Travel tips

Essentials for travelling around Türkiye. Rules and prices can change, so remember to check official sources.

Emergencies

Call 112 anywhere in Türkiye for ambulance, police, fire and gendarmerie.
Every neighbourhood has a duty pharmacy open at night and on holidays; closed pharmacies post the nearest one in their window.

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Use the official e-Visa website for up-to-date information and electronic visa applications. evisa.gov.tr ↗
Hotels and some museums may ask for ID or a passport, so keep it with you.

The currency is the Turkish lira (TL). Cards are widely accepted in cities; carry cash for villages, markets and small shops.
Tipping in restaurants is not compulsory, but it is common to leave a tip if you were happy.
Bargaining is normal in markets and bazaars, but usually not in shops with price tags.

Domestic flights save time between distant provinces, and many provinces have an airport.
Every province has a bus terminal, and intercity buses go everywhere in the country.
High-speed trains (YHT) link Ankara with cities such as Istanbul, Eskişehir, Konya and Sivas. The Doğu Express between Ankara and Kars is famous for its scenic journey. Check TCDD Taşımacılık for current services and tickets. tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr ↗
Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore rural areas and nature sites. Motorway and bridge tolls are paid with HGS; ask whether your rental car has it.
Big cities use their own transport cards for public transport.

For state museums and archaeological sites there are passes such as the Müzekart for residents and the MuseumPass Türkiye for foreign visitors. Coverage and prices change, so check the official site. muze.gov.tr ↗
There is little shade at open-air sites; bring a hat, water and comfortable shoes. In summer, go early in the morning.

Take off your shoes when entering a mosque. Wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees, and women cover their hair. Many large mosques lend scarves at the entrance.
Avoid sightseeing visits during prayer times, especially Friday midday prayers.
Be quiet in churches, monasteries and tombs too, and follow any photography rules.

The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have hot summers and mild winters. Central Anatolia has dry, hot summers and cold winters.
Winters in Eastern Anatolia are very cold and snowy, and some mountain roads can close. The Black Sea is rainy all year.
Summers in South-eastern Anatolia are very hot; spring and autumn are more comfortable for sightseeing.
During Ramadan some restaurants may be closed in the daytime in some regions.

Türkiye uses UTC+3 all year, with no daylight saving time.
Mains electricity is 230 volts; sockets are the European two-round-pin type (C and F).
Bottled water is generally preferred over tap water, and it is easy to find everywhere.
Phones brought from abroad may need to be registered for longer-term use; for short visits you can use a local SIM or an eSIM.