew that will guarantee a charter to remember.
You may find it helpful to have a few guidelines on the different types of yachts available:
MOTOR YACHTS
Motor yachts combine style, comfort and luxury. Outdoor areas are usually large while their indoor areas comfortably cater to guests’ requirements. Motor yachts might be either heavy displacement, which generally gives a cruising speed of between 10 and 14 knots, or fast planning motor yachts capable of continuous speeds in excess of 20 knots.
MOTOR SAILERS & TRADITIONAL GULLETS
Gaff schooners combining wind, sail and the power of a motor blending tradition with comfort and the relaxed experience of sailing. Motor sailers have a more spacious interior than the performance sailing yacht, and a larger, robust machinery for cruising under power alone. Other advantages can be the additional deck space for sunbathing and dining areas plus increased storage for water sports equipment.
SAILING YACHTS
They rely on wind and sails aided by an auxiliary engine. Large sailing yachts combine exhilarating performance under sail with the ability to motor at speeds of up to 10 knots and luxurious facilities. A wonderful advantage is the total peace and quiet when the engine is turned off and you sail off into the sunset.
- Can I map out our own itinerary?
Of course you can map out your preferences. The most important advice is not to plan an itinerary that is too ambitious. What might seem fantastic on paper may in practice restrict your enjoyment. Trying to fit too much into each day will result in missing many delights en route. Approximately 4 hours cruising a day is an about the maximum, and you may find this far too much. Just present your preferences to your captain and he will do his best to make it happen. Winds, weather and mood may alter plans, so plan to be flexible. Your captain will also suggest an itinerary, but you’re not locked into a program and free to waiver from this route. In any case, the captain, as master of the boat, has the last word.
- What should I pack?
Yacht charter is generally an informal and relaxed kind of holiday and dressing in Turkey is casual. For clothing bring bathing suits, cotton shorts, T-shirts, an extra sweater and long cotton pants for cool nights and a light foul-weather gear for the occasional rainy days. Of course, you might also like to have the option for more formal attire for elegant dining and evening wear. Rubber-sole shoes for a firm grip on slippery decks, to prevent foot injury and to protect the boat’s surface is always recommended. The crew appreciates soft luggage instead of bulky space-consuming suitcases since on board storage may be limited. For sun protection, do bring your favorite sun block or sunscreen, sunglasses with an anti-ultraviolet coating and a hat or headscarf. Last you may bring with you a small telescope for stargazing and a camera for daydreaming.
When you have selected a yacht, and the dates and ports of embarkation /disembarkation have been agreed upon, we will prepare a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). We will send you this agreement to be signed and returned to us. At this point 50% of the charter Fee should be transferred to a special bank account to secure the yacht on your behalf. The agreement then will be sent to owner for his countersignature and a completed copy is returned to you for your retention. The balance of the charter Fee, the advance towards provisioning of the yacht (A.P.A.), V.A.T. and any applicable delivery or redelivery fee will be due for payment one month prior to embarkation. Cancellation and curtailment insurance can be arranged on request to cover the loss of Charter Fee if you, for any reason, decide to cancel you reservation. The approximate cost for such coverage is 2% of the charter fee and we highly recommend it.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Getting on Board
We will send you full details on how to reach the boarding place, we also can arrange flight reservation, limousine and what ever makes your getting aboard and getting back home with all comfort and convenience.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Charter Terms & Conditions
MYBA – WMT (Western Mediterranean Terms)
Means that the owner will charter out his vessel at a stipulated place and time, with all necessary gear, in full working order, properly insured for marine risk (apart from charterer's liability that we can arrange) and managed by crew whose wages, clothing and food are included, ship's laundry too.
All other expenses such as fuel and lubricating oils for the vessel and its tenders, local taxes, pilotage and harbor dues, charterer's food and drinks, laundry, communication costs and crew gratuities are all payable by the charterer.
SEMT (Standard Eastern Mediterranean Terms)
Means that the owner will charter out his vessel at a stipulated place and time, with all necessary gear, in full working order, properly insured for marine risk (apart from Charterer's liability that we can arrange) and managed by crew whose wages, clothing and food are included, ship's laundry too. The charter fee also includes fuel for up to 5 hours cruising per day (averaged throughout the charter), berthing and harbor (except Corinthian Canal dues), the arrangement about fuel charges sometimes vary.
All other expenses such as fuel for tenders, local taxes, berthing and harbor expenses outside the yacht's normal cruising area, charterer' food and drinks, laundry, communication costs and crew gratuities are all payable by the charterer.
EMT (Eastern Mediterranean Terms)
Means that the owner will charter out his vessel at a stipulated place and time, with all necessary gear, in full working order, properly insured for marine risk (apart from Charterer's liability that we can arrange) and managed by crew whose wages, clothing and food are included, ship's laundry too. The charter fee also includes half board for the chatterers (breakfast and lunch), fuel for up to 3-5 hours cruising per day (averaged throughout the charter), berthing and harbor (except Corinthian Canal dues), the arrangement about fuel charges sometimes vary.
All other expenses such as fuel for tenders, local taxes, berthing and harbor expenses outside the yacht's normal cruising area, charterer's evening meal, spirits and soft drinks, laundry, communication costs and crew gratuities are all payable by the charter.
SCT (Standard Caribbean Terms)
Means that the owner will charter out his vessel at a stipulated place and time, with all necessary gear, in full working order, properly insured for marine risk (apart from Charterer's liability that we can arrange) and managed by crew whose wages, clothing and food are included, ship's laundry too. The charter fee also includes full board meals for the chatterers (some yachts also include wine and bar), fuel for up to 5 hours cruising per day (averaged throughout the charter), the arrangement about fuel charges sometimes vary.
All other expenses such as fuel for tenders, local taxes if any, marina-type berthing, bar, vantage wines and champagne, laundry, communication costs and crew gratuities are all payable by the Charterer.
GRK (Greek Terms)
Means that the owner will charter out his vessel at a stipulated place and time, with all necessary gear, in full working order, properly insured for marine risk (apart from Charterer's liability that we can arrange) and managed by crew whose wages, clothing and food are included, ship's laundry too. The charter fee also includes fuel for up to 4 hours cruising per day (averaged throughout the charter), berthing and harbor within Greek waters, the arrangement about fuel charges sometimes vary.
All other expenses such as fuel for tenders, local taxes, berthing and harbor expenses outside the Greek waters, Corinth Canal dues where applicable, charterer' food and drinks, laundry, communication costs and crew gratuities are all payable by the charterer.
Gullet Terms (Gullet Charter Terms in Turkey)
Means that the owner will charter out his vessel at a stipulated place and time, with all necessary gear, in full working order, properly insured for marine risk (apart from Charterer's liability that we can arrange) and managed by crew whose wages, clothing and food are included, ship's laundry too. The charter fee also includes fuel for up to 4 hours cruising per day (averaged throughout the charter), berthing and harbor within Turkish waters, the arrangement about fuel charges sometimes vary.
All other expenses such as fuel for tenders, local taxes, berthing and harbor expenses outside the Turkish waters, charterer' food and drinks, laundry, communication costs and crew gratuities are all payable by the charterer.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Advance Provisioning Allowance (A.P.A)
This is used to cover all expenses excluded from the charter rate (as stated above). The amount varies depending on the yacht, the itinerary chosen, provisioning requested by the charterer, the number of passengers and days of travel. In general it falls somewhere between 15%-30% of the charter fee.
All costs incurred by the yacht, which are accountable to the charterer, will be deducted during the cruise and full accounts will be produced at the end. Occasionally the A.P.A is not sufficient and the Captain will keep you advised if further funds are required.
At the end of the charter, the final account will determine if a refund or any further payments are due. Please note that yachts are only able to accept payments in cash or, in some instances Traveler Cheques.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Repositioning charges
If you require your yacht to relocate to a port of embarkation or disembarkation away from its homeport, delivery and/or redelivery fees will be charged based on the distance and fuel required.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- V.A.T.
In accordance with the European Union Directive of January 1st 1993, yacht charter prices are subject to varying tax rates depending on the country or countries you visit during your charter. In Turkey V.A.T rate applied to yacht charter prices is 18% of the charter fee.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Gratuities
It is customary, if you are pleased with the service on board, to leave a gratuity for the crew. The amount is left at your discretion; a figure within the range of 5-15% of the charter fee is usual.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Insurance
We advise all chatterers to consider cancellation and curtailment insurance. You may also consider Personal Accident or Medical Insurance plus Personal Effects Insurance, which is generally not included in the Charter Fee.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Preparing Your Boat
At least one month prior to embarkation, we will send you some forms requesting information about you and your guests, i.e. your travel arrangements & flight details, special equipment you wish to have on board, any celebrations you wish to arrange during the cruise and of course, your food & drink preferences. These forms should be completed and returned to us so we can prepare the yacht for your cruise.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Charter Rates
The charter rates quoted are for the high season bookings (15th June-15th September); most yachts offer advantages for low season bookings.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Water Sports and Scuba Diving
The Captain and crew will gladly instruct you in the use of the yacht's water sports equipment. Most yachts carry a range of such equipment, but we cannot guarantee that it will be the same as what is listed in the brochure. Jet skis may be operated by the Chatterers themselves but only with care and due consideration for the peace and safety of other yachtsmen and swimmers, and in accordance with relevant laws in force at the time. Tenders may only be used in the company of experienced crew members.
Scuba diving - Please note that Greece and Turkey place severe controls on independent scuba diving in their waters in an effort to curb the plundering of underwater antiquities. It is therefore necessary to dive with local licensed diving instructors. According to your itinerary we can arrange for instructors and equipment from scuba diving schools on various destinations.
For further information or clarifications on above please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Currency Regulation
Limits: There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into Turkey, but not more than 5 5,000 worth of Turkish currency may be brought into or taken out of the country.
Exchange slips: The exchange slips for the conversion of foreign currency into Turkish lira should be kept, since you may be required to show these when reconverting your Turkish lira back into foreign currency, and when taking souvenirs out of the country (to prove that they have been purchased with legally exchanged foreign currency).
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- Customs Regulations
On Entry
The following items may be brought into the country duty free
• personal effects of the tourist.
• one TV, one color pocket TV (maximum 16 cm screen), one TV-tape-radio combination, one video recording camera and 5 video cassettes (blank); 5 records, 5 tape cassettes or compact discs.
• one video player, cine-projector (8 mm) and 10 rolls of film (blank), one slide projector.
• one pocket computer (maximum main memory capacity Ram 128k. Byte), electronic playing devices (without cassette - keyboard).
• one transistor radio and portable radio - tape player (its specification to be determined by the Ministry of Finance and Customs), one Walkman or pocket tape recorder, one portable compact disc player.
• Binoculars (one pair, except night binoculars)
• harmonica, mandolin, flageolet, flute, guitar, and accordion (only one of each type, maximum 3 musical instruments).
• personal sports equipment.
• necessary medical items.
• bicycle, baby buggy, toys.
• 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars.
• 200 grams of tobacco and 200 cigarette papers, or 50 grams of chewing tobacco or 200 grams of pipe tobacco, or 200 grams of snuff
• (In addition to the above allowances, it is possible to purchase 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, and 500 grams of pipe tobacco from the Turkish Duty Free Shops upon entering the country).
• 1.5kg. coffee, 1.5kg. instant coffee, 500 grams of tea.
• 1 kilo chocolate and 1 kilo sweets.
• 5 (100 cc) or 7 (70 cc) bottles of wines and/or spirits.
• five bottles of perfume (120 ml max. each).
• one portable typewriter.
• one camera with 5 rolls of film.
• First aid and spare parts for the car.
• Other items necessary during the journey.
Valuable items and all items with a value of over $ 15,000 must be registered in the owner's passport upon entering Turkey, for control upon exit.
Antiques brought into the country must be registered in the owner's passport to avoid difficulties on exit.
Sharp instruments (including camping knives) and weapons may not be brought into the country without special permission.
The bringing into the country, trade, and consumption of marijuana and all other narcotics is strictly forbidden and subject to heavy punishment.
Gifts, not exceeding 500 DM in value and not for trading purposes, may be brought into the country duty free. In addition, gifts not exceeding 500 OM in value may be posted to Turkey duty free, if the date stamped by the sending post office falls one month before, or one month after the following holidays: Seker Bayrami, Kurban Bayrami, Christmas, and New Year's.
Note: Cellular Telephones entering the country must be accompanied by a certification form showing ownership. Ownership must be documented in the passport of the owner and will be checked on entry and exit. For more information contact the Ministry of Transportation, General Directorate at Tel: (312) 212 35 72 - 212 60 10 (10 lines), Fax: (312) 221 32 26 or write to Ulastirma Bakanligi Telsiz Gn. Md. Emek - Ankara.
On exit
Gifts and souvenirs: for a new carpet, a proof of purchase; for old items, a certificate from a directorate of a museum is necessary.
Exporting antiques from Turkey is forbidden.
Valuable personal items can only be taken out of the country providing they have been registered in the owner's passport upon entry, or providing they can show they have been purchased with legally exchanged currency.
Minerals may only be exported from the country with a special document obtained from the MTA (General Directorate of Mining Exploration and Research). Etüdler Dairesi 06520, Ankara
Tel: (312) 287 3430 /1622, Fax: (312) 285 42 71
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- Tax Refund
You Can Receive a Tax Refund for the Goods You Purchased In Turkey!
• Refunds will be made to travelers who do not reside in Turkey.
• All goods (including food and drinks) are included in the refunds with the exclusion of services rendered.
• The minimum amount of purchase that qualifies for refund is 5.000.000 TL.
• Retailers that qualify for tax refunds must be "authorized for refund." These retailers must display a permit received from their respective tax office.
• The retailer will make four copies of the receipt for your refund, three of which will be received by the purchaser. If photocopies of the receipt are received the retailer must sign and stamp the copies to validate them. If you prefer the refund to be made by check, a Tax-free Shopping Check for the amount to be refunded to the customer must be given along with the receipt.
• For the purchaser to benefit from this exemption he must leave the country within three months with the goods purchased showing them to Turkish customs officials along with the appropriate receipts and! or check.
• There are four ways to receive your refund:
1. If the retailer gives you a check it can he cashed at a bank in the customs area at the airport. If it is not possible to cash the check upon departure or if you do not wish to cash it then, .e customer must, within one month, send a copy of the receipt showing that the goods have left the country to the retailer who will, within ten days upon receiving the receipt, send a bank transfer to the purchaser's hank or address.
2. If the certified receipt and check are brought back to the retailer on a subsequent visit thin one-month of the date of customs certification, the refund can be made directly to the purchaser.
3. Retailers may directly refund the amount to trustworthy customers upon purchase
4. The refund may be made by the organization of those companies that are authorized to make tax refunds.
Additional information: Ministry of Finance and Tax Dept. General Directorate, (Maliye Bakanligi, Gelirler Genel Müdürlügü) KDV Subesi 06100, Ulus - Ankara
Tel: (312) 3103880/725 - 728 - 735, Fax: (312) 311 45 10
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- Health Regulations for Pets
For those who wish to bring domestic animals into the country the following are required:
• Pets have to be 3 months and older
• An International Certificate of Health issued within 15 days before the travel
• The Identification Card
• Vaccination Card
Note: If you have an official certificate, you may bring one cat, one bird, one dog and 10 aquarium fish into the country. To get information for the importation of pets, please see the Consular Services.
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- Motorist Rules
General: Those who wish to enter the country with their vans, minibuses, automobiles, station wagons, bicycles, motorcycles, motorbikes, sidecars, buses, motor coaches, trailers, caravans or other transport vehicles, will have to provide the following documentations:
• Passport.
• International driving license.
• Car license (document where all details related to the car and the owner's name are registered). If it is somebody else's vehicle a power of attorney should be provided.
• International green card (Insurance card). The TR sign should be visible.
• Transit book "Carnet de passage" (for those who want to proceed to the Middle East).
Period: The vehicle can be brought into Turkey for up to 6 Months. The owner should declare on the opposite form, the date of departure at the border gate and should absolutely vet the country at the date declared. If for any important reason the staying period has to be ended, it is necessary to apply to;
• The Turkish Touring and Automobile Club (Türkiye Turing ve Otomobil Kurumu) 1. Sanayi Sitesi Yani, 4.Levent, Istanbul, Tel (212) 282 81 40(7 lines). Fax (212) 282 80, or to
• The General Directorate of Customs (Gümrükler Genel Müdürlügü), Ulus Ankara Tel (312) 310 38 80,310 38 18, Fax (312) 31113 46, before the end of the period declared.
In Case of Accident: The accident should be reported to the police or gendarme. That report has to be certified by the nearest local authority. The owner should apply to the customs authority with his passport and report.
If the vehicle can be repaired, it is necessary to inform the customs authority first and take the vehicle to a garage. If the vehicle is not repairable and if the owner wishes to leave the country without his vehicle, he has to deliver it to the nearest customs office, and the registration of his vehicle on his passport will be cancelled. (Only after the cancellation can the owner of the vehicle leave the country.)
Following an accident, you can telephone:
• Trafik Polisi (Traffic Police), Tel :154,
• Jandarma (Gendarme), Tel :156
For more information, contact the Touring and Automobile Association of Turkey.
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- Formalities for Private Yacht Owners
Yachts require a Transit Log and may remain in Turkish waters for up to two years maintenance or for wintering. There are certain ports licensed by the Ministry of Tourist the storage of yachts for a period of two to five years. For further information and regulations contact the marina concerned.
Upon arriving in Turkish waters, yachts should immediately go for control of the ship to the nearest port of entry which are as follows: Iskenderun, Botas (Adana), Mersin, Tasucu, Anamur, Alanya, Antalya, Kemer, Finike, Kas, Fethiye, Marmaris, Datça, Bodrum, Güllük Didim, Kusadasi, Çesme, Izmir, Dikili, Ayvalik, Akçay, Çanakkale, Bandirma, Tekirdag, Istanbul, Zonguldak, Sinop, Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, Rize, Hopa.
Port Formalities: All the required information concerning the yacht, yachtsmen, members, intended route, passports, customs declarations, health clearance, and any obligatory matters must be entered in the Transit Log.
The Transit Log is to he completed by the captain of a yacht under a foreign flag or amateur sailor acting as captain of the vessel.
The Transit Log is completed upon first entering a Turkish port and, generally, it is necessary to contact the Harbor Authority before leaving. For information on tax-free fuel, contact the Marina Harbor Office.
Note: If you have a certificate from the Tourism Ministry Yacht Harbor, you may take petrol at no charge, provided you possess an official marina license.
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- Formalities for Private Plane Owners
General: When coming to Turkey, international air routes should he followed. Private planes may stay for up to three months in Turkey with tourist status, but for longer periods permission should be obtained from
• The General Directorate of Customs (Gümrükler Genel Müdürlügü), Ulus Ankara, Tel: (312) 3103880,3103818,Fax: (312) 311 1346
The airports of Ankara, Adana, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Trabzon and Dalaman have ties for private planes. It is also possible to hire planes and helicopters in Turkey.
For further information, apply to:
• The Civil Aviation Department of the Ministry of Transport (Ulastirma Bakanligi, Havacilik Gen. Müd.). Bosna-Hersek Cad. No: 5 - 06338 - Emek, Ankara. Tel: (312) 212 67 30, Fax: (312) 212 46 84, TIx : 44659 Ga-tr.
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- Underwater Diving
Diving for purposes of sport, with proper equipment and in non-restricted areas, is permitted. Foreign divers should have official documentation of their specifics and training and must be accompanied, when diving, by a licensed Turkish guide.
The limit for diving with diving gear is 30 meters. For educational purposes, this limit is extended to 42 meters. Dives exceeding 30 meters must be carried out with proper diving and medical equipment. In order to protect Turkish archaeological and cultural values. It is strictly forbidden to transport Turkish antiquities or natural specimens.
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- Postal System
Turkish post-offices are easily recognized by their black PTT letters on a yellow background. Major post offices are open from 8:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m., Monday/Saturday, and 9:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m., Sunday. Small post-offices have the same hours as the government offices.
Postal charges vary for different services depending on destination. Post restante letters should be addressed "postrestant" to the central post-office Merkez Postanesi, in the town of your choice. You have to show your identification card to collect your letters.
All PTT branches have the facilities to exchange money at the current international exchange rates, as well as international postal orders and travelers' cheques. There is also an express postal service (APS) operating to 90 countries for letters , documents and small packages. A wide variety of special stamps are available in all PTT centers for philatelists.
To phone from PTT telephone booths, which are extensively found in all areas; telephone cards , and tokens (jeton) in three sizes are used. Local, inter-city and international calls can be made from all PTT offices. Besides these main offices there are also mobile PTT services in the tourist areas. For the area codes of major cities and tourist areas in Turkey, please see the "Area Codes" list. Foreign countries area codes are indicated in the International Telephone Codes list.
Some important service numbers are;
• 155 Police
• 112 Emergency
• 110 Fire
• 118 Unknown Numbers
• 161 PTT Information
- Tourist Health
Turkish Tourist Health Society (Turizm Sagligi Dernegi-Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Plastik ve Rekonstrüktif Cerrahi Ana Bilim Dali, Sihhiye 06100 ANKARA Tel: (312) 311 93 93-310 98 08) performs the functions below, to provide the travelers in the entire country, mainly in the tourist regions, with proper health care:
• to secure food hygiene
• to prevent environmental pollution
• to ensure hygiene and healthy working-conditions in tourist establishments
- Working Hours
Government Offices
Monday-Friday (8:30-12:30) , (13:30-17:30)
Saturday-Sunday (closed)
Banks
Monday-Friday (8:30-12-00) , (13:30-17:00)
Saturday-Sunday (closed)
Shops
Monday-Saturday (9:30-13:00) , (14:00-19:00)
Sunday (closed)
Istanbul Covered market: Monday-Saturday (8:00-19:00)
Sunday (closed)
During summer months, the government offices and many other establishments in the Aegean and Mediterranean Regions are closed in the afternoon. These fixed summer hours are determined by the governing bodies of the provinces.
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- Other Practical Information
Local time:
GMT+3 hours (April-September) GMT+2 hours (October-March)
Time Differences:
Argentina -5, France -1, Netherlands -1, Australia +8, Germany -1, Saudi Arabia+1, Austria -1, Greece 0, Sweden -1, Egypt 0, Italy -1, Switzerland -1, England -2, Japan +7, Spain -1, USA -7 (EST) -10 (WEST)
* These time differences are for the period October-March; however, they may show variances according to each country's own time-saving adjustments.
Petrol:
Super (premium) - Unleaded (at some places). Normal (regular) - Diesel.
Electricity:
220 volts AC/50 Hz. all over Turkey. (Industrial:380 V) Plug: European round/ 2-prong plug.
Water:
Although tap water is safe to drink since it is chlorinated, it is recommended to get advice from the condemned authorities of the places resided.
Weights and Measures:
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters , 1 centimeter = 0.3937 inches
1 yard = 0,9144 meters, 1 meter = 1.0936 yards
1 mile = 1,6093 kilometers, 1 kilometer = 0.6214 miles
1 pound = 0,4536 kilograms, 1 kilogram = 2.2046 pounds
Area:
1 acres = 0,4047 Hectares, 1 hectare = 2.471 acres
Capacity:
1 UK gallon = 4.546 litters, 1 litter = 0.2199 UK gallons
1 US gallon = 3.7831 litters, 1 litter = 0.2643 US gallons
Newspapers and Magazines:
Foreign newspapers and magazines are available in big cities and tourist areas. Also there is a Turkish daily newspaper, Daily News, published in English.
Tipping:
At various establishments like hotels, restaurants, Turkish baths, barbers and hairdressers, tipping at a rate of 5%-15% of the total is common. Taxi and "dolmus" drivers on the other hand, do not expect tips or even rounded fares.
Visiting a mosque:
Five times a day, the "müezzin" calls the faithful to prayer in this mosque. Before entering a mosque, Muslims wash themselves and remove their shoes. Foreign visitors should also remove their shoes and show the respect they would any other house of worship and avoid visiting the mosque during prayer time. Women should cover their heads and not wear miniskirts. Men should not wear shorts. (In certain famous mosques, overalls are provided for those not suitably dressed.)
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FAQ
- What makes a crewed yacht different from a cruise ship or seaside resort?
Chartering a private yacht offers you the ultimate in comfort, privacy and flexibility. The boat and crew are dedicated only to you and your guests from the moment you board. With a private yacht you can simply anchor at more secluded spots and sail into serene, pine-clad bays and immaculate, find sand beaches that are accessible only by boat. But it is also possible to visit the more populous destinations. With a private yacht, you can see at least one different place every day. Cruising allows you the luxury of only unpacking your bags once while touring many different areas.
- Can I bring children?
Of course as all yachts are child-friendly, although the crew is always quite busy with their assigned duties and are not at liberty to offer childcare services. So if your charter party consists also children, you will be fully responsible for their safety, conduct and entertainment and no member of the crew shall be held responsible for their safety or entertainment unless you require babysitter in advance.
- Can I bring my pet?
Yachts do not permit guests to bring pets on board for several reasons. Crew is required to maintain rigid cleanliness standards for all their guests and there is a potential of allergens from animals remaining on board. Animals are typically not accustomed to the strict confinement of a ship and an active cruising itinerary can be quite uncomfortable for pets. Just like humans, animals can also be sensitive to the effects of motion and may become disoriented or lethargic.
- Do I need to carry my passport?
Yes, all guests must carry valid passports even in the case the charter will take place entirely within the jurisdiction of the country where you embark. Visas, if applicable, are the responsibility of the charterer and must be secured in advance of the charter.
- Who plans the menus?
Your personal chef will prepare the menu to meet your requests. We will be sending you a food preference sheet to fill in, so you let us know your favorite foods and beverages. Your chef will usually provide a sample menu of the yacht’s cuisine. Chefs take great pride in their dishes and use the freshest ingredients available.
- What if I’m on a special diet?
It is critical that you take time to have each member of your party complete the preference form that you will be provided to you in advance. It is also critical to know of any allergies or serious aversions in advance.
- Will I experience seasickness?
This situation is hard to predict. In fact you may be the best judge based on previous experience. If you are worried about seasickness check with your local pharmacist for special medication before you leave home. If you are new to yacht chartering, let the crew know; they will make your trip as comfortable as possible by recommending routes in protected waters and keeping tabs on changing weather conditions.
- Can we smoke on board?
For safety reasons, notably the prevention of fire, smoking is not permitted in the staterooms or cabins. Many yachts allow smoking in the salons and day areas, but an increasing number only allow smoking out on deck. If there are smokers in your party please tell your charter broker and be honest about your needs – we will do our best to ensure that you and the crew are well informed in advance. Substances that are illegal on land are also illegal on the yacht.
- Does the yacht have laundry facilities?
Almost all large yachts have full-equipped laundry facilities on board for the stewards to handle a large amount of linen and crew uniforms. Few yachts carry the guest’s laundry, however many crew are willing to take your laundry to the professionals ashore.
- How do my friends, family and business colleagues reach me during the cruise?
Many vessels are equipped with the very latest communications equipment including cellular service, global satellite telecommunications, personal computers and fax machines. If that is not the case, we can set you up with a mobile phone account for the duration of the charter at extra charge.
- Will my privacy be respected while on board?
Professional crews are experienced with entertaining the yacht’s owner and guest, celebrities and prominent statesmen. They are trained to be discreet and to give you as much privacy as you desire.
- I understand that a tip is expected? Can you clue me in on how and how much?
The crew’s gratuity is entirely a matter for your personal discretion, should you feel satisfied with the level of service received on board, a usual gratuity amount is in the range of 5-15% of the charter fee. We recommend that any gratuity should be handed to the captain to distribute fairly amongst all members of the crew.
- Do I need to buy insurance during the charter?
Your charter agreement will detail insurance provisions: the yacht remains insured by the owner during your charter, however we advise all chatterers to consider cancellation and curtailment insurance. You may also consider Personal Accident or Medical Insurance plus Personal Effects Insurance, which is generally not included in the Charter Fee.
- Will you give me the chance to evaluate my experience with Ada Yachting?
Of course we will be giving you the chance to evaluate your experience with us, since what matters to us the most is your opinion! After the end of the charter we will be giving you a questionnaire to fill, which will give us the opportunity to analyze your experience with Ada Yachting, with the crew of the yacht, the condition of the yacht, and the service provided.
- How does a charter cost?
The daily and weekly rates are quoted in our yacht listings – the size and amenities on board usually dictate pricing. Charter rates are specified in Euros. The charter agreement is standard for almost all yacht chartering companies in Turkey. Terms of refund in case of cancellation are specified in the charter agreement.
The charter fee also includes all operational expenses, such as fuel for 4 hours cruising per day, crew’s wages and their food, insurance on yacht and crew and harbor charges including water and/or electricity taken from the shore. Crewed yachts are also outfitted, at no extra charge, with leisure equipment such as dinghy with outboard motor, water-skis, windsurfer, snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, television, video, stereo and often many more items, depending on the boat.
The charterer will be charged extra, at cost to the yacht, for all other operating expenses while on board such us; V.A.T., passenger’s food, wine and bonded goods (liquors) and personal laundry, private marina fees and an approximately 10 per cent surcharge for sailing in waters that are not Turkish (covers port dues, agency rights, sanitary dues and legally required surcharge on crew’s wages).
We are at your disposal to analyze your trips parameters and consult with the captain to provide an estimate of these charges in advance. A good rule of thumb is to allow 25% of the charter fee towards expenses. This does not include gratuity to the crew, which is discretionary.
- Which type of yacht is best for me?
The choice of yacht for your cruise is very important to the success of your holiday. We listen and advise you for your requests and help you to select the yacht best suited to your needs. We will also advise on the right crew to complement the style of charter you may prefer. It is the combination of the right yacht and the right crew that will guarantee a charter to remember.
You may find it helpful to have a few guidelines on the different types of yachts available:
MOTOR YACHTS
Motor yachts combine style, comfort and luxury. Outdoor areas are usually large while their indoor areas comfortably cater to guests’ requirements. Motor yachts might be either heavy displacement, which generally gives a cruising speed of between 10 and 14 knots, or fast planning motor yachts capable of continuous speeds in excess of 20 knots.
MOTOR SAILERS & TRADITIONAL GULLETS
Gaff schooners combining wind, sail and the power of a motor blending tradition with comfort and the relaxed experience of sailing. Motor sailers have a more spacious interior than the performance sailing yacht, and a larger, robust machinery for cruising under power alone. Other advantages can be the additional deck space for sunbathing and dining areas plus increased storage for water sports equipment.
SAILING YACHTS
They rely on wind and sails aided by an auxiliary engine. Large sailing yachts combine exhilarating performance under sail with the ability to motor at speeds of up to 10 knots and luxurious facilities. A wonderful advantage is the total peace and quiet when the engine is turned off and you sail off into the sunset.
- Can I map out our own itinerary?
Of course you can map out your preferences. The most important advice is not to plan an itinerary that is too ambitious. What might seem fantastic on paper may in practice restrict your enjoyment. Trying to fit too much into each day will result in missing many delights en route. Approximately 4 hours cruising a day is an about the maximum, and you may find this far too much. Just present your preferences to your captain and he will do his best to make it happen. Winds, weather and mood may alter plans, so plan to be flexible. Your captain will also suggest an itinerary, but you’re not locked into a program and free to waiver from this route. In any case, the captain, as master of the boat, has the last word.
- What should I pack?
Yacht charter is generally an informal and relaxed kind of holiday and dressing in Turkey is casual. For clothing bring bathing suits, cotton shorts, T-shirts, an extra sweater and long cotton pants for cool nights and a light foul-weather gear for the occasional rainy days. Of course, you might also like to have the option for more formal attire for elegant dining and evening wear. Rubber-sole shoes for a firm grip on slippery decks, to prevent foot injury and to protect the boat’s surface is always recommended. The crew appreciates soft luggage instead of bulky space-consuming suitcases since on board storage may be limited. For sun protection, do bring your favorite sun block or sunscreen, sunglasses with an anti-ultraviolet coating and a hat or headscarf. Last you may bring with you a small telescope for stargazing and a camera for daydreaming.
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