2 Weeks in Turkey

What You Should Know Before Going On A Turkey Tour

Turkish Currency

Here’s the lowdown on the currency in Turkey. 

The currency in Turkey is the Türk Lirası (Turkish lira; ₺). You can expect to pay about ₺7–12 for a beer, ₺50 and up for a flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia, ₺40 for a fish and meze meal and ₺35 for a boating day trip.

A hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia (a must-do activity in Turkey) runs about €160–175. Many Turkey tour operators will factor these costs into your package rate.

The lira is available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 notes, as well as coins from 1 to 50 kuruş, plus a coin for 1 lira. If you’re planning to visit the markets, keep a stock of coins and smaller notes for low-priced items - the vendors often do not have correct change. 

ATMS are available throughout Turkey and most business in metropolitan and heavily visited areas accept credit and debit cards. 

Hoping to bargain at the bazaar? The vendors are used to haggling, but you may want to ask your Turkey tour guide for local customs. There’s a fine art to bargaining, particularly for higher-priced items in upscale shops. Typically, there is some back and forth and ultimately, a price is agreed upon. It’s not considered good manners to haggle over the price and then change your mind and not purchase anything at the end. 

When you’re bargaining at a Turkish market, take your time, be polite and consider buying several items at once, paying in cash or using a strong currency. 

Best Time to Visit Turkey 

For pleasant weather for your Turkey vacation, the most optimal months to visit are April, May, September and October. You’ll miss the oppressive heat of mid-summer, making sightseeing at ancient ruins more comfortable - although if you’re focusing on a seaside tour of Eastern Europe, you may welcome the high temperatures.

Turkish tour operators often cite May as a particularly good month to visit for its warm, but not overly hot temperatures, making visits to Ephesus and other sites with little shade more pleasant.

After October, the temperature drops and it can be off puttingly cold from about November through March, particularly in the interior of the country. Then again, if you’re hoping to beat the crowds during your Turkey tour, then aim for the winter months. 

Is Turkey Safe to Visit?

There’s no yes or no answer to the question of Turkey’s safety for tourists. The political climate can be unstable and the news has opened the world’s eyes to the Syrian conflict and the ensuing terrorist attacks in Turkey. While the security of the country has been compromised at times, travelers can still tour Turkey comfortably with reputable tour operators, who will always have your safety and wellbeing top of mind. 

When you are considering a tour to Turkey, stay abreast of the latest news and government-issued travel warnings. For example, it is not advised to travel within 10 kilometers of the Syrian border and certain cities and regions are considered off limits, including the city of Diyarbakir, and the provinces of Sirnak, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, Kilis, Hatay, Tunceli and Hakari, where most of the terrorist attacks have occured. 

If you’re keen to visit Turkey, but aren’t sure if it’s worth the cost and effort to tour a country with an unpredictable political climate, consider purchasing travel insurance. That way, you can choose a tour company for your Turkey tour, make the arrangements, figure out what you want to see and do, and then - if disaster strikes - you won’t have lost your entire investment. 

Here are a few ideas for staying safe during your Turkey trip: 

• Don’t go near any political gatherings or protests and watch the news before and during your tour to be aware of current or developing situations. 
• Don’t dress in a particularly flashy way or throw cash around. Keep valuables in a safe in your hotel room and wear a money belt.
• Learn a few Turkish phrases in case you need to ask for directions or need assistance in some way. 
• Stay with your group tour as much as possible, whether you’re taking a day trip to Ephesus or a multi-day adventure. 
• Don’t walk alone at night. 
• Don’t speak ill of the Turkish government - it’s considered a crime. 
• Be aware that scammers are out there - do a little advance research to see what travelers to Turkey and other Eastern European countries have been experiencing in the weeks before your tour.

What to Pack for a Trip to Turkey 

So you’re taking a tour in Turkey? Lucky you! This captivating land of eastern and western culture, history, art, geography, nature and cuisine is brimming with memorable moments.

To be the most comfortable, here are the top items to pack while you’re traveling in Turkey:

• Clothing that covers your shoulders and, in more urban areas, your knees (in more rural areas or when traveling on public transit, wear full-length clothing) 
• A headscarf for visiting mosques (though not required, you will draw less attention to yourself if one is worn)
• A packable daypack for day trips
• Hat
• Walking shoes and casual sandals or flipflops 
• Layers - the climate can change quite drastically depending on what region of Turkey you are touring 
• Swimsuit
• A reusable water bottle 
• Hand sanitizer and mediation for indigestion 
• Lightweight scarf or pashmina 
• Tour operator information, written out in English and Turkish, if possible
• A Turkish phrasebook or app for your smartphone
• Power adaptors for your electronics
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray 
• Headlamp 

Your Turkey tour operator can offer valuable advice on other essentials to pack depending on the region you’ll be visiting and the activities you’ll be doing. Take the time to pick their brains before departure from home so you can arrive with everything you need to fully enjoy your vacation in Turkey. 

Common Turkish Phrases

It’s such a welcome and polite gesture to learn a few important phrases in the local language of your tour destination. Try these Turkish phrases during your tour:

Günaydın: Good morning

Tünaydin: Good afternoon 

Tanıştığıma memnun oldum: Pleased to meet you 

Hoş geldiniz: welcome 

Buyurun: please 

Teşekkür ederim: thank you 

Afiyet olsun: may it be good for you, or enjoy your meal

Allah Allah: good Lord, oh my goodness, etc. 

Nasılsın?: How are you?

Özür dilerim: I'm sorry

Güle güle: Goodbye

Evet: yes

Hayir: no

Do’s and Don’ts for Traveling to Turkey

Make the most of your guided tour with these top Turkey travel tips: 

1. Dress appropriately for a Muslim country. This means that when traveling in Turkey, women should keep their shoulders and knees covered and, when visiting a mosque, consider wearing a headscarf. (Friday is a day of prayer, so do not plan to visit a mosque on that day.)

2. Be respectful of Ramadan. If you’re touring Turkey during the Islmaic month of fasting, avoid public dining out of respect to devout Muslims. 

3. Don’t trash talk the government. Seriously. It’s considered a crime to speak ill of Atatürk, the founding father of the Turkish Republic, the government, the Turkish flag and the military.  

4. Bargain away! The vendors of Turkish bazaars love to haggle over prices, so as long as you do so politely and with good humor, you can have fun with it and feel like a Turkish local. 

5. Don’t photograph people without permission. Ask your Turkey tour operator about where it’s ok to take a photo and what is forbidden, both in terms of local residents and certain historical and religious sights.

6. Eat all the Turkish food. Come hungry and try everything! Expect large portions and enjoy the indulgence. Try Köfte meatballs, lamb skewers, Manti dumplings and so much more.

7. Keep the PDAs … well, private. Public displays of affection are frowned upon throughout Turkey. 

8. Visit a Turkish bath (a hammam).

9. Don’t refuse a cup of tea or a gift. The Turkish people are incredibly hospitable and will feel slighted, and justly so, if you turn down a gift. 

10. Speaking of hospitality, you’ll find that the Turks love to socialize with travelers visiting their country, so take this opportunity to experience a real slice of local life. 

11. Learn a few phrases in the local language.