Travel Tips

• Learn a few Turkish phrases. English is common in tourist areas, but a simple "merhaba" (hello) and "teşekkür ederim" (thank you) go a long way, especially outside major cities.

• Carry cash, but not too much. Card payments are widely accepted in cities, but small vendors, local markets, and rural areas often prefer cash (Turkish lira). ATMs are everywhere, but withdraw from bank-affiliated machines to avoid high fees.

• Bargain in markets, not in shops. Haggling is expected in bazaars (like Istanbul's Grand Bazaar) but not in regular stores or restaurants — read the room.

• Dress modestly at religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques, and women should bring a scarf to cover their hair. Most mosques provide loaner scarves and robes at the entrance.

• Try the intercity bus network. Turkey's long-distance buses (like Kamil Koç) are comfortable, affordable, and cover the whole country — a great budget alternative to domestic flights.

• Watch out for taxi meters. Make sure the driver starts the meter, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Istanbul, or agree on a fare upfront if there's no meter.

• Drink bottled or filtered water. Tap water is generally treated but can taste different regionally; bottled water is cheap and widely available.

• Time outdoor sightseeing around the heat. Especially in summer and in regions like Cappadocia, start early to beat both the heat and the tour crowds.

• Get a local SIM or eSIM on arrival. Turkish SIM cards are cheap and easy to get at the airport, and having data makes navigating public transit and translation apps much easier.

• Respect local customs around alcohol and Ramadan. Alcohol is legal but not served everywhere, especially in more conservative towns. During Ramadan, be mindful eating or drinking in public during fasting hours, particularly outside tourist zones.