Contents:
   Calendar
   Classifieds
   PC Corner
   Car Depreciation in Turkey
   Legal Corner
   Travel-Watch
   Readers' Recommendations
   Q & A
   Discounts
   Useful Information

Dear %NAME%,

Welcome to issue 8. This issue, we're pleased to welcome Acacia International Legal Services on board as a contributor. They will be providing help with some of the common legal issues encountered by foreigners living in Turkey.

Just a reminder that advertising is still free, just visit the Bodrum Bulletin Website to submit an advert, or event.

David Good - Editor

• Yalıkavak Market - (map)
  Bitez Market - (map)
  Güllük Market
  
  
• Bodrum Children's Library - 9.30am-5.30pm, Bitez (more information...)
  

• Bodrum Market - (map)
  Konacık Market - (map)
  Çiftlik Köyü Market
  
  
• Yoga Yalıkavak - 9.30am-11am, Yalıkavak (more information...)
  
  
• Mother and Baby Toddler Group - 9.30am-11.45am, Ortakent (more information...)
  
  
• Quiz Night - from 8pm, Turgutreis
  
  Quiz night at the Tropic Bar every Friday starts 8pm 'til late. Everyone is welcome - it's all good fun!
  
  Location: Tropic Bar, Beyoglu Caddesi, Turgutreis
  Contact:  Helen & Yildirim, Helen-koc@hotmail.com,  0252 382 58 14  
  

• Turgutreis Market
  
  
• Bodrum Children's Library - 10am-4pm, Bitez (more information...)
  
  
• Pre-Season Beach BBQ and Bonfire Party - Bambu Restaurant and Bar, Bitez
  
  Bring your friends and join us for our third annual pre-season "let's have some fun before the season starts" bonfire party!!
  
  Where: Bambu Restaurant and Bar on Bitez Beach (near the mosque)
  When: Saturday April 11th starting at 6pm!
  Why: Because you deserve it!
  How much: Only 15TL!
  What you get: Marinated Bambu Chicken and Veg Kebabs grilled on the beach along with cold mezes, served over a bed of rice, a beach bonfire (wind and rain permitting), good music and a great time!
  
  We hope to see you there!
  
  Location: The Bambu, 90 Bitez M. Çökertme C. (map)
  Contact:info@bitezbambu.com,  0252 363 70 49
  

• Kızılağaç Market - (map)
  Bitez Flea Market - (map)
  Gümbet Market - (map)
  
  
• 45th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey
  Stage 1: Istanbul (more information...)
  
  
• Sunday Service - 11.30am Bodrum International Grace Church (more information...)
  
  
• Sunday Funday - 3pm onwards, Gümbet (more information...)
  

• Türkbükü Market
  
  
• 45th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey
  Stage 2: Izmir-Kuşadası (more information...)
  
  
• Alcoholics Anonymous - 5pm, Bodrum (more information...)

• Bodrum Market - Textiles only (map)
  Gölköy Market - Morning only
  
  
• 45th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey
  Stage 3: Kuşadası-Bodrum (more information...)
  
  
• Mother and Baby Toddler Group - 9.30am-11.45am, Ortakent (more information...)
  
  
• Dot's Coffee Morning - 12.30pm-3pm, Konacık (more information...)
  

• Ortakent Market - (map)
  Gümüslük Market
  Gündoğan Market - (map)
  
  
• 45th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey
  Stage 4: Bodrum-Marmaris (more information...)
  
  
• Yoga Yalıkavak - 9.30am-11am, Yalıkavak (more information...)
  
  
• Turkish Language School - Bitez (more information...)
  

• Yalıkavak Market - (map)
  Bitez Market - (map)
  Güllük Market
  
  
• 45th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey
  Stage 5: Marmaris-Fethiye (more information...)
  
  
• Bodrum Children's Library - 9.30am-5.30pm, Bitez (more information...)
  

• Bodrum Market - (map)
  Konacık Market - (map)
  Çiftlik Köyü Market
  
  
• 45th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey
  Stage 6: Fethiye-Finike (more information...)
  
  
• Yoga Yalıkavak - 9.30am-11am, Yalıkavak (more information...)
  
  
• Mother and Baby Toddler Group - 9.30am-11.45am, Ortakent (more information...)
  
  
• Quiz Night - from 8pm, Turgutreis (more information...)
  

• Turgutreis Market
  
  
• 45th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey
  Stage 7: Fethiye-Antalya (more information...)
  
  
• Bodrum Children's Library - 10am-4pm, Bitez (more information...)
  

• Kızılağaç Market - (map)
  Bitez Flea Market - (map)
  Gümbet Market - (map)
  
  
• 45th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey
  Stage 8: Antalya-Alanya (more information...)
  
  
• Sunday Service - 11.30am Bodrum International Grace Church (more information...)
  
  
• Sunday Funday - 3pm onwards, Gümbet(more information...)
  

• Türkbükü Market
  
  
• Alcoholics Anonymous - 5pm, Bodrum (more information...)
  

• Bodrum Market - Textiles only (map)
  
  
• Mother and Baby Toddler Group - 9.30am-11.45am, Ortakent (more information...)
  
  
• Dot's Coffee Morning - 12.30pm-3pm, Konacık (more information...)
  

• Ortakent Market - (map)
  Gümüslük Market
  Gündoğan Market - (map)
  
  
• Yoga Yalıkavak - 9.30am-11am, Yalıkavak (more information...)
  
  
• Turkish Language School - Bitez (more information...)
  

• Charity Dinner and Fun Auction - Our Secret Garden, Yalıkavak
  
  Our Secret Garden will be hosting a charity dinner and fun auction to celebrate St. Georges Day, and to raise money for Turgutreis Children's Rehabilitation Centre. The menu will be: Slow cooked Leg of Lamb or Roast Chicken with mashed and roast potatoes, fresh vegetables, gravy and mint sauce followed by Apple Crumble and Custard at a cost of 30TL (of which 5TL will go to charity).
  
  Tickets will be available from the restaurant or directly from Jack Davies. Reservations by 21st April please. Please help us beat last year's total of 750TL by donating an item for the fun auction which can be left at the restaurant any time before the dinner. Jack will also be taking part in a cycle ride through Mexico in November; sponsor forms and a collecting box will be available in the restaurant. Please come along and support Jack and help us raise as much money as possible for the children in Turgutreis.
  
  Location: Our Secret Garden Restaurant, Plaj Cad No 40, Yalıkavak (map)
  Contact: June Barnes,  june_barnes@hotmail.com, 0252 385 50 03, 0535 549 02 01

• Bodrum Rocks Festival - Hadigari and Halikarnas "The Club", Bodrum
  
  Bodrum Cultural and Arts Foundation is hosting the first annual Bodrum Rocks Festival. Organised by Necmi Cavli, the event will take place in Hadigari and Halikarnas "The Club".
  
  Sorry the website is in Turkish but you can have an idea of the groups attending: www.bodrumrocksfest.com
  
  The main aim of the event is to give support to local young rock groups. Please join us to support them.
  
  The ticket price for 3 nights to all concerts is 35TL per person, tickets will be sold at Hadigari before the event.
  
  Location: Hadigari and Halikarnas "The Club"
  Contact: Asli Mutlu, mutlu.aslihan@gmail.com, 5322482479 

Giant Book Sale - Thanks!

I am delighted to say the book sale last week on 04 April at the Defne Restaurant in Bitez, raised 1,187TL. I want to thank those who helped on the day and those who came to give their support. I am planning the next one some time in June and, to that end, chutney manufacturing will commence immediately!

Contact: Linda Bennett, linda@lindabennett.net

Calling all Animal Lovers...

We are looking for volunteers in each of the 11 Bodrum municipalities to help coordinate animal welfare issues across the peninsula. Working as a team and in conjunction with the Bodrum Animal Welfare Association, we are hoping to improve the current welfare situation and all pull in one direction.

If you would like to know more, or if you can help, please contact me.

Contact: editor@bodrumbulletin.com

Lunchtime Yoga lessons in Yalıkavak

We are trying to organise yoga lessons for complete beginners in the Yalıkavak Marina over lunch hour times during the week. The instructor comes from Bodrum and he will only do the class if we are 7 people, so far we are 4... anyone interested?

It will be fun and we can get our bods ready for the bikini season!!!

Contact: Merina Serbest, aura@aurayachting.com, 05332345553  

Home Help Offered

Do you need someone to look after a sick person, or to accompany your elderly family members as well as taking care of the house and garden?

Contact: Katerina, 0537 981 06 31

Trio Garden, Where Nature Meets Quality...

Are you living in the Bodrum Peninsula in Turkey and are you looking for high standard quality garden furniture, and appliances?

Pay a visit to Trio Garden (founded in 2004), has built up an outstanding reputation in the region regarding it's fabulous collection of garden furniture, lounge-chairs, barbecues, parasols, and other appliances of super-quality.

At Trio Garden you will find the "finishing touch" for your garden.

Location: On the main road between Bodrum and Turgutreis opposite the Marmara Collage before the exit to Aquapark.
Contact: Jackie, jackie030252@hotmail.com, 0252 358 66 00, 0544 418 24 72

Have you used this business? Recommend it now!

Trafalgar Square Overseas Mortgage Brokers

We provide fully independent mortgage solutions for people looking to buy property throughout the world.

Turkey is an emerging market as far as mortgages are concerned. Historically many people who have bought in Turkey have either done so on a high interest rate, or paid cash and bought the property outright.

If this sounds familiar we can help. We have access to lenders who offer competitive interest rates if you are looking to reduce your monthly commitment on your residential/holiday home.

We can also arrange:

• Equity release on unencumbered Turkish property up to 70% of the value of the property.
• Finance for new property purchase.
• Finance for properties purchased off plan where you have put down your deposit and are now looking to raise the remainder of the funds.

We work in Partnership with a Turkish Solicitor based in London with additional offices in Istanbul. They will provide step by step support and advice for all your legal requirements.

If you want to discuss any of the above services, or just want some friendly advice on getting a mortgage in Turkey please feel free to contact me.

Contact: Nick Higgs, +44 (0) 208 870 8787, nick@trafalgarsqoverseas.co.uk

Have you used this business? Recommend it now!

Teldolap Restaurant - Sunday Brunches

Teldolap Restaurant are now offering a delicious traditional Turkish Sunday Brunch from 11am every Sunday, served in a traditional stone house in the hills of Karakaya with a beautiful view of Gümüslük bay.

Location: Karakaya, Gümüslük (map)
Contact: Fatoş Köylü, fatomer@hotmail.com, 0252 394 37 29
Discount Available (more information...)

For Sale: Famous Grouse Whisky

1 litre bottle (unopened & seal intact) of The Famous Grouse Whisky, 55TL. Buyer to collect from Gümbet.

Location: Gümbet
Contact: Lisa, 0536 6739709

Holiday Cottage to Let

Beautiful Stone Cottage located in Bitez Mandarin Orchard. Sleeps 2/4. Available for one or two week lets from May to October. Ideal for friends and family coming to stay. Full details and pix on our website www.olivecottage.com. Please contact me for available dates and prices.

Contact: cooke2003@hotmail.com

For Rent: 2 Bed Apartment

2 bedroom apartment with huge sun terrace and parking space available for short to rent. Located in a beautiful hillside olive grove location with outstanding views along a fantastic fertile valley.

The small development comprises 15 detached duplex and apartments, with mainly Turkish, English, and Dutch owners.

The rental of 700TL per month is based on a short term rent, but we're happy to negotiate medium or long term rates. The property is unfurnished and excludes locally payable maintenance fees (managed by owners - not by a maintenance company therefore any surplus at year end is re-invested into the communal areas).

Includes very large rectangular communal pool. The property is reached by a steep hillside road and the village centre of Yalıkavak is about 1.5km away. It must be stressed that the location is very peaceful and not on any through routes, thereby maintaining tranquility. This outstanding hillside location provides superb Aegean views, particularly at sunset!

Contact: Ray Weal, ray.weal@btinternet.com, +44 (0) 1205 317 587, +44 (0) 7941 573 430

For Rent: Flat in Bitez

2 bed flat for rent in Bitez (Lavanta Bahçesi Evleri). The flat has an excellent view towards Kos. Available for a 6 or 12 month rental.

Contact: Cinar Sahenk, csahenk@superonline.com 0532 243 44 26

Repeat Classifieds:

• Alexander Hills Sitesi - Request for Management Tender
  (more information...)
  
  
• Personalised Greetings Cards
  (more information...)
  
  
• Textile Arts & Crafts Courses
  (more information...)
  
  
• Yoga classes with Melek - All levels
  (more information...)
  
  
• House for Rent: Gümüslük
  (more information...)

Checking your TTNet Quota

Most of you who are TTNet users in Turkey will have probably opted for the rate limited tariff, which offers a 1024kbps download speed, with a 4GB download limit. If you have this rate, and are concerned about going over the 4GB limit, did you know that at any point in the month you can check to see how much of your quota you have used? To read the full article, which features a step-by-step guide, click HERE.

More Articles:

• Manage your Turkcell Phone online
• Optimising Photos for Email
• Spyware, Malware and other 'nasties' removal
• Problems with MSN/Live Messenger and SPAM?
  
• Virus Scanners
  
• Clean temporary files from your computer
  
• Defragmentation
• Creating an Email Account - Gmail

If you'd like to know more, would like a certain topic covered, or have questions, please contact me at dngood@gmail.com

This issue we take a quick look at cars, specifically, we look at the price of new cars in the UK compared to Turkey, then we take a look at the estimated depreciation after both 3 and 9 years. Although the sample size is not large, the trends are clear to see.

Here are some interesting facts from the report:

• New car list prices are generally the same between the UK and Turkey
• After 3 years, the average UK car is worth 45% of it's original value, by contrast a Turkish car is still worth 66% of it's original cost
• After 9 years (2000 model car), UK cars are only worth about 15% of their original list price, where Turkish cars are still worth a massive 45% or their original list price.

To take a look at the the full report, click HERE.

Previous Features:

• The Price of Food
• A Touch of Bodrum in Montreal
• Car Rental and Airport Transfer Report
• Our Facebook Page
• The Sausage King
• Life Coaching

Property Purchase In Turkey:
Tax Procedure In Relation To The Declared Value Price

It is an undeniable fact that Turkey has become a major destination for foreigners purchasing property.  According to the records of “General Administrative of Land Registries and Cadastral offices” (Tapu Kadastro Genel Müdürlüğü), as of 01/03/2009 a total of 74,405 properties have been transferred to foreign nationals.  The Province of Muğla takes first place for the total land area purchased.  In relation to the number of properties purchased, Muğla is in second place with 10,486 properties after Antalya.

With this number of property purchases, one component of the purchase, the transfer tax matter, has been a very important issue for foreign purchasers and generates much confusion.   What should be done according to the legislation and what is done in practice has been different and this has been further exacerbated with the recent changes in the legislation.  

According to the related law, the transfer tax levied 3% of the declared value is required to be paid equally (1.5 % + 1.5 %) by the parties of the transaction (the buyer and the seller). However, in practice, the parties can make different arrangements and can decide that only one of the parties will be held responsible for the whole tax amount.

Prior to 06/06/2008 taxation was based on the minimum value set by the municipality. The new regulation came into force on 06/06/2008. It has two very important implications....

For continuation of this article, please click HERE.

Acacia International Legal Services
Email: operations@acacia-int.com
Tel: +90 (0) 252 444 05 58
Fax: +90 (0)  252 363 89 52
web: www.acacia-int.com

DISCLAIMER:  The information stated above is based on the information available to Acacia International and is according to the Turkish Legal System at the time of the issuance. The information provided is not intended to make any recommendations in relation to purchasing property in Turkey or any other matter which may be relevant under different legal systems.

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Flight Update - 7th April - Table below shows the cheapest return flight direct to Bodrum in a given month. Where possible, taxes are included.

Ferry Update:

For more information or booking, please contact: info@bodrumtour.com

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You can view the full Readers' Recommendation directory on the website by clicking HERE or by clicking on "Directory" on the top menu of the website. Note, however that you need to be logged into the website to view the detail pages. If you are having problems logging in, please click HERE. To recommend a business (or an individual), just email us at: editor@bodrumbulletin.com.

New Readers' Recommendations:

• Architect
  • Bulent Kuksoz (view or add a review
• Curtain and Material Shop
  • Bodrum Havlu (view or add a review)
• Electrician
  • Nuri (view or add a review)
• Plumber
  • Birol Şanlı (view or add a review)
• Legal
  • Lale Kastelli (view or add a review)
• Pool Maintenance
  • Birol (view or add a review)
• Translator
  • Aysin (view or add a review)
• Removals
  • ASYA international movers (view or add a review)
• Miscellaneous
  • VHS-DVD and Cassette to CD Conversion (view or add a review...)
  • Sazkoy Carpet Village (view or add a review...)

The full directory currently has 26 businesses, click HERE to view it.

We currently have requests for recommendations for the following businesses: a hamam, a pool opening company, a pool chemical shop, a garden centre, a chiropractor, a jeweller, a florist, a ferforge metal worker. if you can help, contact us now!

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If you have a question about any aspect of life in Bodrum, let us know and we'll post it to this section as an open question. But here's the important bit - we need your help to answer the open questions; so please don't be embarrassed - send us your questions, and answers.

New Questions:

Q25: I am looking to drive my Turkish car to England (and then back within the mandatory 6 months).
25.1: Do you need a residents permit to buy a new car and take it out of the country?
25.2: Will a green card insurance cover the car driving to England, or do you need international insurance?
25.3: Do you need a visa to leave the country with the car and how much do they cost for 6 months?
25.4: If you have done this journey which insurance company covered your car while you were in England?
A25: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q27: Do we need to make a Turkish will if we live in Turkey all the time or does our English will cover our assets here?
A27: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q28: I need a good dental hygienist and had heard of Bernard (or Bernadette) Rennick and now cannot find the contact... can anyone help
A28: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

New Answers:

Q24: We are looking to get married in Bodrum and are looking for somewhere small, romantic and private with a view, for a ceremony and meal for around 30 people. Does anyone have any suggestions or know of any 'hidden gems' around Bodrum that would suit - we're open to all ideas and suggestions, but nothing too expensive!
A24.1: I can recommend Pitos bar in Kadikalesi for this marriage, I got married there - we came to the beach by boat and got married on the beach, then walked to Pitos bar (www.pitosbar.com) which is really authentic and romantic. --Yeşim Yağcı, Özel Bodrum Hastanesi
A24.2: The Teldolap in Gümüslük is a really wonderful location. They have also their own Dolmus service. -- Alex
A24.3: Last year my friends married in the Defne Restaurant in Bitez, its a very traditional restaurant set in nice green scented gardens. -- Huseyin, Onelli Travel Rent a Car

Q10: What costs are involved with obtaining a habitation certificate - I am being charged 1350TL for a property on Alexander Hills - is this normal?
A10: The builder sorts it when the site is completed to ensure he has built to plans and not made any changes. No-one I know who owns new property over the last 10 years has had to make payment for this. I suggest you check your contract and speak to an independent lawyer. I have heard one site had to dismantle some sheds (7 of them) to be able to get their certificate as they were not on the plans. --Dawn, Simply Villa Management

Unanswered Questions:
Q26: I have heard that if you hold a residence permit you can obtain treatment and consultations at state (devlet) hospitals and clinics the same as citizens (albeit for a considerably cheaper fee), does anybody have any info on this at all.
A26: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q19: Has anyone discovered any materials in Bodrum suitable for improving the sound proofing through a shared block partition wall?
A19: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q18: Does anyone know of someone willing to be a 'Leader' for a just-for-fun line dancing group?
A18: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q15: Does anyone have seeds or cuttings of Chilean Jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) or M. splendens 'Alice du Pont' that they want to get rid of, or know where I can get some?
A15: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q13: Has anyone found a way to get from Izmir airport to the bus station (and vice versa) without using a taxi?
A13: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Old Questions:

Previously answered questions have now been archived to the Q & A section of the website:
http://www.bodrumbulletin.com/community/questions

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Here we list businesses which offer Bodrum Bulletin readers a discount.

• Car Rental/Airport Transfers:
  • Bodrum Tour (Onelli Tour/Rent-a-car) - up to 15% off (more information...)
• Restaurants & Bars:
  • NEW! Morgul Antik Restaurant, Yalıkavak - 10% off (more information...)
  • NEW! Teldolap Restaurant, Gümüslük - 10% off (more information...)
  • La Pasión, Bodrum - 10% off (more information...)
  • Our Secret Garden, Yalıkavak - 10% off (more information...)
• Other:
  • Bozdağ Ski Centre, Izmir - 10% off (more information...)
  • NEW! Teldolap Apartments, Gümüslük - 10% off (more information...)

If you would like to list any kind of business here, it's free - all we ask is that a discount is offered to our readers, contact us now!

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Finance
GBP-TL Exchange Rate

30-Day Internet banking Interest Rates

Corrections or other rates? let us know!

Understanding Interest Rate Accounts in Turkey - Click here for a quick overview of e-Deposit accounts and how they work.

Miscellaneous

Bodrum Oasis Cinema - We've heard that the Oasis Cinema have a special offer on at the moment. Watch a film on Mondays & Thursdays, and get the 2nd seat for only 2TL (normally around 11TL). To see what's on at the moment, click HERE.

Migros Online Shopping - Note, if you have tried this and have given up because it asks for your TC number, simply just make up a number to put in there! (tip courtesy of Cliff, who contacted Migros support) more information...

Translated TEDAŞ (Electric) Bill - View it HERE (courtesy of Fethiye-Times.org)

Translated Traffic Accident Form - View it HERE.

Vehicle Tax - 2009 Vehicle Tax Calculator.

Car Prices - Check HERE for a links to manufacturers' current price lists.

Important Phone Numbers
Note that a new phone number has been launched for tourists in the Muğla area. Simply dial 179, and you'll be put through to an English speaking operator who will be on hand to help with problems, complaints, and general advice. If anyone's tried the new service, we'd love to hear about it.

Found something you want to tell others about, or do you want to pass on some important information to others? Let us know now!

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