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.
Mersin, with its charming towns of Erdemli and Silifke, is often celebrated as one of Turkey’s most beautiful cities. Known for its breathtaking Mediterranean coastline, Mersin offers a mix of pristine beaches perfect for relaxation, swimming, and sunbathing. Beyond its unspoiled natural beauty, Mersin also boasts numerous beach resorts with top-notch facilities and a variety of water sports, making it a top destination for beach lovers and vacationers alike.
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.
If you’re planning to explore Turkey by car, here’s what you need to know about driving with a foreign driver’s license:
Requirements for Driving in Turkey
Foreigners can drive in Turkey under the following conditions:
- Valid Driver’s License:
- You can use your foreign driver’s license in Turkey. However, it’s recommended to carry an international driver’s license (International Driving Permit – IDP) in addition to your home country license.
- Documentation:
- Always carry your passport, international driver’s license (IDP), and the vehicle’s registration documents (vehicle license) while driving.
Driving Rules and Regulations
- Drive on the Right: In Turkey, driving is on the right side of the road.
- Speed Limits: Pay attention to speed limits, which are clearly posted. The general speed limits are:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
- Rural roads: 90 km/h (56 mph)
- Highways: 120 km/h (75 mph)
- Seat Belts: Wearing seat belts is mandatory for all passengers.
- Mobile Phones: Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
- Alcohol Limit: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
Road Conditions and Driving Experience
- Highway Network: Turkey boasts an advanced highway network, facilitating easy access to various parts of the country. The roads are generally well-maintained and signposted.
- Toll Roads: Some highways and bridges have tolls. Make sure to have a toll payment method, such as the HGS sticker or OGS device, which can be purchased from post offices and certain banks.
- City Driving: Driving in cities like Istanbul and Ankara can be challenging due to heavy traffic. Be prepared for congestion, especially during rush hours.
- Rural Areas: Rural roads can be narrow and winding, so exercise caution and be mindful of local driving habits.
Renting a Car
If you plan to rent a car in Turkey, ensure you have the following:
- Driver’s License and IDP: A valid driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (if required).
- Credit Card: A major credit card for the rental deposit.
- Insurance: Check the rental agreement for insurance coverage, and consider additional coverage for peace of mind.
Emergency Numbers
- Emergency Services: 112
- Police: 155
- Gendarmerie: 156
- Road Assistance: 154 (for highway assistance)
- Valid Driver’s License:
- 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.
- Insert your debit or credit card into the ATM. Most ATMs in Turkey accept international cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and Cirrus.
- Choose your preferred language for the transaction. English is widely available.
- Enter your personal identification number (PIN) as prompted.
- Select the type of transaction you wish to perform. For withdrawing cash, choose the ‘Withdrawal’ option.
- Choose the currency (TRY, EUR, or USD) and enter the amount you wish to withdraw.
- Confirm the transaction and collect your cash, receipt, and card from the machine.
Visitors dreaming of an extraordinary vacation using Turkey’s advanced highway network should be well-informed about certain rules and regulations for their own convenience.
The unique and magnificent landscape of Turkey is waiting to be explored by vacationers ready to hit the road!
Car Rental
Car rental companies located near airport and terminal exit gates, as well as in numerous city centers and holiday resorts, will provide you with the most appropriate vehicle for a pleasant car trip.
Traffic Lanes
Turkey drives on the right-hand side of the road, as in many other countries. Drivers who frequently check their mirrors will automatically improve their safety.
Seat Belt and Child Safety Seat
Drivers and passengers are legally required to fasten their seat belts as soon as they get into the car and to wear them until they arrive at their destination. Likewise, children under the age of 7 are legally required to be seated in child safety seats for their own safety.
Drink Driving
The legal alcohol limit for drivers is limited to 0.5 promilles since drink driving is prohibited in Turkey. Drivers convicted of driving over the legal alcohol limit risk having to pay a fine of 700 TL and the suspension of their driver’s license for six months.
Mobile (Cell) Phones
Drivers are not allowed to use mobile phones while driving for their own security and that of their passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited by law, and the penalty for breaking this law is a fine of 73 TL.
Traveling to Destinations Away from Tourist Centers
Turkey is like a riddle to be solved as it hides numerous interesting spots and towns in the interior regions waiting to be explored. It is advisable to make use of a GPS device and road map and to keep an eye on the road signs at all times.
Tolls
Some of Turkey’s major highways are toll highways that can be used in return for a small fee collected at automated HGS (fast pass system) and OGS (automatic pass system) stations located at the entrance and exit of toll roads.
- Visit a Store: You can purchase a SIM card from official stores of Turkcell, Avea, or Vodafone. These stores are commonly found in airports, shopping malls, and city centers.
- Provide Identification: Be prepared to show your passport or another form of ID when purchasing a SIM card.
- Choose a Plan: Select a prepaid plan that suits your needs for calls, texts, and data.
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.
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.
Van
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Ankara
Ankara, Turkey’s vibrant capital, is a city steeped in history [...]
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Hatay
Hatay Province, the southernmost province of Turkey, is a region [...]
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Kırıkkale
Kırıkkale, a city in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, [...]
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Yozgat
Nestled in the heart of Central Anatolia, Yozgat is a [...]
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Siirt
Siirt, a city located in southeastern Turkey, is a blend [...]
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Sakarya
Sakarya, located on the coast of the Black Sea, is [...]
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Mersin
Mersin, a bustling port city on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, is [...]
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Tekirdağ
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Erzurum
Erzurum, often called the gateway to Eastern Turkey, is a [...]
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Aksaray
Aksaray, a city with a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking [...]
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Ardahan
Ardahan, a picturesque city in northeastern Turkey, lies near the [...]
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