Heading to Turkey? Get practical advice on money, transport, local food and customs before you go.

Planning a holiday to Turkey? From the bustling streets of Istanbul and ancient archaeological sites to the Mediterranean coastline, Turkey offers a diverse mix of culture, history and natural beauty. Whether you’re visiting for a city break, beach holiday or touring adventure, a little preparation can help you make the most of your trip.

In this guide, we’ll share eight essential travel tips, covering everything from money and transport to local customs, food and the best regions to visit.

1. Check travel advice and get the right insurance

Before travelling to Turkey, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice, make sure your passport meets entry requirements and confirm you have suitable travel insurance in place. Save digital copies of key documents, including your passport, insurance details and accommodation confirmations, so they are easy to access if needed. Staying up to date with official guidance can help you prepare for any local regulations, safety information and transport updates that may affect your trip.

2. Carry currency and card

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and larger attractions, but it’s still useful to carry some local currency for smaller purchases, taxis, tips and markets.

Cash can be particularly handy when using local transport, visiting bazaars or travelling in smaller towns where card facilities may be limited. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, although withdrawal fees may apply depending on your bank and the ATM provider. If you plan to withdraw money abroad, check your bank’s fees before you travel and avoid carrying large amounts of cash at once.

Having both a payment card and some Turkish lira gives you flexibility throughout your trip.

3. Enjoy local cuisine and understand tipping

Sampling local cuisine is one of the highlights of any holiday to Turkey. Traditional dishes often vary by region, giving visitors the opportunity to experience a wide range of flavours and cooking styles.

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring bread, cheeses, olives, eggs and pastries. Popular dishes to try include kebabs, börek, meze and freshly grilled seafood along the coast, while sweet treats such as baklava are enjoyed throughout the country.

When dining out in Turkey, it’s customary to leave a tip if you have received good service. Many visitors choose to leave around 10–15%, often in cash.

4. Check roaming charges and stay connected

Staying connected can make travelling easier, whether you’re using maps, accessing booking confirmations or keeping in touch with family. Before travelling to Turkey, check whether your mobile provider includes the country in its roaming packages, as charges for calls, texts and data can vary between networks.

If you expect to use your phone regularly during your holiday, it may be worth purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM.

Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés and restaurants across Turkey, although connection quality may vary depending on location. Downloading offline maps, saving booking confirmations and keeping your accommodation address available offline can make it easier to get around if mobile signal or Wi-Fi is unreliable.

5. Plan your itinerary by region

Turkey’s size and diversity mean that planning your itinerary by region can help you make the most of your time.

Istanbul is home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern. Along the Aegean coast, visitors can explore the ancient city of Ephesus near Selcuk, while Antalya combines beautiful beaches with historic areas such as Kaleici.

For natural scenery, destinations such as Ölüdeniz and Saklikent National Park offer opportunities to enjoy Turkey’s coastline and landscapes. Focusing on one or two regions during your trip can help you experience more without spending excessive time travelling between destinations.

6. Utilise the public transport in Turkey

Getting around Turkey is relatively straightforward thanks to its extensive transport network. Major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir are served by buses, trams and metro systems that make navigating urban areas easier. Smaller towns and resorts are often connected by local minibuses, known as Dolmuş, which are commonly used by both residents and visitors.

For longer journeys, intercity buses provide affordable connections across the country, while high-speed rail services operate between several major destinations including Istanbul, Ankara and Konya.

In larger cities, look into local travel cards or official transport apps, and allow extra time for journeys during busy periods.

7. Pack for the region and season

Weather conditions can vary significantly across Turkey depending on where and when you’re travelling.

Coastal destinations often experience hot temperatures during the summer months, while Inland regions and mountainous areas can be noticeably cooler, particularly during spring and autumn.

If your itinerary includes visits to both cities and outdoor attractions, packing a combination of practical walking shoes, light layers and sun protection can help you stay comfortable throughout your holiday.

8. Respect local customs and cultural sites

Turkey is home to many important religious, historical and cultural landmarks, and understanding local customs can help ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit.

When visiting mosques or other religious sites, visitors may be asked to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering. Some sites may also have designated visiting hours for tourists, so it’s worth checking ahead.

Being mindful of local customs, following guidance at attractions and showing respect for cultural sites can help you get the most from your experience while contributing positively to the destinations you visit.

From bustling bazaars and world-famous historical sites to stunning coastlines and regional cuisine, Turkey offers something for every type of traveller. By planning ahead, checking practical details and understanding local customs, transport and payment options, you’ll be well prepared to make the most of your holiday.

Before you travel, make sure your trip is protected with suitable travel insurance. Get an ABTA Travel Insurance quote today at www.abtatravelinsurance.com.