Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Turkey depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for TurkeyEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 155
- Ambulance
- 112
- Fire
- 110
Currency
- Name
- Turkish Lira
- Code
- TRY
- Symbol
- ₺
High inflation — check current exchange rates. USD/EUR also widely accepted in tourist areas
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type F
- Voltage
- 220–230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
TRT (UTC+3) — no daylight saving since 2016
Best Time to Visit
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Istanbul: April–May and September–October. Aegean/Mediterranean coast: May–October. Cappadocia: April–June and September–November
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10–15% | Not always included — check the bill |
| Taxis | Round up | Use a meter or agree the fare first |
| Tour guides | 5–10 USD/€ per day | — |
| Hammam | 10–20% of the bill | — |
| Hotels | 50–100 TRY per bag or service | — |
Dress Code
- Mosques: cover head (women), shoulders, and knees (both); remove shoes — scarves available at entrances
- Conservative dress in rural and eastern areas
- Istanbul is cosmopolitan — smart casual is fine in the city
- Swimwear stays at the beach or resort pool
Social Etiquette
- Çay (tea) is the lifeblood of Turkish hospitality — always accept it
- Bargaining is expected in the Grand Bazaar and most markets
- Remove shoes when entering a home or mosque
- Greet with a handshake; cheek kisses between close friends
- Turks are genuinely hospitable — accepting invitations is appreciated
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Insulting the Turkish state, president, or 'Turkishness' (Article 301) can result in imprisonment — applies to social media
- Drug offences carry severe penalties
- Photography near military zones and some government buildings is restricted
- Alcohol is legal but restricted in some areas and during certain holidays
- Check your government's current travel advisory — political situation can shift
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Merhaba | MAIR-hah-bah |
| Thank you | Teşekkür ederim | teh-SHEK-ür eh-deh-REEM |
| Thank you (informal) | Sağ ol | SAH ol |
| Please | Lütfen | LÜFT-fen |
| Excuse me | Affedersiniz | af-feh-der-SEE-niz |
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