Turkey Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

So - you're eyeing up a city break, trying some regional dishes before you travel, and are building a Turkey itinerary from scratch - chances are, you've got plenty of bases covered when it comes to the perfect trip to the Mediterranean. However, there are always going to be some Turkey travel tips that will help you stay safe, save money, and ensure you are respectful of local people.

Many of us here at SIMOVO have visited Turkey several times over, and on our travels, we've picked up a few tips that we think are crucial knowledge if you are completely new to the region. In fact, even if you've already vacationed here in the past, there are always new things to learn!

In this guide, we put together a complete must-know guide on everything you need to know about holidaying in Turkey before you actually board that plane.

Turkey travel tips overview

This Turkey travel tips guide is written to complement your own knowledge and preferences - meaning that we're not here to dictate how you can or should enjoy yourself here. Consider it as a gentle launching pad for a breakaway, or a few sage tips you can put to good use no matter how long you're traveling for.

Remember that not all tips may apply to you, and that there may be some pointers that you're already following! These hints and tips are put together from our years of knowledge in exploring the region, and on expert advice from other holidaymakers online. Who knows - you may even have a few insights of your own that you typically put to good use!

Essential travel tips for Turkey

When traveling to and around Turkey, it's important to carefully consider transport, local safety, customs and etiquette, and how to handle money and make payments. Here's what you need to know before you get on the plane.

Transport in Turkey

Turkey is generally well-connected by an accessible public transit network, and what's more, connections are usually very affordable.

One thing we would prepare you for, however, is the distances between some of the biggest regional attractions, cities, and areas of national beauty. Therefore, while buses are reliable between city spots, it can actually be efficient and more affordable to use flight links between the big cities themselves. Alternatively, if you like traveling slowly, by all means use trains or rent a vehicle.

If you're using public transport, make sure to consult Metro Istanbul for details on the Istanbul Kart and ways to save when you travel.

Safety in Turkey

Turkey is generally regarded as safe for tourists to visit, but do keep in mind that some areas may be safer than others. For example, some foreign offices - like the UK's - advise against traveling within 10km of the country's border with Syria, purely due to terrorism risks.

Otherwise, it pays to keep as safe as you might when heading anywhere else for the first time. Be especially careful cashing out at ATMs, for example, and always keep your valuables in clear sight. A golden rule we always recommend to newbie travelers, too, is to make sure you vacation with other people. It's especially important to stick to groups after dark.

A word on water safety, too - there's no guarantee here that any water out of faucets will be chlorinated and therefore safe to drink, so invest in bottled water regardless of where you travel in the region.

Local customs and etiquette

If you're touring the local mosques in Turkish cities, following basic Islamic etiquette is mandatory - including dressing modestly, removing your shoes at the door, and avoiding taking photos of people during prayer.

It's also worth remembering that personal space may be smaller than you've experienced back home! People here are quite tactile, but remember that touching is only appropriate when it's above the waist.

To avoid being rude in public, never point at people, engage in public displays of affection, or leave your shoes on when visiting someone's home. It's also good practice to follow Ramadan practices during the festival out of respect. 

Money and payments

You'll usually be able to make payments by card and withdraw money via ATMs in Turkey, but remember to keep some Turkish Lira to hand if you want to buy anything from street food vendors or independent businesses. And, if you choose to pay by Lira, you'll sometimes avoid hefty conversion fees.

Haggling, too, is a big part of the culture here, especially in traditional marketplaces. That means you frequently need to have a healthy counteroffer in mind when asking for a set price on specific items. Don't expect to pay full price tags, but start offering at around 30%-40% lower with the expectation that the seller will meet you in the middle.

Best time to visit Turkey

The best time to visit Turkey depends on what you're looking for in terms of weather, crowds, and costs. Spring tends to be the most comfortable temperature-wise, as is early fall - and the latter is particularly worth keeping in mind if you want to take advantage of warm seawater without crowded beaches.

Turkey tends to get quite busy after May, meaning you can expect prices and crowds to increase. Always use online tools like Skyscanner for flight deals ahead of time.

Budget tips for Turkey

Sampling as many different Turkish food specialties as possible is going to take a flexible budget, so it makes sense to be money-conscious during your vacation. Here are a few quick tips on how to make a Turkey vacation affordable:

• Where possible, avoid the tourist traps! Look for affordable, well-loved, authentic attractions and restaurants online - such as via social media - and avoid having to pay premiums just because you're a visitor.
• Make full use of the public transit system, for example, with help from cards such as the aforementioned Istanbul Kart. 
• Exchange currencies either with your bank or by withdrawing at an ATM in Turkey. Chances are, you will pay extra fees to exchange money at the airport or through a hotel concierge.

Turkey travel planning tips

Just when you thought we were all out of Turkey travel tips, we're coming at you with a few final ideas to help make trip planning that little bit easier! Here are some final thoughts worth taking on board:

• Immerse yourself in everything you could possibly want to know about Turkey before you travel, so you can build an itinerary around the areas that interest you the most. Our Turkey facts guide is a great starting point.
• Save money on data roaming costs and avoid potentially unsecure public WiFi by downloading an affordable eSIM for Turkey. With SIMOVO, you can unlock unlimited data that rolls over day by day.
• When building an itinerary, try to balance history and traditional tours with modern attractions to keep things interesting from day to day. You might even choose to travel from the Mediterranean to inland cities across several weeks in your itinerary - build your trip your own way!
• When dining in Turkey, remember that food is to be enjoyed as part of a social occasion - dive into some mezze and share!