Turkey travel tips and advice
When’s the best time to visit Turkey?
Turkey travel tips and advice
It depends if you like swimming, sightseeing, skiing… The climate in Turkey’s areas is like this:
Summers are hot, and winters are mild on the Marmara coast (Istanbul).
The Aegean coasts (Izmir) have hot summers and mild winters.
Summers are hot, and winters are mild along the Mediterranean coast (Antalya).
Coastal Black Sea region (Trabzon): moderate climate, warm summers, mild winters, and plenty of rain.
The Central Anatolia region (Ankara) has a steppe climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters.
In this article, you will find some useful travel tips and advice.
Here are some Turkey travel tips and advice:
What’s the mains voltage? Do I need an adapter?
- There’s a 220 Vac 50 Hz mains power supply in Turkey. Two round pin plugs fit in the standard wall sockets (see picture). If you’re travelling from the UK or Ireland and plan to use appliances that don’t fit this type of plug, you’ll need an adapter.
- If you don’t have one, you can ask a Turkish electrician’s shop called “elektrikci.”
Can you drink tap water in Turkey?
- Turkey’s tap water is fine for showering and brushing your teeth. It’s recommended to drink bottled water.
- Turkey’s healthcare
- How’s the health care in Turkey? Can I use foreign insurance?
- Comparatively, Turkey’s health care is excellent and very fast.
Is it okay to use my mobile phone in Turkey?
- If your phone is international roaming enabled, yes.
- Turkcell, Turk Telekom, and Vodafone are Turkey’s top three GSM operators.
- Make sure you top up your phone before you go and check with your operator.
If my passport gets lost or stolen, what should I do? Are there any consulates in Turkey?
- Whenever you lose something, you should contact the nearest Embassy, Consulate, or Mission in your country to find out what documentation is needed for reissue.
- Here’s a list of consulates and embassies in Turkey
- Contact your travel agency/tour operator right away.
- Keep a copy of your passport with you at all times.
Can I use my credit card in Turkey? Can Traveler’s Cheques be used?
- Most shops and restaurants in Turkey accept credit cards. The smaller shops may not accept credit cards, so it is generally a good idea to keep some cash on hand at all times.
- It is possible to cash Travelers’ Cheques at banks and exchange bureaus for a fee. The hotel may also be able to money Travelers’ Cheques.
Does Turkey have any insects?
- There are mosquitoes in certain areas, so you should take precautions in your bedroom by using a mosquito plug or spray. Local pharmacies can also provide these.
How is driving in Turkey? Can I rent a car?
- As in most Mediterranean regions, Turkish drivers may appear to drive “crazy.” Regarding road conditions, Turkish roads and highways are generally in good repair, but some coastal or mountain streets may be narrow and winding.
- Check out our driving in Turkey blog.
- It is possible to rent a car in Turkey. Car rental companies and the police will require a full driving license from your home country. Obtaining an international driving license is not necessary if you already possess a full driving license.
Is a visa required for a visit to Turkey?
- Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa. Turkey issues sticker visas at the port of entry and lets you stay for 90 days.
- It was about 35 Euros. Each person travelling on the same passport has to pay the visa fee.
What’s the crime rate in Turkey? What’s the safety situation in Turkey?
- Turkey is the safest holiday destination in Europe, according to Interpol.
- Taking precautions against petty crimes like pickpocketing is essential, but Turks are friendly and helpful.
When I travel to Turkey, do I need an ID?
- You must carry an official ID with a photo when you’re in Turkey. It can be your passport, ID card, driving license, or photocopy.
When are the shops/offices open?
- In the summer, supermarkets, mini-markets, and shops are open all day, often until late at night, and sometimes all night. Here’s a general guideline for opening days and times:
- The banks are open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on bank holidays. Some banks, though, are empty half a day on Saturdays during high season.
- Chemistry (Eczane) – 09.00-19.00 Monday to Saturday: 24 Hour Duty chemists are on a rotational basis, and their details are posted in all chemists. Find the “Nobetci Eczane” sign.
It is a sign of hospitality to serve tea.
Be prepared to drink several cups of tea daily as you travel through the historic neighborhoods of Istanbul or smaller towns in Turkey. As avid tea drinkers, shopkeepers will interrupt your shopping spree to offer you tea. You will most likely be offered a freshly brewed cup of tea whenever you visit a Turkish household. It signifies hospitality and friendship; some might get offended if you refuse.
As a result, we have compiled a list of some useful Turkey travel tips and advice in this article which you might find useful.
Make sure you read travel tips and advice before traveling to Turkey.