20 Tips and Advice for Visitors to Turkey
📝 20 Tips and Advice for Visitors to Turkey
🇹🇷 Cultural Etiquette
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Respect local customs: Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or rural areas.
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Remove shoes in mosques: Always take off your shoes and behave respectfully inside religious sites.
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Learn basic Turkish phrases: Words like Merhaba (Hello) and Teşekkürler (Thank you) go a long way.
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Avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas: It’s more accepted in tourist zones but less so elsewhere.
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Use both hands when giving or receiving gifts: It’s a polite gesture in Turkish culture.
💳 Money & Payments
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Carry cash and small bills: Some markets and small shops don’t accept cards.
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Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY) is widely used; credit cards are accepted in big cities and hotels.
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Tipping: Around 5–10% in restaurants; small tips for taxi drivers and hotel staff are appreciated.
🚖 Transport & Travel
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Use public transport in big cities: Istanbul and Ankara have reliable metro, tram, and bus systems.
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Bargain in bazaars: Haggle politely in markets like the Grand Bazaar or local bazaars.
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Rent a car for coastal trips: Exploring Antalya, Bodrum, or Cappadocia is easier with a car.
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Domestic flights: Fast and often cheaper than buses for long distances (Istanbul–Antalya, Istanbul–Izmir).
🏖️ Beaches & Outdoor Activities
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Check beach flags: Red means no swimming, yellow means caution.
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Respect nature: Don’t litter and avoid disturbing wildlife, especially in protected areas.
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Stay hydrated in summer: Turkish summers can be very hot, especially in the south.
🍽️ Food & Dining
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Try local cuisine: Don’t miss kebabs, mezes, baklava, and Turkish tea or coffee.
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Eat street food safely: Stick to busy stalls with high turnover to avoid digestive issues.
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Water: Tap water is usually not recommended for drinking; buy bottled water.
🏛️ Sightseeing & Safety
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Dress for comfort: Wear comfortable shoes for walking in historic sites and uneven streets.
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Be cautious with personal belongings: Keep an eye on bags and wallets, especially in crowded tourist areas.