Driving in Turkey: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

• Driver’s License: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national license, valid for 6 months. EU licenses are generally accepted but check rental company policies.
• Traffic Rules: Drive on the right side. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on highways. Seat belts are mandatory, and using a phone while driving without a hands-free device is prohibited (fines up to 400 TRY/$12).
• Road Conditions: Major highways are well-maintained, but rural roads can be narrow—drive cautiously. Traffic in Istanbul is chaotic; avoid peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).
• Car Rental: Available in cities like Istanbul and Antalya for $25-$50 per day. Companies like Avis operate at airports.
• Parking: Paid parking in Istanbul costs $1-$3 per hour. Look for designated lots; street parking can be tricky in crowded areas.
• Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies, including police, ambulance, or fire services.

Currency in Turkey: Using the Lira for Your Trip

• Turkish Lira (TRY): The official currency. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 kuruş, and 1 lira; notes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 lira.
• Currency Exchange: Exchange at banks or authorized exchange offices in tourist areas like Sultanahmet for the best rates—avoid airports due to high fees. ATMs are widely available (fees around $2-$4 per withdrawal).
• Payment Methods: Cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash is preferred in rural areas or small shops—carry denominations of 5-50 TRY.
• Costs: A meal at a local restaurant costs $4-$8, a coffee $2-$4, and a mid-range hotel in Istanbul $40-$90 per night.

Legal Guide for Turkey: Laws Travelers Should Know

• Local Laws: Public drinking is allowed but intoxication can lead to fines (up to 500 TRY/$15). Smoking in enclosed public spaces is banned—fines up to 200 TRY. Drug laws are strict; possession can lead to long prison sentences.
• Cultural Sensitivities: Respect religious customs, especially during Ramadan. More details in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
• Photography Restrictions: Photography is allowed in most places, but avoid taking photos at military sites or of people without permission.
• Public Behavior: Dress modestly when visiting mosques—cover shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection should be minimal in conservative areas.
• Customs Rules: You can bring up to 1 liter of alcohol and 600 cigarettes duty-free. Declare cash over $10,000.
• Emergency Contact: Dial 112 for emergencies. For non-urgent police matters, call 155.

Travel Safety in Turkey: Staying Safe During Your Trip

• Crime: Turkey is generally safe, but petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like the Grand Bazaar—keep valuables secure.
• Road Safety: Traffic in Istanbul can be chaotic; be cautious as a pedestrian. Taxis are safe—use official ones with a meter.
• Health Risks: No major health risks. Tap water is safe in cities, but bottled water is recommended. Summers can be hot (35°C)—stay hydrated.
• Natural Hazards: Earthquakes are possible, especially in western Turkey—familiarize yourself with safety protocols. Avoid border areas near Syria due to conflict risks.
• Scams: Beware of fake guides or overpriced souvenirs in tourist areas—bargain at markets. Taxi scams can occur; insist on the meter.
• Medical Facilities: Hospitals in Istanbul (e.g., Acibadem Hospital) are high-quality. Pharmacies are widespread—look for the “Eczane” sign.
• Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies. The U.S. Embassy in Ankara can be reached at +90 312-455-5555.

Culture & Etiquette in Turkey: What to Know

• Greetings: A handshake or a nod with a smile is common. Say “Merhaba” (Hello) to greet locals. Use both hands or your right hand when giving or receiving items.
• Dining Customs: Tipping 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants. Remove shoes if dining in someone’s home, and wait for the host to start eating.
• Community Respect: Dress modestly when visiting mosques—women should cover their hair, and everyone should cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering.
• Festivals: The Istanbul International Film Festival in April showcases global cinema. Cappadocia’s balloon festival in summer offers stunning views.
• Language Tips: In tourist areas, you might hear “Teşekkür ederim” (Thank you). Learning basic phrases is appreciated by locals.
• Social Practices: Respect elders—offer your seat on public transport. Bargaining is expected in markets but not in stores.

Local Cuisine in Turkey: Dishes & Drinks to Try

• Kebabs: Grilled meat skewers, like Adana or shish kebab, often served with flatbread—around $5-$8.
• Baklava: A sweet pastry with layers of filo, nuts, and honey syrup—a dessert staple for $2-$4.
• Meze: Small dishes like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and ezme, perfect for sharing—$3-$6 per plate.
• Turkish Tea: A black tea served in small glasses, a daily ritual for locals—$1-$2 per glass.
• Raki: An anise-flavored spirit (40% alcohol), often paired with meze—$3-$5 per glass in restaurants.
• Where to Eat: In Istanbul, Hamdi Restaurant near the Spice Bazaar offers authentic kebabs with Bosphorus views. In Cappadocia, try local dishes at Old Greek House in Göreme. Both are highlighted in our Top Attractions tab.

Top Attractions in Turkey: Must-Visit Places

• Hagia Sophia (Istanbul): A 6th-century architectural marvel, once a cathedral, then a mosque, now a museum and mosque again. Search for tickets on Tiqets.
• Cappadocia (Göreme): Famous for fairy chimneys, underground cities, and hot air balloon rides over surreal landscapes. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Ephesus (Selçuk): An ancient Roman city with well-preserved ruins like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Pamukkale (Denizli): Known for its white travertine terraces and thermal pools, alongside the ancient city of Hierapolis. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Topkapi Palace (Istanbul): A 15th-century Ottoman palace with stunning courtyards, treasures, and views of the Bosphorus. Search for tickets on Tiqets.
• Antalya (Mediterranean Coast): Offers turquoise beaches, the old town of Kaleiçi, and nearby ancient ruins like Perge. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Where to Eat: In Istanbul, Hamdi Restaurant near the Spice Bazaar serves authentic kebabs with Bosphorus views. In Cappadocia, Old Greek House in Göreme offers local dishes like testi kebab (pottery kebab).

Flights to Turkey: Travel Options

Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) are the main entry points, with flights from cities like New York, London, and Dubai. A taxi from IST to central Istanbul costs $20-$30 and takes 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

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