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.
- 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.
Travel Tips help maximize your time and money spent in Europe and beyond. Topics include packing, planning, safety, tourist scams, transportation, money, sleeping, and much more. Here are some practical travel tips to help you make the most of your trip to Turkey.
Essential Travel Tips
Always Carry Your ID and Passport
Tourists should carry their ID and passport with them at all times for their own safety. This ensures you can identify yourself if needed and helps in case of emergencies.
Keep Some Turkish Lira
Even if a small amount of cash, it is advisable to keep some Turkish Lira with you. While credit cards are widely accepted, having cash on hand is useful for small purchases or in areas where cards are not accepted.
Use Travel Guides and Maps
Printed or digital travel guides and maps informing about the location you are visiting will help you get around and save valuable time so that you can focus on things worth seeing and doing.
Obtain a Museum Pass
Visitors who are planning to join culture tours in Istanbul, or Turkey in general, will be granted faster and cheaper admission to museums if they obtain a Museum Pass.
Use Online Check-In for Flights
Travelers who anticipate possible traffic congestion can use the online check-in system before arriving at the airport to avoid running the risk of missing their flight.
Take Advantage of Tax-Free Shopping
Tourists may benefit from tax-free shopping in Turkey by applying at the tax refund offices at the airports with their purchase receipts.
Purchase Prepaid SIM Cards
Tourists in Turkey may prefer to purchase prepaid SIM cards from the stores of local GSM operators to make cheap local and international calls and avoid any connection problems.
Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes
Wearing comfortable clothes and sports shoes will make you feel more comfortable if you are planning to participate in cultural tours during your stay in Turkey.
Use Public Transportation
Obtaining a public transportation card and making use of public transportation facilities is more practical and cheaper if you intend to spend your holiday in one of Turkey’s metropolitan areas.
Keep a Turkish Dictionary
It is advisable to keep a Turkish dictionary with you at all times. Finding people who speak foreign languages may not be possible at all times.
Rely on Local Hospitality
Turkish people are well known for their hospitality and friendliness. If you need help, you may ask the people around you; they will not turn you down.
- 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 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.
Traveling to Turkey and need access to cash? You’ll find that withdrawing money from ATMs is a convenient and straightforward process. Here’s what you need to know:
Using ATMs in Turkey
Currencies Available:
- Visitors can withdraw money in Turkish Lira (TRY) as well as in Euros (EUR) and U.S. Dollars (USD) from many ATMs across Turkey. However, Turkish Lira is the most commonly dispensed currency.
Language Options:
- The majority of ATMs offer English and other language options, making it easy for foreigners to navigate the transaction process.
Steps to Withdraw Money
- Insert Your Card:
- Insert your debit or credit card into the ATM. Most ATMs in Turkey accept international cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and Cirrus.
- Select Language:
- Choose your preferred language for the transaction. English is widely available.
- Enter PIN:
- Enter your personal identification number (PIN) as prompted.
- Choose Transaction Type:
- Select the type of transaction you wish to perform. For withdrawing cash, choose the ‘Withdrawal’ option.
- Select Currency and Amount:
- Choose the currency (TRY, EUR, or USD) and enter the amount you wish to withdraw.
- Complete Transaction:
- Confirm the transaction and collect your cash, receipt, and card from the machine.
Tips for Using ATMs
Notify Your Bank:
- Before traveling, inform your bank about your trip to Turkey to avoid any issues with your card being blocked for suspicious activity.
ATM Locations:
- ATMs are widely available in cities, towns, and tourist areas, including airports, hotels, shopping centers, and banks.
Fees and Exchange Rates:
- Be aware of potential fees for international transactions, which may include a withdrawal fee from your home bank and a fee from the Turkish ATM operator. Additionally, exchange rates may vary, so check with your bank for the most favorable rates.
Daily Withdrawal Limits:
- Note that 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.
Security Tips:
- 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.
Antalya is located on the Mediterranean Sea. This coastal city is situated along the Turkish Riviera, known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sea, and cultural experiences.
Recently, a significant change was announced regarding taxi fares in Ankara. The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality has implemented an increase in taxi rates, affecting both the initial fare when entering a taxi and the standard fare for short-distance rides. Under the new pricing structure, the taximeter opening fare has been raised to 35 Turkish Lira, while the base fare, often referred to as the “bindi-indi” fee for short trips, has been increased to 100 Turkish Lira.
Ankara Taxi Fare Increase
Reasons Behind the Fare Increase
The decision to raise taxi fares in Ankara comes amid rising operational costs for taxi drivers, including fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, and general living expenses. The fare hike aims to ensure that taxi services remain viable for drivers while continuing to offer safe and reliable transportation options for passengers.
Impact on Passengers and Drivers
This fare adjustment is expected to have several implications for both passengers and taxi drivers in Ankara. For passengers, the increase means higher costs for short and long-distance trips, potentially leading to a shift in transportation choices, with some opting for public transit or ride-sharing services. For drivers, the fare hike provides a necessary boost to their income, helping to offset the higher expenses they face due to inflation and other economic pressures.
Ankara Taxi Fare Increase
While the fare increase may be met with mixed reactions, it reflects a broader trend of adjusting public transportation prices in response to economic conditions. The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality has stated that the new rates are part of an ongoing effort to balance the needs of taxi operators with those of the city’s residents, ensuring a fair and sustainable transportation system for all.
Essential Contacts for a Safe Holiday
Turkey keeps evolving every day for the convenience of vacationers who want to spend a relaxing and pleasant holiday. Whether you’re exploring the bustling cities, enjoying the beautiful beaches, or adventuring in the great outdoors, it’s important to know the emergency numbers available to you in case of an emergency. The following is a list of emergency numbers that are available 24/7.
Major Emergency Numbers
112 Medical Emergency / Ambulance
For any medical emergencies requiring an ambulance, dial 112. This number connects you to emergency medical services across Turkey.
110 Fire
In case of a fire, dial 110 to reach the fire department. They will provide immediate assistance to control and extinguish fires.
155 Police
For any situation requiring police assistance, such as crimes, disturbances, or any other public safety concerns, dial 155.
154 Traffic
For traffic-related emergencies, accidents, or assistance on the road, dial 154 to connect with traffic services.
156 Gendarmerie
The Gendarmerie handles law enforcement duties in rural areas. Dial 156 for assistance in non-urban regions.
159 Highway Department
For any issues or emergencies on highways, such as accidents or obstructions, dial 159 to reach the highway department.
158 Coast Security
For emergencies along the coast or at sea, dial 158 to connect with the coast guard for immediate help.
113 Medical Care
For general medical care needs that are not life-threatening, dial 113.
114 Poison Emergency
In case of poisoning or suspected poisoning, dial 114 to reach the poison control center for immediate advice and assistance.
177 Forest Fire
For forest fires or related emergencies, dial 177 to reach the forest fire department for rapid response.
Conclusion
Having these emergency numbers handy ensures that you can get the help you need promptly in any emergency situation. Turkey is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all vacationers, with a robust emergency response system in place. Keep this list of emergency numbers accessible during your stay for peace of mind and a relaxing holiday.
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.
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.
Bursa
Bursa, Turkey, is a city steeped in history, culture, and [...]
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Çorum
Located in the heart of Turkey, Çorum has recently gained [...]
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Çanakkale
Çanakkale is a city that stands as a testament to [...]
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Şanlıurfa
Şanlıurfa, often referred to as the “City of Prophets,” is [...]
ancient city, Balıklıgöl, Birecik, culture, day trips from Şanlıurfa, Dergah Complex, Göbekli Tepe, Gümrük Han, Harran, hidden gem, historical sites, Şanlıurfa, Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, Şanlıurfa attractions, Şanlıurfa Bazaar, Şanlıurfa city center, Şanlıurfa cuisine, Şanlıurfa festivals, Şanlıurfa music, Şanlıurfa nights, things to do in Şanlıurfa, tourism, travel, Turkey, Urfa Castle
Uşak
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Kahramanmaraş
Kahramanmaraş, historically known as Marash, is a city with deep-rooted [...]
2023 earthquake, Battle of Marash, boutique hotels, camping in Kahramanmaraş, Ceyhan River, Ceyhan River boating, cultural festivals, Grand Mosque, harvest festivals, International Ice Cream Festival, Kahramanmaraş, Kahramanmaraş Airport, Kahramanmaraş Castle, Kahramanmaraş history, Kahramanmaraş hotels, Kahramanmaraş markets, Kahramanmaraş Museum, Kahramanmaraş recovery, Lake Aksu, Maraş Dondurması, Marash, Mediterranean climate, Mediterranean region, Mount Ahır, Mount Ahır hiking, traditional Turkish dishes, Turkey travel, Turkish cuisine, Ulu Cami, visit Turkey
Kayseri
Kayseri, historically known as Caesarea, is a large city in [...]
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Karaman
Karaman, a city steeped in history and culture, is a [...]
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Yalova
Nestled along the eastern coast of the Sea of Marmara, [...]
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Isparta
Isparta, a charming city nestled in western Turkey, is renowned [...]
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Nevşehir
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