turkish travel advice

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Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

Border with Syria

FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria.

Sirnak (city)

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak (city).

Hakkari province

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Hakkari province.

Find out more about  why FCDO advises against travel .

Before you travel

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• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
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15 Things To Know Before Visiting Turkey + 11 Best Turkey Travel Tips

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that for any qualifying purchase you make through one of my links, I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. For more information, check out my disclosure .

Are you visiting Turkey soon? I am glad! This is a country that has a lot to offer. It’s easy to see why it’s a travelers’ favorite.

My sister and I have recently visited Turkey. We loved it – there are many incredible places to visit, mysterious landscapes and unique experienced to be had.

However, to be honest we were often taken aback by some of the things we experienced and wished we had gone in better prepared. In some cases, we were positively surprised. In other instances, we simply had to quickly learn how to deal with the situation.

Learning from my experience, I thought I’d share with you some essential things you need to know before visiting Turkey, as well as some useful Turkey travel tips that will help you make the most of your time in the country and have a smooth trip.

If you are looking for inspirations on places to visit and things to do in the country, read my post The Best Places To Visit In Turkey .

Table of Contents

What You Must Know Before Visiting Turkey

Is turkey safe.

The first thing you are likely going to wonder before visiting Turkey is “Is Turkey safe?”

Good news! Turkey is a safe destination to travel to. Every year thousands upon thousands of foreign travelers visit Turkey and have a completely trouble-free time.

However, just like with any big tourist destinations, there are some things to look out for. Petty crime can happen so it’s always a good idea to keep your belongings close to you and keep vigilant in busy places such as in the street, in markets and on public transport.

Try to blend in as much as possible. That means not wearing expensive jewelry or strolling around with expensive handbags and electronics. Make sure your accommodation is well-reviewed and that the location is in a safe area of a town or city.

Scams in Turkey definitely occur and they are something to look out for, especially in a big city like Istanbul. Normal grifts to look out for include taxi drivers hiking up the price of a trip, and being overcharged in bars and restaurants.

The advice is to ignore overly-friendly strangers who want to invite you into their shop for a cup of tea. And if a deal seems too good to be true then the chances are that it probably is.

Turkey and neighboring Syria sadly made it into the global headlines recently with the devastating earthquake that took place in the southeast of Turkey on 6 February 2023. While uncommon, earthquakes do happen in Turkey and it’s a good idea to get to grips with any local safety procedures that need to be followed in the event of an earthquake.

English is not widely spoken

Although Turkey bridges Asia and Europe, don’t arrive expecting English to be widely spoken. In fact, the proficiency of English across the country is relatively low with only around 15 to 20 percent of the country having just a basic level of English.

In Istanbul and in big tourist destinations many people will have some level of English and it’s common for the younger generation to have an understanding of English.

What’s however surprising is that in many hotels and restaurants staff either speak no English, or have very basic English.

We actually truly struggled because of this, and I won’t deny that out trip was affected by it. We can literally count the number of people we were able to have a conversation with on one hand; and we found that often even those that spoke some English have such a strong accent that it is hard to understand.

Usually, if you do need some help and the person you’re asking doesn’t speak English, chances are they will either take out their phone and use google translate, or find someone who can or help you out.

However, don’t be surprised if someone walks away or dismisses you when you ask a question in English. It happened to us quite a few times and well – it was not nice.

Currency in Turkey

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira. One lira is made up of 100 kuruş coins.

First introduced during the rule of the Ottoman Empire in 1844, it was originally called the Ottoman lira. The Ottoman lira was then replaced at the start of the twentieth century by the Turkish lira after the Turkish War of Independence.

2005 brought the revaluation of the nation’s money which was intended to make its large notes more simple for users to manage. Then a few years later in 2009, a new series of banknotes were introduced which are the lira that are in use today.

It’s more expensive than you’d imagine

Those visiting Turkey for a trip on a shoestring budget might want to think again. While Turkey isn’t the most expensive destination in the world, the prices of things such as activities and group tours can add up to more than you originally planned.

If you want to take part in activities such as hot air balloon rides and spa trips — as well as visiting lots of historic sites — then you will want to save up some extra cash.

Having said that, there is a good range of budget and mid-range hotels and a lot of low-cost local street food to enjoy. However, if you are looking at slightly higher range hotels or restaurants, expect prices to be in line with those of other European capitals.

The inflation rate is crazy

The inflation rate in Turkey is something that causes a lot of issues. The prices for things such as meals, hotels, and groceries are regularly increasing all of the time. Even tickets to tourist attraction get more expensive by the day, and you will often notice they have a sticker with the price tag over what would be their old price.

April 2023 saw a year-over-year inflation rate of almost 44%. Energy increased by 12.9% and food was a huge 53.9%.

While this does not really affect tourists visiting Turkey for a few weeks as much as it does the local Turkish population it is worth noting.

During your trip there you may find that prices are shown in Euros for some tourist-orientated shops, and there are reports of travelers being occasionally asked to change British pound coins or Euro coins to larger notes as the value of the lira is so low.

Hagia Sophia is no longer a museum

Hagia Sophia is the beautiful architectural wonder of Istanbul. Combining a variety of architectural styles from Byzantine to Ottoman, it was first commissioned by the Roman Emperor Justinian in 537.

A thousand years later in 1453, the Christian church was converted into an Islamic mosque by Sultan Mehmet II (also known as Mehmet the Conqueror).

The 1930s saw the building become deconsecrated and turned into a museum for tourists to visit. The first and second time I went to Istanbul getting inside was fairly easy and visiting was a really pleasant experience.

However, in 2020, Hagia Sophia became a mosque once more. This has quite a few consequences for travelers in Istanbul.

First of all, it means you really can’t visit during prayer time. In turn, this causes really long lines to get in, as visitors wait for prayer’s time to be over.

With this in mind, the best time to visit Hagia Sophia is either 10:00 am, which is just about when the morning prayer finishes, or 2:00 pm, once the afternoon prayer is over.

So here’s one of my essential Turkey travel tips for you: head to Hagia Sophia no later than 9:30 am and start waiting in line to get in once the prayer is over.

I also recommend joining a guided tour such as this one which also goes to the Blue Mosque. It’s the one my sister and I took and we found the guide masterfully dodge the crowds.

For guidance on visiting Istanbul, you should read my post The Best 4 Days Istanbul Itinerary .

You will hear the call to prayer in most places

One of the best parts of traveling is experiencing different cultures. As many people in Turkey are Muslim you can expect to hear the call to prayer echoing out across different areas of the country.

The time of Ezan or Call to Prayer will change depending on where you are in the country and the time of year you will be visiting Turkey, as it depends on the geographical distance from Mecca as well as the time of sunrise and sunset.

The first call to prayer is early in the day and calls out to followers to get out of bed and pray. It’s quite a wonderful sound to hear the caller’s chant reverberating off of the buildings, but if you are a light sleeper and notice you are staying near a mosque, you may want to bring a pair of earplugs!

There are lots of cats

Cats are pretty much everywhere in Turkey. They’re in shops, schools, churches, museums, hotels and they definitely hang out around restaurants. The estimated number of stray cats in Istanbul is thought to be between 125,0000 and one million! That’s without taking people’s pet cats into consideration.

A Turkish sokak kedisi or “street cat” is simply part of the everyday life of the country and it has been for centuries. Nobody really knows about the origins of Turkey’s love of cats but some say it comes from the time of Ottoman rule.

Locals like to look out for the street cats by putting out bowls of food and water. Some people make shelters for them to keep warm in the winter. When visiting Turkey don’t be surprised to see cats all over the place — we spotted on even inside the Hagia Sophia!

You should also read my post Why Are There So Many Cats In Turkey?

Dogs are also a mainstay of a Turkish town or city. Canines may not be quite as prevalent as cats, but you will still see dogs hanging out at ancient city ruins (we spotted a few friendly and very relaxed ones in Ephesus) or sleeping on the side of the streets.

There are lots of people who also look out for the welfare of these stray dogs, with a variety of different charities that make it their task to feed the animals and ensure they have proper veterinary treatment.

Dietary restrictions can be an issue

Turkey has some truly delicious cuisine. The various breads, meats, and cheese that make up Turkish meals are so tasty that Turkish restaurants can be found in cities around the world.

The only downside of diving into Turkey’s mouth-watering food scene is that it can be something of a challenge for those with dietary requirements. It certainly was for me and it was a real struggle to explain that there are a number to ingredients that are a no-no in my case.

If you are visiting Turkey with lactose intolerance, or an allergy to peppers (I am lactose intolerant and severely allergic to peppers), then you may find it hard to fully enjoy the food.

Peppers are a key ingredient in Turkish food and seem to make their way into every dish. The same also goes for vegans (or people who are lactose intolerant) as the non-meat alternatives are usually cheese which is also very limiting.

The issue is that most restaurants normally prepare the bases for most of their dishes in advance, so when you try to order, there is no way they can make a dish without a specific ingredient that is already there.

Personally, I only really enjoyed food when it was specifically prepared for me without the ingredients I can’t have – our guide would call whenever we had a home cooked meal and in those cases the food was delicious!

Another issue you may encounter is the actual lack of understanding – of English, which means it’s difficult to convey your requests, and of dietary requirements in general. Let me elaborate further, though.

Oftentimes, waiters don’t really speak English, which means you have to make a massive effort to explain that you can’t have a specific ingredient. But even when you think that you have fully explained yourself, they will come with a dish that surely has the ingredients you asked not to include.

I also found that there is a lack of appreciation for allergies and intolerances. It’s like you are being picky rather than simply allergic.

Another thing I should point out is that dairy free options at breakfast are hardly available even in the best hotels. I was only able to get soya milk in Istanbul. On other occasions, I simply went to the local store and got it myself and once we called the hotel prior to our arrival so that they could arrange some lactose free milk for me.

Turkish breakfast is a thing

Foodie travelers rejoice. Turkish breakfast is a thing and it’s delicious. Sometimes the hardest thing when you’re on a trip is working out where to get breakfast from. But in Turkey, you’ll be spoilt for choice because there’re so many amazing places to grab a Turkish breakfast.

Turks tuck into kahvalti (breakfast) every day of the week and it’s the perfect thing to get your set for a busy day of sightseeing.

Turkish kahvalti is a hearty spread of a variety of local foodstuffs that is a must-try if you’re in Istanbul (or elsewhere in the country) – or at least it is for people who don’t have food allergies or intolerances.

Indeed, Turkish breakfast isn’t the best thing to eat for vegans or if you’re lactose intolerant as it contains various kinds of cheese and meets.

So, what’s in it? Expect your Turkish breakfast tray to contain at least two or three cheeses. There’s often kasseri, which is a hard cheese made from unpasteurized sheep’s milk; feta cheese (beyaz peynir), a staple; and also lor, which is similar to cottage cheese, but made from uncured goats-milk.

Bread makes up a main part of breakfast and is the perfect vessel for the selection of cheeses and sweet spreads on the platter. Simit is the standard bread used. The bagel-like doughy creation is topped with sesame seeds and sold all over Turkey.

Spreads and jams come in a choice of flavors. Fruity jam varieties run from apricot and fig to cherry. There’s also olive spread, tahini, and moreish hazelnut spreads.

Eggs and meat also make an appearance. Menemen is scrambled eggs cooked with peppers, tomatoes, and onions and topped with oregano; sucuk is a spiced beef sausage that is fried to make it the ideal accompaniment.

Coffee is amazing

Coffee lovers visiting Turkey are in for a treat: this is the land of coffee and it is strong.

Cups of coffee can be picked up in coffee shops all over the country. Believed to be introduced by merchants traveling to the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, Suleiman the Magnificent popularized drinking coffee.

Strong coffee was thought of as a drug by strict interpretations of the Quran and it was banned by Sultan Murad IV. But coffee had already made its mark on society and the ban was lifted because it was just so popular among the population.

Turkish coffee was so influential that by the mid-17th century, it had made its way over to France and Britain, and a Turkish man opened up the first coffeehouse in Britain during the same period.

Drinking coffee in modern-day Turkey remains a popular pastime and part of everyday life. Made using a long-handled metal pot called a cezve, the coffee is finely ground to a powder using a traditional brass grinder.

Turkish coffee is usually drunk from a small cup, but make sure all of the powdered coffee has sunk to the bottom first.

There’s also “Ottoman coffee” which is slightly different and uses a variety of spices and flavorings including cardamom, carob, and chocolate.

Unfortunately, at hotels coffee can be horrible (instant coffee-like), so stick to the cafes outside your accommodation for a good cup.

Locals drink tea all the time

Coffee is not the only beverage that is popular in Turkey. Tea is really popular in Turkey. In fact, Turkey has the highest tea consumption in the world per capita with a total annual consumption of over 3 kilograms of tea per person.

Made using two çaydanlık teapots stacked on top of each other, tea is drunk from small glass cups called ince belli (which literally translates to “slim-waisted”) and traditionally served without milk but with sugar cubes of beet sugar.

Tea is a big part of life in Turkey and is drunk at social gatherings, tea shops, at home, and in tea gardens. In fact, tea is usually the drink of choice after a meal!

Traffic in Istanbul is insane

Istanbul is a wondrous city, but one thing you should know is that the traffic is hectic. Getting from one place to the next can take a really long time if you choose to travel by car, Uber, or even by bus.

To give you an idea, on our way back from Cappadocia we landed in Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, which is on the Asian side of Istanbul. The airport is just 26 km (16.1 miles) from Sultanahmet, where we were staying, and we took a transfer.

In most places in the world, you can cover that distance in no more than 30 minutes – perhaps 40, if there is traffic. Well, It took us 3 hours (yes, three hours) to make it to our hotel. That’s how bad traffic in the city can be.

Turkey is a popular medical tourism destination

In recent years the medical tourism industry in Turkey has boomed. Travelers from across Europe and the rest of the world book special trips to clinics and private hospitals in order to access lower-cost medical care.

Most of the time, the medical procedures that are undertaken are related to cosmetic surgery with people opting for dental implants, hair implants, and weight loss surgery in Turkey as the cost is a snip of the price of places such as the UK.

Don’t be surprised if you see people recovering in your hotel with bandages or even on your flight home.

If you are thinking of visiting Turkey to undergo some kind of treatment during your trip, the advice is not to make any rushed decisions. Researching the hospital or clinic thoroughly before you hand over any cash is really important.

Best Turkey Travel Tips

Best time to visit turkey.

Turkey has a Mediterranean climate with summers that are warm and dry and winters that are relatively mild. The best time to visit Turkey really does depend on your travel itinerary. For example, if you want to include a trip to Cappadocia during your trip then it’s best to avoid visiting in April when the region receives a lot of rainfall.

The summer months run between June through to September and are a good time of year to visit if all you want to do is relax on the beach or by a pool.

Temperatures in the summer peak in July with an average daily high of 35°C. Visiting historic sites may be uncomfortable during the summer heat and it can also be crowded with many local tourists on their summer break too.

The shoulder seasons fall in April, May, September, and October. This is a good time to visit Turkey because temperatures are pleasant this time of year, ranging between a more comfortable 20°C to 30°C (though remember what I have said about rain and Cappadocia).

Temperatures in the winter months vary. November through to March sees lower temperatures and some hotels closing for the season in coastal resorts. January is the coldest month of the year when the country sees average daily highs of 14°C and lows around 5°C.

But the winter months can be a good time of year to visit Turkey as there are fewer crowds and temperatures are much more comfortable when compared to the summer months.

Use Uber rather than hailing a taxi

Taxis in Istanbul don’t have the best reputation. In fact, they are notorious for ripping off customers with scam pricing. To avoid any nasty taxi upsets, you can use Uber in Istanbul.

The only thing is that it is a little different when compared to Uber in other destinations, as it can only be used to hail official taxis. The options are yellow taxis or (the more expensive) blue taxis.

In fact, it’s better to walk or use the metro in Istanbul

My sister and I only used Uber once during our time in Istanbul. We walked everywhere and used the excellent city’s metro system or the light rail to cover longer distances, as at least they don’t have to battle the terrible traffic.

The metro covers 128 kilometers (80 miles), with line M2 passing through a selection of shopping districts and stops near to Taksim Square and other famous sights.

There’s also the tram, which boasts four modern tramlines and two vintage routes that connect the historical districts.

Ferries are also a fun way to get around Istanbul. This affordable public transport option also doubles up as a sightseeing activity as routers cross the Bosphorus from both the European and Asian sides.

Finally, Istanbul also features two funicular lines plus a cable car to the famous viewpoint at Pierre Loti Cafe.

Getting an Istanbulkart is a good idea if you’re staying in the city for a few days. The transport card gives you 30% off public transport fares.

Learn a few words of Turkish

As I have said before, English isn’t really spoken in Turkey. So, one of my Turkey travel tips for you is to learn some basic Turkish.

It’s always a good idea to get at least a few local phrases under your belt when you’re heading to a new destination. Before you take your trip to Turkey take the time to learn just a few local phases that will not only help you if you get stuck but also bring you closer to local communities during your travels.

Some helpful phrases to know are:

Hello – Merhaba (Mehr-hah-bah) Yes – Evet (Eh-veht) No – Hayır eh (Hahyuhr) Thanks – Teşekkürler (teh-sheh-kewr-lehr) Thanks – Sağol (Sowl) You’re welcome – Bir şey değil (beer shehy deh-yeel) Please – Lütfen (Lewt-fehn) What’s this? – Bu ne? (Boo neh) How much? – Kaç tane? (Kahch tah-neh)

It’s best to dress modestly

Even though Turkey is a secular country without one State religion, Islam is the dominant religion. Because of this, one of my Turkey travel tips is to dress in modest clothing during your trip.

This is particularly a good idea if you’re going to be visiting any religious building as you will need to cover up your arms, shoulders and head before entering. Always carry a light scarf or shawl with you that you can use to cover your head any time you visit a mosque.

Istanbul is a modern and forward-thinking city so you can get away with wearing outfits that are a little more revealing; this is also the case for big resort areas around the nation’s coastline.

When traveling on public transport or exploring more remote areas, covering up is often the best idea. Then, there’s Konya which is the most conservative city in Turkey: you really have to dress modestly there.

Try to pay everything by card

Cards are accepted everywhere in Turkey. You can use your bank card or credit card to pay just about anything – hotels, cafes, attraction tickets and more.

This means that you don’t need to wander around with wads of local cash in your pocket and it’s especially convenient if your bank has good foreign currency fees.

Nevertheless having a small bit of local cash in your wallet is always a good idea — just in case you want to leave a tip or pay for a small souvenir somewhere like a market.

Haggling in the markets in Turkey is just part of the culture and is a must if you don’t want to be ripped off. If you want to buy a specific item all you have to do is ask the seller how much it is.

Have a number in your head that you would pay for the item and then offer the seller a much lower price. The seller will come in higher than you and you offer another lower price, slightly more than you said before.

Hopefully after some back and forth with the seller, you will arrive at a number that you’re happy to pay.

Haggling can be fun and a good way to have a laugh with locals, but if you feel uncomfortable or pushed into buying something all you have to do is simply walk away and remove yourself from the situation.

Buy made-in-Turkey souvenirs

If you’re in the market for some genuine handmade crafts then Turkey is a fantastic place to buy them. There’s a long list of famous products that are made in Turkey, from Turkish delight and handmade rugs to ceramics and Turkish spices.

The only thing to look out for, however, is counterfeit designer goods. These kinds of souvenirs might seem alluring but you run the risk of getting in trouble with customs on returning to your home country.

Get a local SIM card

Getting yourself a local SIM card is really helpful for your trip and this is one of my Turkey travel tips for you.

It’s something I actually didn’t have when I traveled to Turkey and I really wish I had one so I could use Google Maps and translate.

For example, Istanbul is a really big city, and having access to online maps makes getting around so much easier. You will be able to navigate around the city, find places to eat and the opening times of tourist sites.

A local SIM card will also come in useful for using apps such as Uber to travel around the city with ease.

Local SIM cards are actually easy to come by in Turkey. You will find that even hotels in Istanbul sell them, as well as shops and kiosks at the airport when you land. They are not the cheapest, but honestly they make your life so much easier.

Get travel insurance

Whatever destination you travel to, getting travel insurance before you go is a good idea.

You should definitely get a good travel insurance before visiting Turkey. It may not be the most exciting part of planning your trip, but securing your insurance could really help you out if anything happens to you and you need medical treatment or your flight is canceled.

It doesn’t even take that long to get covered and you can complete the application online in less than 10 minutes.

Just make sure your insurance covers you for the experiences you are planning to do during your adventures. For example, if you want to take a hot air balloon ride or try out some water sports you should check in the small print that you are covered for all eventualities.

I recommend Heymondo as one of the best travel insurance companies available. You can check their insurance offerings here .

Be wary about tap water

The question of water safety in Turkey is one that seems to cause some confusion. Some travel guides say you can drink tap water, others suggest you are better off avoiding it.

The actual answer is that it depends. Not even the locals are clear on the safety of tap water, with many choosing to drink bottled water.

What is clear is that tap water is very chlorinated and is considered drinkable in most cases.

Even so, I think it is best to drink bottled water just to be safe, particularly when you’re in Istanbul.

When in more rural areas, springs will be labeled to show if the water is drinkable or not. Signs that say “içilir, içilbelir” or “içme suyu” all mean that it is drinking water; “içilmez” means that it is not drinkable.

Further Readings

For more guidance planning your trip to Turkey, make sure to read these other posts:

• A Guide To Visiting Ephesus
• The Best Things To Do In Cappadocia
• The Best Things To Do In Pamukkale
• Where To Stay In Istanbul

Pin It For Later!

Claudia Tavani

Claudia was born and raised in Italy, but she also lived in New York, Denver, and London. She's a professional travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips, sharing travel hacks, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of My Adventures Across The World, solo traveler, cat mom to Minnie. Claudia has been featured by the Lonely Planet and the Huffington Post. She has visited more than 80 countries.

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Turkey Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, turkey - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• Sirnak province, Hakkari province, and any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Syrian border due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Turkey.  Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Security forces have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, for alleged affiliations with terrorist organizations based on scant or secret evidence and grounds that appear to be politically motivated.  U.S. citizens have also been subject to travel bans that prevent them from departing Turkey. Participation in demonstrations not explicitly approved by the Government of Turkey, as well as criticism of the government (including on social media), can result in arrest.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Turkey.

If you decide to travel to Turkey:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures.
• Monitor local media and be prepared to adjust your plans quickly.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for Turkey.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Sirnak Province, Hakkari Province, and Any Area within six miles (ten kilometers) of the Syrian Border – Level 4:  Do Not Travel

Do not travel to Sirnak province, Hakkari province, or any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Turkey/Syria border due to the continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups, armed conflict, and civil unrest.  Terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings, ambushes, car bomb detonations, and improvised explosive devices, as well as shootings, and illegal roadblocks leading to violence have occurred in these areas. U.S. government employees are subject to travel restrictions in the entire provinces of Sirnak and Hakkari, and any areas within 10 km of the Syrian border.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

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Turkey travel tips — 13+ dos and don’ts & what to know before visiting turkey.

Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for tourists today. Your trip will be perfect if you avoid doing the following 13+ things while traveling to Turkey. So, what to know before visiting Turkey, what not to do in Turkey and what to know before traveling to Turkey? Let’s check out our Turkey travel tips, Turkey travel etiquette and Turkey travel advice with 14 things to know before traveling to Turkey, things to know before visiting Turkey including dos and don’ts in Turkey in general as well as dos and don’ts in Istanbul in particular! Okay, let’s get started! We’ll find these things out together!

• Istanbul travel tips — 9 things & what to know before going to Istanbul
• When is the best time to visit Turkey? — The best, worst, affordable & best season to travel to Turkey
• What should I avoid in Turkey — 10 things not to do in Turkey & do and don’ts in Turkey
• Top beaches in Turkey — 17+ most beautiful & best beaches in Turkey
• Izmir blog — The fullest Izmir travel guide for first-timers

What to know before visiting Turkey: Wear shoes when entering the mosque

If you visit a mosque, remember to take off your shoes before entering the building. Also note that you shouldn’t wear shorts, as this is thought to be inappropriate. If you are lucky enough to visit a Turkish house, check the entrance for shoe storage and then put your shoes in the right place.

Dos and don’ts in Turkey: Consume food and drink in public places when traveling during Ramadan

Ramadan is a Muslim holiday that lasts about a month. During this time, people usually go on a vegetarian diet every day for 30 days. Muslims aren’t supposed to eat or drink anything between sunrise and sunset.

If you travel to Turkey during the month of Ramadan, you shouldn’t eat or drink in public or offer anything to a Muslim during the day.

Turkey travel advice: Walk in front of a praying person

According to the traditional conception of Muslims, if you precede a person who is praying, their prayers will not be counted. This becomes even more true when you visit a mosque. Therefore, be extremely cautious when walking in these places.

Turkey travel tips: Wear inappropriate costumes

When you travel to Turkey, remember to bring some discreet clothes. Both men and women should consider leaving their shorts at home. As you get away from big cities, you will likely see Muslims looking at you strangely if you’re wearing unusual attire.

What not to do in Turkey: Forget to learn a few Turkish words before traveling

Most people living in Turkey do not speak English (like many people in the United States do not speak Turkish). So if you’re going to visit this country, learn a few basic words and phrases to communicate more effectively.

What to know before traveling to Turkey: Practice body language when visiting Turkey

In Turkey, your nod will be meaningless or confusing. If you want to signal “yes” or “agree” to someone, only nod once. Otherwise, if you want to say “no” or “disagree,” lift your chin, raise your eyebrows and press your tongue slightly.

Things to know before traveling to Turkey: Fail to be concerned with your behaviors in all circumstances

One of the things not to do in Turkey is failing to pay attention to one’s behavior. Not only because it’s a cultural norm of the Turks but remember that you represent your country, so be careful in all actions. You’d better learn some Turkish such as “please” and “thank you” before traveling to Turkey!

Be offended when the Turks only talk to your companions who are male

If you are a woman visiting Turkey with your significant other or friends, you will find that Turkish men only speak to your male companion.

This is something that happens very commonly in the countryside. You shouldn’t be offended or have bad feelings for them. The reason is they’re trying to protect your virtue politely in their traditional style.

Things to know before visiting Turkey: Enter a mosque dressed in sexy outfits

The historic mosques of Turkey, such as the Blue Mosque or Yeni Cami, are not only tourist attractions but also places where devotees come to pray. To show your respect in these sacred locations, say no to wearing sexy clothes.

Indeed, you should prepare a sweater to cover your shoulders or arms. At the same time, you should avoid wearing miniskirts and shorts. You will feel comfortable when mingling yourself into the surrounding with discreet and respectful outfits.

Dos and don’ts in Istanbul: Get on a taxi without a logo

Turkish taxi drivers are pretty fond of separating tourists by taking detour routes or using a faulty meter for extra fares. To keep yourself from this kind of situation, you should choose taxis that offer a certain price.

You can distinguish between trustworthy and rogue taxis by the logos on the doors. This will show you that the cab is working under a certain brand instead of a fishy business. The advice is to download the BiTaksi app to book a reliable ride from anywhere.

What to know before visiting Turkey: Only go shopping at shopping malls

Going to shopping malls is quite a waste when traveling to Turkey. You can go to the markets to discover great things, from the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul to the Kemeraltı Market in Izmir.

You’ll find more unique handmade products, clothing, and accessories than any of the brand stores located at shopping malls.

Dos and don’ts in Turkey: Focus only on tourist areas

It would be regrettable to travel to Turkey and only visit the central tourist areas. While many people only visit Istanbul, locals usually recommend going to other unpopular places in the city.

Take a day or two to visit the main attractions, then spend your time researching and exploring the surrounding local areas. There are a lot of exciting things here, which will let you have an awesome experience of Turkey.

Show off your wealth

There are only a few areas in Turkey where you can comfortably show off your wealth. For example, wealthy neighborhoods in big cities like Istanbul or Ankara. However, it’s better to avoid flaunting your money in smaller cities or rural areas because this will easily make you a target for scams.

Though Turkish tourism has experienced a sharp decline in sales in recent years, the beautiful country situated across two continents still has new features that attract tourists globally. The historical sites, enchanting sceneries, delicious food, and cultural festivals imbued with national identity will give visitors the most beautiful memories in Turkey.

If you consider Turkey as your next vacation, schedule your trip now! This country won’t let you down. Above are a few things not to do when traveling to Turkey for your reference. Hopefully, these tips will help you have a wonderful and memorable journey.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Istanbul you can refer to

• Istanbul Welcome Card
• Hagia Sophia Introduction Tour with Audio Guide
• Istanbul Classics Tour
• Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque Small Group Tour
• Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, & Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul
• Istanbul Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• Hop-on Hop-off Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise
• 4G SIM Card (MY Delivery) for Turkey from joytel2u
• Istanbul Museum Pass
• [Sale] Sea Life Aquarium Ticket in Istanbul
• Round Trip Ferry Tickets between Prince’s Islands and Istanbul
• Princes’ Island Full Day Tour from Istanbul
• Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Tour
• Istanbul: Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Music and Dinner Cruise w/ Private Table
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App
• Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour
• Best of Istanbul in 1 Day
• Istanbul: Topkapi Palace Guided Tour and Skip The Line
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht
• Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Istanbul : Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And Istanbul travel guide and Turkey travel guide here .

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Turkey Travel Tips: 22 Things to Know Before Going to Turkey

If you’re heading to Turkey soon, you’re lucky! But it’s smart to look for some Turkey travel tips and advice as the country can be exotic depending on where you come from.

Rest assured though, you will have a memorable trip in Turkey, whether you visit just Istanbul or take time to go to other parts of the country. It is a diverse, beautiful country with amazing landmarks , flavorful food, good beach resorts, and lots of activities to suit every preference. Traveling there is fun and affordable, making Turkey a prime tourist destination.

Here are 22 things to know before going to Turkey that will certainly be helpful to you, especially if you are going for the first time. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Safety in Turkey

2. you may need a visa to enter the country, 3. turkey is a large country, so take note of flying time or driving distances, 4. weather in turkey & best time to visit, 5. cost of living in turkey, 6. getting around turkey, 7. where to go in turkey, 8. spend some time exploring istanbul, 9. try the local food, 10. be prepared for traffic and lots of people, 11. taxi scams to be avoided, 12. always carry cash, 13. you must haggle to buy anything, 14. turkey is a shopping destination, 15. turkey is also a medical destination, 16. dress modestly at cultural sites and in bazaars, 17. wi-fi may not work as well, 18. communication outside istanbul, 19. bring a travel adapter, 20. some websites are banned, 21. what to pack, 22. relax and things will be done, faq about visiting turkey.

wiLet me address this right away. It is crazy how this beautiful country gets portrayed in the media at times. There is no safety issue in traveling to Turkey, whether as a couple or a family.

We traveled to Turkey with our 2-year-old daughter, and everyone was kind and so playful with our daughter. Of course, if you are a solo female traveler, you would take the same precautions that you would in any other country in Asia or Africa.

The recent earthquake in 2023 in the Aegean region in Turkey was devastating and relief efforts are still on, but this is far away from tourist places, so don’t let that keep you away from planning a trip to Turkey. And if you are the worried type, having travel insurance is always a wise choice.

Like many countries around the world, you may not be able to freely enter Turkey depending on your country of origin. 

Surprisingly, this is a key aspect that often slips the minds of those living in developed countries (myself included). Yet, even citizens of countries like the United States require applying for a visa to visit Turkey. Quite astonishing, isn’t it?

For Americans, it is quite simple: all you have to do is fill in a form online and pay $50. You’ll get an e-Visa in just a few minutes, allowing you to stay for up to 90 days.

Check here to find out if you need a visa or not to enter Turkey.

Lake Van in Middle Easter Turkey

While planning your Turkey itinerary, make sure you factor in moving time from one city to another. We covered just Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus over a 10-day Turkey itinerary , and that trip felt packed (traveling with a 2-year-old).

Our flight time from Ataturk Airport in Istanbul to Kayseri (airport at Cappadocia) was 2.5 hours. Combine that with travel time to and from both airports, it took the better part of a day. Ditto for the flight and travel time from Cappadocia to Izmir (to visit Ephesus).

If you are taking a road trip instead of internal flights, the time to travel between cities would just multiply. So do account for travel times and then finalize places to visit in Turkey.

Turkey is a large country with differing weather patterns depending on where you go, but it is mainly continental.

In general, summers can be extremely hot so be prepared for strong sun if you go in this time. But it’s the best period to enjoy the beaches and the pleasures of swimming. However, exploring certain sites, such as Ephesus for example, can be fairly exhausting at this time of year, as the heat is overwhelming.

Winter can be cold, quite rainy, and snowy in some parts. In Central Anatolia, temperatures can drop as low as -30°C / -22°F!

The best time to visit Turkey would be in spring or autumn. The shoulder seasons are indeed ideal for walking, especially in Cappadocia. There are also fewer tourists, which means more opportunities to talk to the locals.

The cost of living in Turkey is lower than in the US or Western Europe. However, you will be surprised at how expensive activities and tours can be, such as the famous hot-air balloon rides in Cappadocia (yes, prepare some cash).

There is also a big difference between Istanbul and the rest of the country. So if you want to take souvenirs home with you, it is wise to avoid buying them in Istanbul, where prices are skyrocketing. It is more budget-savvy to make your purchases as you go along.

If you’re visiting Istanbul only, avoid buying in the Grand Bazaar. There is plenty of choice, but it is pricer than in the surrounding shops, even if you bargain.

Below is a rough daily budget per person for enjoying your Turkey trip to the fullest:

• For about $30 USD/day (810 TRY), you can travel in backpacker mode : crash in budget hotels, eat on the go or at local joints and hop on public transport.
• For around $50 USD/day (1350 TRY), you’re in for more treats : a comfy hotel stay, dining out at restaurants, hopping on public transport, plus a few cab rides and sightseeing.
• For about $70 USD/day (1890 TRY), you’re in for a deluxe experience : a cozy stay in an upscale hotel, rent a car and eat at good restaurants. You can also treat yourself to some fine handicrafts.

Compare accommodation prices in Turkey on Booking.com

Subway in Istabul

Exploring Turkey is best achieved through a combination of car rental and air travel. The country’s vast landscapes lend themselves to memorable road trips, but it would be impossible to rely solely on the car.

If you are in Istanbul and want to visit Cappadocia for example, the best is to take a domestic flight between Istanbul and Kayseri, rent a car there, and then fly back to Antalya to visit the coast with another car.

Turkey’s public transport is well-equipped with buses and dolmuş . Dolmuş are collective minibusses serving both urban centers and their outskirts. While budget-friendly, dolmuş operates on a fill-and-go basis, needing patience and time. As for bus rides, they are too long and often uncomfortable, so they are not appropriate for short visits.

In urban areas, public transport is efficient and affordable, and taxis are readily available—just ensure the meter is engaged (more details below).

Turkey has many places of interest and very different regions. To fully experience its charm, consider dedicating 2-3 days – or more – to each location, as the country’s vastness makes day trips challenging.

Here are the best places to stay in Turkey to get the most out of the country and explore the must-sees:

• Istanbul : Often mistaken for the capital, this sprawling metropolis is an ideal starting point for your Turkish adventure.
• Cappadocia : A truly picturesque and Instagrammable destination, Cappadocia’s rock churches around Göreme present an enchanting open-air museum .
• Izmir : With a history spanning over 3,000 years, this ancient city boasts a rich cultural heritage and significant historical sites.
• Pamukkale : Its renowned sparkling-white terraces create an otherworldly setting that’s sure to captivate.
• Antalya : Wander through its winding streets and embrace the unique ambiance of one of Turkey’s most stunning cities.
• Bodrum : A blend of modernity and trendiness, Bodrum ranks among Turkey’s top seaside resorts.
• Selçuk : This charming town serves as a base for exploring the ancient marvels of Ephesus during the daytime.

I have been to Istanbul twice; it is a fascinating city. Istanbul straddles 2 continents and the Bosphorus flows through the city. The ancient sites at Sultanahmet are just stunning. The grandiose Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Topkapi Palace are incomparable. The hustle and bustle at Grand Bazaar or Spices Market has to be seen to be believed.

And then there is the modern part of Istanbul that is so cosmopolitan and yet, distinctly Turkish, like Istiklal Caddesi and Taksim Square.

So don’t just spend a day in this vast cultural metropolis. I would recommend 3 to 4 days in Istanbul to explore it fully. If staying for more than 3 nights in Istanbul, my suggestion would be to stay 2 nights in Sultanahmet to be close to the ancient sites. And the remaining nights in any of the modern neighborhoods (Beyoglu, Besiktas would be good options) to explore the rest of Istanbul.

Also, the traffic is ferocious in Istanbul so do account for the time taken to travel from one part of the city to another.

Read more : Discover Istanbul most famous landmarks

Turkish cuisine is influenced by many different cuisines and cultures like Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and so on. There are so many savory local foods to try, like the dolma, pide, menemen.

If you like kebabs, there is a large variety to be found – doner kebabs, adana kebabs, chelo kebab to name a few. And this would be heaven for those who have a sweet tooth – the sheer variety of baklava and other sweets is unbelievable. A hot cup of tea or coffee would complement any meal perfectly.

One of the best experiences was our food walk tour in Istanbul . Not only did we try out local cuisine at small eateries, but we also ventured into many different neighborhoods on both sides of the Bosphorus that we may not have gone to by ourselves.

You may want to enjoy the famous Turkish breakfast or kahvalti. This would be a table full of small plates. You could even try it in the afternoon if this much food is not your preference in the morning.

I already mentioned the crazy traffic in Istanbul earlier. I come from India and am used to a lot of people. And yet, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number at the Grand Bazaar.

To go from one neighborhood to another in Istanbul, account for peak traffic timings. It can be ferocious. And it’s not just bazaars that are crowded in this sprawling city. A walk on Galata Bridge in the evening can be quite an adventure with people jostling for space!

Before getting into a taxi, check if there is a meter and ask for the approximate amount and the route. Most taxi drivers would take the direct route and not the longer ‘scenic one’ if they see you being cautious and questioning.

During the drive, turn on your own GPS to make sure the driver takes you to the right place and always keep an eye on the meter so the driver doesn’t turn it off.

It is also good to ask the locals in your hotel beforehand about the money it would cost to go from one place to another.

There are Ubers available in Istanbul. Even when using the Uber app, some drivers may take a shot and ask you for cash: never give cash as you will be also charged online on the app, ending up paying twice.

Credit cards are widely accepted across Turkey, but it is advisable to keep a small amount of cash handy as well. This is particularly important when venturing beyond major urban areas, where card acceptance might not be as reliable, and ATMs could be scarce.

Should you need to exchange money, it is best to do so upon your arrival in Turkey to secure more favorable exchange rates

While shopping for a Turkish souvenir, in Grand Bazaar or outside, do not shy away from haggling. This is the time to put these skills to the test!

When the shopkeeper tells you the price for something, quote less than half. He would accuse you of robbing him blind, and make wild gestures at times. Take your time to bargain and the final price mostly would be between the 2 prices quoted – the initial price by the shopkeeper and the price you started with.

But don’t let this culture of haggling keep you away from buying souvenirs from Turkey. There are food products like tea, coffee, baklava, and Turkish Delight that you can take back home.

There are also lovely ceramics, Iznik tiles, brassware, and copperware, tea sets to be bought. And if you don’t mind something heavy and expensive to be transported back home, Turkish rugs are quite famous.

Medical tourism in Turkey is booming, with people flocking from all over the world. They are drawn not only by the top-notch quality of care and state-of-the-art facilities but also by the incredibly favorable prices for various procedures. In fact, some surgeries are up to 80% cheaper in Turkey!

In addition to affordable rates, what attracts so many patients to Turkey is the simplification of administrative procedures. The country goes the extra mile when it comes to healthcare, often offering all-inclusive packages. Airfare, airport pick-up, luxury accommodation, tailored travel itinerary… Essentially, all you need to do is pay, and the rest is taken care of!

The majority of patients come to Turkey for procedures such as hair transplants, dental surgeries, cosmetic interventions, bariatric surgeries, laser eye treatments, and dermatological therapies. So don’t be surprised if, at the airport or on the plane, you come across several bandaged skulls or noses!

Inside Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

Turkey is diverse and so is Istanbul, so be aware of where to dress conservatively. Dress modestly for all mosques and cultural sites within the Sultanahmet area. Both men and women need to cover their legs and heads before entering a mosque.

Also, know the proper etiquette at a mosque and that non-Muslims cannot go to the inner sanctum during prayer times. Some spots may require you to take your shoes off and then wash your hands.

There are modern neighborhoods in Istanbul where Westernized attire is normal. And you will see all sorts of swimwear at any of the beach resorts in Turkey . However, modern holiday resorts do not truly represent Turkey. For an authentic feel, do visit the local village outside your tourist resort. And dress modestly for this visit.

Be prepared for patchy Wi-Fi connectivity, especially outside Istanbul. Even for passcodes at places including the airport, you need a Turkish or a European number. If you really need Wi-Fi to work, you should buy a local Turkish sim card (for those having an international phone plan) or rent a Pocket Wi-Fi.

The prepaid sim card is the least expensive option. It includes a predefined amount of mobile data, which you can use as you wish without worrying about going over the limit. But be careful where you buy it, as the price may vary depending on the store. Prefer buying it in a Turkcell shop .

Pocket Wi-Fi is the best solution if you need to share the connection between several devices or with several people. It offers unlimited mobile data on a top local network. You can rent one online or visit a Turkcell store. The cost is about $8 – $9 per day for rentals of 5 days or more (shorter rentals aren’t as cost-effective).

Get a 5-day Pocket Wi-Fi that you can share with up to 10 people for just 42€ here .

English is not widely spoken in Turkey. And if you step outside Istanbul, it is best to know some words and phrases to help you around. This is particularly important if you have allergies or food preferences, you should know the specific Turkish words to make yourself understood.

💡Here’s a shortlist of the basic expressions to know when traveling to Turkey:

• Hello = Merhaba
• Ok = Tamman
• Good morning = Günaydın
• How are you? = Nasılsın?
• Please = Lutfen
• Thank you = Teşekkürler
• Goodbye = Güle güle or Hoşçakal
• Good evening = Iyi akşamlar
• Good night = Iyi geceler

The electricity voltage is 220 V in Turkey, and you have to carry a standard European travel adapter (F type).

Make sure you pack it in your luggage as it may be difficult to find one that works properly when in Turkey. If you don’t have one, I recommend buying this one or this one if you travel a lot.

There’s a list of about 50,000 websites that can’t be accessed from within Turkish borders due to various reasons . The list includes platforms like Booking.com (can be used for Turkey but when outside the country), Paypal, and Wikipedia, as well as illicit and prohibited sites.

Surprisingly, even though these sites are restricted in Turkey, they still pop up in search engine results. Consequently, when attempting to find information on Google and inadvertently clicking on a banned site (often Wikipedia ranking first), your device grapples for several minutes, only to be met with your browser stating “This site is not accessible.” This can be quite frustrating.

Fortunately, there is a solution: using a VPN. But again, beware: many VPNs are blocked in Turkey, so you’ll need a VPN with robust security features.

Regarding clothing, your choices will naturally hinge on the season of your visit to Turkey. To help you in making appropriate clothing selections, download this free winter/summer packing list here . 

As for the rest, here’s a list of the essentials you’ll need for a trip to Turkey, whatever the season: 

• Electrical adapter
• Good walking shoes (the most important item, there is nothing worse than wearing uncomfy shoes when walking all day long)
• Packing cubes (hey, you need to make space for the souvenirs!)
• Travel towel
• Sweater and/or a  hoodie
• B01A0NT3D6 (always, even to protect yourself from the winter sun!)
• Scarf to enter mosques, ideally in linen or cotton gauze for more comfort

Check this page to make sure you don’t forget anything in your luggage.

Sirince Valley in Western Turkey

Do remember that things don’t work in Swiss time here. People do have a laissez-faire attitude towards most things in life, so work will be done when it gets done.

So don’t find ‘Turkey time’ aggravating and you will have a nice holiday!

Hope you’ve found these travel Turkey tips helpful! But I’m done yet, so keep reading to get more info 👇

What is the currency in Turkey?

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY), and it is divided into kuruş. 

Currently, $1 USD = 27,03 TRY. Check the exchange rates here (always up to date).

Is Turkey dangerous to visit? 

No, Turkey is not dangerous to visit. Apart from the risk of terrorist attacks (as in many European countries), Turkey is a safe country, with the exception of certain regions, and you will have no trouble getting around.

Cities such as Istanbul and Ankara are considered safe, although they face common urban problems such as pickpocketing, which can be found in most of the world’s major cities.

However, caution is advised in certain southern regions that border Syria and Iraq, such as Mardin and Diyarbakir provinces. These areas have experienced an ongoing armed conflict between the Turkish military and the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party), which is classified as a terrorist organization by some countries.

How is driving in Turkey?

Turkey is well-equipped with modern infrastructure, generally clear signage, and readily available fuel and services throughout the country. But before you hit the road, here are a few driving in Turkey tips & info: 

• If you’re not a Turkish citizen, you have to be 21 to be allowed to rent and drive a car
• Most tourists can drive in Turkey with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 6 months. However, if your driver’s license is printed in a non-Roman alphabet like Arabic or Chinese for instance, an international driver’s license is required.
• Turkey has a zero blood alcohol limit, which means you can’t drink and drive in Turkey.
• In the old towns, the lanes are extremely narrow, steep, and made of cobblestones, most of which are missing, so avoid them as much as possible.
• Speed limits are not always indicated, so here they are: freeways are limited to 120 km/h (75 mph), dual carriageways (out of town) to 90 km/h (55 mph); and 50 km/h (30 mph) in town.
• Be quick and efficient at traffic lights. The locals won’t give you a moment’s rest, honking as soon as the light turns green.

Is tap water safe to drink in Turkey?

No, it is not recommended to drink tap water in Turkey. Drink capped bottled water only wherever you are in Turkey (even restaurants and hotels) and avoid ice cubes.

Where to stay in Turkey?

Here is a selection of the very best accommodation to stay in Turkey’s most popular places, Istanbul & Cappadocia:

Accommodations in Istanbul:

• ✅ Overall Best Hotel – Galata Greenland Hotel : from far the best one, spotlessly clean, beautifully decorated with good service, and perfect location.
• ✨ Best Luxury Hotel – RUZ Hotels : this 5-star hotel has an outstanding customer grade of 9.4/10 and a spectacular terrace with a view. Nothing more to say!
• 💰 Best Budget Hotel – Hotel Sultanahmet : you can’t be closer to Hagia Sophia! The view is so incredible, the place is clean with all amenities.

Accommodations in Cappadocia:

• ✅ Overall Best Hotel – Elite Cave Suites : this is the best value for money you can find in the area. Great location, amazing caves to sleep in, a great terrace with a view, in short, a full Cappadocia experience.
• ✨ Best Luxury Hotel – Divan Cave House : this hotel is exactly what you’d expect from Cappadocia, with exceptional facilities and services.
• 💰 Best Budget Hotel – Cappadocia Stone Palace : everything is perfect, for a very affordable given the area. It is clean, the staff is helpful and the rooftop has a crazy view.

Find more accommodation elsewhere in Turkey on Booking.com .

🔍 Read more:

• Best Landmarks in Turkey
• Best Landmarks in Istanbul
• Is Istanbul worth visiting?
• 1-day itinerary in Istanbul
• 2-day itinerary in Istanbul
• 4-day itinerary in Istanbul
• Karakoy Istanbul Neighborhood Guide
• Balat Istanbul Neighborhood Guide

Hope you liked these useful tips for traveling to Turkey and that they will help you spend a wonderful time there. 🙂 

About the Author

Shweta has always been passionate about travel and immersing in new experiences. Having been to over 40 countries, she blogs at Zest In A Tote to bring family-friendly itineraries and tips, destinations, and luxury stays to her readers. Her belief in family travel needn’t be boring and one can do a mix of local culture & food, adventure activities, and relaxation, all with family. Connect with Shweta on Facebook or Instagram .

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I'm a professional photographer, with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. I worked with countless travel brands, and my travel advice has been featured in major publications such as CNN, Forbes & the New York Magazine. But the best travel advice is definitely found here on my website! I'm all about adventure travel, hiking and exploring the outdoors - even if I often find myself exploring cities with my wife Nesrine. If you have any questions, leave a comment on this post or reach out by email at: [email protected]

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You have done a great job of highlighting some of the most important and helpful things to know before going to Turkey, such as visa, safety, transportation, culture, food and attractions. I like how you explained each tip in a clear and concise way, with some useful links and resources. Your photos are stunning and inspiring, too.

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Turkey Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Welcome to the Crossroads of Civilizations: Your Ultimate Turkey Travel Guide

Turkey stands as a sentinel at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, a mosaic of cultures, histories, and landscapes that beckon travelers from around the globe. This guide is your key to unlocking the treasures of Turkey, from the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia, the azure waters of the Aegean to the rugged peaks of the Taurus Mountains.

One Nation Travel specializes in Turkey tours , featuring trips to Istanbul, Cappadocia tours , Pamukkale, and Antalya for cultural and scenic experiences.

Exploring Turkey’s Diverse Landscapes and Climate Zones

Turkey’s geography is as varied as its history, with each region offering a distinct climate and terrain. The Black Sea region boasts lush greenery and a mild climate, while the central Anatolian plateau challenges visitors with its steppe climate and hot summers. Understanding these variations is crucial for planning your travel wardrobe and activities.

Journey Through Time: Turkey’s Rich Tapestry of History

The Hittites, Byzantines, Ottomans, and many others have left their indelible marks on Turkey. Each city is a living museum, with layers of history waiting to be discovered. From the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the iconic Hagia Sophia, Turkey’s historical sites are not just attractions; they are portals to the past.

The Melting Pot of Cultures: Understanding Turkey’s Social Fabric

Turkish culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from the many civilizations that have thrived here. This section delves into the customs, traditions, and daily life that create the country’s unique cultural identity. Learn about the importance of hospitality, the nuances of Turkish tea culture, and the significance of family in Turkish society.

Essential Pre-Travel Tips for a Hassle-Free Turkish Adventure

Before you embark on your Turkish journey, there are practicalities to consider. This section covers everything from packing essentials to cultural dos and don’ts, ensuring you are fully prepared for your adventure.

Navigating Visa Policies for a Smooth Entry into Turkey

Understanding Turkey’s visa requirements is essential for a smooth travel experience. This section provides up-to-date information on visa processes, fees, and exemptions, helping you to plan your entry into Turkey with confidence.

Prioritizing Health and Safety While Traveling in Turkey

Your well-being is paramount when traveling. Here, we discuss health precautions, insurance, and safety tips for various Turkish locales, so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Bridging the Language Gap: Communicating in Turkey

While Turkish is the official language, this guide offers practical advice on overcoming language barriers, from useful phrases to language apps, ensuring clear communication throughout your travels.

Managing Your Liras: A Guide to Turkish Currency and Budgeting

Budgeting for your trip is made easier with insights into the Turkish Lira, cost of living, and tips for keeping your finances in check while enjoying all that Turkey has to offer.

Mastering Movement: Turkey’s Transportation Network

Navigate Turkey’s extensive transportation network with ease, from domestic flights to intercity buses and ferries, ensuring you can traverse the country’s vast landscapes efficiently.

From Ottoman Mansions to Boutique Hotels: Finding Your Perfect Stay in Turkey

Turkey’s accommodation options are as diverse as its regions. Whether you’re looking for luxury, comfort, or a touch of history, this section helps you find the perfect place to rest your head.

A Culinary Odyssey: Sampling Turkey’s Gastronomic Delights

Turkish cuisine is a feast for the senses. Explore the country’s culinary offerings, from street food to fine dining, and learn about the dishes that must not be missed.

The Art of Bargaining: Shopping for Authentic Turkish Souvenirs

Shopping in Turkey is an experience in itself. Discover the best markets and shops for authentic souvenirs and learn the art of bargaining to get the best deals.

Celebrating with the Locals: Turkey’s Festivals and Events Calendar

Turkey’s calendar is packed with festivals and events that offer a glimpse into its cultural heart. This section guides you through the most significant and vibrant celebrations across the country.

Embracing the Great Outdoors: Turkey’s Natural Wonders

From hiking in the Kaçkar Mountains to hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey’s natural attractions are a playground for the adventurous. Learn about the best outdoor activities and how to experience them responsibly.

Sun, Sea, and Sand: Turkey’s Best Beaches and Coastal Retreats

Turkey’s coastline is dotted with stunning beaches and seaside towns. This section highlights the best spots for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

After Dark: Experiencing Turkey’s Vibrant Nightlife Scene

As the sun sets, Turkey’s cities come alive with a vibrant nightlife. From rooftop bars in Istanbul to beach parties in Bodrum, discover the best spots for an unforgettable night out.

Hidden Gems: Exploring Turkey’s Lesser-Known Locales

Go beyond the tourist trail with recommendations for off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer unique experiences and breathtaking beauty.

Creating Memories: A Guide to Family-Friendly Travel in Turkey

Traveling with family? This section provides tips for making your trip enjoyable for all ages, with suggestions for family-friendly attractions and activities.

Love in the Land of the Crescent Moon: Romantic Escapes in Turkey

For those seeking a romantic getaway, Turkey offers enchanting experiences, from sunset cruises to intimate cave hotels. Discover the most romantic destinations and activities.

Tailored Journeys: Crafting Your Ideal Turkey Travel Itinerary

Whether you have a week or a month, this section helps you create an itinerary that suits your interests, time frame, and budget, ensuring you make the most of your time in Turkey.

Respect and Understanding: Navigating Turkey’s Laws and Social Etiquette

Understanding local laws and etiquette is essential for a respectful and enjoyable visit. This section covers the essentials of Turkish customs and legalities.

Staying Connected: Tech Tips for Travelers in Turkey

Stay connected with tips on SIM cards, internet access, and navigating technology in Turkey, ensuring you can share your experiences with friends and family back home.

Traveling Responsibly: Embracing Sustainable Practices in Turkey

Sustainable travel is more important than ever. Learn how to minimize your footprint and contribute positively to the communities you visit in Turkey.

Heading Home: A Smooth Departure from Turkey

As your journey comes to an end, this section offers advice for a hassle-free departure, from airport transfers to duty-free shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions: Turkey Travel Guide

This section addresses common queries travelers have about visiting Turkey, providing clear, concise answers to help with trip planning.

Reflecting on Your Turkish Odyssey: The Journey Continues

As you reflect on your travels through Turkey, this conclusion offers a moment to consider the lasting impact of your experiences and the memories you’ll carry with you.

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More travel information for Turkey

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Turkey

• Culture and Etiquette in Turkey
• Eating and drinking in Turkey
• Getting around Turkey: Transportation Tips
• Shopping tips for Turkey
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Turkey
• How to get to Turkey
• Travel Health Turkey
• Travelling with children in Turkey
• Best time to visit Turkey
• Archeological sites

Most archeological sites open daily between either 8am, 8.30am or 9pm and 6.30pm or 7pm in summer. Winter opening hours are usually shorter. Some smaller archeological sites are only guarded during the day and left unfenced, permitting (in theory) a free wander around in the evening, though, in the wake of antiquities theft, this could feasibly result in you being picked up by the jandarma .

Crime and personal safety

Electricity, entry requirements, opening hours and public holidays, tourist information, useful websites, getting mobile, kdv: turkish vat, tailor-made travel itineraries for turkey, created by local experts.

4 days  / from 1050 USD

Sensational landscapes of Cappadocia

3 different modes of transportation to explore Cappadocia - by hot air balloon, on the back of a camel as well as on an ATV quad. Why choose if you can have it all? Four days filled with fun and adventure in the volcanic valleys around Cappadocia make an unforgettable trip.

5 days  / from 1100 USD

City & culture - Istanbul and Cappadocia

Explore two absolute highlights in Turkey - Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire with its many landmarks. After a few days in the city, fly to Cappadocia and explore the surreal surroundings, either on day tours or from above in a hot air balloon.

9 days  / from 2500 USD

Magical Turkey

Visit Gobekli Tepe and Mount Nemrut in Southeastern Anatolia before proceeding to Cappadocia with its volcanic scenery. After a few days in the valleys, continue to Pamukkale and the ancient city of Ephesus. Your tour starts and ends in Istanbul.

Tailor-made trips for   Turkey

Don’t pay entrance fees unless the wardens can produce a ticket, and keep it with you for the duration of your visit. Sites like Patara and Olympos straddle the route to a good beach. If you are staying nearby and want to visit the beach on several occasions, Smart PlajKarts are available, allowing multiple site/beach entries. One card can be shared but they are only valid for ten days.

Except near major cities, where seawater is sometimes polluted, Turkish beaches are safe to swim at, though be prepared for occasional mountains of rubbish piled at the back of the beach. Tar can also be a problem on south-coast beaches that face Mediterranean shipping lanes; if you get tar on your feet scrub it off with olive oil rather than chemical solvents. All beaches are free in theory, though luxury compounds that straddle routes to the sand will control access in various ways, and you’ll pay for the use of beach-loungers and umbrellas.

Turkey is no longer the cheap destination it used to be; prices in the heavily touristed areas are comparable to many places in Europe. Exercise a little restraint, however, be prepared to live life at least occasionally at the local level (many Turks somehow survive on TL700 a month) and you can still enjoy a great-value trip here.

Stay in a “treehouse” or backpackers’ inn, eat in local workers’ cafés or restaurants, travel around by train or bus, avoid alcohol and the most expensive sites, and you could get by on TL60–75 (€30–37.50) a day. If that doesn’t sound like much fun, double that and you could stay in a modest hotel, see the sights and have a beer or two with your evening meal. Equally, a night out on the town in İstanbul or one of the flasher coastal resorts could easily set you back over TL100 (€50), and if you intend to see a lot of what is a very big country, transport costs could be a considerable drain on your budget – though taking night buses saves accommodation costs.

The more expensive tourist sites such as Ephesus, the Tokapı Palace and Aya Sofya cost TL25 (€12.50), but there are many more sites varying between TL3 and TL15. There are no student discounts, and the Müze Kart (Museum Card), which gives admission to all state-run museums for TL30 per annum, is for Turkish citizens only.

Turkey’s crime rate remains lower than most of Europe and North America, although pickpocketing and purse-snatching are becoming more common in İstanbul (see City crimewatch) and other major cities. Violent street crime is fortunately rare. Keep your wits about you and an eye on your belongings just as you would anywhere else, and make sure your passport is secure at all times, and you shouldn’t have any problems. Except for well-known “red-light” districts, and some eastern towns, female travellers are probably safer on their own than in other European countries.

As well as the usual warnings on drugs, note that exporting antiquities is illegal. It is also an offence to insult Atatürk or Turkey , which can result in a prison sentence. Never deface, degrade or tear up currency or the flag; drunkenness will likely be considered an aggravating, not a mitigating, factor. Also, do not take photographs near the numerous, well-marked military zones.

The police, army and gendarmerie

Turkey’s police service is split into several groups. The blue-uniformed Polis are the everyday security force in cities and towns with populations over two thousand; the white-capped Trafik Polis (traffic police) are a branch of this service. İstanbul and several other large towns have a rapid-response squad of red-and-black-uniformed motorbike police known as the yunus (dolphin) polis ; they are generally courteous and helpful to tourists and may speak some English. The dark-blue-uniformed Çevik Kuvvet Polis are a rapid response team most likely seen at demonstrations, football matches and other events where large crowds are expected. In towns Belediye Zabitası , the navy-clad market police, patrol the markets and bazaars to ensure that tradesmen aren’t ripping off customers – approach them directly if you have reason for complaint. You’re unlikely to come across plain-clothes police unless you wander off the beaten track in the ethnically Kurdish southeast.

In most rural areas, law enforcement is in the hands of the jandarma or gendarmerie, a division of the regular army charged with law-enforcement duties. Gendarmes are usually kitted out in well-tailored green fatigues; most are conscripts who will be courteous and helpful if approached.

Note that it is obligatory to carry ID at all times – for locals and foreigners alike – so if you are concerned about having your passport stolen (or losing it) while out and about, at least carry a photocopy of the pages with your details and Turkish entry stamp on your person.

Security and restricted areas

There is a noticeable security presence in the Kurdish-dominated southeast of the country, with firefights between Turkish security forces and the autonomy-minded PKK (Kurdish Workers Party) continuing at the time of writing. Security is tightest along the Iraqi and Iranian borders, particularly south and east of Hakkari and around Şırnak in the mountains south of Lake Van, in the rural hinterland of Diyarbakır and in the mountainous region of Tunceli (the last not covered in this Guide). PKK attacks are invariably made in remote rural areas, often targeting military vehicles with remotely detonated bombs, though occasional fully-fledged assaults on military outposts are made – inevitably followed by major reprisals by Turkish security forces.

Kidnappings of Turkish military personnel and civilians have also become increasingly common, and in spring 2012 a British traveller was briefly detained by the PKK having been kidnapped from an inter-city bus in Diyarbakir province. Given the civil war that was raging in Syria at the time of writing, the 800km Turkish/Syrian border could also become problematic, especially as Turkey’s biggest nightmare, a proto-Kurdish state run by Syria’s Kurdish minority, appeared to be developing across the frontier.

But what does this mean to the average traveller hoping to visit this beautiful region? The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, for example, posts the following on its website ( w fco.gov.uk) ‘‘Due to the high risk of terrorism we advise against all but essential travel to the provinces of Hakkari, Şırnak, Siirt and Tunceli. Visitors should remain vigilant when travelling in other provinces in southeastern Turkey’’. The official line, then, is to avoid the mountains south of Lake Van that border the de facto Kurdish state in northern Iraq – but then places like Tunceli are a long, long way from the border, and the FCO in any case also writes ‘‘There is a high risk of terrorism in Turkey’’ full stop. The problem is compounded by the ever-fluctuating state of relations between the state and the PKK, with long ceasefires interrupted by violent flare-ups. Although at the time of writing (2012) PKK attacks were fairly numerous, it’s quite possible the situation may have calmed down dramatically by the time you read this. In other words, read about what is happening in the press and on travellers’ forums, and use your common sense and judgement before you travel.

Although there are fewer checkpoints on main roads than there were, you may be stopped if you attempt to travel to off-the-beaten-track sites and/or villages, and your presence may attract the attention of the jandarma (and quite possibly the plain-clothes secret police, who generally stand out a mile from the locals). This may involve, at most, a rather tedious, though polite, interrogation. Lone males especially may find themselves suspected of being journalists and/or having Kurdish/Armenian sympathies. Avoid talking politics with anyone unless you are absolutely sure you can trust them, and, if you are questioned, keep calm, smile a lot, and emphasize wherever possible that you are a turist (tourist). Of more concern to the average visitor are the violent pro-Kurdish street demonstrations that break out from time to time in southeastern cities such as Diyarbakır and Van – though major cities in the west of the country are not immune, especially İstanbul, Adana and Mersin, which have large and sometimes volatile Kurdish communities. One traditional spark for demonstrations is the Kurdish New Year or Nevruz (Newroz), on or around March 21. For more information on the Kurdish problem see Contexts.

Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz. Most European appliances should work so long as you have an adaptor for European-style two-pin plugs. American appliances will need a transformer as well as an adaptor.

Early in 2012 Turkey changed its tourist visa rules. Prior to this amendment it was possible to enter the country on a 90-day visa, then at the end of that period slip across the border to a Greek island, Bulgaria or even North Cyprus, re-enter immediately and get a new three-month stamp. Mainly in order to stop people living and working (illegally) in the country for an indefinite period, the new visa is valid for 90 days within 180 days. In other words, stay for 90 days consecutively, and you cannot re-enter for another 90 days. Alternatively, you can make multiple trips to Turkey within the 180-day validity period of the visa so long as the total stay does not exceed 90 days.

The tourist visas (available at ports of entry for a fee) are issued to citizens of the UK ($20, €15 or £10), Ireland ($20, €10 or £10), the US ($20 or €15), Canada ($60 or €45) and Australia ($20 or €15). South Africans should be able to get a 30-day visa at the point of entry, but would be wise to enquire at a Turkish consulate before travelling. New Zealanders do not currently require visas. Everyone, regardless of nationality, should have at least six months’ validity on their passport. For the latest information on visas, check with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs at w mfa.gov.tr .

If you want to stay in the country longer than a tourist visa allows, the best option is to apply for a six-month residence permit from the Security Division ( Emniyet Müdürlüğü ), preferably in a provincial capital that’s well used to foreigners. Do this well before your time expires, as it takes at least two weeks to process. You will need to complete an “Ikamet izni beyanname formu” application form and supply four passport-sized photographs, along with photocopies from your passport of the photo-page and the page showing your last entry into Turkey. The rub is that you also need to show that you have changed $500 for each of the six months – showing change receipts from a bank or döviz will suffice. Residence permit rates vary according to nationality – UK citizens for example pay $80 (payable in TL on the day, according to the exchange rate on the day you apply), but the cost of the “blue book” containing the permit is a steep TL172. This is a one-off payment, however, as once you have the book you can keep renewing your permit for periods of between six months and ten years.

Turkish embassies and consulates abroad

Australia 60 Mugga Way, Red Hill, Canberra ACT 2603 t 02 6295 0227.

Canada 197 Wurtemburg St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8L9 t 613 789 4044.

Ireland 11 Clyde Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 t 01 668 5240.

New Zealand 15–17 Murphy St, Level 8, Wellington t 04 472 1290.

South Africa 1067 Church St, Hatfield 0181, Pretoria t 012 342 5063.

UK 43 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PA t 0207 393 0202.

US 2525 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 t 202 612 6700.

Customs and border inspections

As Turkey is not yet an EU member, duty-free limits – and sales – for alcohol and tobacco are still prevalent. Limits are posted clearly at İstanbul’s airports, and apply for all frontiers.

Few people get stopped departing Turkey, but the guards may be on the lookout for antiquities and fossils . Penalties for trying to smuggle these out include long jail sentences, plus a large fine. What actually constitutes an antiquity is rather vague, but it’s best not to take any chances.

It is essential to take out an insurance policy before you travel, to cover against illness or injury, as well as theft or loss. Some all-risks homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies may cover your possessions when overseas, and many private medical schemes (such as BUPA and WPA) offer coverage extensions for abroad.

Rough Guides offers its own insurance policy. Most policies exclude so-called dangerous sports unless an extra premium is paid: in Turkey this can mean scuba diving, whitewater rafting, paragliding, windsurfing and trekking, though probably not kayaking or jeep safaris. Travel agents and package operators may require travel insurance when you book a holiday – you’re not obliged to take theirs, though you have to sign a declaration saying that you already have another policy. Similarly, many no-frills airlines make a tidy sum from selling unnecessary insurance at the time of booking – beware, and opt out.

Many hotels, pensions and hostels have internet access – often both terminals and wi-fi signal – as do an ever-increasing number of cafés. Access is usually free except in the more expensive international chain hotels. In more remote places in the interior, and the east of the country, only the more expensive hotels have wi-fi. Rates in internet cafés tend to be TL2 per hour. The Turkish-character keyboard you’ll probably be faced with may cause some confusion. The “@” sign is made by simultaneously pressing the “ALT” and “q” keys. More frustrating is the dotless “ı” (confusingly enough found right where you’ll be expecting the conventional “i”) – the Western “i” is located second key from right, middle row.

Post offices are easily spotted by their bold black-on-yellow PTT (Posta, Telegraf, Telefon) signs. Stamps are only available from the PTT, whose website ( w ptt.gov.tr ) has a (not necessarily up-to-date) English-language listing of services and prices. Post offices are generally open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm and until noon on Saturday. Airmail ( uçakla ) rates to Europe are TL1.10 for postcards, TL2 for letters up to 20g, TL19 for 2kg, the maximum weight for letters. Delivery to Europe or North America can take seven to ten days. A pricier express ( acele ) service cuts delivery times to the EU to about three days. When sending airmail, it’s best to give your stamped letter/card to the clerk behind the counter, who will ensure it gets put in the right place; otherwise, place it in the relevant slot if one is available ( yurtdışı for abroad; yurtiçi for elsewhere in Turkey).

Maps of Turkey are notoriously poor quality owing to the lack of survey-based cartography. The best foreign-produced touring maps , accurately showing many smaller villages, are those published by Kartographischer Verlag Reinhard Ryborsch (1:500,000; Frankfurt, Germany), which cover the entire country in seven maps. They are usually available online, but both original and pirated versions are sold at better bookshops in İstanbul, Ankara and big resorts. Reasonable second choices, easier to obtain, include Insight’s Turkey West and Insight Turkey (both 1:800,000), both of which are easy to read and reasonably accurate, and the equally reliable Turkey Geocentre Euro map (1:750,000).

In terms of Turkish-produced touring maps , the 1:400,000 atlas produced by Atlas magazine is highly accurate but difficult to read owing to murky printing. The best regional touring maps are Sabri Aydal’s 1:250,000 products for Cappadocia, Lycia, Pamphylia and Pisidia, available from local bookshops and museums.

İstanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Bursa and İzmir (as well as overseas) tourist offices stock reasonable, free city street plans . Sketch plans from provincial tourist offices vary widely in quality.

Among Turkish-produced city maps , Net’s “All of Istanbul” 1:9000 is more comprehensive than Keskin Colour’s 1:8500 “İstanbul Street Plan”, and includes useful maps of the Prince’s islands. The most detailed A–Z-style atlas for the European side, ideal for out-of-the-way monuments, is Mepmedya’s 1:7500 “İstanbul Avrupa Yakası”, though it’s pricey (TL50) and heavy. All these are sold in town and (Mepmedya excepted) cheaper than anything produced abroad.

For trekking maps see the section Hiking equipment and safety.

Turkey’s currency is the Turkish Lira (Türk Lirası) or TL for short, divided into smaller units known as kuruş. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 kuruş and TL1, with notes in denominations of TL5, TL10, TL20, TL50, TL100 and TL200.

At the time of writing the exchange rate was around TL2.10 to the euro, TL2.70 to the pound and TL1.70 to the US dollar. As recently as 2004 hyperinflation meant that millions of lira were needed to purchase the smallest everyday item. and many Turks still talk in millions, which can be confusing when you are asked “bir milyon” or one million lira for a TL1 glass of tea.

Rates for foreign currency are always better inside Turkey, so try not to buy much lira at home. Conversely, don’t leave Turkey with unspent lira, as you won’t get a decent exchange rate for them outside the country. It’s wise to bring a fair wad of hard currency with you (euros are best, though dollars and sterling are often accepted), as you can often use it to pay directly for souvenirs or accommodation (prices for both are frequently quoted in euros). Travellers’ cheques are, frankly, not worth the bother, as exchange offices and some banks refuse them.

Changing money

While most banks, such as İşbank and Yapıkredi, change money, the best exchange rate is usually given by the state-owned banks Ziraat Bankası, which has dedicated döviz (exchange) counters – but despite the automated ticket/queuing system queues can be long. Döviz , or exchange houses, are common in Turkey’s cities and resorts. They buy and sell foreign currency of most sorts instantly, and have the convenience of long opening hours (usually 9/10am–8/10pm) and short or nonexistent queues. Most do not charge commission, but give a lower rate than the banks.

Remember to keep all foreign-exchange slips with you until departure, if only to prove the value of purchases made in case of queries by customs.

Credit/debit cards and ATMs

Credit cards are widely used in hotels, shops, restaurants, travel agencies and entertainment venues and with no commission (though many hotels and shops offer discounts for cash rather than credit-card payments). Don’t expect, however, to use your card in basic eating places or small corner shops. Swipe readers plus chip-and-PIN protocol are now the norm in most of Turkey.

The simplest way to get hold of money in Turkey is to use the widespread ATM network. Most bank ATMs will accept any debit cards that are part of the Cirrus, Maestro or Visa/Plus systems. Screen prompts are given in English on request. You can also normally get cash advances at any bank displaying the appropriate sign, and in major cities and resorts some ATMs will give euros and dollars. It’s safest to use ATMs attached to banks during normal working hours, so help can be summoned if your card is eaten (not uncommon). Turkish ATMs sometimes “time out” without disgorging cash, while your home bank may still debit your account – leaving you to argue the toss with them. ATM fraud is rife in Turkey – make sure you are not overlooked when keying in your PIN. You can also use Visa or MasterCard to get cash from ATMs.

Office workers keep conventional Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm schedules, with a full lunch hour. Civil servants, including tourist offices and museum staff, in theory work 8.30am to 5.30pm, but in practice hours can be much more erratic – don’t expect to get official business attended to the same day after 2.30pm. Most state banks are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to noon and 1.30pm to 5pm. Private banks such as Garanti Bankası and Köç operate throughout the day.

Ordinary shops , including large department stores and mall outlets, are open continuously from 8.30am or 9am until 7pm or 8pm (sometimes even later in many major cities and resorts). Craftsmen and bazaar stallholders often work from 9am to 8pm or 9pm, Monday to Saturday, with only short breaks for meals, tea or prayers. Even on Sunday the tradesmen’s area may not be completely shut down – though don’t count on this.

Museums are generally open from 8.30am or 9am until 4.30pm or 5pm in winter, later in the summer. Virtually all state, and some private, museums are closed on Monday, though in İstanbul closing days are staggered so make sure you check the individual listings. All tourist sites and museums are closed on the mornings of public holidays. Mosques are theoretically open all the time, but many of the less visited ones are kept locked outside of prayer times, and many do not encourage visitors at prayer times!

Public holidays

Secular public holidays are generally marked by processions of schoolchildren or the military, or by some demonstration of national strength and dignity, such as a sports display. Banks and government offices will normally be closed on these days (exceptions given here). For more information, see the section on religious festivals.

Jan 1 Yılbaşı – New Year’s Day.

April 23 Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı – Independence Day, celebrating the first meeting of the new Republican parliament in Ankara, and Children’s Day.

May 19 Gençlik ve Spor Günü – Youth and Sports Day, also Atatürk’s birthday.

May 29 İstanbul’s capture by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 (İstanbul only).

July 1 Denizcilik Günü – Navy Day (banks and offices open).

Aug 26 Silahlı Kuvvetler Günü – Armed Forces Day (banks and offices open).

Aug 30 Zafer Bayramı – Celebration of the Turkish victory over the Greek forces at Dumlupınar in 1922.

Sept 9 Kurtuluş Günü – Liberation Day, with parades and speeches marking the end of the Independence War (İzmir only).

Oct 29 Cumhuriyet Bayramı – commemorates the proclamation of the Republic by Atatürk in 1923.

Nov 10 Anniversary of Atatürk’s death in 1938 . Observed at 9.05am (the time of his demise), when the whole country stops whatever it’s doing and maintains a respectful silence for a minute. It’s worth being on a Bosphorus ferry then, when all the engines are turned off, and the boats drift and sound their foghorns mournfully.

Most fixed-line telecom services are provided by TT (Türk Telekom); its website ( w turktelekom.com.tr ) has an English-language page listing all services and tariffs. The best place to make phone calls is from either a PTT (post office) or a TT (Türk Telekom) centre. Inside, or just adjacent, there is usually a row of card ( köntürlü or smartkart ) call boxes (TTs are blue and turquoise), and/or a kontürlü (metered, clerk-attended) phone, the latter sometimes in a closed booth. Public phones are to be found in squares and parks, outside many public buildings and at train stations and ferry terminals. The standard Turkish phone replies are the Frenchified Allo or the more local Buyurun (literally, “Avail yourself/at your service”).

“Smart” phonecards are available from PTT or TT centres; when using these, wait for the number of units remaining to appear on the screen before you dial, and be aware that you will have little warning of being cut off. They are bought in units of 50 (TL3.75), 100 (TL7.50), 200 (TL15) and 350 (TL19). A steadily increasing number of phones have also been adapted to accept foreign credit cards . Metered booths inside PTTs or TTs, or at street kiosks or shops (look for signs reading kontürlü telefon bulunur ), work out more expensive than cards, but are certainly far cheaper than hotels, and also tend to be quieter (plus you won’t be cut off). Their disadvantage is that you can’t see the meter ticking over, and instances of overcharging are not unknown.

Overseas calls

Overseas call rates are TL0.25 per minute to Europe or North America. Try not to make anything other than local calls from a hotel room – there’s usually a minimum 100 percent surcharge on phonecard rates. For extended chat overseas, it’s best to buy an international phonecard. Best is the Alocard, available from PTT branches and usable in public phones. Reveal the 12-digit PIN by scratching; then call the domestic access number, followed by the destination number. Rates are low – for example, a TL10 card allows 104 minutes to the UK or US. The cards can also be used for domestic calls, giving 140 minutes of calling time.

Turkey uses a system of eleven-digit phone numbers nationwide, consisting of four-digit area or mobile-provider codes (all starting with “0”) plus a seven-digit subscriber number.

To call a number in Turkey from overseas , dial your country’s international access code, then 90 for Turkey, then the area or mobile code minus the initial zero, and finally the subscriber number. To call home from Turkey , dial t 00 followed by the relevant international dialling code, then the area code (without the initial zero if there is one) then the number.

Turkey is two hours ahead of GMT in winter. As in Europe, daylight saving is observed between March and October – clocks change at 2am on the last Sunday in each month – so effectively Turkey remains two hours ahead of the UK year-round.

Most Turkish towns of any size will have a Turizm Danışma Bürosu or tourist office of some sort, often lodged inside the Belediye (city hall) in the smaller places. However, outside the larger cities and obvious tourist destinations there’s often little hard information to be had, and world-weary staff may dismiss you with useless brochures. Lists of accommodation are sometimes kept at the busier offices; personnel, however, will generally not make bookings. On the other hand, staff in out-of-the-way places can be embarrassingly helpful. It’s best to have a specific question – about bus schedules, festival ticket availability or museum opening hours – although in remote regions there is no guarantee that there will be anyone who can speak English.

Tourist offices generally adhere to a standard opening schedule of 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Between May and September in big-name resorts and large cities, these hours extend well into the evening and through much of the weekend. In winter, by contrast, many tourist offices in out-of-the-way spots will be shut most of the time.

Turkish information offices abroad

Overseas Turkish tourist offices (often the embassy’s Information Office) will provide a few very basic maps and glossy brochures.

UK 29–30 St James’s St, London SW1A 1HB telephone: 0207 8397778, website: gototurkey.co.uk .

US 821 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017 telephone: 212 687 2194; 2525 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 t 202 612 6800; 5055 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 850, Los Angeles CA 90036 telephone: 323 937 8066, website: goturkiye.com

biletix.com

An online booking service for arts, cultural, music and sports events (mainly in İstanbul and Ankara), in both English and Turkish.

cultureroutesinturkey.com

Umbrella site for all the country’s hiking and horse-riding trails.

goturkiye.com

Turkey’s official tourist information site.

muze.gen.tr

Government website with information on the country’s state-run museums, including the latest opening hours and admission fees.

trekkinginturkey.com

Well-researched information on major trekking areas and long-distance routes, with links to relevant outdoor-activity-type sites.

turkishculture.org

Not terribly innovative – but it does give a useful rundown on everything from architecture to ceramics, literature to music and lifestyles to cuisine – with plenty of photographs and illustrations.

Given the Turkish penchant for chatting, mobile phones are essential accessories here. Assuming that you have a roaming facility, your home mobile will connect with one of the local network providers – however, US mobiles won’t work here. Charges, though, are high (up to £1.30/min to the UK), and you pay for incoming calls as well. Purchasing a local SIM card and pay-as-you-go package may be worth considering if you intend to make a lot of calls. Turkcell SIM cards (which can take up to 24hr to activate) cost TL35, including TL5 calling credit, or TL45 will get you the card and TL20 credit. Typically, calls cost 80 kuruş per min to Europe and North America, an SMS message to the UK the same. To purchase a SIM card, you’ll need to sign an agreement form and present your passport for photocopying at a major Turkcell, Avea or Vodafone outlet where they’ll fit the new card. All three companies have stands at arrivals in Istanbul’s Atatürk and Sabiha Gökçen airports; Turkcell has the widest coverage. Note that the rules on bringing in mobiles from overseas and using them with a Turkish SIM card change regularly. This is because mobiles are much cheaper when bought outside the country, so the government keeps introducing ever more stringent conditions in the hope of preventing people bringing them in and selling them on. At the time of writing, a mobile registered at a legitimate outlet can be used with a Turkish SIM for one month, after which it will be blocked. If you buy from one of the many smaller mobile phone stores and don’t sign an agreement you run the risk of your phone not being registered for use in Turkey, and it will be blocked within a matter of days.

The Turkish variety of VAT ( Katma Değer Vergisi or KDV ), ranging from eight to 23 percent depending on the commodity, is included in the price of virtually all goods and services (except car rental, where the 18 percent figure is usually quoted separately). Look for the notice Fiyatlarımız KDV Dahildir (VAT included in our prices) if you think someone’s trying to do you for it twice. There’s a VAT refund scheme for large souvenir purchases made by those living outside Turkey, but it’s such a rigmarole to get that it’s probably not worth pursuing; if you insist, ask the shop to provide a KDV İade Özel Fatura (Special VAT Refund Invoice), assuming that it participates – very few do, and they tend to be the most expensive shops.

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Turkey Travel Tips (from a local): 15 Things to Know About Turkey

by Drifter Planet | Jan 26, 2020 | Turkey

Turkey travel tips post has been written by our Europe content specialist – Alara Benlier, who is originally from Turkey. This post has been further expanded by the editor. 

Turkey is historical, vibrant, and insanely beautiful. This country that’s twice the size of California offers an exhaustive selection of places to visit and travel experiences to its visitors.

While in Turkey, you can find pretty much every kind of landscape (and even more) if you know where to go.

You can enjoy thermal springs with crystal clear waters , relax on the inviting beaches, see the ruins of ancient empires, float on a hot air balloon over unique formations , party on a yacht like a millionaire, enjoy delicious cuisine , and even go skiing.

Turkey’s unique location attracts millions of tourists each year. No matter the season, you can do many fun activities here. Moreover, you can experience countless cultural trips, including wandering around ancient ruins that are also listed as Unesco World Heritage Sites. 

So, whether you are a passionate photographer, a gourmet, an adventure lover, or just a professional sunbather, you can have the holiday of your dreams in Turkey. If you are interested, here is everything you need to know before visiting Turkey from a born and raised Turkish expat. Here are my top Turkey travel tips for you.

Travel Tips for Turkey

Table of contents, turkey weather and when to visit.

No, Turkey isn’t just a summer destination like many places in Europe. Depending on what you want to do, you can visit Turkey during every season.

Istanbul and the Sea of Marmara region gets very warmer in summer and it can sometimes rain too. This area gets colder than many other parts of Turkey during winter and it can snow too (but not often).

Most of the coast of Turkey has typical warm Mediterranean weather (think of Italy, Greece, etc.) with warm and dry summers and mild winters. The middle part of the country (like Central Anatolia) gets warmer summer days but chilly nights and mornings. 

During spring, summer, and winter, not only you can enjoy many breathtakingly beautiful beaches, but also you can do lounging, parasailing, paragliding, and even canoeing in the ancient lands of Turkey. And starting from Winter, here is a winter wonderland.

Over the years, Turkey has become a hot spot for ski lovers with its excellent ski resorts, splendid hotels, and amazing nature.

Visa for Turkey

Some nationalities do not need a visa to enter Turkey, that includes some European countries a few Asian countries, and also a few South American countries. They can enter visa-free for 90 days.

Many other nationalities can enter with an eVisa and some with a conditional eVisa. Passport holders in Australia, the UK, USA need to apply for an Electronic Visa (e-Visa). Indian travelers can get a conditional e-Visa if they already have an active visa from the US, UK, Ireland, or the Schengen countries.

As the name suggests, the e-Visa Application System allows travelers to apply their e-Visas online. You just have to fill out the online form and pay the visa fee, and within 3 minutes, you will receive your visa! Just don’t forget to apply for your visa between three months to 48 hours before your travel date.

What is the capital city of Turkey?

Most people get this wrong. The capital of Turkey is not Istanbul, it is Ankara.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

The answer to this question is yes, but just like anywhere in the world, you should be cautious about your surroundings. Thankfully, Turkey’s name is coming clean after several terror attacks that happened in the past, and today, it is declared safe by many governments. 

Just be careful around the crowds, and if you are too anxious, try not to visit Turkey around religious and public holidays. Keep in mind that the coasts are safe, and big cities like Istanbul are always surrounded by policemen. Unless you are visiting the cities close to the Syrian border, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.

In any case, you should make it a point to read the travel advisory before you plan your trip and once again before you visit. 

Currency in Turkey and Managing Money

The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira . Although most places would prefer cash, you can also pay with VISA and Mastercard. 

Try to carry a smaller amount of money for smaller purchases. Turkey has banknotes for 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 lira. So carrying two 50 liras instead of one 100 lira might be better. Haggling is also very common in local shops. You might get up to 50% off from bigger purchases.

Which SIM Card to get?

Due to the legal restrictions, it might be complicated to get a local SIM Card if you’re traveling here for a longer period of time. Generally, you can get a SIM card by showing your passport at one of the shops in the airport or in a store in the city. 

There are three network operators in Turkey: Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom. They have official stores everywhere around the country. 

Turkcell is known for its good connection, but it is the most expensive one. Vodafone is also fairly good and Türk Telekom is the cheapest one. Although Türk Telekom is good, if you are planning to visit locations with high altitudes, I would stick with Vodafone or Turkcell according to my budget. 

Also, all mobile devices purchased outside Turkey that use a Turkish SIM must be registered with the government after 120 days. If not, you will end up with a phone that doesn’t work.  

Scams in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most visited cities in Turkey due to its historic beauty. And just like every other tourist city, here also has typical tourist scams.

Although the Turkish people are very helpful, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to scams. The most known ones are taxi scams, pickpockets, and paying more because you are a tourist. 

Taxis usually take a longer road to get you to your final destination to make you pay more money. To prevent that you can use public transportation, or if you have to use a taxi, you can ask the reception of your hotel or hostel to call a cab for you. 

To avoid pickpockets, you have to be careful about your belongings. If you are around a crowd, keep your bag in front of you or somewhere you can see it. 

Last but not least, sellers might charge you more money because they think that you don’t know the actual price of their products or services. To prevent that, do your research! Thanks to the internet, you are one click away from knowing all the best and the worst shops all around the World. 

Overall Istanbul is a majestic city, but keep in mind that Turkey offers more incredible cities. So, if you have enough time, try to spend less time in Istanbul, and explore other cities in Turkey.

Getting around in Turkey

You can get around in Turkey by internal flights, renting a car, using a coach, and depending on the location – even a ferry.  

With its bunch of airlines that fit your budget, Turkey can be easily explored by plane. Due to the competition, you can book a cheap flight and fly to almost every city in Turkey.

One of the low-cost carriers in Turkey is Pegasus Airlines, that’s what the Drifter Planet team used in Turkey twice. Although it is not the most environmentally friendly option, if you have a tight schedule, you can always get to your destination very quickly via plane.

Although renting a car is always an option, I wouldn’t recommend it. If you are aiming for a heart attack, then renting a car might be the one for you. Having one of the most expensive gas in the entire World, constant traffic, and of course, so many angry drivers that ignore most of the traffic signs, you can easily rent a car in Turkey with your passport or driver’s license. Just make sure to rent your car from a reliable agency, like Europcar, or Avis, and get insurance for the car. 

Most Turkish people use the coach, especially the night coach, as a more budget-friendly option. The buses in Turkey for longer destinations are very luxurious and shockingly affordable. Every Turkish town and city has a bus station, called Otogar . From there you can buy your bus ticket, which is called bilet in Turkish. 

If you are a solo traveler, depending on your gender, you can book a seat next to your own gender to ensure safety as well. During your trip, you will be served a cake or sandwich, and a bottle of water for free. Most of the bus companies also provide wireless Internet, and a film to watch. Buses will stop in many resting places for you to use the toilet, stretch your legs, and eat in restaurants.

It isn’t easy to prebook the buses online without a Turkish card or phone number but it can be done if you really try your best. We were able to book a bus with “ MetroTurizm “, but only after translating the entire website into English. Somehow their English version of the website wasn’t allowing bus bookings at that time.

Ferries are also a great option for traveling in and around Istanbul, Izmir, and from incredible cities like Bodrum and Marmaris to the Greek islands.

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Turkey

The most beautiful place on earth where you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride is right here in Turkey . It is in a mystical fairy land called Cappadocia , which looks like it belongs on another planet. Cappadocia’s landscape looks surreal, and it looks it is out of a science fiction movie like Star Wars.

There are fairy chimneys and caves everywhere in Cappadocia. People still live in these caves and many have been transformed into spectacular hotels. Right here, you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride to experience the most magical sunrise.

Cappadocia is massive and has around 10 villages that are all unique in their own way. One can get a little confused about where to go. The most popular place in Cappadocia for a hot air balloon ride is Göreme. Be sure to read about Cappadocia on our website – Hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia , staying in a cave hotel in Göreme , and Cappadocia’s Instagram-worthy spots .

Recommended Itinerary for Turkey

It is no secret that there are lots of places to visit, lots of things to do, and lots of things to eat in Turkey!  If you want to visit this glorious country, but don’t know where to start, there is a great 10-day itinerary on this website, which covers the most attractive places you can visit in Turkey. However, if you want to spend more time in Turkey to understand the culture better and explore all around it quickly, here is a two-week itinerary of Turkey!

Day 1 and 2 – Istanbul

Istanbul is mostly famous for its bridge that brings together Asia and Europe, mosques, tulips, seagulls, and Turkish bagels. But the city also has a great history dating back to 660 before Christ, the Roman empire, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empire. If you want to check out the historical monuments on your first day, you can start exploring Istanbul from Sultanahmet Square, where you can find Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. 

On your second day, you can shop at the Spice Bazaar aka Mısır Çarşısı, which is one of the largest bazaars in Istanbul. Here, you can buy spices, Turkish delights, jewelry, souvenirs, dried fruits, and nuts. The Grand Bazaar, on the other hand, is the oldest and largest bazaar in the world with 4,000 shops and 350,000 visitors a day! 

Day 3 and 4 – Bursa

Bursa was the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire. But here is not only known for its history, but also its silk, ski resorts, and thermal baths made here a must-visit city. Due to its location near an extinct volcano called Uludağ mountain, Bursa has thermal baths with mineral-rich waters.

If you are visiting Bursa, you should experience the traditional thermal Turkish bath, since it is one of a kind! The mineral water boils up from below to comfort you and nurture your skin! As a tradition, you should get the best rubdown (kese) to get rid of the dead skin cells and a massage just to relax your muscles.

Day 5 – Izmir and Ephesus (Efes)

Izmir is blessed with amazing beaches, gorgeous nature, and of course, ancient places like Unesco World Heritage Site listed Efes! 

While in Ephesus, you can check out many historic gates and temples, but the most impressive ones are definitely the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus. But if you enter Ephesus from the south entrance, you will see its world-famous theatre. This theatre not only witnessed history but also hosted many amazing performances by Elton John, Ray Charles, Jethro Tull, and many more!

Day 6 and 7 – Bodrum

With its pure white buildings with Saxon blue doors, its amazing seacoast, and gorgeous bougainvillea flowers, Bodrum is definitely a must-visit city! This old fishing town is located on the coast of the astoundingly clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea and also hosts the ancient city of Halicarnassus, which is said to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus has an ancient tomb, which was built between 353 and 350 BC! Here, you can also check out the Myndos Gate, which was built under the reign of King Mausolus. This gate witnessed the greatest battles during the siege of the city by Alexander the Great.

Day 8 and 9 – Fethiye

With its breathtaking marina, amazing nightlife , and otherworldly sea, Fethiye is the only city in the world, where you’ll find sarcophaguses on the streets!  Here, you can swim in the Dead Sea/Blue Lagoon, and also do lounging, parasailing, paragliding, canoeing, and many more! The world-famous beach of Fethiye and its blue lagoon, Ölüdeniz, is known for its shades of turquoise and aquamarine, and it is officially awarded as a Blue Flag beach.  

On your second day, you can hike the ancient Lycian Way to check out the amazing views of the sea and the mountains. You also have to check out the gorgeous Butterfly Valley! This valley’s name comes from the endemic butterflies that live near the waterfalls on the canyon wall. From the top of this valley, the view of the bay is just breathtaking.

Day 10 and 11 – Antalya

When you first hear Antalya, you might think of beautiful beaches, a bright sun, and 5-star hotels. But Antalya also offers gorgeous ancient cities and sights! On your first day, you have to check out Aspendos, which is an ancient Greco-Roman city in Serik. Aspendos has huge fame with its breathtaking Roman theatre, the best-preserved theatre in Turkey. The theater has a seating capacity of 20,000 people, and it is still used for concerts. 

For your second day, you can visit the Konyaaltı, which has a pebble beach with amazing turquoise waters. Here you can also paraglide and enjoy many water sports. Or around 60 km away, you can visit the sandy Lara Beach, which is known for its curative sands for the ones with rheumatism problems!

Day 12 and 13 – Pamukkale

With its mineral-rich hot springs and its ancient Greco-Roman city, Pamukkale is a natural site, located in Denizli. Pamukkale literally means cotton castle in Turkish, which suits its amazing calcium-rich springs that shaped its snow-white limestones over the centuries perfectly. But this Unesco World Heritage site is not only popular for its natural pools but also its holy ancient city of Hierapolis!

On your second day, you have to check out this Greco-Roman city. Hierapolis was founded as a thermal spa early in the 2nd century BCE. After the archeological diggings, many significant structures like gorgeous Byzantine gates, a theatre, temples, thermal baths, and an extensive necropolis came to light.

Day 14 and 15 – Cappadocia

With its fairy chimneys, amazing nature, and fun hot air balloon activities, Cappadocia offers a great time for its visitors. Being on the Unesco World Heritage List, with its fairytale-looking landscapes with fairy chimneys, pigeon houses, orchards, and vineyards, it is surreal to fly over the beautiful valley and have the most romantic time while gazing at the sunset!

On your second day, you should visit the Ihlara Valley, which is a 16 km long valley that is home for 105 ancient churches! This unique valley’s honeycombed churches were built by Cappadocian Greeks. It is truly a magical place to wander around while listening to the peaceful river sounds.

What to Eat in Turkey?

Turkish cuisine is one of the most diverse and famous cuisines in the entire World. You may have eaten Turkish dishes before, but there are some must-taste dishes that you shouldn’t miss while visiting Turkey!

• As the main dish, you can have Iskender Kebab , Şiş (Shish) Kebab , Mantı , Etli Ekmek , or if you are vegetarian, you can have Meze or street food like Kumpir . 
• Iskender Kebab is a traditional Döner kebab that is served with yogurt a warm tomato sauce and melted butter over pieces of thinly sliced lamb meat and pide. 

• Şiş (Shish) Kebab , on the other hand, is grilled chicken, beef, or lamb on a skewer, served with rice, salad, and fries. 
• If you crave carbs, you should try Mantı aka Turkish Ravioli! Mantı is little a handmade dumplings filled with ground lamb or beef, topped with creamy yogurt and melted butter tomato paste sauce. Or Etli Ekmek, which is a long and thin piece of flatbread, topped with meat and cheese. 
• If you are a vegetarian, you will love Etli Ekme because you can choose your own toppings to “vegan-ize” it. 
• As a lighter dinner option, you can have Meze , which actually consists of a small selection of dishes commonly served with drinks or before a meal. You can either just eat Meze, or you can also order a main dish with them. Turkish people love eating Meze while drinking Rakı , which is a traditional alcoholic beverage. 
• Traditional Turkish Mezes are Cacık, which is yogurt with herbs and cucumber, hummus, and butter, and Dolma, which is rice-stuffed vine leaves, eggplant salad, Feta cheese and all served with a warm pide. Pide is a flatbread which is kind of like a pizza, but is much better. It is a typical Turkish comfort food.  

• Lastly , Kumpir is actually a giant baked potato, which is cut down the middle and served with butter, cheese, and various toppings that you choose. As a dessert, you can have World-famous Baklava, and of course Turkish delight.
• Turkish cuisine is very flavourful and best complemented with local alcoholic beverages. You can have some Turkish wines including Kavaklidere Yakut (Bogazkere – Okuzgozu), Merlot, and Vinkara. 

The national drink, Rakı, is a must if you want to have an authentic Turkish food experience. It is a spirit, distilled from grapes and made with aniseed. When Rakı is mixed with water and ice, its color changes from transparent to white, which is why it is also called lion’s milk.

Ramadan in Turkey

Ramadan is called Ramazan in Turkey. It is important to know about this because it is a month-long fasting time, that ends with Eid ul-Fitr. During this time, the locals do not eat or even drink anything from the time the sun rises to the time it sets; they only eat after the sunset.

If you’re in a smaller part of Turkey during Ramadan, you should know that some restaurants will be shut during the day, and it is considered inappropriate you eat in front of those who are fasting. Although in touristy places like Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square, you will easily find a bite to eat. 

The dates for Ramazan for the next year are the Evening of Sun, Mar 10, 2024 – Tue, Apr 9, 2024. 

What to Wear in Turkey?

No, all Turkish people don’t dress conservatively. Somehow the country is split where one-half of the people wear conservative attire while the other half wear whatever they want and don’t mind showing some skin. Don’t stand out as a tourist, but try to blend in.

You can wear pretty much anything you want in Turkey, depending on the weather. During summer, light cotton pants, T-shirts, and flip-flops are the most common clothes to wear. Depending on the location, you can also wear shorts.

During Spring and Fall, you should bring a warm jacket/windbreaker because the weather is rainy, and it is chilly at night. And during winter, you better pack your sweaters because it snows almost everywhere in Turkey. For the beach, you can basically wear anything you want. Most Turkish women love sunbathing in their bikinis. 

If you are planning to visit mosques and churches, you should not wear any shorts or sleeveless tops. Women should also cover their hair. And don’t forget to bring socks since most of the mosques have carpet floors, and walking with your shoes on a carpet (or inside the house) is not acceptable for Turkish people. Overall, modesty is very appreciated in Turkey. If you want to avoid some looks while walking in the city, try to dress up on the conservative side.

About Turkish Hamams

Turkey might be known for its amazing beaches, and historical places, but this country is also blessed with more than 1,000 thermal springs. These mineral-rich springs have also healing properties, which is the reason why they attract many tourists throughout the year. 

You will find lots of Traditional Turkish Bath places which are called Hamam anywhere you visit in Turkey. If you want to get rid of all the dead skin cells from your body, you can visit the Hamam of your choice. But there are a couple of things to know! 

For example, every Hamam has two sections, one for women and one for men. This means that at most of the Hamams, you can’t get scrubbed down with your significant other. 

Keep in mind that, Hamams are HOT. If you have any lung or heart problems, ask your doctors for permission beforehand.

If you are visiting a Hamam, don’t forget to bring your bathing suit and some clean sandals. 

When you enter the Hamam, you will see an amazing interior and five to six taps of water with beautiful sinks underneath. In the middle, there will be a big stone which is called göbektaşı. 

If you want to be rubbed down by a professional, he or she (depending on your gender) will come and rub you there. Before the rubbing, you need to be inside the Hamam for at least 15 minutes. Afterward, they will first soak your body with warm water, otherwise, the dirt won’t come off. 

After washing up, you will receive a massage, and later you will get rubbed with an oriental washcloth, which is called kese. Finally, you will receive another soapy wash, followed by a rinsing session with cold water. 

After the whole experience, don’t forget to tip your attendant. PS. You need to wash your private parts yourself. Most of the Hamams, people inside are butt naked, but it doesn’t mean that you also have to be. Also, bring your own soap and shampoo if you are allergic, and don’t forget to remove your makeup because it will get ruined.

Etiquette for Visiting Mosques

One of the most beautiful experiences in Turkey is listening to the unmissable call of prayer 5 times a day from a nearby mosque. There’s something calming and soothing about this sound. Of course, you should try to expand this experience by visiting a mosque. Please don’t be stupid enough to mimic this sound of prayer, even if you’re in a hostel and are sitting with backpackers. 

Dress conservatively if you’re visiting a mosque. Cover your legs, arms, and shoulders – this is for both men and women. In most of the mosques, you will be able to pick up a scarf to cover your head on your way in. Photograph the architecture by all means, but look out for “photography allowed” signs before you do. Do not take the liberty of photographing the locals in prayer without their permission.

Just like many places of worship all over the world, you will need to remove your shoes at the entry point so wear something that can be easily removed. 

Quick Tips for Solo Women Travelers

Traveling to any new country as a solo woman traveler can be overwhelming but at the same time, liberating. Turkey is an amazing country and is an excellent destination for a solo woman traveler.

We have mentioned this before in this article, but it is time to reiterate – try to blend in. Dress like locals and don’t let your outfit or actions scream “tourist”. Be careful of your surroundings at all times and listen to your gut. If a place or a situation doesn’t feel safe for any reason, then get out. Make friends with other women travelers that you meet, share stories, and stay connected. 

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Tag  @drifterplanet  on Instagram and hashtag it  #drifterplanet . We will be happy to share your journey with our audience.

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Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

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Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by Drifter Planet

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Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now? Latest travel advice

Here’s what you need to know about visiting turkey, including the latest foreign office travel advice.

A mere few hours’ plane-ride away, Turkey has become increasingly popular for British tourists in the last few years. It has a capital that straddles two continents, gorgeous beaches lining its Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, and, perhaps most attractive of all, a great exchange rate in the pound’s favour.

However, given the current conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the possibility of a regional conflict, those travelling to Turkey may have concerns about safety. Most of the country is considered safe to travel to by the UK Foreign Office, but it warns that demonstrations are taking place in Ankara and Istanbul, and that these could become violent. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a visit.

Main photo: Istiklal Avenue in Taksim, Istanbul (Getty Images)

Has Turkey been affected by the Hamas-Israel conflict?

So far there have been no signs of Turkey being directly impacted by the conflict, although there have been protests outside diplomatic missions in Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities, according to the Foreign Office. You should avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops.

The country’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said at a congress of his AK Party that “we call for restraint from all parties” adding that both sides “must refrain from aggressive acts”. He has also said Turkey will do whatever it can to ease tensions and stop the violence.

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Is it safe to travel to turkey.

It depends on where you’re travelling to but most regions in Turkey are safe and tourist-friendly. However, the Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria, and all but essential travel to the Sirnak and Hakkari provinces.

The Foreign Office also considers the threat of terrorism to be very high in the country (more below), and political protests and demonstrations have become violent. So, as with any destination, it pays to stay vigilant and follow the latest travel advice from the Foreign Office, as well as those issued by authorities on the ground.

• Best all-inclusive hotels in Turkey • Best hotels in Turkey • 14 of the best hotels in Fethiye

Is it safe to travel to Istanbul?

Yes, there’s no reason not to travel to Istanbul right now. However, you should stay vigilant and pay attention to local government advice.

The Foreign Office says that most terrorist attacks in Turkey have taken place in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. Separately, the country is also affected by political demonstrations in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

• Best hotels in Istanbul • Best things to do in Istanbul

Is it safe to travel to Antalya?

Yes, Ankara remains safe to visit. The Israel-Hamas conflict has not impacted the city, aside from the aforementioned demonstrations.

• Best all-inclusive hotels in Antalya • Best hotels in Antalya

What is the Foreign Office travel advice?

The Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to areas within 10km of the border with Syria as well as all but essential travel to Sirnak and the province of Hakkari. In the rest of the country, it’s a case of staying vigilant.

The Israel-Hamas war has led to heightened tensions in the region and demonstrations are ongoing in cities across Turkey. The Foreign Office states that demonstrations have been reported outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul, and that visitors should avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may also be disrupted.

Across Turkey more generally, crime rates are low but robberies and thefts are common, particularly pickpocketing. There have also been reports of passports being stolen from rented villas, including from safes, in Didim, Kas, Kalkan and the Fethiye/Hisaronu/Ovacik areas.

Travellers are also advised to avoid any offers of food and drink, which may be spiked, and to be wary if someone offers to take you to a club or restaurant or to help you change currency. Sexual assaults and rapes have also been reported, and have mostly taken place during the busy summer period in coastal regions. In many cases, they involved someone the victim had met earlier on the day of the attack.

Most terrorist attacks in the country to date have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul, and the Foreign Office states that it’s possible that terrorists may target places visited by foreigners such as public buildings, places of worship and major events.

What are Turkey’s entry requirements?

British citizens are able to travel to Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days out of any 180-day period. If you’re planning to be in the country for longer, you’ll need either a visa or residence permit.

Turkey requires you to have at least 150 days left on the validity of your passport from the day you arrive in the country. You’ll also need a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps.

Here’s what you need to know about the travel advice for neighbouring countries

• Is it safe to travel to Jordan right now? • Is it safe to travel to Dubai right now? • Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? • Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now? • Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now?

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Is it safe to travel to Türkiye right now? Latest travel advice

Here is everything we know about travelling to Türkiye amidst the conflict in Israel

Türkiye’s abundance of cultural heritage, fascinating historical sites, great architecture, food and people have made it a go-to holiday destination for decades. Istanbul is an incredibly vibrant city, which straddles two continents, but the country is also known for its beautiful landscape and coastlines. 

However, its proximity to the continuing conflict in Israel , which erupted on Saturday October 7, is causing concern about how safe it is to travel to this region of the world. Here is everything we know about travelling to Türkiye amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. 

Is it safe to travel to Türkiye at the moment? 

Türkiye  has not been impacted by the conflict in Israel.  It depends on where in the country you’re travelling, but the majority of destinations in Türkiye are safe and tourist-friendly. Certain areas have experienced wildfires over the summer, and the UK Foreign Office estimates that the terrorist threat is ‘very high’. However, travelling to Türkiye is not advised against. 

How about Antalya? 

A city with gorgeous beaches which is full of ancient Greek and Roman remnants, Antalya is one of Türkiye’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.  

The province experienced wildfires earlier this year, which began in the forests of Kemer. However, the region has been considered a safe place to travel since the fires were brought under control. 

Is it safe to travel to Istanbul?

There is currently no official advice stating that it is unsafe to travel to Istanbul.

What is the UK Foreign Office saying? 

The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to anywhere within 10km of the border with Syria. It also advises against all but essential travel with Sirnak (city) and Hakkari (province). 

Travellers are free to visit the rest of Türkiye, but the advice is to remain vigilant. Political protests can break out unexpectedly and the country is considered to have a ‘very high’ threat of terrorist attacks. The webpage also states that Türkiye is prone to experiencing wildfires during the summer, and recommends taking care when driving through woodland areas. 

What about the Turkey Travel Advisory? 

The advice from the Turkey Travel Advisory is similar to that of the UK Foreign Office. It marks Sirnak, Hakkari and anywhere within 10 km of the Syrian Border as a level four, which means ‘do not travel’. 

Advice about the rest of Türkiye encourages travellers to stay alert, avoid demonstrations and crowds, and to monitor local media for up-to-date information. You can read more about the Turkey Travel Advisory’s recommendations on their webpage. 

How far is Türkiye from Israel? 

Türkiye is 879 km from Israel, or about an hour and a half flight. Türkiye is north of Israel, and the two countries do not share a border. 

Is travel to other countries near Israel safe?

The Foreign Office does not currently advise against travelling to countries bordering Israel, but advice may change quickly as the violence escalates. 

Read more about the latest  travel advice for Israel and Egypt  and Jordan . 

For more information on how to help those affected by the conflict, you can read our guide on where to donate here . 

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• Liv Kelly Contributing Writer

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Turkey Travel Advice: Your Ultimate Guide for a Memorable Journey

Traveling to turkey: unforgettable experiences and essential tips.

Turkey is a nation of irresistible charm, set at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with a rich history that spans several millennia. Known for its flavorful cuisine, vibrant bazaars, stunning beaches, and ancient landmarks, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences waiting for you in Turkey. However, as with any overseas travel, it’s important to do some research and be prepared. This blog post will offer essential advice and top tips for your Turkish adventure.

1. Plan your Itinerary

When planning your trip, remember that Turkey is a large and diverse country. Istanbul’s historic sites, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia , the white terraces of Pamukkale, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and the sunny Mediterranean beaches of Antalya all deserve a place in your itinerary. But depending on your available time, you may need to prioritize.

One Nation Travel provides affordable Turkey tour packages to Turkey’s popular tourist destinations such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Antalya, Ephesus, Pergamon, Nemrut, Gallipoli, and Troy, among others.

2. Learn Basic Turkish Phrases

English is not widely spoken outside major cities and tourist areas, so learning a few key Turkish phrases can go a long way. Basic phrases like “Merhaba” (Hello), “Teşekkür ederim” (Thank you), and “Ne kadar?” (How much?) will make your interactions smoother and more enjoyable.

3. Understand Turkish Customs and Etiquettes

Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, so respecting local customs is essential. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. During Ramadan, be respectful of those who are fasting. Always remember to remove your shoes when entering a mosque.

4. Try Turkish Cuisine

Turkish cuisine is diverse and delicious, known for dishes like kebabs, baklava, Turkish tea, and more. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local street food and traditional dishes. A culinary highlight is the traditional Turkish breakfast, which is a feast for the senses.

5. Use Public Transportation

Public transportation in Turkey is reliable and affordable. In cities like Istanbul , trams, buses, and the metro can get you almost anywhere you need to go. For intercity travel, consider domestic flights, trains, or long-distance buses.

6. Stay Safe

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Turkey is generally safe for tourists , but it’s always important to stay aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas and don’t accept offers from strangers. Always check for the most recent travel advisories before your trip.

7. Experience Turkish Hospitality

Turkish people are renowned for their hospitality. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited for a cup of tea or a meal. It’s a great way to get to know the local culture.

8. Travel Insurance

It’s always recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Make sure to check your policy before you leave.

9. Respect Bargaining Traditions

Bargaining is part of the culture in Turkish bazaars and markets. Don’t be afraid to haggle, but do it respectfully and with a smile.

10. Carry Cash

While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Turkey, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small purchases in markets or remote areas.

Traveling to Turkey can be an amazing experience, filled with breathtaking landscapes, historical landmarks, delicious food, and warm hospitality. By preparing well and respecting the local culture, you can make the most of your Turkish adventure. Enjoy your travels!

11. Explore Turkey’s Ancient History

Turkey is a country rich in history with countless archaeological sites. From the ancient city of Troy to the rock sites of Cappadocia, history buffs will have a plethora of options. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. The ruins of Ephesus are also a must-see.

12. Stay Connected

In today’s digital age, staying connected while traveling is a must. Turkey has good internet coverage, and Wi-Fi is typically available in hotels and cafes. However, consider getting a local SIM card if you need a more reliable connection.

13. Be Prepared for Turkish Toilets

While Western-style toilets are common in most hotels, restaurants, and airports, you may encounter traditional squat toilets, especially when you travel off the beaten track. Always carry some toilet paper or wet wipes, as they are not always supplied in public restrooms.

14. Enjoy the Natural Beauty

Turkey’s natural landscapes are breathtakingly diverse. You can hike the trails of Mount Ararat, soak in Pamukkale’s thermal waters, explore Cappadocia by hot air balloon, or relax on the beautiful beaches of the Turkish Riviera.

15. Visit a Turkish Bath

A trip to a Turkish bath or “Hamam” is a unique cultural experience. Enjoy a relaxing steam bath followed by a vigorous scrub to cleanse your skin and soothe your muscles.

16. Respect the Environment

Remember to respect the local environment. Don’t litter, and follow all rules and regulations, especially when visiting natural and historical sites. Try to leave as small a footprint as possible and contribute positively to the local economy.

17. Attend Local Festivals

Check out local festivals and events during your visit. These events are a great way to understand Turkish culture and traditions. For example, the Istanbul International Music Festival or the Camel Wrestling Festival in Aegean towns.

18. Try Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is renowned worldwide, and you cannot miss tasting it. Served in small cups, it’s strong and flavorful. Remember, the thick layer of coffee grounds at the bottom of the cup is not meant to be drunk!

19. Have a Contingency Plan

Always have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. Keep emergency numbers handy and make a note of your country’s embassy or consulate in Turkey.

20. Enjoy Every Moment

Lastly, remember to enjoy every moment of your trip. Whether it’s a breathtaking sunset in Cappadocia, a bustling bazaar in Istanbul, or the tranquil beauty of a Mediterranean beach, every moment in Turkey is an opportunity to create a beautiful memory.

Turkey is truly a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Armed with these tips and advice, your trip is sure to be unforgettable. Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to cover my head in Turkey?

No, it’s not mandatory for women to cover their heads in Turkey, unless visiting religious sites like mosques.

• Can I drink tap water in Turkey?

It’s generally recommended to drink bottled water in Turkey, especially for travelers unaccustomed to the local water.

• What’s the currency in Turkey?

The Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey.

• Is English widely spoken in Turkey?

English is widely spoken in major cities and tourist hotspots, but less so in rural areas.

• Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now?

While Turkey is generally safe for tourists, it’s always best to check with your local embassy and the latest travel advisories.

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Turkey Travel Tips: 21 Things to Know Before you Go

Turkey which officially changed its name to Türkiye (pronounced Tur -kee-aa) is a dream destination.  Whether you’re on the hunt for an exotic adventure or a history buff searching for ancient ruins and remains of the Ottoman Empire, there is something for everyone in this fascinating country.  With that being said, there are a few Turkey travel tips to know before you start packing your bags.

In this article, I’ll go over 21 things to know before going to Turkey that will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.  Plus at the end of the post, I’ll link any useful guides that will aid you in planning the best trip possible.

For the purpose of this article I will continue to call Türkiye, Turkey as that’s how most still refer to the country as and how this post will get found on google.

For full transparency,  I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post which gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. If you find this post useful, you can also treat Jess to a cup coffee by clicking the icon on the bottom of the page. This will allow me to continue to create more content for you to enjoy ☕️. 

Table of Contents

Turkey Travel Tips Quick List

• Credit Cards are widely accepted.
• ATM’s
• The okay sign 👌 is offensive and means f* you.
• People greet each other with kissing twice on the cheek.
• Tea is a sign of hospitality.
• Remove your shoes before entering a home.
• Pack a Universal Adapter
• You will probably need a Visa  before you can enter the country.
• Turkey does not have lay down seats for overnight buses which make for a miserable trip.
• Flights within Turkey  are affordable and efficient.
• Book tickets for riding a hot air balloon in Cappadocia in advance.
• It cost to use the public restrooms.
• Renting a car is cheap and roads are well maintained and easy to drive on.
• Cappadocia is best explored with your own set of wheels.
• The food is delicious!
• Women must wear hijab’s on their heads when entering mosques.
• Budget – it’s extremely reasonable and cheap to travel Turkey.
• Purchase Travel insurance  before you go
• Professional taxis always have meters running in the rear view mirror.
• Uber is available in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir only.
• There’s more to turkey than Istanbul and Cappadocia.

Useful Apps for Turkey

I’d like to mention that the Turkish language is difficult to understand as a foreigner.  Not many people speak English so you’ll be relying on google translate a lot.  A few Turkish phrases go a long way.  These apps below will help you a lot as you travel through Turkey.

Google Translate: Translate English to Turkish. BiTaksi: The Uber  of  Turkey. City Mapper Istanbul:  An app to help you navigate public transportation in Istanbul. Whatsapp:  Talk/text to friends and family anytime you are connected to the internet for free. Metro Turizm: Bus company in Turkey that offers a handy app that translates into English and displays all routes, time schedules and allows you to buy tickets online. Yemeksepeti:  Food delivery app similar to Uber eats. Trail Wallet: Easy to keep track on your expenses if you are traveling Turkey on a budget.

Turkey Travel Tips

1. Credit Cards

Starting off with our first Turkey travel tip is that credit cards are widely accepted .  Turkey has become increasingly accepting of credit cards in the recent years.  Major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB and Diners Club are widely accepted at most stores, restaurants and hotels throughout the country.

In the bigger cities of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir we paid most things with credit cards and had no problems.  It is important to note that credit card companies also charge a foreign transaction fee when you use a credit card, which differs by company.

For the smaller towns however, we had a mix of paying with credit cards and cash.  Therefore it is important to carry some cash with you when traveling around Turkey.

For example we rented a car in Cappadocia and they only accepted cash for payment.  I’m not complaining though, that was a sweet deal and I was stoked to have to only pay cash.  There are plenty of ATM’s around which I will talk about in the next point.  All in all, the increased acceptance of credit cards in Turkey makes it easier and more convenient for travelers to make purchases while traveling the country.

2. ATM’s

ATM’s are always clustered together inside towns and cities.  In the United States, you can find an ATM everywhere…on the street, inside a gas station, etc.  In Turkey all the ATM’s can be found in the same place.  In larger cities there will be multiple clusters but this makes it easy to find an ATM.

ATM’s in Turkey can be accessed by most debit or credit cards.  Withdrawal limits are typically between 500 and 1000 Turkish Lira per day.  Again, this may vary depending on your issuing bank.

3. The okay sign 👌 is Offensive 

This Turkey travel tip is a pretty important one because if you didn’t realize, it might get your into some trouble.  The okay sign 👌, which has been universally accepted as a symbol of approval, is considered a sign on offense in Turkey and other countries in the region for that matter.

The sign in Turkey is now interpreted as a crude way of saying F*ck you.  This is because in Turkey the sign resembles an insult which is directed at the forehead,  As a result, it is important to be aware of this cultural difference of traveling to Turkey and to be careful and avoid using the sign in order to bypass any misunderstandings.

4. People Greet Each Other with Kissing Twice on the Cheek

In Turkey, kissing twice on the cheek is a traditional way of greeting someone.  This is especially popular among family and friends, as it is viewed as a sign of respect, warmth and affection.  The kiss is not meant to be a romantic one, but rather it is a sign of respect and friendship.

5. Tea is a Sign of Hospitality

Tea is a sign of hospitality in Turkey.  It is an essential part of the culture and is seen as an offering of friendship and respect.  To show hospitality in Turkey, it is customary to offer tea as soon as a person enters the home or office.  It is seen as a gesture of welcome and is often accompanied by other treats such as Turkish Delight or fresh fruit.

Tea itself is usually served in small, tulip-shaped glasses known as fincan and is brewed from loose black tea leaves.  It is sweetened with sugar cubes or a combination of sugar and honey.

We were offered tea many times upon entering hotels and stores.  In fact when we landed in Turkey, our first store we entered in Ankara when we were searching for a a hijab for me to wear (more on hijabs later in the post), the father of the family who ran the store offered us tea.  It was a great introduction to the Turkish culture and started our Turkey travels off on a high note.

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6. remove your shoes before entering a home.

In Turkey, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a home.  This is to ensure that dirt and debris is not tracked into the home.  This practice has been a part of the culture for centuries and is still widely practiced today.  This is also a common practice in Hawaii where I live when I’m not traveling the world.

7. Pack a Universal Adaptor

Okay so this Turkey travel tip only applies to us Americans (and various other countries) out there.  As a traveler not from Europe visiting Turkey, packing a Universal Adapter is an important part of your travel prep.

You will need to ensure that you have the  right adaptors to charge your electronic devices in the country.  Turkey uses European-style two-pin plugs, with the electricity supply coming in at 220 volts.  This is different from the 110 volts you normally use in the United States.

A universal adapter will enable you to use your devices in Turkey without having to purchase a less than par one outside of the country.  This is one of the best travel accessories for any jet setter as you never know when it will come in handy.

📚 You May Also Enjoy:   30 Useful & Unique Travel Accessories  Best Travel Gadgets for Backpackers Best Gifts for Travel Lovers

8. Turkey Travel Visa

Top Turkey travel tips alert!  If you are from the United States, will need to obtain a visa before arriving in the country.  Most other nationalities can get a visa on arrival.  

Visas can be obtained online, through the Turkish embassy or consulate.  Online visas are the quickest and most-effective way to obtain a visa.   Visas obtained online are only valid for stays of up to 90 days.

I booked our trip to Turkey very last minute…like I was booking our flight to Turkey from London as I was sitting in the airport in Dallas waiting for my flight to Heathrow last minute.

Thus when Joe and I had an 8 hour layover in London before boarding our flight to Ankara, I was applying for our Turkish e-visa.  I honestly didn’t think we were going to get the visas on time without having to pay a fortune.  I applied for our visas, took a 2 hour lounge nap and woke up to a glorious email saying we were approved.  Whew…Don’t stress out like me and apply for an e-visa at the last minute.

Get your Turkey e-visa →

9. Turkey DOES NOT have Lay Down Seats for Overnight Buses

Okay so I had to learn this Turkey travel tip the hard way.  Turkey does not have lay down seats if you book an overnight bus!  Woof.  Traveling by bus overnight in Turkey can be a great way to save money.

However, travelers should be aware that if they book a bus, they will not have the opportunity to recline the seat very far and lay down to rest.  Turkey does not have lay down seats, instead, you will have to make do with regular bus seats that recline only a few inches.

This can make for a long, uncomfortable journey.  If you watch the video posted above, you’ll be able to see the pain and agony during our first and ONLY overnight bus trip from Cappadocia to Pamukkale.  

Turkey has a train system and flights within the country are extremely affordable so if I were you, I’d look into other modes of transportation before committing to an overnight bus journey.  This brings us to our next Turkey travel advice.

🎥 Watch our Turkey Series on YouTube

10. Flights within Turkey are Cheap and Efficient

With its vast network of airports, domestic flights within Turkey are an efficient and affordable way to get around.  The airfare is generally quite low and the flight duration is usually short.

Booking a ticket from let’s say Izmir to Istanbul is the best bang for your buck if you take into consideration time, money and comfotablitiy. Travelers can fly from Istanbul to popular cities like Izmir, Ankara and Antalya in under two hours.

The airports in Turkey are also well-equipped with modern amenities and services.  I’m looking at you #LoungLife travelers.  With low fares, and convenient flight times, domestic flights within Turkey are an excellent way to explore the country.

✈️ Travel Tip:   If you have long layovers and fly often, investing in a Priority Pass will be a life savor.   With the Priority Pass you have access to over 1300 airport experiences worldwide. 

The lounges are quiet, connected spaces to relax or work in, with pre-flight bites, drinks and other added perks that help keep you refreshed and revived.

11. Book Tickets for your Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia in Advance

Chances are if you are traveling to Turkey, you probably are planning a visit to the magical region of Cappadocia.  If this applies to you, do yourself a favor and book tickets for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia in advance.  This is a great way to ensure that you don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this bucket list experience.

Cappadocia is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning rocky landscape, fairy chimneys and underground cities.  A hot air balloon ride is the perfect way to take it all in.  Booking tickets in advance also will aid you in finding the best deals.  I wrote an entire post about everything you need to know about riding a hot air balloon in Cappadocia including tips which you can check out below.

🪂 Read Next:   5 things to know before you book a Cappadocia Balloon Tour

12. You Have to Pay to Use Public Restrooms

Public bathrooms in Turkey can be found in most public places, such as train stations, shopping centers and parks.  However, there is usually a fee to use them.

The fee is usually a few Turkish Liras, which is equivalent to a few cents in US dollars.  Although it may seem like a nuisance, the fee is necessary to ensure that the public bathrooms are kept clean and in good condition.  A small price to pay for a much needed service.

13. Renting a Car in Turkey

Renting a car in Turkey offers a great way to explore the country’s many unique, beautiful and remote locations.  The cost of renting a car in Turkey is quite reasonable and you can find great deals on cars from reputable rental companies.  If you are in a small town, you can just ask your reception and things will probably work out for you.

Roads in Turkey are generally well maintained and easy to drive on, making it a great option for those looking for an easy and safe way to explore the country.  The main roads are paved and maintained by the government, while smaller roads may be dirt or gravel but are still usually in good condition.

In Turkey, you drive on the right side of the road as you would in the United States, but crossing intersections on highways felt a bit confusing.  If you are trying to cross the highway, you could accidentally get in the wrong lane of incoming traffic but I’m sure you’ll figure it out.

Rent Your Car Now →

14. Cappadocia is Best Explored with your Own Set of Wheels

Just to piggyback off of the above Turkey travel advice, let me tell you that Cappadocia is best explored with your own set of wheels.  The unique rock formations and other attractions in Cappadocia are spread out over a vast area and unless you visit them on a scheduled tour, public transportation doesn’t work in this part of the country.

Rent a car and explore the countryside of Cappadocia.  There are many hidden gems to discover while driving which you otherwise would not experience on a tour.  With your own set of wheels, you will be able to explore Cappadocia to your heart’s content.

🪂 Cappadocia Travel Guides:   Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia  Where to Stay in Cappadocia  Best Things to do in Cappadocia 

15. The food is delicious!

Let’s talk about the food.  Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it is also incredibly diverse.  From succulent kebabs to flavorful mezzos, Turkish cuisine is sure to please any palate.

The flavors of the region are a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, with a hint of European influence.  The most popular dishes include manti (Turkish ravioli) and kofte (meatballs) as well as many different types of flatbreads.

Let us not forget about the vegetarian options of imam bayidi (stuffed eggplant) and ezme (spicy tomato salad).  Alas, the desserts, such as baklava and kunefe.  Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the awesome food!

16. Women’s (and Mens) Wardrobe When Entering Mosques

Women must wear hijab’s on their heads before entering mosques as to demonstrate their respect for the sanctity of the mosque.  Hijab is an Arabic term for a head covering and is a form of modest dress.

As part of the dress code, women must also keep their arms and legs covered.  The purpose of this dress code is to maintain a spiritual and respectful environment within the mosque.

If you are not dressed appropriately before entering the mosque a hijab and wrap skirt will be provided for you.  At some mosques, these items cost money, at others, they are free to use.

Men should also dress modestly when entering mosques and other religious sites, regardless of religion, this is part of the Turkish culture.

17. Turkey Travel Tips Budget

One of the best Turkey travel tips to know before you visit is to have an idea of what you’ll be spending.  Turkey is a great destination for budget travelers.  It offers many attractions and experiences at an extremely reasonable price.  For instance, when I was exploring Istanbul all of its major tourist attractions were free.  This included the Spice Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and the Grand Bazaar, just to name a few.

Food is also extremely affordable.  Turkish tea will cost about .50 cents and a basic meal at a cafe will cost you less than $5.  Plus if you book a hotel with free breakfast, you’re in for a treat because Turkish breakfast is the best.

Transportation as I mentioned earlier is also extremely affordable.  This includes renting a car, bus tickets, plane fares and taxi rides.  Accommodations will be your biggest expense.  Budget hotels will run you around $30-50 a night.  You can also splurge on hight end resorts for a fraction of the price compared to Western Europe or the United States.

18. Travel Insurance

I know you probably hear travel bloggers preaching about getting travel insurance before you go travel, but there’s a reason.   Travel insurance is an important part of planning any trip!

It is an essential way to protect your finances and provide peace of mind while you are away from home.  Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage and even airfare to get you back home in case of an emergency.

I had a friend who unfortunately broke her back snowboarding in Australia.  Fortunately for travel insurance, she was able to have her medical bills taken care of and flown back home to the United States with only having to pay the deductible out of pocket.  I use SafetyWing.  It includes medical and trip coverage even for my brief visits back home to Hawaii for up to 30 days.

It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind when traveling in foreign territory.  Check them out and see if there’s a plan for you.

Buy Travel Insurance →

It’s nice to know before you jump in a cab that, professional taxis will always have meters running in the rear view mirror.  This is a great safety measure for both the driver and the customer, ensuring that the fare is fair and that you as the passenger is not overcharged for their journey.

Customers know exactly how much they will be charged and peace of mind knowing that the driver is not trying to take advantage of you by inflating the fare.  A smoother journey for everyone involved.

Now let’s talk about Uber.  Uber is available in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir only.  I tired using Uber in Izmir and Ankara and had no luck.  I was able to use it in Istanbul and it was actually yellow taxi.  Meaning I used that app and got a ride but it was a yellow taxi that showed up.

Uber wasn’t very convenient as I traveled Turkey but they have BiTaksi  which is the local  Uber  of  Turkey.  Other than that I’d opt for public transportation in the bigger cities such as Istanbul and Ankara (both convenient, easy and affordable) and having your own car for the smaller towns.  Also taxis as I mentioned earlier are safe and reliable.

21. There’s more to Turkey than Istanbul and Cappadocia

Alas, we’ve come to the end of our Turkey travel tips.  Turkey is often known for its vibrant cities, such as Istanbul and stunning landscapes of Cappadocia.  However, these two destinations are only a small part of Turkey’s beauty.

Don’t get me wrong, Istanbul and Cappadocia are amazing destinations and were the highlights of my month long travels through Turkey.  I’m just saying, there is so much more to explore in Turkey.  From ancient ruins and beaches to picturesque villages and natural wanders, the country’s landscape is truly diverse.  Do yourself a favor and explore as much of the country as you can.

Here are a few other highlights to visit in Turkey:

• The Ancient City of Ephesus.
• Coastal city of Antalya for its stunning beaches.
• The Travertines of Pamukkale
• Pergamon Acropolis
• Monastery of Sumela – a monastery built into a side of a cliff.
• Lake Van – Turkey’s largest lake.

☕️ Read More: 16 Epic Places to Visit in Türkiye

In conclusion, those are the best Turkey travel tips to prepare you for a trip of a lifetime.  Check out the guides below for more inspiration and trip planning for your trip to Turkey.

📍Plan your Trip The Ultimate Guide to Turkey 16 Epic Places to Visit in Turkey 21 Tips to Know Before you Travel to Turkey 🗺 How long to travel Turkey?   2 Weeks to hit the highlights, 4 Weeks to really immerce yourself. 🛂 Visas: Get your E-Visa ☔️ Best Time to Visit:  April, May, September and October are the best months to travel Turkey. 💰 Average Daily Budget:  Expect to pay 30-50 USD’s a day for basic accommodations, sit down meals at a cafe and entrance fees. ⛺️ Turkey accommodation Guides Where to Stay in Ankara Where to Stay in Cappadocia 17 Cave Hotels in Cappadocia Where to Stay in Izmir 🪂 Highlights Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia Exploring Ephesus Uchisar Castle Discovering Istanbul Pamukkale Cotton Castle Pergamon Ruins Magical Cappadocia  The Coastal City of Izmir Wander the Capital of Ankara Antalya 🧳 What to Pack : What to Pack for Türkiye 🎥 Watch our Turkey Series on YouTube 📧 Get on my Email list to see what I’m up to and all the best travel content!

 More Turkey Travel Guides ↓

Best Things to do in Pamukkale & Hierapolis

Beypazari – Ankara’s Best Day Trip

Goreme Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia

Urla – A Charming Seaside Town

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hi. mosques are mosques – not temples. the words are not interchangeable, which may have been what you were trying to do with one of your subject headlines. think of it this way – if you are describing buddhist temples in Thailand… the headline wouldn’t be “women’ wardrobe for entering mosques.”

also – guys – you should dress modestly when entering mosques and other religious sites, regardless of religion. that is part of turkish culture.

Thanks for your comment. I’ve corrected my article. I appreciate you taking the time to teach instead of spew hate.

Your article provided a lot of food for thought. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

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A Complete Turkey Travel Guide: 20 Things to Know Before You Go to Turkiye

Turkey, now known as Turkiye, is a superb country for your next trip. It is modern and diverse! It is especially known for its beautiful beaches, mind-blowing history, stunning architecture (Greco-Roman and Ottoman), incredible landscapes, pretty towns, and hospitable people. This Turkey travel guide will take you through everything you need to know before your visit so you can plan your Turkiye trip better!

1. Know the country

OFFICIAL NAME : Republic of Turkiye CAPITAL : Ankara (no, it is not Istanbul) LOCATION: It is a transcontinental country located mainly in Asia and partly in Europe OFFICIAL LANGUAGE : Turkish – script is in the Latin alphabet like English. RELIGION : Turkey is a secular state with no official religion. However, the majority practise Islam.

2. The Best months to Visit Turkey

December – March: During this time, it is quite cold in the country with the exception of southeast Turkey (Antalya and surrounds). Most hotels and restaurants in a lot of beach towns will be closed. Snow is not uncommon, especially in Cappadocia and Konya. While snow creates a fantastic landscape in Cappadocia, hot air balloon flights are cancelled more often. That said, there will be less crowd at tourist sites making it a fantastic time to visit places like Istanbul – as long as you can deal with a bit of rain and snow. Your Turkey trip will be the cheapest during this time!

June-August: The summer months are very hot with temperatures going above 30°C. This is perfect for lounging by the sea or a pool but sightseeing can be unbearable. We went in August and experienced this firsthand -must’ve had a million lemonades to stay cool. Even though it’s so hot, there are a lot of visitors because Europeans come in droves during the summer months. Hence, this season is categorized as peak season and prices soar! If you do visit during this time, try and stay indoors during the afternoon.

March to May and September-Novembe r: Though this entire period is generally pleasant, I’d say April and late October are the best times to visit because it’s the perfect balance between weather and crowd.

3. How many days are enough for a Turkiye trip

You should go on at least a 10-day trip to Turkey – the more the better because there is so much to see. A lot of people visit for 2-3 weeks and still don’t get bored. But since that is not possible for most, 7 days is the minimum we would suggest.

4. PLACES TO VISIT IN TURKEY

Turkey has a lot of fantastic destinations, however, we will just cover a few of the most popular places to visit here.

1. I stanbul – city life, history, culture, shopping, food

Istanbul is a bustling city lying on two continents ( Asia and Europe) where the old and new exist beautifully side by side. Since, Istanbul is such a historic city that was the capital of two dynasties – the Eastern Roman Empire and the Ottoman – there are a lot of things to see and do like mosques, palaces, museums, cruises, Hamam Spa, nightlife, and shopping. You could easily spend a week or more here but we’d recommend a minimum of 2-3 days . Closest Airports: Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Asian Side) and Istanbul International Airport (European side) Hotel Options: Mest Hotel Istanbul (great view), Romance Hotel (well-rated mid-range hotel), Hostel Le Banc (hostel in Beyoglu)

2. Cappadocia – landscapes, cave stay, hot air balloons

Cappadocia is home to a surreal landscape made of volcanic stone and cave hotels. However, hot air balloon rides are the most popular thing to do. You’ll need at least 2-3 mornings in Cappadocia if you wish to ride on a hot air balloon. For more info, read the complete list of tips for a dreamy hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia .

Closest Airpots: Kayseri Airport and Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport

Hotel Options: Arinna Cappadocia (luxury), Local Cave Hotel   (mid-range), The Dorm Cave By Travellers (hostel)

3. P amukkale- white terraced travertines

Pammukale is a small town mainly known and visited for its white terraced travertine spa located beside the ancient city of Hierapolis. This city has a museum and a beautiful Roman theatre – not to be missed.

Closest Aiport: Dalaman Airport and İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport

Hotel Options: Hotel Sahin  (superb view), Venus Hotel  (mid-range), Melrose Viewpoint Hotel (budget)

4. Selcuk (for Ephesus) – third largest Roman library

Ephesus is again an ancient Greco-Roman city. It has one of the finest examples of a Roman Library which was the third largest in the world in its day. Nearby, is also the site of one of the ancient wonders of the world – The Temple of Artemis .

These sites are all best visited by staying in the small town of Selcuk for one night.

Closest Airport : İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport

Hotel Options: Livia Hotel Ephesus (Adults Only)   (semi-luxury), Celsus Boutique Hote l (mid-range),   Hotel Urkmez (budget)

5. ALACATI – a cute beachside town with nightlife

Pronounced Aalaa-cha-tuh, the town was established by Greek workers and hence has all the Greek vibes with a Turkish Charm – think Greek stone houses, traditional and modern windmills, cobbled streets flanked by pink bougainvillaea. The town comes to life at night with its many superb bars and restaurants.

Closest Airport: İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport

Hotel Options: Biblos Resort Alaçatı (luxury),   Sakin Ev   (mid-range), Rebetiko Hotel   (budget)

6. ANTALYA – beaches and history

Antalya is the largest city in southern Turkey and is known for its turquoise coast, ancient ruins and a waterfall by the sea. It is a hotspot for tourists – probably the most visited place after Istanbul and Cappadocia.

Closest Airport: Antalya Airport

Hotel Options: Casa Sur Antalya , Perge Hotels , White Garden Hotel

7. FETHIYE & OLUDENIZ: beaches and paragliding

Located about 4 hours south of Izmir and 3 hours west of Antalya, Fethiye is on the Turkish coast. Fethiye is surrounded by heritage sites, pristine beaches with azure waters and towering green hills. It’s also the start of the Lycian way- a 540 km hiking trail (you obviously don’t need to do the whole thing). Not only that, Oludeniz is considered to be one of the best places to paraglide in the world – the views are epic!

Closest Airport: Dalaman Airport

Hotel Options: Yacht Boheme Hotel , Sovalye Hotel , Heaven Bungalow Fethiye

If you have a car or are looking for a staycation then these hotels in Faralya (near Fethiye) are superb: Perdue Hotel and Nautical Hotel

8. KAS- cute town, beaches, history

Kas is a charming seaside town between Antalya and Fethiye. It is a lot like Alacati, but with a lot more things to do. This was the town we really wanted to go to instead of Alacati but we need an extra day to make that possible without rushing it. Read more about Kas here.

Closest Airport: Antalya Airport and Dalaman Airport

Hotel Options: Hotel and Villa Kale Suites , Golden Rose Otelcilik , Payam Hotel

5. Turkiye Trip Itinerary

This is the itinerary we followed based on the flights we were getting at the time:

Best of Turkey – 10 days: Istanbul (2.5 days), Cappadocia (3 days), Alacati (2 days), Pamukkale and surrounds (1.5 days), Selcuk/Ephesus (1 day)

Read our detailed 10-day Turkey Itinerary

Your itinerary would depend on your interests but here are a few options you can use as a started point:

Turkey 7 days itinerary: Istanbul (2 days), Cappadocia (2.5 days), Choose one amongst any other place – Antalya / Kas / Fethiye and Oludeniz / Pammukale and Ephesus / Alacati

Alternate 10 days itinerary for Turkiye: Istanbul (3 days), Cappadocia (2 days), Antalya/Kas/Fethiye (3 days), Pamukkale and Ephesus (1 day)

Turkey 14 days itinerary: Istanbul (3 days), Cappadocia (3 days), Road trip starting from Cappadocia visiting Antalya (2 days), Kas (2 days), Oludeniz & Fethiye (2 days) heading over to Pamukkale (1 day) and Ephesus (1 day). End your road trip in Izmir. We would have lovvveed to follow this itinerary!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Modi & Trisha – Travel Couple (@trywanderingmore)

6. Turkiye tourist Visa

Before you plan a Turkiye trip, make sure you know what type of visa you’ll need. There are two types of visas – a  sticker visa and an e-visa . The visa type you choose will depend on your purpose of visit, nationality and the documents you have. Check the general visa requirements of all countries here .

E-visa is a single-entry visa and is available for passport holders of 60 countries provided that you meet the required criteria which you can see once you start applying for the e-visa. You can apply for your e-visa any time before your travel because you get the e-visa in 10 minutes. We advice to apply at least a week prior in case of any unfortunate circumstances. The e-visa fee varies per your country and type of travel document.

For Indians

If you’re an Indian passport holder with a valid Schengen, USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit, then you can get an e-Visa which is valid for one month (in a 180-day period) via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that you meet these conditions:

• The passport covers the period of stay in Turkey
• You can prove that you hold a return ticket, hotel reservation and at least $50 per day of stay.
• You are travelling for the purposes of tourism.
• You have a valid Supporting Document (Valid visa OR valid residence permit from one of the Schengen Countries, USA, UK or Ireland). E-visas are not accepted as supporting documents.

We have a US tourist visa so we applied for the e-visa through this link . The whole process took 5 minutes and we got the e-visa immediately after paying 43 USD (exactly INR 3522 was charged).

Sticker Visa

If you are not eligible for an e-visa, you will have to go through the sticker visa process which takes more time and money . But the good part is that you can apply 6 months before your trip . It is suggested you apply as early as possible. The maximum stay duration through a sticker visa is up to 90 days in a 180-day period and is available for single, double, or multiple entries . 

A sticker visa, as the name suggests, is pasted on your passport. Therefore, you will be required to send your passport to the Turkish embassy. You need to get an appointment and visit the embassy to drop off and collect your passport. Please check this website to understand if you can fill out the pre-visa application directly or need to apply via an agency.

Indian passport holders cannot fill out the pre-visa application directly and have to go through an authorized agency which is Gateway Globe . You have to fill out the application and undertaking forms, collect the listed documents and photos, book an appointment directly from their website , pay the visa fee, submit the form, and collect the visa.

A single-entry visa fee is about INR 4500, and a multiple-entry visa fee is  INR 14,400 . In addition, a service charge of  INR 4,200  is payable over and above the visa fees.

If you have any queries, you can contact Gateway Global directly .

7. Is Turkey safe for travel?

All the places we have listed above are tourist hubs and safe to travel to. People are so nice and helpful and we never felt unsafe at any point in time. The country is also considered safe for solo travellers!

Border areas in general can be unsafe in many countries, but don’t worry you’ll probably not venture anywhere near it.

Other minor thefts and general security concerns are there in all countries. You can’t predict these things. Just stay vigilant no matter where you travel.

8. How to get around Turkey

Turkey is very well connected by flights, trains, busses and also has plenty rental car companies.

Flight: The easiest and most convenient way to get around is by flight. Nearly 50 cities in Turkey have active domestic or international airports but flights may not be direct for all routes and will go via Ankara or Istanbul. Domestic carriers include Pegasus and Turkish Airlines. Flights are relatively cheap, especially during the off-season. You can get them for as low as INR 2000! Search for international and domestic flights

Bus: Bus travel is one of the most popular ways to travel around Turkiye as it is cheap and you can get to just about any corner of the country. Every city has its own intercity bus terminal with numerous companies. That being said, bus journeys can be long and night buses are not known to be very comfortable. To book a bus, you can go to the bus terminal on the day you want to travel, buy a ticket, and board the next bus. Or else pre-book below! Search for busses

Train: Train travel is generally limited and slow in Turkey and not recommended though options are improving gradually. However, high-speed trains between Istanbul, Ankara, Konya and Eskisehir are great options! Search for trains

Car: Turkey is a superb country for a road trip outside of the main cities. There are plenty of car hire services, the roads are fantastic, people follow traffic rules generally, and the views are ones to behold. Plus, it gets super easy to skip the crowded tours and have the freedom to explore small towns the way you wish. The best part is that you can get a car on your home driving license if it is in English and there is a photo of you on it – no International Driving Permit is needed in such a case. Search for rental cars

9. How to get around the cities

Tram and Metro: Turkey’s larger cities like Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Bursa, Antalya, Konya, and Gaziantep– all have some kind of metro or tram system. We used the tram extensively in Istanbul – it was fast, easy to use, and helped avoid traffic.

Cab : You can hire a metered cab off the road or use Uber (available in Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara) or Bitaksi (available in İstanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Kocaeli, Bursa, Antalya, Muğla, Adana, Mersin, Samsun and Kayseri) in major cities. Download these apps beforehand.

Ferry: In general, ferries are limited in Turkey. There are many routes in and around Istanbul serving the Marmara region and some routes extend to Bursa, Izmir and Canakkale. 

Bus/Dolmus: Big cities are well connected by bus and smaller cities are generally well-served by dolmuş  (minibus), though lack of signage can make this a tricky way to get around.

While big cities have fantastic public transport, small towns do not. You can take the Dolmus and busses in most towns but they’ll be limited. Honestly, I’d say that the best way to get around small towns would be by a rental car.

10. Renting a Car in Turkey

It is fairly easy to rent a car in Turkey. Here are two options:

• Pre-book it online: Try Discover Cars an d Rental Cars . We used Avec to book our rental car in Izmir.
• Pre-book it through your hotel: We booked our hotels in Turkey via Booking.com which has the facility to chat with the hotel. So for Cappadocia, we just messaged our hotel about rental cars and they provided us with the best offer we were getting at the time.

Here are some things to know before renting a car in Turkiye.

• All foreign driving licenses are valid as long as they have a photo and are written in the Latin alphabet . You do not need an International Driving Permit in such a case.
• If your car pick up and drop locations are different , you will incur a surcharge . So consider this while making your itinerary.
• You will need a credit card to hire a car as there is usually a deposit amount put on hold on your card. Or it is directly deducted and later refunded.
• Unlike India, traffic is on the right side of the road and the steering is on the left of the car. This will take a day or two to get used to.

• You should be very confident about driving on slopes . The slopes in Cappadocia (Goreme mainly) had us going mental despite us being very comfortable driving on them.
• Car companies usually only let you hire a car if you’re at least 21 years old and have held your license for 1 year.
• If you’re between the ages of 21-25 you may have to incur a surcharge .
• Seat belts are mandatory and the use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited , with the exception of a hands-free system.
• You will always need to have your driver’s licence, registration documents and insurance documents . The latter two are usually in the glove box.
• Tolls in Turkey are quite a few – we didn’t pay any tolls. However, ask your car rental company about the HGS toll system tag beforehand as having this will automate the toll payment process much like FASTag in India. This could be prepaid or postpaid.
• 0.05% is the max alcohol limit permitted which only applies if you are driving alone. So do not drink and drive at all!

11. What Currency to carry

The currency is the Turkish Lira denoted as TL or TRY and the exchange rate is 1 TL = 4.39 INR. See the current exchange rate .

A lot of tours accept Euros as well, especially in Cappadocia. You can pay by card in most places but you will definitely also need cash as well for public transport, street vendors, etc. It is best to keep Euros or USD and get it changed in Istanbul for Turkish Liras.

A lot of hotels and shops provide a 9-10% discount if you pay in cash . This is because the establishment will not have to pay a credit card fee to the bank. So, if you’re carrying cash, please ask if they will give a discount on cash payment.

You will not get the Turkish Lira easily in India. So you have two options:

• Carry Euros and exchange this for Liras in Istanbul.
• Carry a forex card and withdraw money through ATMs in Turkey.

We carried the Go Niyo Global Card which is a multi-forex card. We just had to load it with Indian Rupees and could withdraw in the local currency in 150+ countries with zero forex markup so it was perfect for Turkey. We paid with the card wherever possible and at other times we withdrew the max limit of TL 2000. Note that each time you withdraw from the ATM, Go Niyo charges you INR 118. Despite that, we found this option to be very very convenient.

Tip: Withdraw money from Ziraat ATMs as they were the only ATMs that didn’t charge us an extra withdrawal fee!

12. Get a local Sim

The wifi in Turkey can be dodgy. It is best to get a local sim to make things more convenient for you. You can buy a sim in the cities or at the airport.

The following networks are available in Turkey:

Türk Telekom.

Do compare prices and see what suits you best. We got Turkcell because it has the best reputation for 4G coverage.

13. Turkey Travel Budget

The cost of a trip to Turkey as to any other country depends on a lot of factors including:

• Season of travel: Peak season is more expensive than low season.
• How early you booked the trip (especially for travel during season time): Earlier can be cheaper
• Your style of travel: Taking public transport and eating local food would save you a lot of cash
• The destinations you visit: Some destinations like Cappadocia and Alacati are expensive
• The activties you do: Activties like hot air balloon rides and guided tours can be very expensive.

Mid-Range travel: We are mid-range travellers who like the convenience and are willing to spend on it but would still like the trip to not be very expensive. Our trip to turkey cost us about INR 2.9 lakhs for two people because we booked very late, travelled during season time, and hired a car instead of taking buses. The exact breakup is given below. If we’d done the same trip in some other months instead of (June- August) we could have probably done it in INR 2-2.25 L for two people .

Budget Travel: If you travel in the shoulder/low season, stay in budget hotels and hostels, don’t do a hot air balloon ride and take public transport you could do this trip for INR 70,000-80,000 per person including flights.

Category-wise costs in high season for a 12-day trip (10 days + 2 days travel)

14. Tipping isn’t compulsory but always appreciated

Tips are generally low   in Turkey. While tipping isn’t 100% necessary, it is always appreciated for good service.

In most cases,  you cannot include the tip on a credit card charge so should be prepared to tip in  cash directly to the person who has served you.

Cabs: Round up the fare. No tip is needed. Porters in hotels: Tip 5-15 Liras per person. Restaurants: 5% of the bill in small establishments and 10-15% of the bill in big ones. Tour guides: 10 and 15 Turkish Lira if you feel it’s deserved. Hamam: A tip of 10-15% of the bill is usually expected!

14. Food to try in Turkey

Turkish food has evolved over the centuries but is yet largely influenced by Ottoman cuisine (Eastern European, Central Asian, Middle Eastern)

• Turkish Breakfast : These consist of several small dishes including olives, different types of cheese, fresh bread, butter, jams and spreads, and black tea. You will be so full!
• Toast with White Cheese : A simple yet delicious toast with thick white cheese! Must-have.
• Menemen: Turkish version of scrambled eggs with tomato and peppers.
• Turkish Coffee: If you like strong coffee, you’ll love Turkish Coffee.
• Fresh Orange Juice and Lemonade: I am not kidding when I say, that these were much tastier than I’ve ever had before. They were naturally sweeter and less acidic – unlike the ones we have in India.
• Cay: Turkish black tea served in a Tulip Glass. This is had not only for breakfast but also after every meal and in between meals. It is truly the national drink of Turkiye.

Lunch and Dinner

• Lentil Soup : A hearty thick soup made with red or orange lentils and spices.
• Pide : Pide is a boat-shaped Turkish Pizza made with a slightly thick dough and a wide range of fillings like meats, fresh vegetables, etc. Must-have!
• Mezze : The variety you get is insane and so delicious. Definitely try this in coastal areas.
• Gozleme : A Turkish paratha
• Manti : Turkish ravioli filled with ground meat or vegetables usually served with garlic yoghurt, spicy butter, and spicy tomato sauce.
• Borek : Borek is a flaky savoury pastry filled with things like potato, spinach, cheese, etc. We didn’t like it too much.
• Testi Kebab/ Pottery Kebab : Meat or vegetables cooked for hours in an earthen pot. Try this in Cappadocia!
• Lahmacun:  Crispy flatbread spread with seasoned minced meat. We could not find a veg version of this.
• Doner:  Pita bread spread with shaved meat cooked on a rotating spit, vegetables, and spices, folded like a sandwich.
• Sis Kebab : Skewered pieces of meat cooked on hot charcoal. 

• Helve: Turkish Halwa. It is drier compared to what we make in India but equally tasty.
• Baklava : A rich syrupy pastry dessert traditionally filled with chopped nuts. Have this with fresh cream!
• Kunefe: Shredded pastry soaked in traditional syrup and layered with special cheese, nuts, or clotted cream.

If you’re a foodie and would like to learn about Turkish Cuisine from a local – go for this food tour .

If you’re a foodie who also loves to cook – go for this cooking class.

16. language barrier: most people don’t speak English

Most people in Turkey speak only Turkish. People in the tourism industry like hotel owners and guides will know English but the workers in these places may not. Keep the Google Translate App downloaded and also download the Turkish language for offline use. Learn to use the app beforehand!

Since Turkish is written in Latin Script like English, you will learn a lot of words throughout your time in Turkey. But till then, it would help to know some words in Turkish !

17. Do not discuss politics

Try not to discuss politics in a public place as the locals in Turkey often have strong political views and can get offended.  Also, you must know that Turkish people dearly love and respect the first President of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, so can be sensitive when discussing him.

18. What to wear

Turkish cities are very modern and people do not really limit themselves in what they wear. Even in coastal areas, you can mostly wear what you wish. Women can wear strappy dresses and shorts if they’d like (we saw so many people wear these).

However, the population in small towns can be conservative – just like it is in India. On the days you’re visiting mosques, women should carry a scarf to cover the head and both men and women should wear clothes are cover both the shoulders and knees.

As a general rule, I either wore a strappy dress/top that was long enough to cover my knees or a half/full sleeve dress that left my knees bare.

19. What to pack when travelling to turkey

1. International Travel Adaptor : There are two plug types used in Turkiye – Type C and F – and operate on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Best to have an international travel adaptor .

2. Swimsuit : For the many beaches and pools.

3. Scarf : To cover your head in religious places.

4. Hat : If you’re travelling in the summer, you will definitely need one. I didn’t understand the intensity of the Turkish sun till I spent a few days there without a hat!

5. Sunglasses: Same as the hat, you simply can’t go without this.

6. Sunscreen: Best to buy a reef-safe skin-safe sunscreen! Please only buy one that contains non-nano Zinc Oxide  and/or Titanium Dioxide. These are very tough to find in India but here is a great option . It has a silicon texture and can be very slightly greasy but it hasn’t been a deal breaker despite my oily skin. Do try it and decide for yourself. If you know of any other such sunscreens, tell us in the comments section. Most chemical sunscreens contain very harmful ingredients like Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Avobenzone, and Octocrylene which are oftem disguised by other more complex scientific names. Do check this article for more info on harmful ingredients in sunscreen.

7. Sweater/jacket: If you’re travelling in the summer and going to Cappadocia for a hot air balloon ride or to chase them in the valleys, you will need a light jacket because Cappadocia is very cold in the mornings. For winters, carry at least two layers (jacket+sweater) because it gets very very cold in Turkey.

8. Comfortable shoes: You will be walking a lot. There are a lot of slopes in Turkey too. It is best to get comfortable walking shoes with no heels. We usually take with us our Neeman’s , Skechers , or Birkenstocks .

9. Insta 360 X3 or a Long Selfie Stick : For a shot of yourself on the hot air balloon – you’ll need either of these two. I totally wished I had the Insta 360 X3 because the invisible selfie stick makes it look like you are taking a super wide drone shot without actually flying a drone. Instead, I carried a long selfie stick to attach to my phone, but lost the selfie stick before it achieved its purpose.

10. Basic Toiletries : Hotel toiletries, if you’re not staying at established 5-star chain hotels, are quite shady looking. I highly recommend you fill such travel bottles with your own shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and lotion for this trip.

11. A wet bag : You’ll need a plastic bag or a wet bag like this to keep your wet swimsuits. we were super thankful we had this in Pamukkale.

12. A waterproof mobile cover or a Go Pro for all your water shots.

20. Books to Read Before Visiting Turkey

Turkey is so rich in history. I highly recommend that you read at least one book on Turkey so that you make the most of your trip. Here are some options:

Istanbul: City of Majesty at the Crossroads of the World (Thomas F. Madden): This is the complete history of Istanbul that starts right at the beginning with Byzantion and Byzantion Constantinople ending with Ottoman Constantinople and modern-day Istanbul. This is the book I read before going and it really made Istanbul’s sights come to life during my visit.

Ataturk: The Biography of the Founder of Modern Turkey (Andrew Mango) :  This is the biography of the founder of modern-day Turkey. You’ll read about the fall of the Ottoman Empire up to the rise of the Republic all while learning about Ataturk.

Istanbul: Memories and the City   (Orhan Pamuk). The famous novelist’s portrait of Istanbul as well as a portrait of his own life within the city.

READ NEXT>>>>>>> The Ultimate 10-Day Turkey Itinerary

We earn a small commission when you make a purchase through the recommendation links given in this blog post at no extra cost to you.

2 thoughts on “A Complete Turkey Travel Guide: 20 Things to Know Before You Go to Turkiye”

While you have suggested hamam in Istanbul, do you have any suggestions for the same in Cappadocia?

Hey Samridihi, unfortunately, we don’t have recommendations for Hammams in Cappadocia. The reason why a Hamam is suggested in Istanbul is that Istanbul has historic hammams that are over 300 years old or more making it one of the best places in Turkiye to experience it.

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Home > 51 Istanbul Travel Tips – Things To Know Before You Visit Istanbul

51 Istanbul Travel Tips – Things To Know Before You Visit Istanbul

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Istanbul is one of my favorite places in Türkiye. You must know a few things before you land in Istanbul, as it is a gigantic city. Here are all the travel tips for Istanbul you need to have a superb time enjoying the tourist sites.

Istanbul is a city that straddles two continents and boasts of its rich and ancient history, breathtaking architecture, mouth-watering cuisines, and warm hospitality. It is also a place where you need to know some of these things before you head there. 

Istanbul is the best place to start in Turkey. I seriously think that if you don’t visit Istanbul at least once in your life, you’ll regret it. I also believe that once is not enough – which is why I have been many times and know not just the most important Istanbul travel tip – but rather many tips!

Packed with history, culture, entertainment, gastronomy, and nightlife, there is so much to see and do that you’ll be exhausted by the end of your trip but so happy that you did it all.

But Istanbul is enormous, literally massive. There are countless tips you need to know if you want your trip to go as smoothly as possible and so you can get the most out of your time. But don’t worry; I’ve got the low-down for you.

In this blog post, we’ve compiled insider tips from seasoned locals who know every nook and cranny of Istanbul .  Here are the must-know tips for Istanbul that you need before you visit for the first time. Or for the second or even the hundredth time. Every visit to Istanbul can bring new surprises.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Transportation And Navigation Travel Tips

1. make peace with traffic.

Look, it’s hectic, and that means traffic. If you think you’ve seen traffic, trust me, you haven’t. Istanbul traffic is on another scale altogether. There’s nothing you can do about it – no matter the day or time in Istanbul. So, the best thing is to make peace with it.

2. Use Public Transport

The best travel tip for Istanbul is to use transport options that avoid traffic problems, such as the Metro line, the tramway, or, y’know, even a short walk. Istanbul is a very walkable city, with the walking distance between central locations ideal for kids (mine just needed breaks!)

• Guide To Istanbul Transport Options

3. Use The “IstanbulKart” 

The IstanbulKart is a pre-paid transportation card that you can use on all types of public transport (except for taxis in Istanbul).

Public transportation in Istanbul is cheap and easy to use, and you’ll be thankful you have it in your bag when your feet hurt, and you want to get back to your hotel.

4. Avoid Buses During Besiktas Games

Besiktas football stadium is located across from Dolmabache Palace on a bustling road that links Besiktas with Taksim, Karatas, Galata, and Eminonu. But, if the football team plays at home, the road to Taksim and Sisli closes, and you’ll have to walk.

It’s a big hill, too – don’t attempt it.

5. Use HAVAIST Bus For Airport

If you’re flying into Istanbul, the HAVAIST bus is the easiest and cheapest way to get to and from both airports. There are numerous routes, and they run 24 hours per day on a regular basis. Taxis might seem more convenient, but they’re costly.

6. Take Taxis Via App Service

If you do decide to use taxi services, use those that are associated with an app. Options include Uber , BiTaksi and iTaksi.

Using these services will help ensure you avoid the scams the yellow taxis are known for in Istanbul.

Travel Preparation And Local Insights

7. pack for comfort.

You’re going to be busy, and you’re probably not going to have time to go back to your hotel and freshen up before your evening out. Even if you do, you’ll be so tired you won’t even care what you look like. With so much to see, including the European and Asian sides, there’s no time to care about style points. My advice? Just pack for comfort and forget about style.

8. Emphasize Footwear

Even if you use public transport, you’ll probably end up standing for most of the way, so make sure you wear very comfortable footwear. Ladies, forget the heels. Just wear trainers that are well broken in, and you’ll be good to go on your day trip in Istanbul. Oh, and throw some plasters in your back, just in case.

• Our Fave Travel Shoes – A Comprehensive Guide

9. Get An eSIM

Large phone companies in Istanbul usually offer touristic sims for visitors to use during their stay, which includes Internet data . Turkcell, Turk Telekom, and Vodafone are all reliable options, but the prices vary, and getting someone to speak English is not always possible.

Save yourself time and get an eSIM (or a regular SIM card) before you go, which means you’ll save time for more sightseeing instead of negotiating at the stores.

We suggest this eSIM for travel in Istanbul.

10. apply for an e-visa .

If you need a tourist visa, you need to know about visa rules. Depending on your country of origin, you may or may not need one.

Generally speaking, most countries can purchase an online tourist visa, which lasts 90 days out of every 180 days. Introduced in 2013, the Turkey eVisa is a popular option for travelers visiting Turkey for tourism. The process is online and speedy. Remember that this type of Turkish visa is only available for eligible countries.

Great news! As of 2024, tourists from the USA no longer need a visa to visit Istanbul – so you are free just to come and say hello.

11. Plan Your Trip Flexibly

Considering the variety of attractions like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, it’s a good idea to research and determine what you want to see; then, you can decide which part of Istanbul to stay in. However, don’t be too rigid with your planning because you might see something en route that you want to visit. Allow a little flexibility if you can.

12. Avoid Renting A Car

Traffic, crazy drivers, parking problems. Just don’t do it.

13. Know Airport Locations

There is more than one airport in Istanbul. So, one of the biggest Istanbul travel tips I can give you is to check which one you fly into and out of. 

Istanbul has two main airports – New Istanbul International Airport and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Be sure to review which airport your flight is departing from before you go to the wrong airport. The Sabiha Gokcen Airport is on the Asian side, while the New Istanbul Airport is on the European side.

• Istanbul Airports Guide

14. Familiarize History, Politics & Religion

The country blends secular and progressive movements and regions that value more conservative practices. A great place to start learning about Turkey’s past is to read about Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – the founding father of the Republic of Turkey after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. 

Travel Tips For Cultural Etiquette And Practices

15. mosque etiquette.

There are many mosques in Istanbul, and if you want to explore (highly recommended), then make sure you’re prepared in terms of clothing. Most people want to visit the Blue Mosque at the very least, and it’s important to know what to expect.

So, ladies, you must cover your head (pack a pashmina or scarf) and ensure you’re modestly dressed. Shorts, leggings, and skirts are a no-no; if the attendant thinks you need to cover a little, they will give you a shawl to wrap around your middle and cover your legs.

Also, make sure that your shoulders are covered. Guys, the same goes for you – no shorts or vest tops.

You’ll be asked to remove your shoes, which will be kept safe while you’re inside. So, pack some socks in your bag.

16. Avoid Scams

There are a lot. So, make sure you check your bill before paying and highlight any mistakes to the waiter. If you’re traveling in a taxi, ask how much the bill will likely be before you get in, make sure the driver switches on the taxi meter, and if you feel that they’ve taken the scenic route for any reason, take the license number and report it.

Also, if a shoe shiner walks towards you and then seems to drop their brush “without knowing,” don’t assume they’ve accidentally done so. If you pick it up and offer it back, it basically means they’ll offer to shine your shoes “for free” as a thank you. It’s not free.

The list goes on. Just keep your wits about you, and you’ll be fine.

• Guide To Istanbul Scams
• Our Favorite Anti-Theft Travel Bags

17. Know The Drinks Scam

While this is not something that happens everywhere, you may find that you are given local drinks rather than international imports in some tourist resorts. In some cases, the products you find in the market in Istanbul can be of lower quality and, in some cases, may even be fake. The best advice is to drink bottled or draft beer and never leave your drink unattended. This is the same advice you’d received anywhere else in the world.

If you’re keen to drink spirits, such as vodka, make sure you ask if the vodka is a particular brand and, if possible, ask to see the bottle. You should still heed warnings about this, however, as you may find yourself on a rather dodgy stomach the next day; otherwise, at the very least.

18. Understand Local Timing

It’s never a good idea to assume that anything will be done on time in Turkey. This is known widely as “Turkey Time,” which means that if someone says they’ll be there in one hour, they usually mean an hour and a half at the very least! It’s infuriating at first, but you’ll get used to it; in the end, you might find it endearing or see yourself turning up on Turkish time yourself.

19. Learn Basic Language

Turks love it when you speak Turkish. While most young people in Turkey speak English, you may struggle to find English speakers if you head out of the main cities in Turkey and even into the main towns.

While you can find yourself an app to help your way through it, and most people rely on pointing and hand signals to communicate their needs, learning a few words of the language will make your visit easier and endear you to the locals.

Even a few words of Turkish can go a long way in helping you get around Istanbul. Try to learn some basic phrases before your trip, and look for signs written in English and Turkish.

Some basic Turkish to know is:

Hello – Merhaba

Goodbye – Güle güle

Please – Lutfen

Thanks – Teşekkürler

Good night – Iyi geceler

Good morning – Günaydın

Good evening – Iyi akşamlar

How are you? – nasılsın?

20. Respect Web Restrictions 

The most important banned sites you may try to access while traveling in Turkey are:

• Booking.com

You can use these sites before entering the country and even book hotels using booking.com ahead of time, but you will not be able to access the sites or book on them once in the country. 

If you are a traveler who enjoys making last-minute plans while on vacation, have an idea of sites you will use to book hotels and transport other than booking.com or set up a VPN.

21. Understand The Tut & Nod 

This is a strange one, but it’s certainly something you’ll see if you communicate with locals. When someone makes a tutting noise and then nods their head upwards, e.g., a backward nod, it means “no.” They’re not being rude or doing something strange; they’re telling you they don’t want whatever you’ve asked.

Brands We Use And Trust

Istanbul travel tips for finances, 22. avoid eating in tourist squares.

Actually, that’s a little harsh. Totally eat in Sultanahmet but avoid the tourist restaurants in Istanbul that offer ‘traditional’ Turkish cuisine. It’s traditional, but it’s not the best quality, and the prices are waaaaay higher. Know that in Istanbul, as with any international travel, there are many scams around .

If you want traditional food, head away from the tourist streets and perhaps ask in your hotel where the staff go to eat. Away from the touristy areas, places like Besiktas (located on the European side) and Kadikoy (located on the Asian side) have some fantastic traditional restaurants offering much nicer food at a lower price.

23. Carry Some Cash

Cards are widely accepted in Istanbul, and ATMs are everywhere, but small markets and stalls may only accept cash. So, have a little cash with you as you explore the markets in Istanbul, but don’t go overboard.

Not only will you lose out when converting your cash back to your home currency, but walking around with a large amount of cash is never safe in a large city, anywhere in the world.

24. Be Aware Of ATM Fees

Not all ATMs charge enormous fees, but there will probably be a small one, at the very least. Research this before you go, but know that your bank will likely charge a currency exchange fee even if you get away with an ATM fee. Just weigh up whether it’s worthwhile or not.

25. Understand Currency

Are you wondering, “What is Turkish money called”? The Turkish Lira is the official currency of Turkey. It is divided into 100 kuruş. The symbol for the Turkish Lira is TL. The Turkish Lira was introduced in 1864, replacing the Ottoman Empire’s currency, the kuruş. The Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye issues the Turkish Lira.

• A Guide To Currency In Turkey
• Where To Exchange Currency In Istanbul

26. Tipping Customs

Tipping is customary in Türkiye, especially when dining in high-quality restaurants nationwide and in many other restaurants across Istanbul.

If a service charge/fee hasn’t been applied, it is customary to tip between 5-10% of the bill, depending upon how much you enjoyed the service you received. If you’re dining somewhere extremely high-end, a tip of between 10-15% is more likely. You should always tip in cash and leave the cash amount in the bill sleeve you will receive or give directly to the waiter.

• Complete Guide To Tipping In Turkey

Istanbul Tips For Health And Safety

27. travel insurance.

Because you never know. Istanbul tips for tourists often overlook this obvious tip. But Istanbul is not the place to be sick without insurance. 

• Our Suggested Travel Insurance

28. Locating Pharmacies

If you need painkillers, plasters, or anything else a pharmacy would generally sell, you need to look for an ‘eczane,’ which will have a red and white ‘plus’ sign lit up outside. They’re everywhere.

29. Drinking Moderately

It is legal to drink alcohol in Istanbul, but not in public spaces like parks. It is also taboo to drink excessively. Raki and wine are both quite common, and locals who partake in these beverages do so socially and in moderation. Be considerate of this, especially if you head to the Asian side of the city where things are more conservative. Here, you will find fewer establishments with alcohol licensing. 

30. Stomach Health Tips

This salty yogurt drink that most locals adore can be found in just about any restaurant, day or night. It’s got excellent probiotic properties and helps gut health during your travels.

Exploration And Sightseeing Tips

31. best time to visit istanbul.

Summer is a lovely time to visit Istanbul , but it’s also sticky and hot, and when you combine that with it being busy, it’s not a pleasant time. I always think winter is the best time to visit Istanbul; if you’re lucky, it might snow!

32. Explore Both Continents 

While most first-time visitors tend to stick around the European city side, do not forget about the equally fascinating Asian side of Istanbul – known as the Anatolian Side.

• Explore The Asian Side Of Istanbul

33. Plan At Least Three Days For Exploration

There are pros and cons to how many days are sufficient for Istanbul – but we suggest that a three-day trip to Istanbul would be enough to discover the main Istanbul attractions. Of course, more time is always best!

• Here Is How Many Days In Istanbul Is Enough
• 4 Days In Istanbul Itinerary

34. Enjoy Street Food

While I wouldn’t advise eating random food from a stall that looks unclean, on the whole, street food in Istanbul is very cheap and delicious.

Istanbul is known for its amazing food, and Istanbul tourist guides will show you which stalls are the best. 

I recommend you be sure to try some of the local specialties like kebabs , pide, kofte, borek, simit, nuts, sweetcorn, and lahmacun. Yummy! Wash it all down with a cup of Turkish coffee or tea.

• Our Favorite Istanbul Street Food

35. Take A Bosphorus Trip

Any good travel guide for Istanbul (like ours) will tell you to start your Istanbul adventure by taking a cruise on the Bosphorus River. This is one of the best ways to see Istanbul’s incredible skyline and get a feel for the city.

• Bosphorus Cruises We Recommend

36. Get The Istanbul Museum Pass

You can also buy a pre-paid Museum Pass, which allows you free or discounted access to museums and other attractions. You get to jump the queue, too, which is never a bad thing.

• Guide To The Istanbul Museum Pass

37. Offbeat Ideas

No travel to Istanbul would be complete without finding a few hidden gems . Here is a list of some off-the-beaten-path ideas in Istanbul for people who have been before:

• Aya Sofya: This former mosque, now a museum, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul, and it is visited even more during the peak season. It’s definitely worth a visit!
• Rüstem Pasha Mosque: located in the center of the city, this hidden gem is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and design
• Balat District: located on the Golden Horn, this part of town is known for its narrow streets and colorful houses. It’s definitely worth exploring! Read all about Balat here. 
• Suleymaniye Mosque: Built in the 16th century by master architect Sinan, this is a must-see place to visit while in Istanbul. grand mosque is one of the most impressive buildings in Istanbul.
• Yerebatan Cistern: an underground wonder, this massive cistern was once used to store water for the city of Istanbul

38. Sightseeing By District

Istanbul is big – really big! It’s hard to see everything in one trip. To better use your time, make the list of things you want to see and do, and then organize your list by location in the city. You can often knock multiple sites off your list at the same time this way. It also minimizes the time you spend in traffic throughout your trip.

• Istanbul’s Districts Guide

39. Arrive Early To Top Tourist Sites

Whether you have a Museum Pass or not, go early in the day if you’re visiting a top attraction. The queues for Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmabahce Palace might look like they’re moving quickly, but they are always super long. Don’t waste your day standing in a queue.

Know Before Visiting About Your Stay In Istanbul  

40. wise hotel booking.

As you travel Istanbul, you will notice that Istanbul is massive, and if you stay somewhere super-cheap, you’re likely to be far away from the main action. And it might be terrible.

I’m not saying always stay in a posh hotel, but this is where you really do get what you pay for. Do some research into where the hotel actually is, and if possible, avoid places like Beyoglu or Taksim, at least if you want to sleep at night – nightclubs are open until around 7 a.m., and they’re LOUD.

Every time I travel to Istanbul, I am reminded that it has many different neighborhoods, each with its own character. Do some research beforehand to find an area that’s right for you.

Also, book ahead of time!

• Best Areas To Stay In Istanbul
• Hotels Near The Blue Mosque

41. Stay Away From Mosques If A Light Sleeper

Book accommodation that isn’t right next to a mosque if you happen to be a light sleeper. The call to prayer sounds are quite powerful and majestic, but it’s perhaps not something your half-asleep self will appreciate. Calls can start as early as 4 am and ring five times a day. So consider that when finding your boutique hotel.

42. Use Mosques For Public Restrooms

If you are in need of a bathroom, find the nearest mosque. These almost always have public restrooms attached and are generally exceptionally clean. 

Remember not to flush your toilet paper while in Istanbul!  Check to see if a small wastepaper basket is near the toilet seat or if there is a sign requesting paper be thrown instead of flushed. This helps keep the pipe system running.

Things To Know About Dining & Socializing In Istanbul

43. lokanta etiquette.

Lokanta are casual restaurants known for serving home-style meals to tradespeople and workers. They are found in most neighborhoods and are excellent places to grab some authentic Turkish cuisine.

However, these establishments turn tables over quickly in order to make a profit, so once your meal is done, settle the bill at a cash desk and head on your way.

44. Meyhane For Lunch

If you want to truly experience life in Istanbul, and linger over a meal of olives and meze, and find a methane. These sidewalk cafes are the opposite of Lokantas and are designed for guests to nibble on meze platters and sip raki while enjoying long conversation.

45. Understanding Meze Platters

When dining out, a server may pass your table with an excellent selection of meze bites: artichoke, eggplant, yogurt, etc. Often, these are not free, so keep that in mind before taking some.

Unique Experiences When You Go To Istanbul

46. enjoying sunsets.

One of the best spots in the city to take in a sunset is the Galata Bridge. You will get fantastic views of both sides of the city, plus you can enjoy the sun as it sinks over the Bosphorus. It’s magical and romantic and everything a sunset should be!

47. Organize Sightseeing

You can’t do it. You’re not a superhero, no matter what you think. Prioritize and then decide to visit again in the future. You’ll save your feet and your sanity.

• 5 Days In Istanbul
• 2-Day Istanbul Itinerary

48. Encountering Stray Cats

Istanbul is home to a million or more cats, most of which roam the streets or can be spotted near the local cafes. They tend to keep to themselves, but some will eagerly take a pat on the head. Istanbul has a no-kill, no-capture policy for these felines, so despite it not being what you’re used to, the cats live relatively unharmed and are fed by the locals who have taken on a community mindset in regard to their wellbeing.

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Special Istanbul Tips

49. visiting mosques during prayer times.

If the stunning Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque or any of the city’s other religious buildings are on your agenda, make sure to double-check the prayer times online before arriving. Most of the city’s mosques are open to tourists, but they close down to non-muslims during prayer times, at least 5-6 times per day. 

If you arrive during prayer time on your visit to Istanbul, you will have to wait in long lines until the building reopens to the public.

Note: Most mosques, such as the Blue Mosque, have no “fee”; however, you still have to wait in the security check lines when required.

As of January 15th, 2024, the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque has introduced a distinct policy for tourists and worshippers. If you’re visiting for cultural exploration, there’s now a 25 euro entry fee . This ticket grants you access to the gallery floor, where you can admire the sanctuary’s stunning Ottoman and Byzantine features, including the historic mosaics.

This new policy is all about balancing the preservation of this iconic site and enhancing the visitor experience while ensuring that daily worship remains undisturbed.

50. Mosque Visits On Fridays

The Jumu’ah prayer is a congregational prayer that occurs each Friday at noon. This prayer at the Hagia Sophia happens to get incredibly busy with active members, making it a tricky time to visit as a tourist. 

51. Taking Kids Along

There are plenty of activities for all ages in Istanbul, from kids’ parks to historical sites and museums.

• What To Do In Istanbul With Kids

This Istanbul travel guide is aimed to help you travel Istanbul like a pro! Did we do our job? All of this Istanbul advice will make sure you have a great (and safe) trip; of that, I have no doubt. 

Tips For Visiting Istanbul FAQs

What are the must-visit attractions in istanbul.

Istanbul offers a wealth of attractions. Some of the best places include the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Strait Cruise.

Is Istanbul’s city center a safe city for tourists?

Istanbul is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it’s essential to be cautious. Avoid crowded areas, be aware of your surroundings, and keep your belongings secure to prevent pickpocketing.

What is the best way to get around Istanbul?

Istanbul has an extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and ferries. The Istanbulkart is a convenient card to use for multiple modes of transportation.

What is the local currency in Istanbul?

The local currency in Istanbul is the Turkish Lira (TRY). It’s best to exchange your money at authorized exchange offices or withdraw from ATMs for the best rates.

Is English widely spoken in Istanbul?

English is spoken in tourist areas and establishments, but you might encounter limited English in more local neighborhoods. Learning a few basic Turkish phrases can be helpful and appreciated, especially when asking for exchange rates.

Are there any cultural etiquettes I should be aware of?

When visiting mosques, dress modestly, and women should cover their hair . It’s polite to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home. Avoid pointing the sole of your foot at someone, as it’s considered disrespectful to Turkish people.

What are some traditional Turkish dishes to try in Istanbul?

Don’t miss trying dishes like kebabs, baklava, Turkish delight, mezes (appetizers), and Turkish tea or coffee during your stay in Istanbul .

Phew, so I THINK that is everything you need to know before visiting Istanbul. If not, I’ll come back and update this post again with more helpful Istanbul tips, so be sure to bookmark it.

It is far too hard to list exactly what to do in Istanbul for a few days , as there is so much on offer. So, take your pick from the travel guides to Istanbul below, which each have top tips. These Istanbul guides will ensure your few days in this metropolis are a total blast.

• Exploring Istanbul With Kids Can Be The Best Istanbul Experience
• Istanbul Beaches
• Where To Eat In Istanbul
• Best Turkish Bath In Istanbul
• 16 Things To Do In Istanbul, Turkey
• Whirling Dervishes In Istanbul
• Your Guide To Sultanahmet Istanbul
• Top Palaces In Istanbul
• 48 Hours In Istanbul 
• Is Istanbul Safe
• 18 Best Mosques In Istanbul
• Istanbul Nightlife
• Shopping In Istanbul
• Where To Stay Longer In Istanbul
• Best Hotels In Taksim Square In Istanbul
• The Best Festivals in Istanbul
•  A Day In The Colorful Balat Istanbul
• Best Museums In Istanbul
• Top Hotels Near The Blue Mosque
• 5 Biggest Istanbul Tourist Scams To Avoid
• Best Turkish Breakfast In Istanbul
• Romantic Places In Istanbul
• Things To Do In Istanbul In Winter

Comments (2)

Thank you for the information, it’s very informative. I would like to know about transportation from the Airport to Hotel in the Old City, How safe it is for sole female travel.

Very safe! Honestly, the city is huge, and crimes against solo travelers is rare. You’ll love this city. Have a read through this it will help you https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/solo-in-turkey-solo-travel-for-women/

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Family Travel in Turkey

Your turkey travel guide for families, who we are – turkey travel experts.

We’re Dania & Enes, co-founders of Adventurefolio and Turkey travel experts. We understand it’s overwhelming planning a trip to Turkey when you don’t know where to go, what to do, or how to get there. 

We’ve traveled all over Turkey in the last 20 years and are excited to share our best travel tips and recommendations. We’ve worked in the tourism industry and know what it’s like to travel solo, as a couple, and with family.

We’ll help you confidently plan the best trip to Turkey.

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Planning a trip to Turkey? If you’re looking for things to do in Turkey, where to go in Turkey and how to get around in Turkey, we’ve got posts and travel guides to help you plan an epic trip.

Plan Your First Trip to Turkey

Ultimate Turkey Packing Guide: Packing List & What to Wear

Ultimate Turkish Food Guide

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There are so many amazing things to do in Turkey that are family friendly. We share where we’re going and what we’re doing with our kids while we travel.

Paragliding in Oludeniz: Family Adventure in Fethiye, Turkey

Hot Air Balloon Trip in Cappadocia with Kids 2024

Best 21 Things to Do in Antalya with Kids: Why Visit Antalya, Turkey

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Find out all the things you need to know before you arrive in Turkey. 

• Tips on changing money and tipping in Turkey
• Tips on family-friendly accommodations
• Top destinations for families visiting Turkey
• Family-friendly tried and tested things to do in Turkey

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Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? Reasons to Go & Things to Do in 2024

Turkey in December: Weather, Things to Do & Travel Tips in 2023

Turkey in November: Weather, Things to Do & Travel Tips in 2023

18 Best Cappadocia Tours and Things to Do in 2024

Top 10 Things to Do Turkey in September: Travel Tips, Weather & Events

Istanbul Itinerary: The PERFECT 5 Days in Turkey

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What is an aftershock? This is what may follow the earthquake felt in NJ and NYC.

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake rattled New Jersey and New York City residents on Friday morning, with reports of shaking furniture and floors. No major disruptions or damage have been reported in the area.

Experts told USA TODAY that earthquakes are common in this region, but usually happen at a lower magnitude. It's unlikely a larger quake will follow, but officials are warning of possible aftershocks.

Wondering what that means? We’re answering your questions about the behavior of earthquakes, including tips on how to stay safe. 

What is an aftershock?

Aftershocks are small earthquakes that occur in the days, months or years in the general area following an earthquake. Aftershocks are minor readjustments made near the faults , or areas where stress occurs during the earthquake.

Aftershocks can occur in the thousands and can still be damaging or deadly. In earthquakes, the “mainshock” is the largest activity felt during an earthquake. 

Seismologists primarily use Bath’s law, Gutenberg-Richter law and Omori’s law to describe the behavior of aftershocks.

• Bath’s law says that aftershocks will typically be about 1.2 magnitude units smaller than the mainshock .
• Omori’s law says the number of aftershocks will decrease as time passes, according to a seismology lab from the University of California, Berkeley.  

Aftershocks are not to be confused with swarms , which are sequences of small earthquakes associated with geothermal activity with no identifiable mainshock.

Live updates: 4.8 magnitude earthquake in NYC, New Jersey

What's the chance of an aftershock?

Any time there's an earthquake , one concern is that it was merely a foreshock to a bigger quake that's coming.

Globally, the probability one earthquake will be followed by a large earthquake within 3 days is somewhere just over 6%, according to USGS . That means whenever there's an earthquake, there's about a 94% chance that it wasn't a foreshock and there won't be any more quakes linked to it.

The numbers are a little different for California, which is very seismically active. There, about half of the biggest earthquakes were preceded by foreshocks, according to USGS. But that means half were not.

Unfortunately, it's impossible to know if any one quake is a foreshock.

What is a foreshock?

Foreshocks come before large earthquakes, in the same location. Sometimes a foreshock may be identified incorrectly as the mainshock until a larger one occurs after it. 

Neither foreshocks nor aftershocks can be bigger than the mainshock. 

Why does the Earth shake when there’s an earthquake?

Earthquakes are caused by a slip on a fault, which is a fracture zone between two blocks of rock. The tectonic plates move, but their edges remain in place until this slip, when the stress overcomes the friction that normally holds them there. This causes the rest of the block to move and causes waves of energy that travel through the earth’s crust. These seismic waves shake the earth as they move through it. 

What to do during an earthquake:

Staying vigilant during an earthquake is important, especially when it comes to aftershocks that may cause damage after the mainshock. Here are tips from the California Geological Survey to keep in mind:

During an earthquake:

• Indoors: Stay indoors and away from exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and appliances. Avoid elevators, windows and doorways. 
• Outdoors: Stay in the open if you’re outside, away from buildings, powerlines or other falling hazards.
• Driving: Move the car out of traffic and stop, avoiding trees, light posts, signs and powerlines or anything that could fall, like bridges or underpasses.
• Mountains: Watch out for potential landslides and get to high ground.
• Crowded place: Avoid panicking and rushing, stay low and cover your head and neck with youtr arms

After an earthquake:

• Listen to the radio for instructions, especially about aftershocks
• Check for fire hazards and fire
• Avoid driving to keep streets clear for emergency vehicles
• Check for damage in your home and for structures that are about to fall
• Share your location with family and friends

How strong is a 4.8 earthquake?: Quake magnitudes explained

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered.

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What causes thunderstorms?" to "What causes earthquakes?" to "Why is my dog throwing up?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.

Contributing: Elizabeth Weise

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