Things to Know Before Visiting Turkey

Here are some things to keep in mind before visiting Turkey:

Visa: Many nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey, so make sure to check the visa requirements before planning your trip.

Weather: Turkey has a varied climate, so check the weather in the regions you plan to visit. Summer is hot and dry, while winter is cold and rainy.

Currency: The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish lira, so make sure to exchange your currency before arriving or withdraw money from an ATM upon arrival.

Language: The official language of Turkey is Turkish, but many people speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Culture: Turkey is a Muslim country, so be respectful of local customs and dress modestly in religious sites. Alcohol is available in many places, but public intoxication is frowned upon.

Transportation: Turkey has an extensive transportation network, including buses, trains, and planes, but traffic can be heavy in major cities. Consider using public transportation or taxis to avoid traffic.

Cuisine: Turkish cuisine is rich and diverse, with a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Be sure to try local dishes like kebabs, meze, and baklava.

Safety: Turkey is generally a safe country, but like any other destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, especially in crowded areas.

Attractions: Turkey has many attractions, from historic sites like the Hagia Sophia and Ephesus to natural wonders like Cappadocia and Pamukkale. Plan your itinerary accordingly to make the most of your time.

Tipping: Tipping is common in Turkey, especially in restaurants and cafes. A 10% tip is usually sufficient.

1. Are Turkish people friendly?

Yes! Turkish people are incredibly friendly, love to help, and are very inquisitive. They often ask questions such as “How old are you?” or “How much money do you earn?” that can feel invasive, and staring is common. On a 10-hour bus ride, the headscarf-wearing village woman next to me gazed unblinkingly at my blue eyes the for the entire trip.

Anything marking you as different - skin color, hair, clothing - makes you an object of fascination, especially outside urban areas. I try to respond with good grace because Turks have a genuine desire to know about foreign life, but you don’t have to answer or engage more than feels comfortable.

2. A few Turkish words and phrases go a long way

Outside the tourist areas, even in big cities, not many people speak English, so having some Turkish language basics is really useful. If you receive an invitation to a local family home for Turkish coffee or tea, knowing even a few words is much appreciated. However, some unscrupulous people take advantage of that friendly nature.

Understanding Turkish non-verbal communication is essential, particularly when it comes to saying no. Turkish hospitality means you’re offered more food and drink than you want. To stop the flow, simply put your hand on your heart as you say no. If you’re being pressured to buy something or give money and saying no hasn’t worked, tilt your head up and back while making a brisk tsk sound with your tongue. It might feel rude to do so, but it works.

3. Currency, costs, tipping, and bargaining

Travel with a mixture of cash (in small denominations), an ATM card, and a credit card. Travelers’ checks are no longer common. US Dollars and Euro are the easiest currencies to convert into Turkish lira and change offices offer the best exchange rates. There are many ATMs throughout Turkey but check with your own bank beforehand about overseas withdrawal fees. Always carry cash on you, in case you can’t find a machine that accepts your card.

Good service is the norm in Turkey but wait staff don’t earn much, so tipping is welcomed; 10-15% is usual in upmarket restaurants, but I always leave something at small, family-run neighborhood places too. Round up the fare for taxi drivers or add an extra US $1-2 (8.40-16.80tl) if they help with your bags. Note: Turkish lira is quite volatile at the time of this writing, so this currency conversion is approximate. 

Always check prices - on menus before ordering, and the bill or taxi meter before paying - and query any discrepancies. Some negotiation is usual in carpet shops, so first learn the price and currency they’re quoting. It’s perfectly all right to ask for a better price. If that fails, stand up and say you’re running out of time before checking one last time if that’s the very best they can do. The main thing is to buy something because you love it. My house is full of carpets I’ve bought in Turkey. Looking at them still makes me smile, while the memory of what I paid is long forgotten.

4. Know how to dress appropriately

Turkey’s population is 99% Muslim, so religious beliefs influence a lot of the daily behavior and customs you’re likely to experience, be it in cosmopolitan centers or traditional rural communities. This doesn’t mean women traveling in Turkey have to cover from head to toe, but being aware of proper etiquette and dressing modestly helps you avoid unwanted attention.

A scarf is the perfect multi-purpose go-to. You can drape it around your shoulders if you’re feeling a bit exposed, or when the temperature drops. Use it to cover your hair when you want to enter a mosque and keep a bag handy in your purse to carry your shoes - you’ll have to take them off to enter.

5. Traditional Turkish toilets

While most Turkish hotels, museums, and restaurants have western-style toilets, you'll frequently encounter squat toilets on your travels. I prefer them because they’re often cleaner. The floor of the stalls is sometimes wet but don’t worry, it’s just clean water that’s been splashed around. They have a tap with running water (bidet) installed next to the squat area as Turks generally use water instead of paper, so remember to keep a packet of tissues in your bag. Hand sanitizer is a good idea, too.

If you’re wearing long pants, you might want to roll up the cuffs, and wearing jumpsuits is not advised. After you back into the stall, remove any objects from your pockets before you squat - likewise sunglasses perched on your head or hooked over your shirt front. If you forget, good luck retrieving them.

The majority of public toilets in Turkey charge a small fee so it’s wise to carry change. Most mosques have toilets (some of them free), so you’ll never be caught short.

10 Essential Tips for Your Turkish Adventure

1. Plan Your Visa: Check visa requirements beforehand. Nationals of many countries need one to enter Turkey.
2. Embrace Diverse Weather: Research the weather patterns in your chosen regions. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and rainy.
3. Master the Lira: The Turkish currency is the Turkish lira. Exchange your currency before arrival or use ATMs.
4. Basic Turkish Goes a Long Way: Learn a few Turkish phrases, especially outside tourist hubs. It enhances interactions and shows respect.
5. Dress Modestly: Turkey is a Muslim-majority country. Dress modestly, especially at religious sites.
6. Navigate with Ease: Turkey boasts an extensive transportation network. Consider public transport or taxis to avoid traffic congestion.
7. A Culinary Paradise: Turkish cuisine is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Savor delicacies like kebabs, meze, and baklava.
8. Safety First: While generally safe, be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
9. Unveiling Wonders: From historical marvels like Ephesus to natural wonders like Pamukkale, plan your itinerary to maximize your exploration.
10. Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is customary, particularly in restaurants and cafes. A 10% tip is generally appreciated.

Conclusion

With these insights and a dash of curiosity, you're well on your way to experiencing the magic of Turkey. Embrace the warmth of Turkish hospitality, delve into the rich tapestry of history and culture, and savor the delectable cuisine. Let Turkey weave its spell and create memories that will last a lifetime.