How Things Work in Turkey

Tipping is expected in Turkey. 10–15% at restaurants, 10–20 TRY for taxis. Always tip in cash directly to the person.

Updated 2025-01

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

Updated 2025-01

Turkey has good private hospitals in cities. Travel insurance is essential. State hospitals are cheap but quality varies. English is spoken at private clinics.

Updated 2025-01

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

Updated 2025-01

Police: 155. Ambulance: 112. Fire: 110. Tourist Police: 527 4503 (Istanbul). Gendarmerie (rural): 156.

Updated 2025-01

Dress modestly at mosques — head covering required for women, no shorts. Beach and resort areas are relaxed. Istanbul is cosmopolitan; smaller towns are more conservative.

Updated 2025-01

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

Updated 2025-01

Bargaining is an art and a social ritual in Turkey. Always negotiate at the Grand Bazaar, markets, and carpet shops. Fixed prices in malls and chain stores.

Updated 2025-01

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

Updated 2025-01

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.

Updated 2025-01

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

Updated 2025-06

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

Updated 2025-06

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

Updated 2025-06

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

Updated 2025-06

Turkey uses Type C and Type F (European round-pin) plugs at 230V/50Hz — UK and US visitors will need adapters.

Updated 2025-06

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

Updated 2025-06

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

Updated 2025-06

Always accept offered tea, remove shoes at mosques and homes, and approach hospitality invitations as genuine — Turks are famously welcoming.

Updated 2025-06

English is widely spoken in Istanbul and tourist areas — outside these zones it drops off sharply, but Turks warmly appreciate any attempt at Turkish.

Updated 2025-06

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

Updated 2025-06

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

Updated 2025-06

Turkish cuisine is extraordinary — share mezze, try regional kebab varieties, eat a full Turkish breakfast, and always finish with çay or Turkish coffee.

Updated 2025-06

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

Updated 2025-06

Istanbul and Cappadocia are best in spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October); the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts peak from May to October.

Updated 2025-06

Turkey is exceptional value for foreign visitors due to lira inflation — street food, public transport, and local restaurants are all very affordable.

Updated 2025-06