The standard Turkish taxi is a simple yellow Fiat (usually the "Dogan" model made in Turkey). Other cars may be used as well, but the Fiat Dogan is most common. In the largest cities, many run on clean-burning natural gas.

All taxis are required to have digital meters (taksimetre), and to run them. This doesn't mean they always do. If your driver doesn't start the taksimetre, or tries to haggle at the start of the trip instead of running it, just point to the meter emphatically and say Taksimetre! (TAHK-see-MEH-treh). It'll probably be cheaper. (The exception is for inter-city trips, when a set fee--usually posted or printed somewhere--is the rule and ends up being cheaper).

The starting fare ("drop rate") in daytime (usually 7 or 8 am to 10 pm, 11 pm or midnight) is usually under US$1, and a trip of several kilometres or miles may cost $3 to $5. At night the rate is usually 50% higher.

Taxis may also travel between cities or from cities or airports to resort towns. For these longer trips of, say, 10 or 20 km (6 to 12 miles) or more, set rates may have been established. If not, you may want to haggle for an agreeable rate before you begin your journey.

Turks don't tip taxi drivers, they round up the fare. If it ends up being, say, US$4.75, a Turk will just round it up to $5. In many cases if the fare is US$5.25, the driver will require only US$5, and not bother with the change. As a foreigner, your driver may assume you'll give a tip, but you needn't unless the driver provides some special service, such as helping with lots of heavy luggage.

Some taxis are air-conditioned. Some have safety belts, and some even have safety belts in working condition, but don't bet on it.

If You are planning a trip to Turkey soon and visiting the Fethiye or Oludeniz region visit www.CalisBeachTurkey.com for more information before you go.

Vicky Seale
http://www.calisbeachturkey.com/