Survival Travel Tips for Turkey

Although you can read everything on guide books, there is always something you never learn without experiencing it. Turks say " Who knows a lot; a traveler or a reader?" 

What I say " First read my blog and then travel, you will be an expert"!

Riding a camel in Turkey? I have no idea.. this is something you need to experience yourself

Here I have listed some survival travel tips for you to make your Turkey visit easier.

Where I can change money in Turkey? Cash is exchanged without commission in most exchange offices, banks, or hotels. Cash point machines (ATM) are available in most busy areas. They accept worldwide cards and some cash points display instructions in English. Inform your bank in advance that you are travelling to Turkey as some automatically prevent use to combat fraud. Turkish newspapers and the Internet publish exchange rates daily.

Is water drinkable? Tap water in Turkey is high in minerals and can upset the stomach so use bottled water instead. Some upper-class hotels offer complimentary bottled water while others will charge. Most shops sell bottled water and you can still brush your teeth with tap water but do not swallow.

Is there internet in my hotel? Most hotels, inns, pensions, and hostels have a communal computer and open wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) in at least one public space, such as the lobby or lounge. Wi-Fi access is usually free in smaller hotels and inns but larger hotels may charge. You should check with reception. Turkish airports, some cafes, and restaurants also have free Wi-Fi access.

What about Laundry service? Some hotels offer laundry services and they normally display the price list in rooms. There are not many launderettes in Turkey but dry cleaning shops are scattered throughout most cities.

How to use Toilets (Bath Room/WC)? Western Style flushing toilets are used in hotels, restaurants, museums and public toilets in Western Turkey while traditional “squat” toilets are often found in bus stations and more rural areas, especially Eastern Turkey. Many public toilets in Turkey require payment (normally around 1 Turkish Liras).

How much to tip? Most tour and hotel staff appreciate small tips given with discretion but it is not  mandatory. Taxis do not expect tips but rounding up the fare for convenience is common. In restaurants, the normal amount to tip  is 10% of the bill depending on how happy you are with the service.

I want to buy a sim card. Turkish SIM cards are sold at most mobile phone shops but it is a lengthy process for foreigners. Some shops sell telephone cards to use in public phones and there are many iPhone apps that allow you to speak free. If you use the telephone in your hotel, check with reception re charges.

Adaptors and Voltage Turkey has 220 V power systems and adapters are needed because plug sockets are two prong. 

Average Prices

·        Bottle of Water (1 Litre)                                             1 – 2  Lira

·        Street Food (Doner Kebab, Pizza, Soup                        5 – 10 Lira

·        Simple Lunch                                                           10 – 20 Lira

·        Restaurant Dinner                                                     25 – 50 Lira

·        Packet of cigarettes                                                     6  - 9 Lira

Alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, vodka are highly taxed in Turkey. In some seaside coastal resorts, the price of a beer is 5 lira while in the big cities, can be as much as 10 lira. You should check the menu prices before drinking.