Turkey, officially called Türkiye, is a country full of color, flavor, and stories from the past. You can walk through ancient ruins, sail along the coast, or get lost in the busy streets of cities like Istanbul, where the smell of kebab fills the air and sweet baklava is never far away.
Wake up early in Cappadocia to float in a hot air balloon over strange rock shapes and wide valleys. Spend the afternoon drinking tea in a quiet village or shopping in a market full of spices, carpets, and noise. Some places feel modern, others feel old and full of history.
Turkey has many sides, and each one is worth exploring. Take a look at our Turkey travel guides to start planning your trip.
The best time to visit Turkey is in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is warm but not too hot, perfect for sightseeing, walking through ancient sites, and enjoying the coast without the big summer crowds.
Summer (July and August) can be very hot, especially in the inland areas and cities like Istanbul or Cappadocia. However, it’s a great time for beach holidays along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.
Winter (November to March) is colder and rainier, with snow in many parts of the country. It’s a good time for skiing in the mountains or visiting cities without many tourists, but not ideal for beach or outdoor trips.
So for the best mix of good weather and smaller crowds, spring and autumn are your best bet.
The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). You can pay by credit card in most hotels, larger restaurants, and shops, especially in tourist areas and big cities. However, smaller places like local cafés, markets, or rural spots often prefer cash.
ATMs are easy to find in cities and tourist areas, and you can withdraw money using most international cards. In more remote towns or villages, it’s a good idea to carry enough cash with you, especially for small purchases or tips.
The official language in Turkey is Turkish. In tourist areas, English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops. In larger cities and popular destinations like Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the coastal resorts, many people working with tourists understand basic English.
Tap water in Turkey is generally safe in big cities and hotels, but it may not taste good due to high mineral content or chlorine. Many locals and tourists prefer to drink bottled water. In rural areas, it's best to stick to bottled water to be safe. To avoid any stomach issues, use bottled water for brushing your teeth and skip ice cubes in drinks unless you’re sure they’re made with clean water.
In Turkey, clothing styles can vary a lot depending on where you are. In big cities and tourist spots, people dress casually and modern. At the beach, swimwear is completely fine. But in smaller towns and religious places, it's better to dress more modestly out of respect for local customs.
Women are usually advised to cover their shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or more traditional areas. A light scarf can be useful for covering your head in religious sites. For men, shorts and T-shirts are fine in most places, but wearing a shirt is expected away from the beach.
Since Turkey is outside the EU, European roaming charges usually do not apply. Using your regular SIM card may result in high costs. To stay connected and avoid extra charges, it's a good idea to get an eSIM or buy a local SIM card once you arrive. Airalo is an excellent choice for an eSIM!
Haggling is a common part of shopping in Turkey, especially in bazaars and local markets. Sellers often start with higher prices, so it’s normal to bargain when buying things like souvenirs, carpets, spices, or clothes.
The key is to stay friendly and respectful. You can start by offering around half of the asking price and negotiate from there. Keep in mind that haggling is not expected in places with fixed prices, like supermarkets, restaurants, or public transport.
Tipping isn’t required in Turkey, but it’s a common way to show appreciation, especially in the service industry.
In restaurants, leaving around 5–10% of the bill is normal if a service charge isn’t already included. In cafés or casual spots, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is fine.
For taxi drivers, you can round up the fare. Hotel staff and tour guides also appreciate small tips of a few Turkish lira per day.
In Turkey, the power plug types used are C and F. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.
The time zone in Turkey is GMT+3 year-round.
