FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Turkey’s official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and currency exchange offices throughout major cities. Credit cards are widely accepted in many places, but it’s recommended to carry cash for smaller transactions or in more rural areas.
Turkey is a blend of modern cities and traditional cultures, so it’s important to dress appropriately for different environments:
In big cities like Istanbul, casual, comfortable clothing is perfectly acceptable.
When visiting mosques or religious sites, it’s respectful to cover your shoulders and knees. Women may be asked to cover their hair (a scarf is often provided at the entrance).
For beach holidays, swimwear is appropriate at the beach or pool, but be mindful to cover up when away from the water.
In big cities like Istanbul, casual, comfortable clothing is perfectly acceptable.
When visiting mosques or religious sites, it’s respectful to cover your shoulders and knees. Women may be asked to cover their hair (a scarf is often provided at the entrance).
For beach holidays, swimwear is appropriate at the beach or pool, but be mindful to cover up when away from the water.
Turkish cuisine is famous for its rich flavours and diverse dishes. Some must-try foods include:
Kebabs: Turkey’s most famous dish, with options like Doner, Shish, and Adana.
Meze: A variety of appetisers, including hummus, baba ganoush, and dolma (stuffed grape leaves).
Baklava: A sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough, filled with nuts and drenched in honey or syrup.
Pide: Turkish-style flatbread, often topped with cheese, meat, and vegetables.
Turkish Delight (Lokum): A chewy, sweet treat made from sugar, starch, and flavourings like rose or lemon.
Kebabs: Turkey’s most famous dish, with options like Doner, Shish, and Adana.
Meze: A variety of appetisers, including hummus, baba ganoush, and dolma (stuffed grape leaves).
Baklava: A sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough, filled with nuts and drenched in honey or syrup.
Pide: Turkish-style flatbread, often topped with cheese, meat, and vegetables.
Turkish Delight (Lokum): A chewy, sweet treat made from sugar, starch, and flavourings like rose or lemon.
Turkey has an extensive transport network:
Public transport in cities like Istanbul is very efficient, with options including buses, trams, and the metro.
Taxis are readily available, but always ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand.
For intercity travel, consider high-speed trains, buses, or domestic flights, especially for longer distances like traveling between Istanbul and Cappadocia.
Car rentals are also an option if you prefer flexibility, especially in rural areas or along the coast.
Public transport in cities like Istanbul is very efficient, with options including buses, trams, and the metro.
Taxis are readily available, but always ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand.
For intercity travel, consider high-speed trains, buses, or domestic flights, especially for longer distances like traveling between Istanbul and Cappadocia.
Car rentals are also an option if you prefer flexibility, especially in rural areas or along the coast.
Citizens from many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and most EU countries, can apply for an e-Visa online before traveling. This visa allows for up to 90 days of stay within a 180-day period. Some nationalities may be required to get a visa from a Turkish consulate.
The best time to visit Turkey is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The summer months (July and August) can be very hot, especially in inland areas like Cappadocia or Ankara, but coastal regions like Antalya and Izmir are great for beach holidays. Winter (December to February) is best for skiing in the Turkish mountains.
The official language of Turkey is Turkish. While many people in major tourist areas, especially in Istanbul, speak basic English, learning a few simple Turkish phrases like “Merhaba” (hello) or “Teşekkür ederim” (thank you) can go a long way and show respect for the local culture.
Turkey is generally safe for tourists, but like any popular destination, it’s important to take basic precautions. Always keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas like markets, buses, and popular tourist sites. Avoid discussing sensitive topics, such as politics, in public. Petty theft (like pickpocketing) can occur, especially in crowded places like Grand Bazaar or public transport, so be cautious with valuables.
While you may already know that places like Istanbul and Cappadocia are top destinations, there are many more amazing spots:
Ephesus: A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Roman ruins.
Pamukkale: Famous for its white mineral-rich thermal waters and terraces.
Antalya: Known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and waterfalls.
Bodrum: A stunning coastal city known for its vibrant nightlife and ancient sites.
Göbekli Tepe: An ancient archaeological site that is older than the pyramids.
Ephesus: A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Roman ruins.
Pamukkale: Famous for its white mineral-rich thermal waters and terraces.
Antalya: Known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and waterfalls.
Bodrum: A stunning coastal city known for its vibrant nightlife and ancient sites.
Göbekli Tepe: An ancient archaeological site that is older than the pyramids.
You can easily stay connected in Turkey by purchasing a local SIM card from providers like Turkcell, Vodafone, or Türk Telekom. These companies offer affordable data plans for tourists. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas.