New online visa application system for Turkey

A simple process at this address: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

• What is e-Visa? Go
  E-Visa is an endorsement that allows the bearer to enter Turkey.
  It replaces “sticker”- and “stamp-type” visas formerly issued at the border crossing.
  Applicants obtain their visa electronically after entering required information and making payment by credit card.
  After successful application, e-Visa is e-mailed to the applicant. Applicants must print out their e-Visa, show it to airport officials and customs officers and carry it with them at all times during the travel.
  E-Visa is only valid for tourism or trade purposes. For other purposes such as work or study, an application through our Embassies or Consulates must be submitted.
  Turkish authorities can deny entrance of a holder of e-Visa to Turkey in certain cases. Holders of visas issued by Turkish embassies or consulates are subject to the same procedure too, thus can be denied entrance.
• What do I need for e-visa application? Go
  A minimum 6-month-valid passport, flight (or any other possible means of transportation) reservation and a credit card (Master or Visa).
• What are the advantages of e-Visa? Go
  E-Visa can be obtained easily anywhere you have internet connection and enables the holder to submit application without waiting in the que at the Turkish embassies or consulates or at the border crossing and enter into Turkey.
• Who is eligible for e-Visa? Go
• Do I need to enter Turkey on the exact date specified in my application? Go
  The validity period of your e-Visa begins from the date specified in your application. You can enter Turkey on any date within this period.
• If my travel dates change, can I apply for e-visa amendment for change of date? Go
  No, you cannot. If you do not enter Turkey within the period of the validity of the e-Visa, you must apply for a new e-Visa.
• How secure is e-visa? Go
  The Republic of Turkey, in principle, does not sell, rent, or otherwise use for commercial purposes any personal information entered in the e-Visa page to third parties. Any information obtained at each stage of the application and the e-Visa issued at the end of the process are stored in high security systems. The applicant bears full responsibility for the safety of the soft and hard copies of the issued and forwarded e-Visa. The applicant bears again full responsibility of this information in case they fall into the hands of third parties.
  The applicant’s information in the barcode on the e-Visa is stored in encrypted and electronically signed form, designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. Access information and authorization to the content of the barcode is solely given to the institutions authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. The applicant bears full responsibility for any inconvenience that may result from bar code falsifications.
• Do I need to obtain separate e-visa for people accompanying me? Go
  Yes. Each traveler must have his or her own e-Visa.
• Is e-visa refundable? Go
  No. If you obtained an e-Visa and did not enter Turkey, you will not be refunded your payment.
• Are there any restrictions on airline companies to fly to Turkey? Go
  The citizens of the countries listed in Table 1 (link), as well as Pakistan, Iraq, India, Bangladesh and Mexico can travel with any airline company they wish to.
  The citizens of other eligible countries (link) are required to travel with Turkish Airlines in order to obtain e-Visa.
• If any of the information on my e-visa does not match the information on my passport, can I still enter Turkey? Go
  No, you cannot. E-Visa is electronically associated with a passenger’s passport. Therefore, you must enter Turkey with the same passport with which you applied for an e-Visa. Otherwise, your e-Visa will be invalid.
• Can a tourism agency apply for e-visa on my behalf? Go
• I would like to stay in Turkey for a period of time longer than the e-visa permits. What should I do? Go
  If you wish to stay in Turkey longer than your e-Visa permits, you must apply at local Police Departments for a residence permit.
  Please note that, e-Visa is granted only for tourism and trade purposes. Application for other types of visa (work visa, student visa etc.) are required to be submitted through Turkish Embassies or Consulates.
  If you overstay your visa, you might be asked to pay fines, deported or banned future travel to Turkey for a specific period of time.
• Is it secure to make a credit card payment on the e-visa web page? Go
  Our website maintains high level of security standards. We are not responsible for any harm that may result from security vulnerabilities of your bank, your computer or your internet connection.
• I have realized that, some of the information that I provided in the e-visa application requires correction. What should I do? Go
  You need to make a fresh application.
• I have completed my application. How long will it take for my e-visa to be e-mailed to me? Go
  Your e-Visa will be e-mailed to you within 24 hours after completion of your application.
• What should I do, if my e-visa application is denied? Go
  If you have received an e-mail message informing you that your e-Visa application has been denied, you can visit the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate for visa application.
• If my e-visa application is denied, will my registration cost be refunded? Go
  The visa application fee is only charged to an approved visa.
• How long before my travel date should I apply for e-visa? Go
  You should apply for your e-Visa at least 24 hours before your departure. However, you are advised to make an application at least one week before your departure.
• I have applied for visa at a Turkish Embassy (Consulate General). I want to get update for my application. Can I send a request through this web site? Go
  No. You should contact the respective Embassy (Consulate General) to get information about your application.
• I have realized that some information on my e-Visa does not match the information on my passport. I have made payment and now I have an e-Visa with incorrect information. Can I get a refund? Go
  No. The responsibility of any mistake is with the applicant.
• I could get “sticker type of visa” at the airport. I don’t want to apply for e-Visa. Can I still get “sticker type of visa” at the airport? Go
  Yes. The practice of “sticker type of visa” has not changed (until further notice).
• I do not have a credit card or debit card. Is there any other way of e-Visa fee payment? Go
  No. You can only make payment with a credit or a debit card (only Mastercard or Visa). On the other hand, the card does not have to be under your name.

Enjoy your Holiday

The Turkish Lira Symbol - Font

The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT) organized a Competition for the Turkish Lira Sign to further enhance the prestige and to raise worldwide recognition of the Turkish lira. Following some revisions made to the winning design, which was selected from applications received by the CBRT within a stipulated timeframe, a unique symbol () has been determined to represent the Turkish currency. The symbol, which is both easily recognizable and aesthetically pleasing, is at the same time eye-catching and can easily be reproduced by hand.


While selecting the Turkish lira currency sign, two marked features of the Turkish lira and the Turkish economy were highlighted in accordance with the principles set forth by the Board. These are; "confidence" and "steadily rising value". The anchor-like sign emphasizes that the Turkish lira has become a "safe haven". The upward pointing parallel lines symbolize the "steadily rising value" of the Turkish lira and the Turkish economy.

For more information about the symbol and to download the font for your PC/Mac or smart phone go:

http://www.tcmb.gov.tr/yeni/iletisimgm/TurkishLira.php

The Aydem website

1. To get your latest electric bill from Aydem you need to visit the website at www.aydem.com
2. You will need you Tesisat number (registration number) which consists of 7 numbers.
3. Type it in the box highlight in the image below on the right of the website. 
4. If you have a bill, the amount due will be show with the final due date.

Wildlife in Turkey

Here is a slide show of photos taken over the years of wildlife indigenous to Turkey. The extremely professional shots of the Flamingos and a few of the other wild fowl where taken by Len Deeley.

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Stratonikeia eyes UNESCO list

The world’s largest marble city, the ancient city of Stratonikeia in the Aegean province of Muğla’s Yatağan district, is expected to be included on the temporary list of UNESCO world heritage sites.

The head of excavations at the ancient city and Pamukkale University Professor Bilal Söğüt said Stratonikeia, one of the most important cities in the Caria region, was a settlement of Carians and Lelegs, both local Anatolian populations, and also survived as a settlement during the Hellenistic, Byzantine, Ottoman and Republican period.

Söğüt said they unearth significant artifacts during the archaeological excavations every year. “This is a living archaeological city. It is unique. There is no other city where structures have survived as a whole since the ancient period. This is why the city should be listed as a cultural heritage site. We will finish the work this year and deliver the necessary forms to the General Directorate of Museums.”

2012 excavations
Söğüt said that the latest excavations had begun in Stratonikeia in June 2012 with the participation of 50 academics and students from eight universities as well as 40 workers.

He said that each academic carried out work in his own area of expertise, mainly in the ancient theater, gymnasium, basilica, graves and city walls. “Structures from different periods in the ancient city were restored for visits. Greek, Latin and Ottoman scriptures can be seen on the same structure together. The city is culturally rich in this sense,” he added.

Söğüt said that 725 artifacts had been found during 2012 excavations and all of them had been conserved and restored. “225 of these pieces can directly go on view. All discussions regarding restoration work have been completed and the artifacts were delivered to the Muğla Museum. The strong columns that were found in the western street were revived. Looking at this 10-meter wide street is enough to understand the magnificence of Stratonikeia.”

Sewage system can be used

Söğüt said the theater in the city had been built with a temple. “Stratonikeia is one of the places where the theater and temple relation can be seen the best. The theater, which has a capacity of 15,000 people, has been excavated and conservations work has been finished. The most perfect sewage system of the ancient era has been found in the theater. We are very pleased because it is in good enough condition to be used even today.”

Söğüt also said that the restoration of the Hasan Şar House inside the ancient city would be completed this year with a financial allocation from the Muğla Governor’s Office.

Article taken from hurriyetdailynews.com

Paying Milas council tax 2013

Milas Council tax becomes due in January. You are able to pay this in two instalments, by the end of May and November. Any outstanding balance of these respective date will gain interest. You are able to clear the account in one go if you prefer.

I think the online service is the best method of payment and if you follow these steps, you have a good chance of being able to pay your council tax online, tried and test by many Idealworld Bodrum property management clients.

Your online account will be updated to show your payment. This may take a week if paying by bank transfer, but paying online gives you an instant result.  When a payment is made by credit card you will get an online payment notification and also an email with the payment information.

First go to the website.

 http://www.milas.bel.tr/english/index.php

The English version of the website is scaled although it does have some local tourist information if you wish to view it. For now, we just need to select e - BELEDİYE. 

 A new window will open up with ENGLISH  TÜRKÇE. I suggest you select the ENGLISH option!

Another completely new window will open. You will see in the top left hand corner two boxes with USER ID and PASSWORD. Please enter the respective number as given to you by the council or your property management company and click ENTER. If you do not have these number you need to contact the Milas Tapu office.

You should see you name in the bottom left hand side of the screen.
Select DEBT ENQUIRY.

You should now see personal information held at the council office in the middle of the page.

To the right of the page is the information you will need if you are transferring payments using the bank transfer method.

I have highlighted 4 areas on the image. Select the payments you wish to make using the tick boxes. You can click the + sign and the section will open up to show more info. 

You will see the total payment change as you make you selection. If you would like to pay the total bill then tick the TOTAL DEBT BOX highlighted. The amount to pay will show up in the TOTAL PAYMENT box.

Once you are happy with your selection, just click ONLINE PAYMENT.

The Payment.
Type your full name, use a Turkish phone number (02521234569) as there is not enough room for the international code for the UK, and then your email address. This is where the receipt will be send to.
Then, using the virtual keyboard on the right, complete the card holder name as it appears on your card, the card number. This can be tricky as the number randomise after each selection for security reasons. Dial in the cards expiry date and using the virtual keyboard again for the last 3 digits of your security number on the back of the card.

That's it, press FINISH PAYMENT

The website will now process your information. A small window will open in the middle of the screen which asks you to wait while the payment is being verified. If all went well, a screen should open showing your payment information and receipt. A receipt will also be sent to your email address. The new account balance will now reflect your payment. If this does not happen, the chances are the website was unable to process your payment due to a fault, which happen sometimes or there was a problem verifying your credit card.  If this happens, try again later or let us know if you are a client. As the system is automated, it is not possible to pay twice. I have made many payments using this system without any problems.

If you do not have a username or password, please follow these guidelines:

If you are not an Idealworld client then you will need to claim your username and password from the council. This is the procedure (thanks to Brian Watts for this info):

info@milas.bel.tr
Subject: e-belediye Şifre
Email Body:

Tckimlik No: Turkish kimlik or foreign passport No
Ad: Name
Soyad: Surname
Baba Adı: Father's Name
Ana Adı: Main Title
Doğum Yeri: Place of birth
Doğum Tarihi: Date of birth
Adres: Address
Ev Tel: Home Phone (including international code)
Cep Tel: Mobile Phone (including international code)
Varsa Emlak Sicil No: Real Estate Registration No (you should be able to get this from  your Tapu).

GOOD LUCK