Travel Tips to Turkey: Travelisto

T
Rate this post

If you are planning to travel to Turkey soon, there are some things you should know in advance. In this post we tell you the main tips to take into account to travel to Turkey essential for you to make the most of your visit to the country.

  • What is the best time to travel to Turkey
  • What to bring in the suitcase to Turkey
  • Where to stay in Turkey
  • What to do in Turkey
  • How to behave in Turkey

Here are our tips for travel to Turkey and to make your experience in this country, the bridge between Western and Eastern cultures, unforgettable.

Let’s get started!

¿WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO TURKEY?

tips - travel - Turkey - tram
Winter in Istanbul. Source: Unsplash.com.

Without a doubt, the best time to travel to Turkey is in the spring or autumn, from March to May, and from September to October, respectively. The months we advise you to avoid are November or February. If you want to travel north, you may consider doing so between the months of May and September.

One of the advices to travel to Turkey is that you have to bear in mind that if you decide to travel in winter, not only you face to pass cold, but to get wet because of the rains, that’s why you should also pack umbrellas and raincoats.

TIPS ON WHAT TO PACK FOR TRAVEL TO TURKEY?

As tips for traveling to Turkey we named some things you should take, remember that you can not fill your suitcase to the fullest or put heavy things, one by the restrictions of the airlines, and another to pack everything you buy there, be it clothes, shoes, souvenirs, packaged food, you choose.

DOCUMENTATION

If you are Spanish and you are travelling for tourism or commerce it is not necessary to have a visa to travel to Turkey, it is enough to travel with your ID card or passport.

SMALL KIT

Here you put pills for headaches, small wounds, to get through your period, if you’re a woman. And very important, special medication if you require it, remember you will have to document it.

HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME

Whenever we travel, whatever the destination, good health insurance is essential. Take out travel insurance, there are many reasons why you should take out insurance and receive ideal care in case of illness. Avoid causing concern to your family and friends.

Internet

If you like to be connected to your family and inform them of your arrival as soon as you get off the plane, you like to share your adventures on social networks or you simply want to have internet in case you need to look for an address, we advise you to bring a SIM card that you can buy from your country.

COMFORTABLE SHOES

The most comfortable possible so you can walk without a problem. If you want to discover this great country in its entirety, all you have to do is walk, and a lot.

SUNGLASSES, HAT AND SUNSCREEN

You must always keep this in your backpack in case of any unforeseen event. Keep in mind that a sudden sunshine can hurt you on a long walk, so it’s best to be comfortable.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIPS FOR TRAVEL TO TURKEY

CASH

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira. We recommend that to obtain a good exchange rate and not to lose too much time upon arrival, you exchange your Euros through a service such as Money Exchange. It is very comfortable and safe because they bring you the money home and as soon as you land you can pay in local currency.

DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD

We do not recommend that you have everything in notes or coins, this in case you lose your money, you are robbed or stolen. Ideally, part of your budget should be spent on a traveler’s card (BNext, N26, among others) which usually carries very good exchange rates.

¿WHERE TO STAY IN TURKEY?

If you are going to Istanbul, you might consider staying in the European zone, especially for Beyoglu, Sultanahmet, Eminonu or Besiktas. If you go on the eastern side, crossing the Bosphorus, you can consider the Kadikoy or Uskadar areas.

For other cities, we recommend:

  • Ephesus: Kosadasi or Selcuk
  • Cappadocia: Goreme, Ortahisar or Avanos
  • Antalya: Kaleici or Belek.
  • Bodrum: Gumbet or near the Bodrum Mills
  • Oludeniz: Fethiye or near the bay

¿WHAT TO DO ON YOUR TRIP TO TURKEY?

tips - travel - Turkey - beach
Beach at Kas. Source: Unsplash.com.
  • Discover the remains of the Roman Empire in Ankara: in the capital of Turkey you will find a citadel, a reminder of the work of various empires, who contributed to its construction.
  • Get to know the two faces of Istanbul by car: hire a car and discover the European and Asian side of this city, capital of great empires. Crossing the Bosphorus (strait) with your car is an unforgettable experience.
  • Bathing in the crystalline waters of Antalya: you will feel like you are in the Caribbean, but surrounded by an ancient culture. Pack your swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses and the camera that this experience is to preserve.
  • Try Kebabs or Baklavas: turkish food is delicious, from its flagship dishes such as Bakil Ekmek or Midye Tava, to its exquisite sweets such as Kanafeh.
  • Riding a balloon in Cappadocia: this is a must, just worry about hiring a good hot air balloon company, we want you to continue living experiences 🙂

TIPS ON HOW TO BEHAVE DURING YOUR TRIP TO TURKEY

advice-travel-Turkey-tourist
In order to enter the mosques, if you are a woman, you will have to cover your hair and wear loose clothing. Source: Unsplash.com.

Under no circumstances are you to make any comments about the Turkish nation, the flag or its founder, Ataturk, in a mocking or sarcastic manner, this could even lead to penalty problems.

Keep in mind that Turkey is essentially a Muslim country, so we recommend, if you are a woman, that you do not walk the streets alone, look for tours or tourist groups so that you can go without worrying; also, have some modesty in the way you dress, especially if you enter a mosque.

It is also customary for women to cover their hair and for both men and women to take off their shoes when entering religious sites, so you should pack a good pair of socks and a few scarves.

TYPE OF ELECTRICITY IN TURKEY

tips - travel - turkey - plug
F-type plug. Source: Wikipedia.com.

In Turkey the voltage is 230V, the frequency is 50Hz and the plugs are type F. In this country, you will not need a power adapter or plug if you come from Spain.

If you come from another country, you can only connect devices that have voltages between 220v and 240v, otherwise you will have to buy a voltage adapter, this to avoid that your devices can break down. If you still take a chance, be very careful with alarm clocks or hair dryers.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP TO TURKEY

tips - travel - Turkey - boat
Boating across the Bosphorus is the best experience. Source: Unsplash.com.
  • Do not travel to Turkey in August, it is very hot in several areas, especially in the east, southeast and in Istanbul. If you still plan to travel, at least go north.
  • The custom of tipping is part of the essence in Turkey, so leave it, and consider the amount according to how you have been served. What is usually left is between 10% and 20% of what you have consumed.
  • Don’t forget to cross the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the western side with the eastern side of Istanbul, do it by car or ferry, the latter will allow you to take excellent pictures of the city.
  • If you don’t know which means of transport to consider, choose the metro or the bus, it will be much cheaper than taking a taxi or renting a car.
  • Renting a shared accommodation will cost you six times less than a room for one or two people, so travel in a group.

Find out more travel tips for Turkey

About what to pack, best time to travel, accommodation, documentation and requirements, internet connection, currency exchange, what to do in Turkey, travel insurance, is it safe to travel to Turkey, where and what to eat, data SIM card for Turkey, how to rent a car in Turkey, among others.

About the author

Herman Rosero

Soy diseñador, me gusta la empatía y entender las necesidades de los demás. En Travelistos te ayudaré a (diseñar) organizar tu viaje, dándote a conocer lugares, actividades, opiniones; que te pueden ser útiles antes, durante y después del viaje.

Add comment

By Herman Rosero

Recent Posts

Recent Comments