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.
Visitors can withdraw money in Turkish Lira (TRY) as well as Euros (EUR) and U.S. Dollars (USD) from many ATMs across Turkey. However, Turkish Lira is the most commonly dispensed currency.
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.
In the heart of Istanbul’s vibrant ÅžiÅŸli district lies NiÅŸantaşı, a neighborhood synonymous with luxury and sophistication. Known for its upscale boutiques, refined atmosphere, and cosmopolitan vibe, NiÅŸantaşı stands out as one of the most prestigious and expensive areas in Istanbul. It attracts the city’s wealthiest residents, discerning shoppers, and cultural enthusiasts, making it a prime destination for those seeking an elevated lifestyle.
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.
KuruçeÅŸme, located on the European side of Istanbul, is a favored hangout for the city’s wealthy residents and visitors. Known for its luxurious waterfront properties and upscale restaurants, KuruçeÅŸme offers a sophisticated atmosphere paired with stunning views of the Bosphorus. This neighborhood is a popular destination for those seeking an exclusive and elegant experience in Istanbul.
Yes, the majority of ATMs offer English and other language options, making it easy for foreigners to navigate the transaction process.
Turkey, a country rich in history and natural beauty, offers a variety of transportation options for both domestic and international travelers. Whether you’re planning to explore the bustling cities, historical sites, or serene coastal towns, Turkey’s extensive transport network can cater to all your travel needs. Here’s a detailed look at the various modes of transport available in Turkey.
Travel by Plane
Domestic Flights
Turkey’s vast size makes air travel a convenient option for covering long distances. Turkish Airlines and several other competent carriers, such as Onur Air, Atlasjet, Anadolu Jet, Pegasus Air, and Sun Express, offer frequent flights between major cities. Domestic flights are relatively inexpensive, with most fares ranging from TL89 to TL250 one-way. Major airports are well-connected, making air travel a time-efficient way to move around the country.
Major Airports and Codes
- Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
- Ankara EsenboÄŸa Airport (ESB)
- Antalya Airport (AYT)
Travel by Bus
Modern Bus Network
Turkey boasts a robust network of modern, luxurious buses that connect cities and towns across the country. This mode of transport is particularly popular among locals. Although it might be challenging to find fare and schedule information online, it’s easy to obtain once you’re in Turkey. Bus departures are frequent, and advanced reservations are generally not necessary on most routes.
Sample Routes and Travel Times
- Istanbul to Ankara: Approximately 450 km (280 miles), 6-7 hours by bus.
- Istanbul to Izmir: Approximately 480 km (300 miles), 7-8 hours by bus.
- Istanbul to Antalya: Approximately 720 km (450 miles), 10-12 hours by bus.
Travel by Car
Car Rentals
For those who enjoy the freedom of movement and are comfortable driving, renting a car is an excellent option. However, it’s essential to note that most rental cars have a manual transmission (“stick shift”), not automatic. Renting a car allows you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations at your own pace.
Driving Tips
- Drive on the right side of the road.
- Always carry your driver’s license, international driving permit, and vehicle registration documents.
- Be aware of local traffic rules and regulations.
Travel by Train
High-Speed Trains
Turkey is rapidly expanding its high-speed train network, aiming to connect 15 cities that hold half of the country’s population. These trains offer a fast, comfortable, and affordable way to travel between major cities. Notable routes include:
- Istanbul to Ankara: Approximately 4-5 hours.
- Ankara to Konya: Approximately 1.5 hours.
Conventional Trains
Conventional trains are also available and can be a more economical option. Although slower than buses, they offer more seating room and comfort.
Useful Resources
- TCDD Taşımacılık A.Ş.: The official site for Turkish State Railways, providing schedules and booking options.
Travel by Ship & Ferry
Cruise Ships
Cruise ships frequently dock at Turkish ports, including Istanbul and Kuşadası, providing easy access to popular destinations like Ephesus.
Sea of Marmara Ferryboats
Ferry services across the Sea of Marmara connect Istanbul with Yalova and Bandırma, offering a scenic and relaxing mode of travel.
Dardanelles Ferries
Ferries across the Dardanelles Strait link Europe and Asia, connecting key historical sites such as Çanakkale, Troy, and the Gallipoli battlefields.
Greek Islands—Turkey Ferries
Regular ferry services connect Greek islands with the Turkish coast. Check schedules and fares on Feribot.net.
Cyprus—Turkey Ferries
Ferries operate year-round between Girne (Kyrenia) in Northern Cyprus and Turkish ports like TaÅŸucu/Silifke, with additional services to Alanya in the summer.
Tips for Traveling During Major Holidays
Travel can be particularly crowded during major Turkish holidays. It’s wise to plan and book your transportation in advance during these peak periods to ensure availability and avoid long waits.
Turkey, a country rich in history and natural beauty, offers a variety of transportation options for both domestic and international travelers. Whether you’re planning to explore the bustling cities, historical sites, or serene coastal towns, Turkey’s extensive transport network can cater to all your travel needs. Here’s a detailed look at the various modes of transport available in Turkey.
Travel by Plane
Domestic Flights
Turkey’s vast size makes air travel a convenient option for covering long distances. Turkish Airlines and several other competent carriers, such as Onur Air, Atlasjet, Anadolu Jet, Pegasus Air, and Sun Express, offer frequent flights between major cities. Domestic flights are relatively inexpensive, with most fares ranging from TL89 to TL250 one-way. Major airports are well-connected, making air travel a time-efficient way to move around the country.
Major Airports and Codes
- Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
- Ankara EsenboÄŸa Airport (ESB)
- Antalya Airport (AYT)
Travel by Bus
Modern Bus Network
Turkey boasts a robust network of modern, luxurious buses that connect cities and towns across the country. This mode of transport is particularly popular among locals. Although it might be challenging to find fare and schedule information online, it’s easy to obtain once you’re in Turkey. Bus departures are frequent, and advanced reservations are generally not necessary on most routes.
Sample Routes and Travel Times
- Istanbul to Ankara: Approximately 450 km (280 miles), 6-7 hours by bus.
- Istanbul to Izmir: Approximately 480 km (300 miles), 7-8 hours by bus.
- Istanbul to Antalya: Approximately 720 km (450 miles), 10-12 hours by bus.
Travel by Car
Car Rentals
For those who enjoy the freedom of movement and are comfortable driving, renting a car is an excellent option. However, it’s essential to note that most rental cars have a manual transmission (“stick shift”), not automatic. Renting a car allows you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations at your own pace.
Driving Tips
- Drive on the right side of the road.
- Always carry your driver’s license, international driving permit, and vehicle registration documents.
- Be aware of local traffic rules and regulations.
Travel by Train
High-Speed Trains
Turkey is rapidly expanding its high-speed train network, aiming to connect 15 cities that hold half of the country’s population. These trains offer a fast, comfortable, and affordable way to travel between major cities. Notable routes include:
- Istanbul to Ankara: Approximately 4-5 hours.
- Ankara to Konya: Approximately 1.5 hours.
Conventional Trains
Conventional trains are also available and can be a more economical option. Although slower than buses, they offer more seating room and comfort.
Useful Resources
- TCDD Taşımacılık A.Ş.: The official site for Turkish State Railways, providing schedules and booking options.
Travel by Ship & Ferry
Cruise Ships
Cruise ships frequently dock at Turkish ports, including Istanbul and Kuşadası, providing easy access to popular destinations like Ephesus.
Sea of Marmara Ferryboats
Ferry services across the Sea of Marmara connect Istanbul with Yalova and Bandırma, offering a scenic and relaxing mode of travel.
Dardanelles Ferries
Ferries across the Dardanelles Strait link Europe and Asia, connecting key historical sites such as Çanakkale, Troy, and the Gallipoli battlefields.
Greek Islands—Turkey Ferries
Regular ferry services connect Greek islands with the Turkish coast. Check schedules and fares on Feribot.net.
Cyprus—Turkey Ferries
Ferries operate year-round between Girne (Kyrenia) in Northern Cyprus and Turkish ports like TaÅŸucu/Silifke, with additional services to Alanya in the summer.
Tips for Traveling During Major Holidays
Travel can be particularly crowded during major Turkish holidays. It’s wise to plan and book your transportation in advance during these peak periods to ensure availability and avoid long waits.
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.
- 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.
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.
Çanakkale
Çanakkale is a city that stands as a testament to [...]
ancient city of Troy, Assos, best time to visit, boutique hotels, Bozcaada Island, budget-friendly accommodations, camping sites, Çanakkale, Çanakkale Archaeological Museum, Çanakkale attractions, Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial, Çanakkale Naval Museum, culture, cycling tours, family-friendly accommodations, Gallipoli, Gallipoli Peninsula, getting around Çanakkale, Gökçeada Island, hidden gem, hiking in Mount Ida, historical sites, Kilitbahir Castle, local markets, luxury hotels, Mount Ida, paragliding, safety tips, sailing, Saros Bay, scuba diving, things to do in Çanakkale, tourism, traditional Turkish cuisine, travel, Troia Festival, Trojan War, Turkey, Turkish Lira, Turkish tea houses
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
Bilecik
Bilecik: Nestled in northwestern Anatolia, Turkey, Bilecik is a city [...]
accommodation, best time to visit, Bilecik, Bilecik Culture and Art Festival, Ertuğrul Gazi Nature Park, Ertuğrul Gazi Tomb, festivals, fishing, hiking, history, Karasu River, local cuisine, natural beauty, Orhan Gazi Mosque, Pelitözü Pond, Şeyh Edebali Tomb, Söğüt, traditional dishes, travel, Turkey, Turkish houses
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
Izmir
Izmir, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Aegean,” [...]
Aegean coast, Agora of Smyrna, Alsancak, Atatürk Museum, beaches, boyoz, Çeşme, cuisine, culture, Ephesus, Foça, historical sites, Izmir, Izmir Archaeological Museum, Izmir European Jazz Festival, Izmir International Fair, Kemeraltı Bazaar, Konak Square, Kordon, kumru, Mount Sipylus, Pearl of the Aegean, Pergamon, Spil Mountain National Park, tourism, travel, Turkey
Kütahya
Nestled in the western part of Turkey, Kütahya is a [...]
ancient city Kütahya, Kütahya, Kütahya archaeological sites, Kütahya attractions, Kütahya ceramics, Kütahya climate, Kütahya culture, Kütahya education, Kütahya festivals, Kütahya history, Kütahya landscapes, Kütahya local cuisine, Kütahya museums, Kütahya natural beauty, Kütahya tourism, Kütahya transport, Kütahya travel guide, Kütahya Turkey, Ottoman Kütahya, travel Kütahya, visit Kütahya
Diyarbakır
Diyarbakır, the largest Kurdish-majority city in Turkey, is an administrative [...]
ancient walls, culture, Diyarbakır, Diyarbakır attractions, Diyarbakır cuisine, Diyarbakır day trips, Diyarbakır museums, Diyarbakır natural wonders, Diyarbakır tourism, Diyarbakır travel guide, hidden gem, historical sites, historical sites in Diyarbakır, things to do in Diyarbakır, Tigris River, tourism, travel, travel to Diyarbakır, Turkey, Turkish baths in Diyarbakır, visiting Diyarbakır
TekirdaÄŸ
TekirdaÄŸ, a city located on the north coast of the [...]
ancient city TekirdaÄŸ, Ottoman TekirdaÄŸ, TekirdaÄŸ, TekirdaÄŸ archaeological sites, TekirdaÄŸ culture, TekirdaÄŸ education, TekirdaÄŸ festivals, TekirdaÄŸ history, TekirdaÄŸ landscapes, TekirdaÄŸ local cuisine, TekirdaÄŸ museums, TekirdaÄŸ natural beauty, TekirdaÄŸ tourism, TekirdaÄŸ transport, TekirdaÄŸ travel guide, TekirdaÄŸ Turkey, travel TekirdaÄŸ, visit TekirdaÄŸ
NiÄŸde
Niğde, a quaint yet historically rich city nestled in Turkey’s [...]
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Ağrı
Ağrı, Turkey, located in the eastern part of the country, [...]
Ağrı, Ağrı Ahmed-i Hani Airport, Ağrı attractions, Ağrı Kebab, Ağrı Plateau, cultural heritage, culture, Diyadin Thermal Springs, Doğubeyazıt, Eastern Anatolia, Erzurum, Göfte, hidden gem, historical landmarks, historical sites, Iğdır, Ishak Pasha Palace, Künefe, Lake Balık, local festivals, local markets, Meteor Crater, Mount Ararat, Mount Ararat National Park, natural beauty, nature, outdoor activities, scenic landscapes, things to do in Ağrı, tourism, traditional handicrafts, travel, Turkey
Samsun
Samsun, historically known as Sampsounta and Amisos, is a vibrant [...]
Amazon Village, Atakum Beach, Black Sea port, Kızılırmak Delta, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Samsun, Samsun Archaeology Museum, Samsun attractions, Samsun culture, Samsun festivals, Samsun history, Samsun local cuisine, travel to Samsun, Turkey travel, Turkish War of Independence, visit Samsun
Konya
Konya, Turkey, often referred to as the “City of Whirling [...]
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