Turkey

Turkey

- Turkey offers a captivating blend of Eastern and Western cultures, stunning historical sites like Hagia Sophia and Ephesus, diverse landscapes from Mediterranean beaches to lunar-like Cappadocia, and delicious cuisine. It's a land of ancient empires, vibrant bazaars, and warm hospitality.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$30/day
Mid-range$70/day
Luxury$600/day

Known For

AnatoliaIstanbulAnkaraOttoman EmpireAsia MinorTurkish Republic

🇹🇷 Country Information: Turkey

CapitalAnkara
CurrencyTurkish lira (₺)
LanguageTurkish , English,German,Arabic,Russian
Phone Code+90
Electricity220V (Type C, F)
Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

  • Tipping is common and appreciated
  • Restaurants: 5
  • 10% of the bill, or round up
  • Taxis: Round up the fare
  • Hotels: A few lira for porters and housekeepers
  • Tour guides: Around 5
  • 20 TL per person per day

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
  • Credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments
  • It is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller shops and rural areas
  • There is no significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques and religious sites
  • Women should cover their heads, shoulders, and knees
  • Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon
  • Remove your shoes when entering mosques or private homes
  • It is polite to accept offers of tea or coffee
  • Bargaining is common in markets (bazaars)
  • Do not point with your finger, use your whole hand

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. While homosexuality is not illegal, LGBTQ+ rights are limited, and societal attitudes can be conservative. There is no legal recognition for same-sex marriage or civil partnerships.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are very strict, and even possession of small amounts can lead to severe penalties, including long prison sentences

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to insult the Turkish flag or the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
  • Buying, selling, or exporting cultural and historical artifacts without permission is strictly prohibited
  • Photography near military installations or in restricted areas is forbidden

Common Phrases

NoHayır (HAH-yuhr) Hayır
YesEvet (EH-vet) Evet
HelloMerhaba (MAHR-hah-bah) Merhaba
PleaseLütfen (LEWT-fen) Lütfen
Thank youTeşekkür ederim (teh-sheh-kewr eh-deh-reem) Teşekkür ederim

Climate

Turkey has a diverse climate, largely influenced by its vast geography and proximity to several seas. This classification broadly divides it into Mediterranean coastal, inland continental, and Eastern high-altitude subclimates.

Climate Zone: Mediterranean

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Turkish Breakfast (Kahvaltı) breakfast

A rich and diverse spread typically featuring cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, jams, honey, eggs, and freshly baked bread like simit or pide. This

Döner Kebab street_food

Seasoned meat (lamb, beef, or chicken) stacked on a vertical spit and roasted, then thinly sliced. It is commonly served inside bread (ekmek), a wrap

Simit snack

A circular bread, coated with sesame seeds, that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Often called a Turkish bagel, it is a ubiquitous st

Baklava dessert

A rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough, filled with chopped nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts) and sweetened with syrup or honey. This ic

Meze must_try

A selection of small appetizer dishes, similar to tapas, served cold or hot. They include various dips, spreads, vegetable dishes, and salads, designe

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Sleeper/Couchette Train Tickets (e.g., Eastern Express) Transport
Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Long-distance sleeper trains, particularly popular routes like the DoÄŸu Ekspresi (Eastern Express), often sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays.

Fun Facts

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