1. In resort areas, staff usually can speak English and some other European languages. However, many Turkish people living in small towns outside popular tourist destinations can speak only Turkish. A dictionary or simple sign language will help to understand each other in this case.
2. The majority of tourists visit Turkey in summer. Hot and dry weather prevails in the country during this time of the year. The temperature can easily rise to +40 - 50°C. To prevent sunburn, it is better to use sunscreen and not to sunbathe from 11 am to 3 pm. Light and breathable clothing is a must, the same applies to a hat that helps to prevent sunstroke.
3. The American dollar, euro, and Turkish lira are widely used in the country. It is possible to pay with any of these currencies in shops and bazaars. There are also many exchange offices in the country. In case of a need, it is even possible to exchange money at the receptionist’s desk in most hotels, but they usually have unfavorable rates. No documents proving the exchange are issued. Of course, tourists can pay for their purchases with a credit card.
Bays with clear blue water, fabulous 5-star hotels, the coastline of amazing beauty, and thousands of ancient relics – Turkey has all of these. …
Read further
Read further
5. Turkish people are positive about tips. It is recommended to leave a tip of 1 to 5 dollars to porters in hotels, maids, guides, and drivers of excursion buses. When using taxi services, simply round up the total to the nearest convenient amount. When visiting a hammam, tips can be as high as 30% of the total. There is no need to give tips to drivers of intercity buses and fixed-route taxis.
6. Turkish people are very cheerful, communicative, and friendly people. For them, it is very important to follow the etiquette rules. When dealing with local people, it is not recommended to express impatience and hastiness. It is better to listen to everything they say until the end and do not interrupt them. Turkish people like tourists wearing clothing with the national symbols of their country.
8. Afternoon is the best time to make purchases. As a rule, it is very hot outside, so local shops do not have many visitors. In this case, tourists can expect to get a big discount and more attentive service. Bargaining is traditional in both shops and bazaars, so do not hesitate to ask for a discount because the initial price of all goods is intentionally increased.
9. When visiting a mosque, don’t forget to take off your shoes before the entrance. Tourists are better not to enter mosques during prayer times. Women are better to cover their legs with long skirts and put on a scarf on the head. Speaking loudly in a mosque is considered a sign of bad manners. Locals like respectful approach to their religion, but it is still not recommended to talk about religious themes with them.
10. It is better to refrain from drinking alcohol in public places, but this rule doesn’t apply to smoking. Turkish people are loyal to smoking, so it is possible to smoke virtually everywhere. By the way, smokers are better to stock up on cigarettes in their home country because tobacco is usually very expensive and not very quality in Turkey. It is allowed to import one block of cigarettes per person.
11. Medical services are paid in Turkey, and government hospitals are often not well developed. The majority of clinics and hospitals are private in Turkey. Tourists need to keep in mind that even a visit to the therapist will be paid. Consider getting medical insurance before a vacation to Turkey.
Geographically, the Republic of Turkey is like an ancient bridge between old continents. The Anatolian peninsula is the westernmost protrusion of Asia …
Read further
Read further
13. Turkish cuisine is very rich and diverse. All kinds of sweets occupy a special place in it. It is hard to find dishes with pork in this Muslim country. Chicken, lamb, and beef are the most typically used types of meat. The choice of fish dishes is also fantastic. Turkish people dislike it when tourists in hotels take full plates of food and then do not eat it all. That is why it is better to take some food, eat it, and then return to get more.