The basics
- Official language: Turkish. Most signs are in Turkish; English is spoken at tourist sites and some businesses speak Persian.
- Currency: Turkish lira (₺, TL). Credit cards are widely accepted.
- Time zone: UTC+3 (no daylight saving time in Türkiye).
- Electricity: 220 V, European two-pin sockets.
- Emergency number: 112 for all emergencies.
Climate
Winters in Van are cold and snowy; summers are warm and dry. The best time to visit is May to October. In winter, pack warm clothes and non-slip shoes.
Changing money
Exchange offices on Cumhuriyet Avenue, banks and some hotels change foreign currency. See Currency Exchange for details.
Internet and phones
Tourist SIM cards are sold at operator shops at the airport and in the city centre. Phones brought from abroad may need to be registered for long-term use in Türkiye.
Useful Turkish phrases
| Turkish | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Merhaba | Hello |
| Teşekkür ederim | Thank you |
| Ne kadar? | How much? |
| Hesap lütfen | The bill, please |
| Hoş geldiniz / Hoş bulduk | Welcome / Glad to be here (reply) |