Hi Farmer
You need a tax no so that the banks can take tax on your interest earned at source. We got our number in June from Fethiye tax office, just had to photocopy passport back page ( photcopier outside office in booth cost 40p for the 2 of us) and then payed a £1 each inside.Just presented this at bank and hey presto account opened there and then.Going back in sept/oct to open sterling deposit account so that transfers to builder will be easier.
Phil