Seven Churches of Revelation

Yes, major cities and tourist areas in Turkey are well-equipped with ATMs and establishments that accept credit cards. It’s a good idea to have some local currency for smaller shops or rural areas where digital transactions may not be as common.

However, certain services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Stripe are not available in Turkey. Visa and MasterCard are very common, and American Express is only accepted at some high-end places.

If you’ve brought some cash with you, exchange offices are everywhere. They don’t take commissions from exchanges, but profit through the rates that they offer.

In Turkey, it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or religious sites. Showing respect during the call to prayer, removing shoes before entering a home or a mosque, and greeting people warmly are also part of local customs. Public displays of affection should be modest, and it’s polite to accept offers of tea or coffee during social interactions.

However, it is very important to note that Turkey is a secular country by law, and the common sense that guides what you would find as “appropriate” in your place of origin mostly applies in Turkey.

Tipping is considered customary, and nowadays most restaurants automatically include a 10% tip in the bill, so make sure to check! However, on average, a 10% tip would be enough. It is encouraged, but not required.

Yes, Turkey has good cellular coverage and internet connectivity, especially in urban and tourist areas. International roaming can be expensive, so it’s often more economical to purchase a local SIM card. Free Wi-Fi is commonly available in hotels, cafes, and some public areas.

Turkey is generally safe for tourists, with a well-established tourism infrastructure and measures to ensure visitor safety. Like any destination, it’s wise to stay informed of local news, adhere to travel advisories, and practice common safety precautions, especially in crowded places.

A basic travel insurance is mandatory by law for any tour packages (group or individual) sold or operated by Turkish travel agencies and tour operators.

Travelers to Turkey should consider routine vaccinations and perhaps a few travel-specific ones like Hepatitis A and Typhus, depending on the region visited. Drinking bottled water is recommended, and it’s wise to carry sunscreen and a hat for protection against the strong sun. Always have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Food hygiene is held to a very high standard, but like in every country, occasionally you may run into an establishment that doesn’t quite abide by the rules.

The best time to visit Turkey depends on your interests and the region you plan to explore.

• For sightseeing in Istanbul or experiencing the cultural heritage in other cities, spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant weather with milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
• If you’re interested in beach holidays along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, the summer months (June to August) provide warm, sunny weather ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
• Those keen on skiing or winter sports should consider visiting during the winter months (December to March), especially in mountainous areas like Erzurum or Uludağ.