Turkey travel info
Electricity
The electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard.
Language
Turkish is the official language, but English is widely understood in the main tourist areas.
Money
The official currency is the Turkish lira (TRY), which is divided into 100 kurus, and currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange booths, post offices, airports and ferry ports. Travellers should note that banks have the worst rates but will exchange lesser known foreign currencies. Banks open mainly Monday to Friday, but some are open daily in tourist areas. Major credit cards are widely accepted; Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly supported. Some hotels in the most popular destinations accept US dollars as payment.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated in Turkey and it's often preferred that patrons leave service charges in cash rather than on a card. The customary amount is 10 to 15 percent of the bill, though guests at Turkish baths (hammams) typically leave between 10 and 20 percent of the total bill if service has been good. It's enough to round up the bill for taxi fares.
Health
Mosquitoes can be an irritation in mid-summer, but malaria isn't considered a significant risk in the main tourist areas of the west and south-west. However, there's a low risk in rural and southeastern areas, so travellers planning to visit those regions should consult with a healthcare provider. Most tap water in larger towns and cities is chlorinated and safe to drink, but bottled water is still recommended, especially in rural areas. Food from street vendors should be approached with caution unless it's clearly fresh or hot. The quality of healthcare in state hospitals may not meet high standards, but private hospitals in cities such as Ankara and Istanbul offer modern facilities and are well-regarded. In case of emergency, travellers should dial 112; travel insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation, is highly recommended.
Safety
Street crime in Turkey is generally low, but visitors should always remain vigilant and guard their valuables, especially in crowded tourist areas. It's advisable to avoid public demonstrations, as they can sometimes turn tense or unpredictable. Turkey lies along a major seismic fault line, so earthquakes and tremors are a real risk, particularly in the eastern and central regions. While the threat of terrorism exists, with past incidents occurring in places such as Istanbul, Ankara and popular coastal resorts, it remains a rare occurrence in tourist-heavy areas. However, caution is advised, especially in the southeast, where there are ongoing local security concerns related to regional terrorism. Staying updated on travel advisories and avoiding risky areas is recommended for a safer visit.
Local customs
While it's difficult to generalise about a country as diverse as Turkey, which stretches from Armenia to Greece, the Turkish people are typically welcoming and hospitable. Visitors to modern Istanbul or popular holiday resorts will often find locals to be open-minded, yet tourists should still be mindful of local customs, especially during the month of Ramadan. Although Turkey is a secular country, many people observe fasting during Ramadan, making it considerate to remain aware of this, particularly in more conservative areas. When visiting mosques or religious shrines, visitors should dress modestly (covering shoulders and legs) and women may be expected to cover their heads with a scarf in some places, with scarves often provided. Smoking is prohibited on public transportation and in many indoor public spaces, such as restaurants and cafes, but remains common in outdoor venues.
If invited to someone's home, it's customary to bring a small gift, though overly expensive gifts might create an unnecessary sense of obligation. Tea (çay) is a fundamental part of Turkish culture, frequently offered as a gesture of hospitality. Refusing tea may be considered impolite, so it's best to accept, even if only a small sip. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon in more conservative or rural areas, meaning it's wise to be discreet. When greeting someone, a firm handshake is common, and in more familiar settings, a kiss on both cheeks is often exchanged. Being aware of these local customs will help ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience in Turkey.
Doing business
In Turkey, business associates are typically addressed by their first names. If the associate is male, his name is followed by 'Bey', and 'Hanım' is used for females. While English is often spoken in business settings, especially in larger cities or multinational companies, learning a few words in Turkish can help establish goodwill. A formal, conservative dress code is observed, and women should take particular care to dress modestly. It's important to note that while punctuality is valued in business meetings, there can sometimes be a more flexible approach to time in social settings. Business meetings often begin with some small talk before getting into the agenda, as building relationships is a key part of Turkish business culture. In meetings, it's also important to respect hierarchy, with the most senior person often leading the discussions. Gifts are common in Turkey, and they are usually practical items that can be used in business, such as pens or office stationery. Business cards should be exchanged with both hands, and it's courteous to have one side of the card translated into Turkish. Business hours in Turkey are generally from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, with a one-hour lunch break, but it's always a good idea to be flexible with scheduling. Finally, if invited to someone's home or to a meal, it's considered respectful to accept the invitation, as Turkish people take hospitality seriously.
Duty free
Travellers to Turkey do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 200g tobacco; 1 litre of alcohol over 22 percent volume or 2 litres under 22 percent volume; 120 ml of perfume or eau-de-cologne; and 1,5 km of (instant) coffee and 500g of tea.
Communications
The international country dialling code for Turkey is +90; internet connectivity is good, particularly in larger cities and tourist destinations.
Passport & Visa
Travel documents must be valid for at least 150 days when travellers arrive, and have at least one blank page. All visitors are required to hold return or onward tickets, documents for the next destination and sufficient funds for the period of their stay. It's highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US passport holders must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond their date of entry. Ordinary passport holders are exempted from the visa requirement for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
UK passport holders must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond their date of entry. Ordinary passport holders are exempted from the visa requirement for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Canadian passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least 60 days beyond the duration of their stay. Tourism visas are not required for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Australian passport holders must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond their date of entry, and will need an e-visa for tourism or business if they're staying for less than 90 days in a 180-day period.
South African passports must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of arrival. South African nationals require a visa to enter Turkey.
Irish citizens require a passport with a minimum of 150 days' validity to enter Turkey. Visas are not required for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for purposes such as tourism and business travel.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond the date of their departure. Visas are required for stays longer than 90 days.
Useful contacts
Ministry of Culture and Tourism: +90 (312) 470-80-00, alo176@ktb.gov.tr
112 (Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies)