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Turkey FAQ
Is tipping customary in Turkey?
While tipping isn't mandatory, a tip of small change will be appreciated by restaurant staff. It's also common to tip staff while visiting hamams. It's not necessary to tip taxi drivers, although rounding up the fare for convenience is commonplace.
What is the internet access like in Turkey?
Internet cafes are quite common in Turkey's large cities. Expect less internet availability in rural and remote areas.
Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Turkey?
Mobile phone coverage is good in Turkey, especially in large cities. Coverage may not be available in more remote areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your mobile.
What are the toilets like in Turkey?
You'll have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation while in Turkey. Flushable toilets are available in some places, although you're more likely to come across squat toilets (especially when traveling in rural areas).
What will it cost for a…?
Beer in a bar = 5-10 TRY
Simple lunch = 10-20 TRY
Hamam visit = 25-30 TRY
Restaurant dinner = 30-50 TRY
Simple lunch = 10-20 TRY
Hamam visit = 25-30 TRY
Restaurant dinner = 30-50 TRY
Can I drink the water in Turkey?
Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Turkey. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.
Are credit cards accepted widely in Turkey?
Major credit cards are widely accepted in tourist shopping areas and large hotels, but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors, in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases, since credit cards aren't always an option in Turkey.
What is ATM access like in Turkey?
ATMs are available in large cities but are less common in rural areas and smaller towns. Be prepared for this by having enough cash before travelling out of the city.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Turkey?
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
What public holidays are celebrated in Turkey?
Jan 1 New Year's Day
Apr 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day
May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day
May 19 Commemoration of Ataturk/Youth and Sports Day
Aug 8 Ramadan Bayrami (End of Ramadan)
Aug 30 Victory Day
Oct 15 Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Oct 28/29 Republic Day
Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/turkey/public-holidays
Apr 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day
May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day
May 19 Commemoration of Ataturk/Youth and Sports Day
Aug 8 Ramadan Bayrami (End of Ramadan)
Aug 30 Victory Day
Oct 15 Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Oct 28/29 Republic Day
Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/turkey/public-holidays
Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey?
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.
We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.
- For Turkey, an entry visa is required for citizens of the following countries (not limited to this list):
- USA (US$20),
- Canada (US$60 on arrival; CAD$75 for advance application)
- U.K. (US$20; GBP45 for advance application)
- Australia (US$20 on arrival)
- Austria, Belgium, Canada, Holland, Ireland, Israel, Portugal & Spain (varies from US$10-100)
The visa costs can change at any time and with little notice depending on the political climate of the region.
A valid passport is sufficient for citizens of most other countries including New Zealand, Argentina, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland for stays up to 3 months. All other nationalities please check with your nearest Turkish embassy.
Generally visas can easily be attained on arrival. Visas obtained on entry must be paid in cash in US$ so ensure you have some on hand. Depending on your nationality, visas are either valid for 3 months or 1 year. - TURKEY (ALL TRIPS):
Australia: Yes - on arrival
Belgium: Yes - on arrival
Canada: Yes - on arrival
Germany: No - not required
Ireland: Yes - on arrival
Netherlands: Yes - on arrival
New Zealand: No - not required
South Africa: Yes - on arrival
Switzerland: No - not required
United Kingdom: Yes - on arrival
USA: Yes - on arrival
Visa costs can change depending on the political climate of the region. For Turkey, an entry visa is required for citizens of the following countries (not limited to this list):
- USA (US$60),
- Canada (US$60 on arrival; CAD$75 for advance application)
- U.K. (US$60; GBP45 for advance application)
- Australia (US$60 on arrival)
- Austria, Belgium, Canada, Holland, Ireland, Israel, Portugal & Spain (varies from US$10-100)
The visa costs can change at any time and with little notice depending on the political climate of the region.
A valid passport is sufficient for citizens of most other countries including New Zealand, Argentina, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland for stays up to 3 months. All other nationalities please check with your nearest Turkish embassy.
Generally visas can easily be attained on arrival although sometimes the lines for these can be quite long. Visas obtained on entry must be paid in cash in US$ or EUR so ensure you have some on hand. It is also possible to pay by Credit Card however passenger feedback suggests this is not very reliable. Depending on your nationality, visas are either valid for 3 months or 1 year.
Shortlist
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Turkey at a glance
- 34
- Ankara (population 2.9 million)
- 78.7 million
- Turkish
- TRY
- (GMT+02:00) Athens, Bucharest, Istanbul
- Type C (European 2-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)
- +90
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