Turkey is a popular travel destination with a varied climate, exciting culture and history, and, not least, beautiful beaches, unique cities, and plenty of delicious food. However, there are a few things that are good to know before you go. Let us guide you through some of the most important ones:
Update – March 2025:
There is currently significant unrest in Turkey related to the political situation. We urge you to avoid demonstrations and always carry identification.
If you plan to travel to Turkey, we recommend checking your government’s travel advisories and being extra cautious in major cities, where the chance of encountering demonstrations is higher.
Also, be aware that the Turkish currency is highly unstable (more than usual!), so prices may fluctuate from day to day.
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1. The People
Hospitality is almost a virtue in Turkey, and you’ll feel genuinely welcome no matter where in the country you go. Turks are very friendly and accommodating. That’s probably one of the reasons Turkey has become such a popular holiday destination. After a stay in Turkey, it’s easy to want to return!
2. Language
Turkish is the official language, but in tourist-heavy areas, you’ll find that many people speak or understand some English. When we used Uber in Istanbul in 2024, we found that most drivers didn’t speak a word of English—but we got by with a bit of Google Translate!
3. Climate
Turkey is a large country with very diverse topography, which means the climate can vary significantly depending on your location. On the same day, there might be snow in the eastern mountains and sun with swimming weather along the Mediterranean coast in the southwest. It’s no surprise that popular holiday destinations like Antalya, Marmaris, and Alanya are located in the south.
4. Money
Always have some cash on hand in Turkey. In large cities like Istanbul and Ankara, you can often use cards, but in smaller towns, markets, and local shops, cash is necessary.
Turkey has long struggled with extreme fluctuations in the value of the national currency, the lira. This can make it hard to plan how much money you’ll need for your trip. It’s wise to budget a bit extra for daily expenses.
5. Tipping
Tipping is customary at restaurants and bars in Turkey. The typical tip is around 10–20%, with 5% being the minimum. In taxis, tipping is not as expected, but it’s common to round up the fare (by about 5–10%).
6. Culture
The majority of the population is religious, and it’s important to show respect and follow local customs and norms. This is especially important when visiting mosques and other sacred places. Appropriate dress is essential—men should wear pants and long sleeves, and women should wear a headscarf and a long skirt or pants. Many of the famous mosques, like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, offer headscarves and skirts for loan or rent. It’s customary to remove your shoes before entering. Respect any photography restrictions and other rules.
7. Cats
If you hate cats, you probably shouldn’t travel to Turkey! Just kidding—you can still go, but be prepared to see lots of cats. Cats are the true rulers of Turkey, especially in back alleys and side streets of the big cities. They mostly keep to themselves, living a relaxed life without much concern for passing tourists.
In addition to cats, there are also some stray dogs. If you’re unlucky enough to be bitten or scratched by a cat or dog, it’s important to seek medical attention. Rabies exists in all parts of the country, so starting treatment early is essential.
8. Food
If you think Turkish food is just döner kebab, you’re mistaken. While kebab is popular and comes in many forms, Turkish cuisine has so much more to offer. We recommend visiting restaurants a bit off the beaten path if you want to try authentic Turkish food. Try ordering meze—a collection of small dishes. Just make sure you’re hungry! Check out our full guide to Turkish cuisine for more info. (Available only in Norwegian at the moment)
9. Alcohol
Some may wonder if alcohol is allowed in Turkey. Although it’s a predominantly Muslim country, alcohol is legal. Turkey even produces its own wine and beer, in addition to the famous spirit raki. The varied climate is ideal for wine grapes, and Turkish wine is definitely worth a try.
10. Crime
Turkey is not considered more affected by street crime like robbery and theft than other European countries. As long as you use common sense and act respectfully, you’re generally safe. Avoid dark alleys at night, don’t get visibly drunk, and keep an eye on your valuables in crowded areas. If you’re a woman traveling alone, it may be wise to take extra precautions—such as avoiding taking a taxi alone at night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Are there places you should avoid in Turkey?
Avoid areas within 10 km of the border with Syria. Be cautious near the Iraqi border as well. Otherwise, most of the country is safe for travel. Avoid demonstrations and dark streets at night.
When is the best time to travel to Turkey?
The climate variation makes Turkey a great destination year-round. If you want to avoid large crowds, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal.
Do you need a visa to travel to Turkey?
This depends on what country you’re traveling from. You can check this website to find out if you need a visa.
Can you drink the tap water in Turkey?
In major cities and popular tourist areas, it’s safe to drink, but the taste isn’t great. It’s common (and safest) to drink bottled water.
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Have a great trip to the wonderful and exciting country of Turkey!
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