Alcoholic drinks are readily available in tourist areas, although you may have to abstain if you wander off the beaten track. Beer comes in two main brands, the locally brewed Efes Pilsen and Tuborg. Turkish wines are cheap and surprisingly good. One of the best is Çankaya, which is matured in wood.

The Turkish national aperitif is raki, an aniseed-flavoured spirit which clouds when water is added. It is stronger than it looks, and it is no coincidence that its nickname is Lion's Milk. Tipping is customary even when the bill includes a service charge. As a rule of thumb, if 10 per cent has been added to your bill, leave an extra 5 per cent, if service is not included, add 10 per cent. If the waiter declines to take it, don't take this literally - it may merely be a sign of politeness. Only believe him if he refuses three times!

One of the great treats of a trip to Turkey is to go on a shopping spree. From hand painted ceramics to bath towels, from intricate silver trinkets to beautifully crafted backgammon sets, the range is tremendous and the prices are irresistible.

Few visitors return home without a carpet or a kilim (a flat woven rug without a cut pile). The cost of a carpet is determined by its age, the quality of the material and dyes, the intricacy of the design and the number of knots per square centimeter. Silk carpets are by far the most expensive; wool is more hardwearing than cotton. Choose a reputable dealer and check that the carpet carries a label stating its origin, size, materials and price. By law, if you are not satisfied, you can return it within seven days.

Other popular items include leather goods, ceramics, handicrafts, onyx and gold. For something a little different, you might consider a traditional meerschaum pipe or a pair of Turkish bath slippers inlaid with mother of pearl. Leather jackets, bags and shoes are particularly good value and the quality is generally high, although it's always worth checking the stitching and the handles of bags to make sure that they are strong. Most resorts have a market day, when hundreds of stalls display a dazzling array of fruit, vegetables, clothes and gifts. This is your chance to haggle. Don't be afraid. It's expected of you and it all adds to the fun.

Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am until midnight seven days a week. Government offices open from 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm – Monday to Friday. Post Office is open from 08:00 am to 24:00 PM 7 days a week. You can visit the bank from 8.30am to noon and from 1.30pm to 5pm - Monday to Friday.

Official holidays (when all businesses are closed) are January 1, April 23, May 19, August 30 and October 29. Most places in the main towns and cities close for the two religious holidays of Seker Bayram (at the end of Ramadan) and Kurban Bayram.

In the tourist resorts only the banks close and you will usually find an exchange office open to change money. The dates differ each year. For 2008 Seker Bayram is in October and Kurban is in December.

The national currency is the Yeni (new) Turkish Lira (YTL). Coins come in values of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 Kurus (cents) and 1 Lira. Notes range from 1 to 100 YTL.

Many shops in the tourist resorts display prices in Euro and sterling, and some will also accept payment in these currencies. You can change money at the bank and at many restaurants, bars and shops, and there are ATMs (automatic teller machines) in most resorts. Many restaurants and large shops accept credit cards. Smaller establishments deal only with cash. Keep exchange receipts. You may need them if you change lira back into foreign currency at home or take home valuable souvenirs.

There is no limit to the amount of Turkish or foreign money you can bring in, but no more than US $5,000 may be exported in any currency. You can receive a tax refund for goods above a certain value if they are purchased in a shop displaying the sign "authorised for refund". Don't be surprised if you receive sweets, chewing gum or matches as change for very small amounts