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Turkey Useful Information

When To Go
 

The best time to visit Turkey depends on what you want to see and do, and how you feel about crowds and weather. 

  • Spring: (Late March–late June) Mild weather, fewer tourists, and blooming flowers
  • Summer: (June–August) Clear waters, outdoor festivals, and beach vacations
  • Shoulder seasons: (May and September) Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and good value
  • Winter: (December–January) Mountain sports and bargain prices
  • Autumn: (September–October) Wine festivals, fewer crowds, and pleasant temperatures 

Helpful Websites

Getting Here

The most common way to get to Turkey is by plane, with many flights available from the United States. You can apply for a visa online or in person at a consulate. 

 
Flights
  • You can fly to Istanbul (IST) from many US airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Other airports in Turkey include İzmir Adnan Menderes International Airport (ADB) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) 
  • Turkish Airlines is the national carrier and one of the world’s largest airlines 

Getting Around

Buses are the best mode of transportation in Turkey. They are luxurious, quite reliable, and often one of the cheapest ways to travel around the country. Bus companies like Metro and Ulusoy are recommended for most main routes, but other small regional companies are perfectly fine too.
 

Money

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira, abbreviated as TRY or symbolized as ₺.  Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Turkey, especially in urban areas, hotels, restaurants, and major retail stores. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted.  Euros and US Dollars might be accepted in some businesses, especially in tourist areas, but they are not universally accepted. However, foreign visitors can withdraw lira from Turkish ATMs or exchange their local currency at a local bank or exchange office.

Safety

Traveling around Turkey is generally safe for tourists, but it’s important to stay informed and take precautions, especially in certain regions. Major Cities and Tourist Destinations: Places like Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and Ephesus are popular and generally safe

 Safety tips
    • Be aware of your belongings: Keep your passport and valuables secure, and don’t leave your bag on the floor.
    • Avoid scams: Be wary of unsolicited offers, and be careful of taxi drivers who take longer routes or don’t use the meter. 
    • Be alert: Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in tourist areas and on public transit.
    • Avoid isolated areas: Avoid parks and down-market bars and restaurants, especially after dark.
    • Stay informed: Be aware of current events, and avoid large demonstrations or gathering

Tipping

In Turkey, tipping is customary, with a standard practice of leaving around 10-15% of the bill in restaurants, depending on the quality of service; for excellent service, a tip closer to 15-20% is considered generous;. Remember to check if a service charge is already included on the bill before tipping, as some upscale restaurants might add it automatically. 

 
Key points about tipping in Turkey:
    • Restaurants: 10-15% of the bill is generally considered appropriate.
    • Hotels: A few dollars per day for housekeeping and a small tip for bellhops or porters is customary. 
    • Tour guides and drivers: For small private tours, tipping around $20-40 per day (per group) for the guide is expected. 
    • Taxis and hairdressers: Rounding up the fare is considered a polite gesture. 

Important to consider: The location and type of establishment can influence tipping expectations.