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Turkey is a stunning country with a wealth of sights to see. Whether you want to sunbathe or take a dip by the Mediterranean sea, or have an urge to explore the cities, this country will welcome you with open arms.
In addition to numerous unique experiences awaiting tourists, Turkey is also very easy to navigate and highly affordable, unless you fall victim to common scams.
In this article, we will explore everything a tourist might need to know, from customs and etiquette to public transportation. Follow along!
Customs and Etiquette
Many people from Turkey are accustomed to foreigners. Yet, this doesn’t mean you should completely ignore the local customs and offend the people around you.
First of all, if you make friends with Turks, you should expect to get invited for tea. Their invitation for tea is not only about drinking a beverage, but it’s also more about the connection. When you can’t accept the invitation, you can express gratitude by placing one hand on your chest, this is a polite way to decline.
When eating in communal settings, you may also notice that someone will inevitably try to feed you more, because saying “no, thank you” is rarely taken as a final answer. As annoying as it may be in other cultures, Turks love to show their appreciation by offering food or drink.
This is rare, but don’t get upset if locals are staring at you; it’s a normal experience in Turkey. Children, in particular, crave connections with tourists.
Pay attention to body language and expressions when talking to Turks. One nod means “yes”, shaking of the head from side to side means “explain”, and clicking the tongue while raising the eyebrows usually means “no”.
Dresscode
Some regions of Turkey lean more traditional because the country is predominantly Muslim. Dressing with a bit of modesty is the simplest way to avoid unwanted attention. Save beachwear for the seaside and hotel pools, and skip going shirtless away from those areas.
Short shorts, miniskirts, and other revealing outfits are common in large, secular cities such as Antalya, Izmir, and Istanbul, yet they can feel out of place in more conservative towns. Adjusting your clothing to the setting makes everyday interactions more comfortable for everyone.
If you plan on visiting a mosque, remember to cover your shoulders, upper arms, and head (the latter is a rule for women). Take off your shoes before you enter, and try not to visit during important prayers. Noon prayers on Fridays, in particular, are some of the most essential. When you’re inside, don’t be shy about taking pictures and admiring the beauty, but keep quiet and refrain from taking photos of people around you.
Public Transit
Turkey is perfect for traveling via public transport. It has mini-buses, taxis, buses, trains, and airplanes. For city transport, make sure you carry around some cash, as not all drivers accept cards. Otherwise, all routes are great, efficient, and connect the whole country.
For public transport in the city, you will come across a dolmuş – a mini-bus taxi that’s available everywhere. The customers jump in and out of the bus in an orderly manner, which is unique, but fast and convenient. The fairs are cheap, too, and you might find the vehicles depart from the same stations as the bigger buses.
If you decide to travel the country by air, you can be confident you will receive some of the best service across the world. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus are the most popular, and both are great for saving time.
As soon as you arrive at the airport, you will come across SIM card sellers. Be aware that they are upselling tourists, and it’s best to invest in an eSIM for Turkey to save some money. That way, you won’t have to change your physical SIM, use roaming, or splurge on local services.
Common Tourist Scams
Scams or harassment in Turkey are relatively rare, but it’s still advisable to be aware of potential overcharges. In some cases, when you use a taxi, the driver might claim he doesn’t have any change, avoid using the meter, or take longer routes. It is recommended to use prepaid services and ride-sharing apps to avoid that.
When walking around the city, some Turks will try to sell you goods, fake artifacts, perfume, and other items. They might claim it’s a bargain or pressure you into purchasing something. Always decline and keep walking, no matter what the situation is. Be firm with your refusal.
Additionally, avoid using public Wi-Fi, as it is often full of scams; bad actors may spy on you and steal your data. Instead, find the best eSIM for Turkey so that you can establish a secure mobile connection with it.
Explore Turkey Safely and Comfortably
Turkey is more than just a seaside vacation. It has incredible hiking routes, delicious cuisine, fun events, and more. Before exploring Turkey, however, it’s essential to be aware of the local transportation, rules, dress code, and common scams. Follow the tips above for a stress-free journey.
