If you’re planning to visit Turkey, here are some important travel tips before going to Turkey! Turkey is one of the world’s most visited countries with 48 million visitors in 2019. Also 1 million medical tourist traveled to Turkey for health treatments in 2019. And for good reason; travel to turkey is safe, fun, easy, and affordable.
Money Exchange:
Cash is exchanged without commission in most Exchange offices, banks, or hotels. Cash point machines (ATM) are available in most busy areas. They accept worldwide cards and some cash points display instructions in English. Inform your bank in advance that you are travelling to Turkey as some automatically prevent use to combat fraud. Turkish newspapers and the Internet publish exchange rates daily.
Water:
Tap water in Turkey is high in minerals and can upset the stomach so use bottled water instead. Some upper-class hotels offer complimentary bottled water while others will charge. Most shops sell bottled water and you can still brush your teeth with tap water but do not swallow.
Working Hours & Public Holidays:
Offices and banks are generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with a break from 12:00 to 1:30 PM. Touristic shops, restaurants, and bars usually open until late at night.
Official Holidays :
• April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
• May 19 Ataturk Commemoration and Youth & Sports Day
• August 30 Victory Day (victory over invading forces in 1922)
• October 29 Republic Day (anniversary of the declaration of the Turkish Republic)
Please note: Dates of the following two religious festivals change according to the Muslim lunar calendar and thus occur 10 days earlier each year. Shops, banks and offices opening hours will be affected.
• Ramadan Bayrami / Sugar Feast: Three-day festival to celebrate the end of the fast of Ramadan.
• Kurban Bayramı / Sacrifies Feast: Four-day festival to slaughter a sheep or cow and distribute the meat among the poor, neighbours and within the family.
Internet:
Most hotels, inns, pensions, and hostels have a communal computer and open wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) in at least one public space, such as the lobby or lounge. Wi-Fi access is usually free in smaller hotels and inns but larger hotels may charge. You should check with reception. Turkish airports, some cafes, and restaurants also have free Wi-Fi access.| Travel Tips for Turkey
Laundry:
Some hotels offer laundry services and they normally display the price list in rooms. There are not many launderettes in Turkey but dry cleaning shops are scattered throughout most cities.
Toilets (Bath Room/WC):
Western Style flushing toilets are used in hotels, restaurants, museums and public toilets in Western Turkey while traditional “squat” toilets are often found in bus stations and more rural areas, especially Eastern Turkey. Many public toilets in Turkey require payment (normally around 1 Turkish Liras).
Visiting a Mosque:
Foreign visitors should remove shoes and show the same respect they would to any other house of worship. Avoid visiting mosques during prayer time. Women should cover their heads and arms, and not wear miniskirts. Men should not wear shorts.
Tipping:
Most tour and hotel staff appreciate small tips given with discretion but it is not mandatory. Taxis do not expect tips but rounding up the fare for convenience is common. In restaurants, the normal amount to tip is 10% of the bill depending on how happy you are with the service.
Using the Telephone:
Turkish SIM cards are sold at most mobile phone shops but it is a lengthy process for foreigners. Some shops sell telephone cards to use in public phones and there are many iPhone apps that allow you to speak free. If you use the telephone in your hotel, check with reception re charges.
Adaptors and Voltage:
Turkey has 220 V power systems and adapters are needed because plug sockets are two prong.
