Turkey Destination Guide
This essential guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through Turkey.
Are tips included?
Tips not included
Water Safety
Bottled water recommended
Public Transit
Extensive network available
Rideshare Apps
Uber Taxi available
Essential Travel Information for Turkey
Everything you need to know before your Turkish adventure
Disclaimer: Space is a precious commodity in Europe, especially in its most dense cities, be prepared for smaller hotel rooms. The same goes for bathrooms and elevators, donβt be surprised if they feel cozier than those in the US.
Tipping Guidelines
- Guides: 10-15 Lira per person/per day
- Drivers: 1-5 Lira per person/per day
- Restaurants (full service): 5-10% of total bill
- Hotels (assistance with luggage): 4-5 Lira per bag
- Hotels (housekeeping): 4-5 Lira per person/per day
Water Safety
- Urban areas: Tap water is safe but has chlorinated taste
- Rural areas: Avoid tap water completely
- Recommendation: Stick to bottled water throughout your trip
Public Transportation
- Buses: Extensive network connecting cities and towns
- Minibusses (DolmuΕ): Shared taxis that run set routes
- Trams & Metro: Available in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara
- IstanbulKart: Rechargeable transit card for Istanbul
Rideshare Services
- Uber: Uber Taxi is available in Turkey
- Lyft: Not available in Turkey
- BiTaksi: Popular local taxi app in Istanbul
- Regular Taxis: Yellow taxis are common and should use meters
Visa & Entry Requirements
- E-Visa: Most travelers need to obtain an e-visa before arriving in Turkey
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date
- Duration: Tourist visas typically allow stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period
- Health Requirements: No mandatory vaccinations, but check current health advisories
Currency & Payments
- Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency
- ATMs: Widely available in cities and tourist areas
- Credit Cards: Accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in urban areas
- Tipping: 5-10% in restaurants, small tips for hotel staff and guides
Mobile & Internet
- SIM Cards: Turkcell, Vodafone, and TΓΌrk Telekom offer tourist SIM packages
- WiFi: Common in hotels, cafΓ©s, and restaurants
- Power: 220V AC, 50Hz. Type C and F plugs (European standard)
Time Zone
- Turkey follows Turkish Time (TRT) β UTC +3
- Turkey is 8 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (during EDT)
- No daylight saving time adjustments
Climate & Weather
- Mediterranean Climate: Hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters along the coast
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October)
- Summer (June-August): Very hot, especially in the interior regions
- Winter (November-March): Cool to cold, with snow possible in some regions
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency Number: π 112 (Ambulance, Police, Fire)
- Tourist Police: π +90 212 527 4503 (Istanbul)
- U.S. Embassy: π +90 312 455 5555 (Ankara)
- UK Embassy: π +90 312 455 3344 (Ankara)
Packing Checklist for Turkey
Use this checklist to ensure you pack everything you need for your Turkish adventure
Travel Documents & Essentials
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- E-visa confirmation
- Flight itinerary & hotel reservations
- Travel insurance details
- Credit/debit cards
- Local currency (Turkish Lira)
- International driver's license (if planning to drive)
- Copies of important documents (separate from originals)
Clothing & Accessories
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Modest attire for mosques (covering shoulders, knees)
- Headscarf for women (for mosque visits)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear and beach accessories
- Light jacket or sweater for evenings
- Sunglasses and sun hat
- Sandals or flip-flops
Health & Safety
- Prescription medications (in original packaging)
- Basic first-aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Stomach relief medication
- Pain relievers
- Reusable water bottle
Electronics & Gadgets
- Power adapter (Type C/F - European)
- Smartphone & charger
- Camera & charger
- Portable charger/power bank
- Headphones
- E-reader or books for downtime
- Travel adapter with USB ports
Packing Tips
- Pack light! Most accommodations in Turkey offer laundry services.
- Modest clothing is recommended for religious sites β keep a scarf handy for impromptu mosque visits.
- Leave space for souvenirs β Turkish carpets, ceramics, and spices make wonderful keepsakes!
- Keep valuables and essential documents in your carry-on luggage.
Top Destinations & Experiences in Turkey
Discover the incredible places you'll visit during your Turkish adventure
Istanbul
A mesmerizing metropolis spanning two continents, where ancient history meets vibrant modern culture.
Must-See Attractions:
- Hagia Sophia β A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, once a church, then a mosque, now a museum.
- Blue Mosque β Famous for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles interior.
- Topkapi Palace β Former residence of Ottoman Sultans with stunning treasures.
- Grand Bazaar β One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.
Pro tip: Purchase a Museum Pass Istanbul for access to multiple attractions and to skip the lines.
Cappadocia
A surreal landscape of fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and underground cities, best viewed from a hot air balloon at sunrise.
Don't Miss:
- Hot Air Balloon Ride β The quintessential Cappadocia experience.
- Goreme Open Air Museum β Byzantine cave churches with stunning frescoes.
- Derinkuyu Underground City β Ancient multi-level subterranean refuge.
- Rose Valley β Beautiful hiking trails through uniquely colored landscapes.
Pro tip: Book your balloon ride in advance and be prepared for an early morning start.
Pamukkale
Known as "Cotton Castle," this natural wonder features stunning white calcium terraces filled with mineral-rich waters.
Highlights:
- Travertine Terraces β Walk barefoot through the brilliant white calcium pools.
- Hierapolis Ancient City β Explore remarkably well-preserved ruins of this ancient spa city.
- Cleopatra's Pool β Swim among ancient columns in the thermal sacred pool.
- Hierapolis Theater β A 2nd-century Roman theater with seating for 12,000.
Pro tip: Visit late afternoon for smaller crowds and beautiful sunset views over the white terraces.
Must-Try Turkish Foods
Turkish cuisine is a delicious fusion of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Balkan influences. Here are some dishes you shouldn't miss:
Kebabs
From Adana to shish, grilled meat dishes come in countless varieties.
Meze
Small plates perfect for sharing, including hummus, cacΔ±k, and dolma.
MantΔ±
Tiny dumplings filled with spiced meat and topped with yogurt sauce.
Turkish Coffee
Unfiltered coffee with grounds at the bottom, often served with a small sweet.
Baklava
Layers of phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
Turkish Delight
Soft, gel-like sweets often flavored with rosewater or lemon.
Cultural Etiquette
Understanding these cultural norms will help you navigate Turkey with respect and ease
Social Customs
- Greetings: Handshakes are common when meeting someone new.
- Hospitality: Turks are famously hospitable β don't be surprised if shopkeepers offer tea.
- Shoes: Remove your shoes when entering someone's home unless told otherwise.
- Gestures: The "thumbs up" gesture is positive, as in Western countries.
- Body Language: Nodding means "no" and shaking the head side to side means "yes" β the opposite of Western customs!
Religious Respect
- Mosque Etiquette: Remove shoes, women should cover heads, shoulders and knees. Men should wear long pants.
- Ramadan: If visiting during Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
- Prayer Times: Avoid visiting mosques during prayer times unless you're participating.
- Photography: Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women.
- Modest Dress: In conservative areas, dress modestly regardless of gender.
β οΈ Important Safety Note
Be cautious about discussing sensitive political topics, particularly about Turkey's government or military. Always respect local customs and laws, especially in more conservative areas outside major tourist destinations.
Negotiating & Bargaining
- Bargaining Expected: In bazaars and markets, but not in established shops with fixed prices.
- Starting Point: Start at around 50-60% of the asking price and negotiate from there.
- Keep it Friendly: Haggling is part of the cultural experience β stay respectful and enjoy it!
- Walking Away: Often results in a better offer, but only if you're genuinely prepared to leave.
- Multiple Items: You'll get a better deal when buying several items from the same vendor.
- Be Reasonable: Remember that a few dollars difference may mean more to the seller than to you.
Luggage Restrictions
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