Tips For Travelers
Before you embark of a trip to Turkiye, some of the things you need to know.
Basic Facts about Turkiye
The Republic of Türkiye is a Eurasian country bordering in the northwest with Bulgaria, Greece, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east; in the northeast is Georgia with Syria and Iraq to the south and southeast.The three sides of Türkiye are engulfed by sea, the black sea in the north, the Mediterranean in the south and Aegean in the west. The Sea of Marmara Sea surrounds the city Istanbul and Dardanelles.
It has a population of around 83 million inhabitants with Ankara as its Capital and Istanbul as its commercial hub with a population of 16 million.
The best time to visit Turkiye
Spring:
April and May in the spring is a beautiful time to experience and visit Turkiye. The temperature is mild between 17 to 22 Celsius i.e., 62 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit. April sees an average of 10-13 days rainfall.
Enjoy the tulip festival in Istanbul held in April when millions of tulips are plated and are in full bloom for about three weeks throughout parks and public places, the famous place being Emirgan park.
Fall:
From September to November experience the best of autumn time. With the peak tourist season of summer over, you will experience it to be less crowded and can get better rates for accommodation.
The temperature is mild between 15 to 26 Celsius i.e., 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. with an average of 5-10 days rainfall. By November you may need some warm clothing as the temperature starts going down.
Summer:
The sunny months of June, July and August are the time of peak tourist season and the places get crowded and the prices of accommodation are at its peak. You will get clear blue skies, hot and dry weather with an average temperature of around or above 30 °C (86 °F) during the day, however, the nights get cooler. If you plan to visit during summer, you better plan in advance to get better deals.
The Mediterranean coastal cities of Antalya, Alania, Bodrum and Marmaris are very popular with the tourists from all over the world enjoying the pristine beaches, water sports and cruises.
Winter:
Winter is the cheapest time to visit Turkiye from December to February. During these times it is rainy, cold and snow in some regions with average temperature ranging from -6 to 10 °C (50 °F).
Do I need a visa to enter Turkiye?
Visa on arrival is applicable to citizens from the eligible countries https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa The application of online evisa can be obtained for those eligible for it at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/. National of other countries need to apply for sticker visa in accordance with the requirements, refer the website of Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
What is the currency of Turkiye, Can I use my credit card, Can I withdraw cash through my banks ATM card, Do I need to pay tips?
The official currency is Turkish Lira, it is advisable to convert US Dollars or Euros through money exchanges located all around the cities for a better rate.
Credit Cards, Visa & Mastercard are widely accepted all over the country even some of the cabs accept the payment of fare through credit cards.
You can use you bank card to withdraw cash from almost all the bank’s ATM machines installed over the country.
It is a common practice in Turkiye to leave a tip of 10 to 15% of the bill amount at restaurants and also to tip the concierge at the hotels.
Language
The language spoken in Turkiye is called “Turkish”. Most Turks don’t speak English, however, English is widely spoken and understood at the centers were tourists flock like hotels, shopping areas etc.
Driving in Turkiye
In Turkiye, it is driven on the right-hand side of the road, you must be 18 and need to have a driving license issued in your country of residence preferable in English. Aside for the chaotic traffic in Istanbul you will enjoy driving with excellent highways and the world class facilities available for stopovers.
Gastronomy
Turkish cuisine is one of the most varied and rich in the world. At the crossroad of Europe and Asia and with the migration of people from Central Asia over the centuries has shaped the cuisine of Turkiye, it is much more than “Donor Kebabs”.
Including variety of soups, salads, fish, and meat dishes and of course the sweets. You must try the lavish and sumptuous Turkish breakfast, which is very elaborate, the Turkish breakfast generally consists of olives, cucumbers, dried meat, dips and sausages, variety of cheese, jams, honey, tomato’s, freshly baked bread, butter, and variety of eggs.