22 Türkiye Travel Tips for First-Timers

Updated: 2 October, 2024

Everything you need to know to travel to Türkiye: visas, safety, currency, when to go, how to get around, what to buy, and lots of tips. 😉

Türkiye is a country that will amaze you with its rich culture, delicious food, friendly people, spectacular natural landscapes and the typical Middle Eastern exoticism in a modern setting.

You couldn't ask for more, Türkiye has it all!

If you are preparing your trip, in this article I give you many tips to travel to Turkey for the first time without any setbacks.

1. Do I need a visa to travel to Türkiye?

No, if you're from the U.S. or Canada, you can travel to Türkiye for up to 90 days without applying for a visa.

The same applies to many European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.

However, if you're from Australia, you'll need to apply for a 90-day Turkish visa, which costs 60 USD. You can process it on the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

If I haven't mentioned your country or if you have any doubts, you can check the visa link. Select your country, and it will inform you whether you need a visa or not.

2. Other travel requirements for Türkiye

One of the requirements for traveling to Türkiye is that your passport should have a minimum validity of 150 days* at the time of entry into the country.

Additionally, it must have at least 1 free page.

* Passport validity

Türkiye calculates the necessary passport validity based on the maximum time you can stay in the country, adding an extra 60 days to that.

In other words, for passports from countries that can stay for up to 90 days, the passport must have a validity of at least 150 days (90 + 60 = 150) at the time of entry.

The same applies to passports from countries with a maximum stay of 30 days; you need to add 60 days. Therefore, the passport

👍 Friend's tip: When you travel, keep a copy of your passport on your phone and another in the cloud. It can be a lifesaver if you lose or have your passport stolen.

3. Vaccines for traveling to Türkiye

Currently, there are no mandatory vaccines for traveling to Türkiye.

COVID

Regarding COVID, Türkiye stopped requiring PCR tests or vaccination certificates as of June 1, 2022.

Other vaccines

However, there are some recommended vaccines for traveling to Türkiye, which are basically the vaccines that are recommended for almost any trip and are:

• Hepatitis A and B
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Typhoid fever
• Rabies, if you will be traveling to rural areas or coming into contact with animals

To get vaccinated, you need to contact the international vaccination center in your area.

If you live in the U.S., you can check this website from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a list of all vaccination clinics and more information; or here for Canada, United Kingdom or Australia.

4. Do I need travel insurance to go to Türkiye?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for a trip to Türkiye, but it's highly recommended.

If anything happens during your vacation, the insurance will cover you; otherwise, you might have to pay for medical treatments out of your own pocket, and it can cost you an arm and a leg. 😖

I always use and recommend Heymondo, it is an international insurer specialized in travel insurance, with excellent coverage and 24-hour assistance, even if you take out the basic insurance and here you can get a 5% discount.

This insurance comes with top-notch medical care, repatriation services, and coverage for lost luggage, along with other perks.

Another great feature of this insurance is that if you need to see a doctor during your trip, you won't have to pay upfront and then wait for reimbursement.

If you’re looking for an affordable option, IATI is perfect. It’s the insurance backpackers prefer, and you also get a 5% discount.

If you're planning to travel for several months, both insurance companies have long-term coverage options.

5. What to see in Türkiye?

Türkiye is a country with a great diversity of landscapes and a rich cultural and historical heritage that makes it very appealing to tourists.

It's a country of both Asian exoticism and Western modernity, a blend that results in a fascinating place that will leave you captivated.

The gem of Türkiye is Istanbul, which treasures iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque that you can't miss on your trip to Istanbul.

I recommend this guided tour of Istanbul's mosques, which is the most comprehensive.

The city is divided by the Bosphorus, also known as the Strait of Istanbul, separating the European part from the Asian part.

Other places of unique scenic beauty include Cappadocia, famous for hot air balloon rides, or Pamukkale with its Cotton Castle full of natural pools.

Don't forget about some of the country's most important ruins, such as the Greco-Roman ruins of Ephesus or Hierapolis.

If you're thinking of traveling to Türkiye in the summer, I have good news. The Turkish coast has beautiful areas, especially those of the Turkish Riviera or Turquoise Coast, where some of the most famous towns are Kas, Fethiye, or Marmaris.

On the other hand, if you prefer snow and winter sports, Türkiye has 35 ski resorts in very interesting mountainous areas with peaks over 5,000 meters high.

In the video below, you can see one of the most beautiful beaches in Türkiye. If you continue watching the playlist, you can find videos of Cappadocia and Istanbul filmed with a drone.

6. Is it safe to travel to Türkiye?

Yes, overall, Türkiye is a safe country.

City Safety

While the crime rate is low, you need to be cautious of pickpockets in major cities, tourist spots, and public transportation, such as in Istanbul.

Is it safe to travel to Istanbul?

Istanbul is a very safe city, but as it has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, scams targeting tourists have emerged. You'll need to be careful; here are some examples:

• Taxis: Avoid them at all costs. It's common for the driver to claim you've only given them a fraction of the fare, for example, if you gave them 100 liras, they might say you gave them only 20. In the city, you can easily use public transportation, and for airport transfers use a service like the one linked to avoid unpleasant situations.
• Distracted shoe shiners: They "accidentally" drop their brush, and as you kindly warn them, they repay you with a 10-second shoe shine. Later, they'll try to charge you an exorbitant fee, claiming they have a family. 🤦
• Menus without prices Restaurants without prices on their menus are likely to charge outrageous sums, especially if they're in touristy areas.
• Unordered dishes: Many places in Istanbul may charge you for anything they place on your table, even if you didn't order it. While it's common in my experience to be treated to some things in Türkiye, especially in non-touristy areas or villages (it's quite common to be treated to Turkish tea at the end of a meal and some lokums (Turkish delight), some establishments may take advantage.
• Overly friendly people inviting you to a bar with their friends, and you end up paying for the whole group's drinks at outrageous prices.

If you encounter any scam or issue, mention that you will call the police. Sometimes, just the mention of it works because Turks have a lot of respect for the police.

Freedom of expression

Freedom of expression in Türkiye is not the same as in many Western countries.

Therefore, one of my top travel tips for visiting Türkiye is to avoid criticizing the country or discussing sensitive topics like domestic politics or Turkish authorities, even on social media

As you know, this is applicable wherever we travel, but in Türkiye, there are laws on these matters that can get you into serious trouble.

Conflict Areas

There is still a certain risk of terrorist attacks in the country, and there are also some conflict areas along with Syria and Iraq.

If you plan to travel to any area close to these countries, find out about the situation at that time and stay informed throughout your trip.

Is it safe to travel to Türkiye despite the Israel – Palestine conflict?

Yes, traveling to Türkiye is still safe despite the conflict between Israel and Palestine because Türkiye does not share borders with Israel. If you plan to visit Istanbul, it is far from the Gaza Strip, with over 800 km of distance.

Additionally, Türkiye has not indicated any participation in the conflict at the moment. Nevertheless, if you are planning your trip, I recommend keeping an eye on the news.

7. Is Türkiye Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Yes, you can generally travel alone to Türkiye without any issues. I've done it myself, and it was a lovely experience.

The country is predominantly Muslim, but the main tourist areas (Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir, Pamukkale, and the Aegean Sea coast) are not very conservative, and you'll feel like you're in any Western country.

In large cities, you can go out alone at night; just take the precautions you would as a woman in other places because, as women, we always need to take care of ourselves.

Another piece of advice I'll give you is to be careful not to smile too much at men. In Türkiye, a smile is interpreted as a form of flirting.

Additionally, Turkish men can be very intense. If your intention wasn't to flirt, be firm in saying no, and nothing will happen.

Though it's not the most common thing in tourist areas because men know that Western women smile without intending to flirt.

8. How do women dress? What can I wear?

In cities like Istanbul, Bursa, Izmir, and most of the western part of Türkiye, women dress as we would in any Western country, and generally, they do not cover their heads with hijabs or burkas.

So, if you're traveling in the summer, you can wear tank tops, skirts, or shorts, and summer dresses. However, to enter mosques, you'll need clothing that covers you, and a scarf to cover your head.

But beware, because not all of Türkiye is the same; the eastern part of the country is more conservative. It's best to dress in more covering clothes there, or you risk attracting unwanted attention.

For example, the city of Konya is famous among Turks for being one of the most conservative, even too conservative for Western Turks.

When traveling, remember the common saying:

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

9. What currency do they use? (Exchange, ATMs, and card payments)

The official currency of the country is the Turkish lira.

However, in many tourist places, restaurants, and shops, they will gladly accept other currencies, such as euros, US dollars, and even in some places, British pounds.

But if you have cash in any of these currencies, I recommend exchanging them at an official exchange office, as the exchange rates elsewhere might not be favorable, and you could end up losing money.

Where to exchange money

Always go to official exchange offices, and if possible, avoid exchanging at the airport. If you can, wait until you reach the city or exchange only a small amount.

Withdrawing money

In Türkiye, you can use your international bank cards to withdraw money from ATMs, and some Turkish banks do not charge a fee.

When I first traveled to Türkiye, I had made a list of banks that supposedly did not charge a commission, but to my surprise, some on the list had changed their ATM withdrawal policy and were charging a hefty fee.

One of them was ING, which not only wasn't free but charged a generous commission of almost 5 euros / 5.47 USD at the exchange rate. 😬

One place where I could withdraw money for free in Türkiye was from Halkbank ATMs (pictured above).

Your bank may charge a commission and more for currency conversion.

👍 Friend's advice: For traveling, I recommend opening a Wise account, which allows you to withdraw up to 200 euros / 100 USD per month without a commission using the debit card. Beyond that, the commission is minimal, and they provide the most favorable exchange rates between currencies. If you use the link above to sign up, your initial transfer will be fee-free.

Card payments

Card payments are widespread in Türkiye, and you can use your card in many places.

10. What language do they speak in Türkiye?

In Türkiye, the official language is Turkish.

Although in many tourist places, you'll find people who speak English and even other languages.

11. When is the best time to visit Türkiye?

The best time to travel to Türkiye is in spring and autumn, especially if you plan to visit Istanbul, Cappadocia, or Pamukkale, as the weather is pleasant during these seasons.

During the summer, the heat in these areas can be overwhelming, but it's an ideal time if you want to explore the Turkish coasts, both along the Black Sea and those bathed by the Aegean Sea.

On the other hand, winter can be very cold in the northern part of the country, along the Black Sea or in the Anatolia region, but it's a great time for skiing or engaging in other winter sports.

Below, you can see the average maximum and minimum temperatures for Istanbul in both Celsius and Fahrenheit:

12. How to have mobile data in Türkiye?

Vodafone

If you live in the European Union and have Vodafone, you can use roaming at no extra cost.

Vodafone is the only European telecommunication company that includes Türkiye along with the countries of the European Union.

This applies whether you have a contract or your card is prepaid; all you need to do is activate roaming on your phone.

Buying a Turkish SIM

If you don't have Vodafone, you can purchase a Turkish SIM. Two of the most widely used telecommunication companies are Vodafone and Turkcell.

eSIM for Türkiye

The most practical alternative is to buy a eSIM for Türkiye like this one with a 5% discount. Buy it in advance, follow the configuration steps (they provide a simple guide).

Once you arrive in Türkiye, you'll already have internet with unlimited data, avoiding the need to search for a telecommunication office.

Before purchasing an eSIM, make sure it's compatible with your phone, especially if you have an older model.

Roaming in Türkiye

Finally, the other option is roaming, which I don't recommend because it tends to be quite expensive.

Check in advance with your telecommunication company to see how much they will charge for roaming.

13. What type of plug is used in Türkiye? And what is the voltage?

The plugs in Türkiye are type F, meaning two round pins.

Additionally, the voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz.

So, if you are traveling from the USA or Canada, you will need a a plug adapter that also serves as a power converter to use your electronic devices.

On the other hand, if you are traveling from the UK or Australia, you will only need a plug adapter.

Here is a chart showing all the global plug types:

14. Flights to Istanbul

Istanbul boasts two international airports, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) and Istanbul Airport (IST), both well-connected to both Europe and Asia.

Istanbul Airport (IST) also offers direct flights to and from the Americas and Africa.

Flights from North America to Istanbul

Istanbul Airport (IST) provides direct flights from major U.S. cities, along with several Canadian cities (Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver), courtesy of Turkish Airlines, the country's primary airline.

I recommend using this flight search engine, which is a great tool for finding the best flight deals, especially if you have flexible travel dates.

Flights from Europe to Istanbul

If you travel from the UK you will find affordable flights from London, Manchester and Birmingham primarily with Wizz Air and Pegasus, the latter being a Turkish low-cost airline.

Additionally, there are low-cost flights from various European capitals and major cities.

For budget-friendly flight options, I recommend using this flight search engine.

Flights from Australia to Istanbul

If you're flying from Australia, direct flights to Istanbul are not available. The best alternative is to have a layover in Asia or the Middle East; you can explore various flight options here.

Airport Transfer to Istanbul

Both Istanbul airports are well-connected to the city, offering convenient options such as public transportation or taxis.

Alternatively, you can opt for this practical Istanbul airport transfer.

15. How to get around Türkiye?

One of the fantastic aspects of independent travel in Türkiye is its excellent transportation system, allowing you to move around easily and affordably.

In Istanbul, a vast city, navigating public transportation is a breeze. You have options like buses, the metro, and trams—all costing the same, and you can conveniently pay using the Istanbulkart.

For country-wide travel, you'll find flights, trains, and buses connecting major cities and popular tourist destinations. To explore villages and more remote areas, dolmus (Turkish minibuses) are the primary mode of transportation.

If you want to explore beyond Istanbul during your Türkiye trip, I recommend checking out this website. It provides comprehensive information on transportation options, prices, schedules, and allows you to make reservations.

Alternatively, you can use the search engine below:

⭐ You may also be interested in this article about How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the City: fast and cheap.

16. Driving in Türkiye

Driving in Türkiye is possible with your driving license; you won't need an international permit. It is the same for the US, the UK and Australia.

Road signs in Türkiye are similar to those in the European Union, but here are some key points to know when driving in Turkey:

• Maximum speed allowed: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on dual-carriageways, and 120 km/h on highways.
• Police checks: Road controls in Türkiye are frequent, especially near tourist areas. The police will ask for your documents and car rental papers—this is entirely routine.
• Gas stations: are generally easy to find, especially near tourist spots, and the majority accept card payments.

For car rentals in Türkiye, I recommend this search engine that works with local, affordable, and reliable companies. This way, you can avoid any potential scams. I've managed to get cars for as low as 7.50 euros / 8.21 USD per day.

17. Rent a boat in Türkiye

If you want to explore all the beautiful beaches along the Turkish coast independently, consider renting a boat, which also allows you to visit nearby Greek islands. 😍

One advantage of renting a sailboat or yacht in Türkiye is the very affordable prices.

I've found boats for as little as 150 euros / 164 USD per day. When split among several people, it's cheaper than most tours, and the experience is unforgettable.

Moreover, the Turkish beaches with crystal-clear water and white sand are stunning.

To rent a boat in Türkiye I recommend this search engine, offering boats in excellent condition at reasonable prices.

18. Can I drink tap water in Türkiye?

Generally, tap water in Türkiye is drinkable, but it's always best to ask before taking a sip.

If in doubt, bottled water is very affordable. It's better to spend a few liras than to risk ruining your vacation with gastrointestinal issues.

19. Turkish Food, much more than Kebab

Turkish cuisine is way more diverse than just kebabs, and some of the best dishes you should try include:

• Lentil soup: Made with red lentils, it has a milder flavor, and the result is simply delicious.
• Dolmas: Grape leaves stuffed mainly with rice and meat.
• Manti: A type of pasta filled with meat, usually served with a yogurt and garlic sauce (see above photo).
• Borek: A pastry filled with minced meat or vegetables and white cheese, similar to Greek feta.
• Turkish black tea: Turks enjoy black tea throughout the day, even after meals; it's a ritual you shouldn't miss.
• Turkish coffee: Strong and unique, Turkish coffee is a tradition included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity prepared in a very distinct way.
• Baklava: A sweet treat made with phyllo dough, nuts, and honey – a true delight for those with a sweet tooth.
• Lokum: Also known as Turkish delight, it's the origin of gummy candies but homemade and finger-licking good (see below photo). 😋

20. Is it common to tip in Türkiye?

Yes, in Türkiye, if you've received good service, it's customary to leave a tip around 10%, especially in restaurants.

21. Hamam, a Must-Try Experience

During your trip to Türkiye, one thing you shouldn't miss is visiting a Turkish Hamam to pamper yourself.

The Hamam treatment includes a humid room, essentially a Turkish bath. After that, you'll receive an exfoliation done by the masseur all over your body, and finally, you can choose to have a massage.

The exfoliation might feel intense at first, but the overall sensation is fantastic.

Hamam treatments are an experience I highly recommend trying.

If you don't know where to go, I recommend this Haman in Istanbul , which is one of the most beautiful and is in the center. 😍

Keep in mind that the exfoliating massage is done with some clothing on, so bring swimwear or at least underwear.

22. What to buy in Türkiye? 10 souvenir ideas

One of the most wonderful things about visiting Türkiye is exploring its bazaars or markets, where you can find plenty of souvenirs to take home.

Here's a list of the best things to buy in Türkiye:

1. Jewelry: Turks are masters of jewelry, especially filigree work and gem settings.
2. Lamps: Fabulous lamps made of colored crystals, tin, and copper are a magnificent souvenir. 😍
3. Ceramics: You can buy items like bowls, cups, jars, and other beautifully decorated ceramic objects. The ceramics of Iznik, used in the decoration of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, are famous and available throughout the country. Outside tourist areas, you can buy smaller pieces for 30 liras (1.09 euros) each.
4. Textiles: Turks are famous for their silk garments and leather accessories. You'll also find reasonably priced imitation brand clothing.
5. Carpets: Alongside Persian rugs, Turkish carpets are among the most famous globally and are handmade.
6. Tea Sets: Beautiful sets with small cups and metal pieces.
7. Spices: When you enter Turkish markets, the first thing you notice is the delightful aroma of Turkish spices—a great and affordable souvenir that doesn't take up much space in your suitcase.
8. Turkish tea: Cultivated in areas near the Black Sea, it's one of the world's best and very inexpensive. To buy tea, I recommend going to Turkish supermarkets instead of the bazaar. I bought 100g bags of loose black tea, like the one in the photo below, for 11 liras (0.40 euros) each. 😋
9. Turkish Coffee Pot: They are those small metal coffee makers where they prepare Turkish coffee, one of the strongest in the world.
10. Lokum: I love the lokum couldn't leave it out of this list 😅 because it's a delicious gift.

👍 Friend's tip: Remember to haggle when shopping, especially in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul. 🤑

Interesting Facts about Türkiye

Final Thoughts

I hope these travel tips for Türkiye are helpful for your visit to this wonderful country that will leave you wanting more.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

More about Türkiye and Greece

• 5 Areas to Stay in Istanbul (and Where to Avoid) – with recommended hotels
• What to see in Pamukkale: complete guide
• What to do in Marmaris: 19 essentials
• Best all-inclusive trips to Turkey: 4, 6, 7, 10 and 15 days
• What to see in Rhodes: 27 essentials
• How to go to the Greek islands and move between them?
• 22 cheapest destinations in Europe – including Istanbul 😉