15 Things to Know Before Visiting Turkey
Turkey is a bridge between continents, and the practical prep is different from your average European trip. Here’s the briefing.
- E-visa available online for many nationalities (~$50, 90 days) — apply at evisa.gov.tr
- Turkish Lira inflation is wild: pay in lira (not USD/EUR), exchange small amounts as you go
- Bring cash USD/EUR for best exchange rates at döviz offices (better than ATMs)
- Istanbulkart for transit. ₺50 + load; works on metro, bus, tram, ferry
- Tipping 10% at restaurants, ₺20-50 for hotel porters, round up taxis
- Cover shoulders + knees at mosques; women cover hair (scarves provided free)
- Mosques close during 5 daily prayers (15-30 min), check times at the door
- Tap water is technically safe but tastes bad — drink bottled
- Get a Turkcell or Vodafone SIM at the airport (~$25 for 20GB, 30 days)
- Use BiTaksi app (not random taxis): fixed price, no haggling
- Cappadocia hot air balloons: book 2 sites ahead, weather cancels 40% of flights
- Turkish breakfast is enormous. It’s lunch too; eat one big spread, then light dinner
- Bargain in Grand Bazaar (start at 25-30% of asking) but not in modern stores
- ‘Free tea + carpet showing’ = sales trap, expect 1+ hour of pressure
- Power outlets are Type C/F, European plugs work