Visa and documents
Visa requirements depend on nationality, passport type and purpose of travel. Many travellers should check the official Republic of Türkiye e-Visa system before travelling. Always verify the latest requirements before booking.
Airports
Istanbul has two main airports: IST (new, far north) and SAW (Asian side, Sabiha Gökçen). Use Havaist/Havabus shuttles or the M11 metro from IST. Allow 60–90 min from city centre.
Transport in Turkey
Domestic flights cover long distances fast. Intercity buses are common and comfortable. Istanbul uses metro, tram, ferries and buses with İstanbulkart. Cappadocia usually needs an airport transfer, rental car or tour.
Domestic flights
Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AnadoluJet connect every major city in 1–2 hours. Book early for Cappadocia (NAV/ASR), Antalya (AYT) and Bodrum (BJV). Hand luggage rules vary.
Trains
YHT high-speed trains link Istanbul–Ankara–Konya comfortably. Book on TCDD Tasimacilik. Other regional trains exist but buses are usually faster.
Intercity buses
Comfortable, frequent and affordable. Top operators: Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm, Pamukkale. Book via obilet.com. Most cities have an otogar (bus terminal) outside the centre.
Istanbul transport card
Get an İstanbulkart from any kiosk or vending machine. Works on tram, metro, ferry, funicular and bus. Top up at stations. Cheaper than single tickets.
Taxis and ride apps
Use BiTaksi or Uber (which dispatches yellow taxis) to avoid disputes. Always insist on the meter (taksimetre). Confirm route on Google Maps.
SIM cards / eSIM
Local SIMs from Turkcell, Vodafone or Türk Telekom at airports (passport needed). eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly) work instantly on arrival and avoid registration hassle.
Currency and payments
Currency is Turkish Lira (TRY). Cards widely accepted in cities; carry cash for bazaars, taxis and small towns. ATMs (Garanti, Yapı Kredi, İş Bankası) are reliable. Decline dynamic currency conversion.
Best season to visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the most comfortable across most of Turkey. Summer is hot on the coast; winter is cold in central Anatolia and snowy in the east.
Safety tips
Turkey is generally safe. Watch belongings in bazaars and on public transport, use licensed taxis (BiTaksi/Uber), avoid unofficial money changers, and verify travel advisories from your government.
Mosque etiquette
Dress modestly: cover shoulders, knees and (women) hair with a scarf. Remove shoes at the entrance. Avoid prayer times for tourist visits. Keep voices low and don't photograph people praying.
Bazaar shopping tips
Bargain politely (start ~50–60% of asking). Compare 2–3 stalls. Pay cash for better prices. Beware of fake antiques, saffron and 'genuine' carpets. Get a receipt for high-value items and ask about tax-free shopping.
Useful travel apps
Helpful apps: Google Maps, BiTaksi, Uber, Moovit (Istanbul transit), obilet (buses), Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Airalo (eSIM), Google Translate (offline Turkish).
Emergency numbers
Common numbers reported in Turkey: Police 155, Ambulance 112, Fire 110. Always verify the current numbers and contact your embassy before relying on them.
SIM / eSIM
Local SIM cards from Turkcell, Vodafone or Türk Telekom are available at airports. eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly, Saily) are the fastest option and work immediately on arrival.
Transport in Turkey
Domestic flights connect major cities cheaply. Intercity buses (Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm) are comfortable. Trams, metro and ferries handle Istanbul. Use BiTaksi or Uber for taxis.
Best season to visit
April–June and September–October offer the best balance everywhere. July–August are hot on the coast but lively. November–March is great for Istanbul culture, snow on Uludağ and quieter ruins.
Useful travel apps
Google Maps, BiTaksi, Moovit, Trafi (Istanbul), Türk Hava Yolları (THY) and Pegasus apps for flights, Yemeksepeti / Getir for delivery, Google Translate with Turkish offline pack.
Safety & emergency disclaimer
Turkey is generally safe for travellers. Watch belongings in crowded markets and use licensed taxis. For up-to-date emergency numbers (police 155, ambulance 112, tourist police) verify with your embassy and local sources before travel.