🇬🇷 Greece vs 🇹🇷 Turkey

Athens has an excellent metro, and ferries are the main way to travel between the islands.

⛔Ferry schedules on smaller islands can be disrupted by the meltemi wind in August — always allow a buffer day before an important flight.

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Istanbul has metro, tram, funicular, and ferries. Use an Istanbulkart. Other cities have buses and minibuses (dolmuş). Agree on taxi fares in advance.

⛔Taxi scams targeting tourists are common in Istanbul tourist areas. Always insist on the meter (taksimetre) or agree on a specific price before getting in.

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EU residents can use their EHIC card for public healthcare; all visitors should carry travel insurance, especially on the islands.

⛔Medical facilities on small islands like Folegandros or Ikaria are extremely limited — travel insurance with evacuation cover is essential.

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Drug laws are strict, removing archaeological artifacts is a serious criminal offense, and nudity is illegal on non-designated beaches.

⛔Removing archaeological artifacts — even fragments that appear to be litter — is a criminal offense that can result in immediate arrest and prosecution.

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Insulting the President or Turkish identity is a criminal offense. Drug laws are strict. Respect mosques. Buying/exporting antiques without documentation is illegal.

⛔Criticizing the President of Turkey (Erdoğan) on social media is a criminal offense under Article 299. Foreign tourists have been detained at the airport for social media posts made from abroad. Be cautious about what you post.

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Drinking age is 18. Alcohol is widely available in tourist areas. Some restrictions apply near mosques and during Ramadan. Raki is the national drink.

⛔Turkey's restrictions on alcohol are gradually tightening under the current government. Some areas near religious sites have strict no-alcohol zones. Respect local customs in conservative communities.

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Photography is generally permitted at archaeological sites and most attractions, but tripods, military installations, and some church interiors have restrictions.

⛔Photographing military facilities in Greece is illegal and has resulted in the arrest of foreign tourists — avoid any shots near bases or naval ports.

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Photography is generally allowed at tourist sites. No photos inside military zones, near government buildings, or of police operations. Ask before photographing people.

⛔Photography of military installations or personnel is illegal in Turkey under the Military Zones Law. This includes photographs from a distance of military vehicles, checkpoints, or bases.

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Turkey is largely open 7 days a week. Markets and shops open on Sundays. Friday afternoon prayers affect some businesses. Eid holidays cause widespread closures.

⛔The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is closed every Sunday — it is one of the most notable tourist attraction closures in Turkey. Plan your visit for Monday–Saturday.

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Taxis are metered and reliable; Uber and the Beat app operate in Athens using licensed taxi drivers.

⛔Unlicensed drivers approach tourists at Athens airport offering flat fares that are often two to three times the official rate — only use clearly marked yellow taxis or pre-booked apps.

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Uber does not operate in Turkey — use BiTaksi or InDriver apps, or official metered yellow taxis in Istanbul.

⛔Istanbul taxi scams targeting tourists are widespread and well-documented — including fake large-note swaps, rigged meters, and excessive detours. App-based taxis are the safest option.

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Do not drink tap water in Turkey — bottled water is cheap, widely available, and essential for all visitors.

⛔Drinking tap water in Turkey can cause stomach illness. Always use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth, especially outside major cities.

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Avoid Euronet ATMs due to high fees — stick to bank ATMs such as Alpha Bank, Piraeus, or National Bank of Greece.

⛔Euronet ATMs are found at high-traffic tourist locations across Greece and apply extremely high fees — they are best avoided entirely.

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ATMs are widely available and foreign cards are broadly accepted — always pay in Turkish Lira to avoid unfavorable dynamic currency conversion rates.

⛔Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals can cost 5–10% more than paying in TRY. Always select the local currency option.

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Turkcell offers the best coverage — buy a tourist SIM at Istanbul Airport with your passport, or use an Airalo eSIM before you arrive.

⛔Social media platforms including Twitter/X, Instagram, and others have been intermittently blocked in Turkey following political events. A VPN installed before arrival is the reliable workaround.

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The main tourist scams are overcharging taxis, restaurant menu-switching, and fake gold rings — stay alert in central Athens.

⛔The Monastiraki and Plaka areas of Athens have a concentration of tourist-targeted overcharging; a little vigilance and checking prices in advance saves significant frustration.

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Turkey's markets reward skilled hagglers, but specific tourist scams are common — know them before you arrive.

⛔Istanbul taxi scams and commission-based shop touts are the most common ways tourists lose money in Turkey. Use app-based taxis and be skeptical of unsolicited friendliness near tourist sites.

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Greece is generally very safe; the main risk for tourists is pickpocketing in central Athens and leaving valuables unattended on beaches.

⛔Pickpocketing on Athens Metro Line 3 (airport line) is reported regularly — keep bags in front of you and zip all pockets on this route.

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Istanbul and main tourist areas are generally safe, with petty theft the primary risk — violent crime against tourists is rare.

⛔The UK, US, and other governments maintain elevated travel advisories for parts of southeastern Turkey near the Syrian and Iraqi borders. Check official government advisories before visiting these regions.

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Greece has outstanding beaches with many EU Blue Flag awards; watch for seasonal jellyfish and sea urchins, and note that organised beaches charge for sunbeds.

⛔Sea urchin injuries are common on rocky Greek beaches — wearing water shoes greatly reduces the risk.

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Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean coasts offer outstanding beaches with turquoise water — the Blue Voyage gulet tour is an iconic way to experience them.

⛔Jellyfish are seasonally common in the Aegean Sea, particularly from August onward. Check local beach reports before swimming and avoid touching any jellyfish washed up on shore.

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Drive on the right; EU, US, and UK licences are valid; island roads are narrow and winding, and ATV rentals carry significant injury risk.

⛔ATV and quad bike accidents are the leading cause of serious tourist injuries in Greece; many rental companies have minimal safety standards — consider a small hire car instead.

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Turkey drives on the right — international driving licenses are valid, but driving in Istanbul is extremely stressful and is not recommended for tourists.

⛔Turkey has one of the higher road accident rates in Europe. Drive defensively, be cautious of aggressive local driving styles, and avoid night driving on mountain or rural roads.

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Greek food culture centres on shared meze, very late dinners, and fresh fish priced by weight — always confirm fish prices before ordering.

⛔Fish prices at tavernas are listed per kilo and the final cost can surprise unprepared diners — always ask for the weight and price before the fish is prepared.

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Non-Muslims are welcome at Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque outside prayer times — cover fully, remove shoes, and behave respectfully.

⛔Both Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque close to tourists during all five daily prayer times. Prayer times shift throughout the year — check the schedule on the day of your visit to avoid a wasted trip.

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The best times to visit are April–June and September–October — warm, uncrowded, and with lower prices than peak summer.

⛔The meltemi wind can cancel or significantly delay ferries across the Aegean in August — always book accommodation with flexible cancellation and allow buffer days near flights.

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