6 Things to Know Before You Travel to Turkey

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Turkeyinfo-icon is undoubtedly a tourism heaven! The country is fascinating because of its plethora of historical monuments, landscapes, adventurous activities, rich culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. A fabulous trip to Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the ruins of Ephesus have much to offer to satisfy the tourist spirit!

In fact, experts propose Turkey itineraries that last five to ten days, with a weeklong holiday for travelers. Even though there is much to keep you occupied for a month or more in Turkey! Also, it is always advisable to book a guided tour.

Check out this Turkey guided tour and let go of your worries about traveling to a new country.

In addition, to assist travelers with a comfortable stay in Turkey, here are the basics that you need to know.

Check Visa Required for Turkey

Before doing anything else, double-check that you are qualified for legal entry into the nation! A visa to Turkey is not expected to be too difficult to get for many countries since Turkey has a highly flexible visa policy.

  • European Union - For stays up to 90 days, all EU nations do not need a Turkish visa. Typically
  • American Citizens of the United States and Canadainfo-icon will be required to apply for an e-visa. This may be done quickly and simply via the internet, and the visa is valid for stays of up to 90 days.
  • Australiainfo-icon and New Zealandinfo-icon — Like the United States, Australian nationals must get an e-visa before entering Turkey. Visas are not required for citizens of New Zealand if they intend to travel for tourism purposes for 90 days. 

Is it easy to get along with Turks?

Yes, Turkish people are very welcoming, eager to assist, and curious about the world around them. They often ask intrusive inquiries like "How old are you?" and "How much money do you make?" and stare. The headscarf-clad rural lady sitting next to me on a 10-hour bus journey had her gaze fixed on my blue eyes the whole time.

People are drawn to you because of your unique appearance, skin tone, hair color, or dress style, mainly if you live outside of major cities. You don't have to answer or participate more than you feel comfortable since Turks genuinely desire to learn about foreign living.

Turkey's weather is unpredictable

Of course, the weather will differ depending on whatever region of Turkey you are visiting. It is a massive nation that stretches over two continents and has a diversified landscape. Depending on the season, Turkey's weather varies from a desert-dry environment to scorching hot summers to cold icy winters. 

According to the International Climate Organization, the northeastern region is usually more incredible. The middle is desert hot/cold, and the Mediterranean region, which includes Istanbul, enjoys hot summers and pleasant winters.

Difficulties in communication and language

Many people don't speak English even in major cities, so learning a few Turkish words and phrases is a great help. A few phrases in Turkish are very welcomed if you're invited to a local family's house for Turkish coffee or tea. Despite this, some crooks take advantage of the excellent character of many individuals.

Currency, costs, tips, and bargaining

Cash, a debit card, and a credit card are all acceptable forms of payment while on the road. It's no longer usual to see traveler's checks. The simplest currencies to convert are the US dollar and the euro, and money changers often give excellent exchange rates. 

There are numerous ATMs all around Turkey, but be sure to check with your bank regarding costs associated with international withdrawals before you go. Keep a tiny amount of cash on hand in case you can't locate a machine that takes your credit or debit cards.

Tipping is customary. Wait for workers in Turkey who are underpaid and expect good service; expensive restaurants typically hope between 10-15 percent but usually leave something at modest, family-run neighborhood spots.

If the taxi driver helps you with your luggage, you may round up the cost or pay the additional US $1-2 to the fee. At the time of this writing, the Turkish lira was very volatile, and thus this currency conversion is just an approximation.

Before paying for anything, always check the pricing on the menu and the bill or taximeter, and if there are any differences, raise them. First, discover the price and currency they're quoting before negotiating. Yes, it's OK to ask for a lower price. 

Fashion in Turkey: What to Wear

Geographically, politically, and linguistically, the country of Turkey has a lot to offer. Then round the corner to see another lady with everything but her eyes covered as you pass a woman in a tiny black dress. It's possible to feel like you're in Los Angeles in certain places of Turkey, including Kayseri. Even the city of Istanbul has a variety of diverse neighborhoods, and New York City's trendy Moda area is reminiscent of Brooklyn. Also, its centuries-old historic area of Sultanahmet enjoys beautiful museums and marketplaces galore.

Conclusion

We hope these tips will make your trip to Turkey a hassle-free one. All in all, just respect its culture and traditions and you will be left captivated by what all this country has to offer!