Türkiye Travel Guide

Language and Communication

Turkish is the official language of Türkiye. However, English is widely spoken – especially in the larger cities and main tourist areas. If you’re visiting more rural destinations, you may want to get a Turkish phrase book or download a translation app on your mobile phone.

Getting Around

Türkiye has excellent airline connectivity between larger cities and regions such as Istanbul, Bodrum, Izmir and Cappadocia. In cities and urban areas, it is easy to hail a regular taxi to get around. Most signboards are in English and Turkish, and the local people are always happy to help visitors with directions

Currency and Payments

The official currency of Türkiye is the Turkish lira (TRY). Bills are dispensed in denominations of ₺5, ₺10, ₺20, ₺50, ₺100 and ₺200. You may also receive ₺1 and ₺5 coins. You can exchange currency at the airport, banks or foreign exchange offices (known as Döviz Bürosu) in most cities and large towns. ATMs are also widely available and the easiest way to withdraw cash.

You can also use international credit and debit cards when visiting Türkiye. Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted, while American Express can be used at some hotels, restaurants and businesses. Make sure you alert your bank that you’re traveling and find out about any possible transaction or service fees to avoid surprises.

Tipping is optional in Türkiye and entirely at your discretion. Some restaurants (especially those in larger cities) may add a service charge to your bill. If you’d like to tip for good service, 10% of the total bill is recommended.

Health information

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements, although you may want to consider routine courses or booster vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and tetanus.

Türkiye’s emergency number is 112 in case you need medical assistance during your stay. For peace of mind, it’s also a good idea to check your travel insurance to ensure it covers any medical emergencies.

Festivals and Events

The country’s main religion is Islam with smaller Christian and Jewish communities. While planning your trip, it is important to note the religious festivals and related customs in the country, such as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. This month of fasting during daylight is based on the lunar calendar and the dates change each year. Ramadan is observed by fasting and you may find that some restaurants are closed during the day or have different operating hours.

Ramadan culminates in the festival of Eid al-Fitr: a three-day-long celebration that is rich in tradition. Expect to see families come together and special treats sold in shops and markets, including Turkish sweets. Another major festival you might experience is Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) when special prayers are said in local mosques and gifts are commonly exchanged.

Shopping in Türkiye

Türkiye is famed for its vibrant shopping experiences, especially its bustling local bazaars. Beautiful antiques, handmade carpets, leather goods, and fragrant spices are just some of the things you’ll be able to purchase. Bartering with stallholders is common practice and the best way to get a good price. Nevertheless, you should always be respectful while negotiating.

In general, Türkiye is safe for travelers. However, you should remain vigilant when you’re in crowded marketplaces as pickpockets do operate. Keep your belongings close and pay attention to your bank card during any transaction, ensuring it’s never taken out of sight.

Do you have more questions about your trip to Türkiye? Contact our experts for advice and an obligation-free custom itinerary.