We're going to Türkiye
- Marisol
- Aug 21
- 8 min read
Tips and information that will be useful for your trip to Türkiye
Revised August 2024
I am writing here some information that will be very useful to you during your trip to Türkiye.
Türkiye is a wonderful and fascinating country and you will want to return.
I've visited it three times, and each time I discover something new and exciting. Each visit allows me to delve deeper into the richness of this place, exploring its nooks and crannies with renewed curiosity. Each experience has enriched my perception and appreciation of this destination, making it a place I'll always want to return to continue discovering its unparalleled magic and charm.
Its history is fascinating, its people charming, its cuisine delicious...and Istanbul one of the most fascinating cities I have ever seen.
As historian Diana Uribe tells us:
"Istanbul; The point where the planet's influences converge..."
On our last visit, we went to the region of Mesopotamia, the cradle of ancient civilizations and rich in history. Here, amidst the vastness of the Mesopotamian plain, lies Gobekli Tepe, a unique archaeological site that has baffled experts with its age and complexity. Dating back 12,000 years, Gobekli Tepe is considered the oldest "sanctuary" in the world, a sacred place that arouses curiosity and wonder in those who visit it.
Climbing Mount Nemrut is an unforgettable experience that leaves an indelible mark on the memory of those who venture to ascend its rugged peaks. From the summit of this sacred mountain, one can contemplate the majesty of the colossal statues guarding the tomb of King Antiochus I of Commagene, an impressive spectacle that connects visitors with the glorious past of this region.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
PASSPORT, VISA:
These regulations change frequently, so it is advisable to check with the relevant official websites.
A passport valid for 6 months from the date of arrival in the country must be presented.
You must have at least two free pages for the visa and entry and exit stamps.
They may very well ask for your travel itinerary, return ticket, and travel insurance that includes medical coverage.
Holders of Venezuelan, Spanish, EEC - US passports are exempt from a tourist visa for a period of 90 days.
Mexican Passport Holders: All Mexican citizens holding ordinary and official passports require a visa to enter Turkey. This can be obtained online as an e-visa.
The electronic visa is an official document that allows entry to Turkey. This "e-visa" replaces the "stamped visa" format upon entering the country.
The e-visa can take up to 24 hours to process; upon acquiring it, you must print the document.
The following button will take you to the official website of the Republic of Türkiye to apply for a visa online.
Before applying for a visa online, you must have a valid passport and a credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard). Read the instructions carefully. Fill out the form, make the payment online, and print the application. Keep the printed paper in your passport, as immigration will ask for it.
DOCUMENTS
Bring a copy of your passport and other important documents such as credit cards, travel insurance, etc. This will make it easier to replace them if lost. If you have a passport from another country, it's a good idea to bring it.
Having digital copies is the most practical.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
I always recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation or interruption.
There are insurance companies that offer very good coverage. You may be asked to provide travel insurance upon entering Turkey, which covers medical expenses.
FLIGHTS - LUGGAGE
Check your flight itinerary in advance, arrive at the airport early, and don't forget to add your miles.
Check with your airline the size, weight and number of bags you will need to carry.
The luggage allowed during the trip is:
1 suitcase 23 kilos and 1 carryon 8 kilos + wallet or backpack
ARRIVING IN ISTANBUL
Our representative in Turkey will be waiting for you. I will provide you with the relevant information later. (The sign this person will be holding, where they will be waiting, and any other information you may need.) Hotel transfer is included. If a single person arrives, there is a $60.00 USD supplement. This also applies to the departure transfer from the hotel to the airport.
The following button takes you to the Istanbul Airport page.
CUSTOMS
It is allowed to enter with:
50 cigars and 200 cigarettes. (For those over 18 years of age)
1 liter of alcohol over volume 22% or 2 Liters under 22%
1 kg of chocolates and 1 kg of candies
Medicines for personal use
WEATHER - WHAT TO WEAR, WHAT TO PACK?
That's a question we always ask ourselves, even with the number of trips we've experienced, every time one approaches, we ask ourselves the same thing.
Obviously, each trip is different and the weather varies depending on the season.
Climate - This varies depending on the city and regions of the country.
The best time to travel to Türkiye is between the months of April, May, September and October, temperatures range between 20℃ and 30℃
The summer months, from June to late August, are very hot, with temperatures that can exceed 35°C (Perfect for visiting beaches and resorts, but not for other visits).
The weather starts to get a little cooler in September. From November to March, it's usually quite cold.
In Istanbul during the month of April temperatures generally range between 15°C and 10°C / 60℉ and 53℉.
In September temperatures range between 21°C and 25°C
Bring an umbrella or poncho as it rains frequently in Istanbul.
In Kusadasi, in April, you can expect a maximum temperature of 20°C and a minimum of 12℃ and / 66℉ - 54℉
For September the temperature varies between 19°C and 30°C. It may rain some days.
Cappadocia : Here we prepare for the cold, as the maximum will be between 16°C and the minimum at 2°C.
In September, temperatures range between 9°C and 26°C . Be sure to bring a jacket during this month, especially for the hot air balloon ride.
Adiyaman : Maximum temperature 21°C Minimum 10°C. Here we will climb Mount Nemrut, you should dress warmly even in summer it is cool.
In September, daily highs and lows will range from 26 ° C to 15°C.
Sanliurfa; 23°C / 11°C
September: 28
Mardin : September. Daily maximum and minimum temperatures will range from 26 ° C to 15°C.
I suggest: My travel list
From my own experience, pack only the essentials . Don't pack clothes "just in case I wear them," because you won't. We should travel light.
Wear comfortable, casual clothing that can be layered, as one day it may be cool/cold and the next day it may be sunny and very hot.
Use clothes that you can wear several times and that are easy to combine.
Istanbul is a very windy city, so keep that in mind.
I recommend you keep a pashmina or large shawl on hand. It is a very versatile garment: You can use it as a blanket on airplanes or buses, to cover your head, or as a skirt when entering places that require it.
To enter the mosques: Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque:
If women wear skirts that fall below the knee, they must cover their head, shoulders, arms, and chest. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed. If they wear leggings or very tight pants, they can wear a sarong and tie it around their waist. Men can wear long pants. Robes are provided at the entrance, but you'll find the most beautiful and varied scarves and pashminas in Turkey, so if you don't have one available, you can buy them there.
You can't enter with shoes so I recommend you have a pair of socks unless you don't mind going barefoot.
The Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox basilica that was later converted into a mosque, later a museum, and since August 1, 2020, it has been operating as a mosque again.
Pack: sun hat.
Light jacket or sweater for the evenings, rain poncho , umbrella .
As I mentioned before, dressing in layers is the most appropriate.
Comfortable shoes for hiking and some others for being in the city.
Swimwear and clothing for hotel pools and Turkish baths!
They cannot leave Türkiye without having that experience.
In Pamukkale, you can enjoy the hot springs at the hotel. In Kusadasi, you have the sea right in front of you.
Don't leave your personal hygiene items behind. Remember to bring all travel supplies and a first aid kit, such as band-aids, pain relievers, and antidiarrheals.
Any medication you are taking…
A small bag for daily outings where they can fit a pashmina or sweater, or a scarf or headscarf in case they go to a mosque, and any other items they may need during the day.
Copies or photos of your important documents.
Cell phone, camera, power bank, and their respective cables and chargers. Put all the cables you need in a case specifically designed for this purpose.
SECURITY
Türkiye is a fairly safe country, especially when traveling in a group.
As I always say, use common sense, don't leave your belongings out of sight, and remember: as a traveler, you are a target for pickpockets and scammers, so always be vigilant, especially in places like the Grand Bazaar, Taksim, and areas with large crowds. Don't go to uncrowded places alone or at night.
To give you an idea, in 2019 Türkiye welcomed more than 50 million foreign tourists, making it the 6th largest tourist destination in the world.
Istanbul is among the 10 most visited cities in the world.
CURRENCY
The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira. TL
Currently you will find banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Turkish Lira .
The coins are 1 Lira and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 kurus (100 kurus (YKR) = 1 TL) .
Turkish currency is the one you'll use for your purchases. Euros or dollars are accepted in any tourist destination.
The best option is to carry a bank card and withdraw money directly from an ATM in the local currency.
If you have cash in dollars or euros, it's best to go to a currency exchange office. Their exchange rate isn't better than at banks, but they don't charge a commission.
What can we buy? To get an idea of price, for example, a half-liter bottle of water costs 30L = 0.90 USD. (This may vary)
Speaking of shopping, we'll find beautiful items, handicrafts, lamps, rugs, jackets, purses, leather shoes, sweets, and spices.
We'll visit places that sell carpets, leather, ceramics, and porcelain. These are quality and interesting places to visit, as they'll show you the manufacturing process. Of course, you'll find a wide variety of items in the markets; don't forget to haggle.
Most establishments accept credit cards.
TIPS
Tipping in tourism is practically mandatory. Your guide, driver, and baggage handlers will be very pleased to receive a tip for their service.
It is estimated that when it is a group of less than 10 people, $12 dollars per day per person for your guide will be fine and $5 per day for the driver.
For groups of more than 10 people, the rate is rounded up to $50 per person, which covers the guide and driver. Your tour leader will collect tips.
For transfers, as they are at different times and number of travelers, $2.00 per person will be fine.
At the restaurants where we include drinks, rounding up the change is sufficient. At the restaurants where we don't include drinks, it's common to leave 10% or 15%.
INTERNET CONNECTION
If you have an unlocked phone the best option is to buy a SIM card
You can get a MiFi device that, like a modem, provides you with an internet connection via a dedicated Wi-Fi network—private, secure, and high-quality. Its price is higher than a SIM card.
ELECTRICAL SOCKETS:
Plugs in Turkey provide a standard voltage of 220V/230V with a frequency of 50Hz. Plugs are of the European type. They can be C or F.
Hoping that this information written here will be useful for your trip to Türkiye.
Comments