tourism of turkey

Tourism Of Turkey

Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?

While planning your trip to Turkey do not forget to check your passport if it is valid for at least 90 days. Depending on your nationality, most probably your stay as a tourist is limited up to 3 months for one entrance. For tourist visas, there is no need to apply in advance or to fill in any forms. If you are flying to Turkey, you will buy your visa at the Turkish airport on arrival. You will see the visa desk, situated just before passport control. You must buy your visa, which will be stamped on your passport by the official, before you join the queue for passport control. 

Do I need to know Turkish in order to communicate?

No, but if you can speak a little bit Turkish probably Turkish people will be so happy and friendly. English is Turkey's second widest spoken language and you will easily find English speakers in the major cities and holiday resorts. Restaurant menus and other information for foreigners are often printed in English.

Will I be able to use my mobile phone in Turkey?

The major GSM operators in Turkey are Turkcell, Vodafone and Avea. You can use your mobile phone in Turkey if your provider has enabled international roaming. However if you intend to stay for a long time in the country or make several calls, it may be preferable to buy a local prepaid SIM card. Take your mobile phone and passport to a Turkish mobile phone shop where your new SIM will be registered along with your handset's IMEI number and your personal information. Turkey has very wide mobile coverage networks so you should not have any problems in the main cities and tourist resorts.

What are the opening times for shops and other services?

Museums: 9 AM to 17 PM, Tuesday to Sunday
Pharmacies: 9 AM to 19 PM, Monday to Saturday
Banks: 9 AM to 17 PM, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 9 AM to 17 PM, Monday to Friday
Shopping Centres: Open seven days a week and stay open until late

Can I use the local cash machines?

Cash machines (ATM) are available throughout Turkey, accepting major European credit and bank cards and instructions are often available in English. It is advisable to inform your bank in advance that you are travelling to Turkey as some will automatically put a stop on cards after the first use in an attempt to combat fraud.

Can I use my credit card?

International credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants throughout Turkey. However it is advisable also to carry cash for the smaller shops and cafes, particularly in more rural areas.

What is the local currency?

The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL) available in the following denominations: banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 TL; coins: 10, 25, 50 kurus and 1 TL. Cash can usually be exchanged without commission at exchange office, banks and hotels. Exchange rates are published daily in Turkish newspapers and can also be found at Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey.

How do I drive in Turkey?

Driving in Turkey is on the right-hand side as in continental Europe and all visitors may drive with an international driving licence. You should have a copy of your licence, together with your passport and insurance documents, with you in the car at all times. All of the major international car rental companies, as well as a number of local ones, have offices at airports and all major centres. See Getting Around Turkey for more information.

Is Turkey safe?

Turkey is one of the safest countries in the world with Interpol ranking it as one of the safest holiday destination in Europe. As is the case when travelling in any country though, do be careful with your personal possessions when out and about and never leave items unattended. You will find the police helpful and friendly and in many of the tourist resorts there are special tourism police who speak different languages.