Six Things You Should Know Before Visiting Turkey 🇹🇷
If you’re planning on visiting Turkey read on for six tips everyone should know before booking their trip.
1. Cultural Etiquette Matters
Turkey bridges Europe and Asia, blending modern life with centuries of tradition.
I found that most of the major cities I visited were quite modern in culture and clothing. That being said, when visiting mosques or smaller towns, dress modestly — cover your shoulders and knees — and always remove your shoes before entering a mosque or home.
A friendly “Merhaba” (hello) and a respectful tone go a long way.
2. Cash Is Still King
Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash remains essential in taxis, local shops, and rural areas.
The currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Avoid paying in your home currency and always select “pay in lira” to get the best rate. When shopping in vintage markets or bazaars be sure to confirm the listed currency. I almost paid 40 Euros for a cookbook that I thought was 40 TRY, big difference!
ATMs are common, and carrying smaller bills helps prevent issues with change.
3. Getting Around Is Easy — but Traffic Isn’t
Istanbul’s public transport network — trams, metros, ferries, and buses — is efficient and affordable.
Still, traffic can be heavy, so plan for delays during rush hour.
For intercity travel, domestic flights and long-distance buses are excellent options, connecting major destinations like Cappadocia, Izmir, and Antalya. We rented a car and let me tell you, driving is not for the weak in Turkey. If avoidable, I’d highly recommend. Besides the parking being a bit of a headache to manage in some areas, the rules of the road most likely aren’t familiar to you and some will catch you a bit off guard. Once you’re in a major city the cars aren’t used much.
We booked a car service from the airport in Istanbul to our hotel and it was the most pleasant experience from start to finish.
4. Turkish Food Is an Experience, Not Just a Meal
From kebabs in Gaziantep to fresh seafood on the Aegean coast, Turkish cuisine is incredibly diverse.
Start your day at least once with a traditional Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı), and enjoy tea (çay) throughout the day — it’s a social ritual.
Desserts are extremely sweet in Turkey. I found a few that I loved but found that a lot of them were a bit too sweet for me.
Avoid drinking tap water; bottled water is cheap and safe everywhere. Though I did notice that at several restaurants I had to ask several times before receiving my bottled water. Something else noteworthy was the incredibly low cost of the bottled water in Turkey, we once paid roughly .60 cents (USD) for two bottles of water.
5. Respect Local Traditions and Religion
Turkey is officially secular, but Islamic customs shape daily life.
A few things to keep in mind
- During Ramadan, some eateries may close during the day, though others stay open for tourists.
- You’ll hear the call to prayer (ezan) five times daily — a beautiful part of Turkish culture.
- Public affection is fine in cities but best kept minimal in conservative areas.
6. Be Aware of Common Scams and Tourist Traps
Most Turks are warm and welcoming, but in tourist areas, it’s wise to stay alert.
Here are the most common scams to watch out for:
- The “Friendly Local” Scam: Someone offers to show you around, then leads you to an overpriced bar or café.
- Taxi Overcharging: Always use official yellow taxis or apps like BiTaksi or Uber. (although we had a bit of an issue even with an Uber driver)
- Pushy Bazaar Vendors: Bargain politely and don’t feel obligated to buy after sharing tea.
- Fake Tour Guides: Hire only licensed guides with government-issued badges.
- Bar Scams: Avoid bars or clubs where strangers invite you in off the street.
A little awareness will keep your trip stress-free and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts on Turkey
Turkey is one of the most fascinating and welcoming countries in the world.
With breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and incredible cuisine, there’s something for every traveler.
By keeping these six tips in mind, you’ll experience Turkey at its best — safely, respectfully, and authentically.
Pack your curiosity, learn a few Turkish phrases, and prepare to fall in love with this extraordinary country. 🌍✨
Xx Sylvia
