Turkey

Overview

Visa & Entry

European citizens don't need visa for Turkey, U.S. citizens must have a visa for entry into Turkey. Turkey visas must be obtained prior to departure. Have a passport from another country? Please review the visa requirements by the Turkish Consulate in your country

Health

According to the world Health Organisation, there are no requirements for travel to Turkey. It is recommended, however, that all travelers are up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. It is also recommended to talk to your doctor about vaccines for Hepatits A and Typhoid

Weather

The weather in Turkey varies greatly depending on the region. Almost all of Turkey experiences sunny, dry summers. In Istanbul, the summers are especially hot and humid. Eastern Turkey has short summers and bitterly cold winters. Some regions, such as Central Anatolia, are dry and hot in the summer and rainy and snowy in the winter. If you plan to visit beaches, June through September is the best time to travel. Generally, the best months for touring are April-May and September-October, due to less rainfall and more pleasant temperatures.

Dressing

We recommend packing clothing that can be worn in layers and a folding umbrella in order to be prepared for all types of weather conditions. Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country. Therefore, it is important to dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques and other religious sites. It is recommended that women do not wear shorts or halter tops even if it is very hot. Jeans, slacks, or skirts are recommended, and T-shirts are considered appropriate.
Please Note:
If visiting the Blue Mosque and other sacred sites, kindly ensure to dress appropriately – no shorts, no sleeveless tops for both men and women. A head covering will be required for women, which is available at the mosque or you may bring your own shawl. Visitors are required to remove their shoes upon entering the mosque. You may want to bring tissues or wipes to clean your feet afterwards

Credit Cards & Money

The official currency in Turkey is the Lira. Your hotels, some restaurants and some stores accept major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard. For “street shopping” you will need the local currency. Your hotels will be able to exchange currency for you, and ATMs are available in major cities.
Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling.

Shopping

Turkey is a shopper’s paradise! From unique, handmade items to fine leather, there is something to please everyone. Popular items include handwoven rugs and kilims, copper, and brass. Please be aware that some items labeled “antique” are fake. If you purchase an antique, be sure to obtain an official permit to export it. It is always a good idea to comparison-shop, and exercise the “buyer-beware” rule, just as you do at home. Be sure to inspect the merchandise before you leave the store. Most stores will not allow you to return or exchange purchased items.

Electricity & Power

230 volts. Plugs C & F. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Cell Phones & Internet

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Check in google world connections before

Photography

Cameras and video recorders are generally allowed almost everywhere in Turkey, and in fact, you will want to take plenty of pictures of the magnificent panoramas you’ll encounter as you travel. Photography is generally permitted everywhere except at airports and military installations. Memory cards for digital cameras will also be readily available, especially in major cities.

For your info

Turkey is home to one of the world's oldest and largest malls, the Grand Bazaar located in Istanbul and dating back to 1455.
The longest word in Turkish contains 70 letters: Muvaffakiyetsizleştiricileştiriveremeyebileceklerimizdenmişsinizcesine, which means “as if you are from those we may not be able to easily make a maker of unsuccessful ones”.
Istanbul is the only city built on two continents: Asia and Europe (although it is mostly located on the Asian continent).
Santa Claus, also commonly known as St. Nicholas, wasn’t born in the North Pole, but in the Southwestern part of Turkey, Patara!