Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling to Turkey, booking trips, and using VisitTurkey.in. Our comprehensive FAQs page is designed to provide you with all the information you need for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
The most visited city in Turkey in 2024 is Istanbul. As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, Istanbul continues to attract millions of visitors each year. In the first four months of 2024 alone—January, February, March, and April—Istanbul welcomed a total of 5,244,936 foreign visitors, according to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This underscores the city’s enduring appeal as a cultural and historical hub.
Yes, many international GSM operators provide coverage in Turkey. It’s advisable to check with your mobile carrier about international roaming services before you travel.
The ideal currency to bring to Turkey is the Turkish lira, as it’s the local currency. US dollars are also widely accepted and easily exchanged at banks and currency exchange offices. However, the most cost-effective way to pay in Turkey is by using a multi-currency travel debit card, which can help you avoid the fees associated with converting cash.
The journey from Dalaman Airport (DLM) to Marmaris typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by car or taxi, covering a distance of approximately 95 kilometers (59 miles). If you opt for a shuttle service or bus, the travel time might be slightly longer, usually around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken.
The popular local GSM operators in Turkey are Turkcell, Avea, and Vodafone.
ATMs are widely available in cities, towns, and tourist areas, including airports, hotels, shopping centers, and banks.
Yes, there may be daily withdrawal limits imposed by both your home bank and the ATM operator. It’s a good idea to check these limits in advance.
- Use ATMs located in well-lit, secure areas, preferably inside bank branches or busy public places.
- Shield your PIN when entering it.
- Be cautious of skimming devices and report any suspicious activity to the bank.
When traveling to Turkey, it’s important to be aware of the country’s strict laws regarding drugs and controlled substances. Turkey has a zero-tolerance policy towards the possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs, and the penalties for violating these laws can be severe, including long prison sentences.
However, there are certain legal drugs that tourists can possess and use in Turkey, provided they follow the appropriate guidelines. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Prescription Medications
- Allowed Medications: Tourists are allowed to bring prescription medications into Turkey, but only if they are for personal use. The medications must be prescribed by a doctor and should be accompanied by a valid prescription. It is advisable to carry the prescription or a doctor’s note, ideally translated into Turkish, to avoid any issues at customs.
- Controlled Substances: Some prescription medications that are considered controlled substances (such as those containing codeine, strong painkillers, or certain psychiatric medications) require special permission to bring into Turkey. It is important to check with the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country before traveling to ensure compliance with local regulations.
2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
- Availability: Over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, paracetamol), cold and flu remedies, and antihistamines, are widely available in pharmacies across Turkey. Tourists can purchase these medications without a prescription.
- Restrictions: While most OTC medications are legal, it is important to be cautious about bringing large quantities into the country. Carrying more than a personal use amount could raise suspicions and may require explanation.
3. Herbal Remedies and Supplements
- Herbal Products: Many herbal remedies and dietary supplements are available and legal in Turkey. These include products like herbal teas, vitamins, and natural supplements. However, tourists should ensure that any herbal products they bring into the country do not contain ingredients that are classified as controlled substances in Turkey.
4. Prohibited Substances
- Illegal Drugs: All forms of recreational drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy, are illegal in Turkey. Possession, use, or trafficking of these substances is a serious criminal offense, and penalties can include heavy fines, imprisonment, and deportation.
- Unprescribed Medications: Possessing medications without a prescription, especially those that are controlled substances, can also lead to legal trouble. Tourists should never attempt to bring or buy prescription drugs in Turkey without a valid prescription.
5. Medical Cannabis
- Not Legal: Medical cannabis is not legal in Turkey. Tourists who use medical cannabis in their home countries should be aware that bringing it into Turkey, even with a prescription, is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
Key Takeaways for Tourists
- Always carry prescription medications in their original packaging, along with a valid prescription.
- Be cautious about bringing large quantities of any medication or supplement into Turkey.
- Avoid any involvement with illegal drugs, as Turkey has strict drug laws with harsh penalties.
- If in doubt, consult with the Turkish embassy or consulate before your trip to ensure you comply with all regulations.
Understanding and adhering to Turkey’s drug laws will help ensure a safe and trouble-free visit. For more detailed information about traveling to Turkey, visit the Travel Guide of Türkiye.
Discover the best of travel Turkey. Explore top tourism spots, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities. From ancient ruins to stunning beaches, find tips on the best destinations, hotels, flights, and tours to make your Turkish adventure unforgettable. Dive into the wonders of tourism in Turkey and plan your perfect trip today!
Top Destinations in Turkey
Explore Turkey’s top destinations, from Istanbul’s vibrant streets to Cappadocia’s unique landscapes and Antalya’s beaches.
Sivas
Sivas, known in Latin and Greek as Sebastia, is a [...]
ancient city Sivas, Ottoman Sivas, Sivas, Sivas archaeological sites, Sivas culture, Sivas education, Sivas festivals, Sivas history, Sivas landscapes, Sivas local cuisine, Sivas museums, Sivas natural beauty, Sivas tourism, Sivas transport, Sivas travel guide, Sivas Turkey, travel Sivas, visit Sivas
Kocaeli
Welcome to Kocaeli, a province that perfectly blends industrial prowess [...]
culinary delights, festivals, Gebze, Gölcük, historical sites, industrial capital, İzmit, Kandıra, Kartepe, Kocaeli, natural beauty, Ottoman heritage, Samanli Mountains, Sapanca Lake, Sea of Marmara, travel destination, Turkey
Artvin
Artvin, a charming city located in northeastern Turkey, is a [...]
accommodation, Artvin, Artvin Castle, best time to visit, bird watching, Caucasus Culture and Arts Festival, Çoruh River, cultural festivals, Deriner Dam, Double Bridge, hiking, history, honey festival, Lake Karagöl-Sahara National Park, local markets, Macahel Valley, natural beauty, Ottoman era mosques, rafting, travel, Turkey
Kayseri
Kayseri, historically known as Caesarea, is a large city in [...]
Cappadocia, culture, hidden gem, historical sites, historical sites in Kayseri, kayseri, Kayseri attractions, Kayseri cuisine, Kayseri day trips, Kayseri museums, Kayseri natural wonders, Kayseri tourism, Kayseri travel guide, Mount Erciyes, things to do in Kayseri, tourism, travel, travel to Kayseri, Turkey, Turkish baths in Kayseri, visiting Kayseri
Afyonkarahisar
Afyonkarahisar, often simply called Afyon, is a captivating city nestled [...]
Afyon Castle, Afyonkarahisar, agriculture, archaeological museum, cuisine, history, landmarks, marble, opium, pharmaceuticals, thermal springs, transportation, Turkey, Turkish delight, Victory Museum
Yalova
Nestled along the eastern coast of the Sea of Marmara, [...]
Atatürk Arboretum, culture, hidden gem, historical sites, Marmara Sea ferry, nature, Sea of Marmara, Sudüşen Waterfall, Termal hot springs, thermal springs, things to do in Yalova, tourism, travel, Turkey, Turkey travel, Turkish spa resorts, visit Yalova, Yalova, Yalova accommodations, Yalova attractions, Yalova climate, Yalova dining, Yalova history, Yürüyen Köşk
Erzincan
Erzincan, a city with a rich historical tapestry and breathtaking [...]
accommodation, best time to visit, Ergan Ski Resort, Erzincan, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Erzincan Museum, Etli Ekmek, festivals, Girlevik Waterfalls, history, Kemaliye Houses, Munzur Mountains, natural beauty, Tercan Mama Hatun Complex, travel, Tulum cheese, Turkey, Turkish cuisine
Karabük
Nestled in Turkey’s picturesque Black Sea region, Karabük is a [...]
Black Sea region Turkey, Eskipazar ancient city, Filyos River, Hadrianapolis, Karabük, Karabük attractions, Karabük climate, Karabük festivals, Karabük historical sites, Karabük museums, Karabük parks, Karabük travel guide, Kardemir Steel Works, Safranbolu UNESCO, Taurus Mountains, Turkish Black Sea cities, Turkish iron and steel industry
Sakarya
Sakarya, located on the coast of the Black Sea, is [...]
Adapazarı, culture, hidden gem, hiking in Sakarya, historical sites, nature, Ottoman heritage, Sakarya, Sakarya attractions, Sakarya River, Sakarya Spring Festival, Sapanca Lake, shopping in Sakarya, Taraklı, things to do in Sakarya, tourism, travel, Turkey, Turkish cuisine
Bitlis
Bitlis, a city nestled in the heart of southeastern Turkey, [...]
agriculture, Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery, Armenian history, Bitlis, Bitlis Castle, Bitlis climate, Bitlis culture, Bitlis District, Bitlis economy, Bitlis Province, Bitlis River, Bitlis weather, coarse cloth, Diyarbakır, Güroymak Hot Springs, historical sites in Bitlis, Kurdish history, Lake Van, leatherworking, medieval architecture, Muş, Nemrut Crater Lake, Ottoman Empire, southeastern Turkey, Tatvan, Tigris tributary, tobacco products, tourism in Bitlis, travel to Bitlis, weaving
Istanbul
Istanbul, the city where East meets West, is a mesmerizing [...]
Airbnb Istanbul, Basilica Cistern, best hotels in Istanbul, Beyoğlu, Blue Mosque, booking Istanbul, Bosphorus Strait, budget hotels Istanbul, cheap hotels in Istanbul, Chora Church, Four Seasons Istanbul, Galata, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, hotel Istanbul, hotels in Istanbul Turkey, Istanbul, Istanbul accommodation, Istanbul airport hotel, Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Istanbul holidays, Istanbul hotel booking, Istanbul lodging, Istanbul Modern Art Museum, Istanbul tourist hotels, Istanbul travel, Istanbul vacation rentals, Istiklal Street, Kadıköy, luxury hotels Istanbul, Pierre Loti Hill, Princes' Islands, Spice Bazaar, stay in Istanbul, top-rated hotels Istanbul, Topkapi Palace, Turkish cuisine, Turkish Hammam, Turkish street food
Kastamonu
Kastamonu: Nestled in the northern region of Turkey, Kastamonu, historically [...]
Atatürk, Central Anatolia, Dress Code Revolution, Kastamonu, Kastamonu architecture, Kastamonu attractions, Kastamonu climate, Kastamonu cuisine, Kastamonu educational institutions, Kastamonu history, Kastamonu travel, Kastamonu University, kuyu kebabı, Ottoman houses, Paphlagonia, Sheikh Shaban Veli, Turkey, Turkish cities