Turkey’s rich history, diversified landscapes, adventure activities, rich culture, and delectable cuisine make it an exceptionally rewarding place to visit. Here are five helpful hints to help you make the most of your trip to Turkey, including mosques in Istanbul, Cappadocia scenery, and ancient sites in Ephesus.
- Are Turkish people friendly?
Yes! Turkish folks are extremely pleasant, eager to assist, and inquisitive. They frequently ask invasive questions like “How old are you?” or “How much money do you earn?” and gazing is usual. The headscarf-wearing village woman next to me stared unblinkingly at my blue eyes for the whole 10-hour bus ride.Anything that makes you stand out – your skin colour, hair, or apparel – attracts attention, especially outside of cities. Because Turks have a real desire to learn about foreign living, I try to reply with kindness, but you don’t have to answer or engage more than feels comfortable.
- A few Turkish words and phrases go a long way
Outside of tourist regions, and even in major cities, few people speak English, thus having a basic understanding of Turkish is really beneficial. Knowing even a few words in Turkish will be greatly welcomed if you are invited to a local family’s home for Turkish coffee or tea. Some unscrupulous persons, on the other hand, take advantage of that kind tendency.It’s crucial to understand Turkish nonverbal communication, especially when it comes to saying no. Turkish hospitality entails being served more food and wine than you can possibly consume.
- Currency, costs, tipping, and bargaining
Carry a mix of cash (in small denominations), an ATM card, and a credit card when travelling. Travellers’ checks aren’t as common as they formerly were. The easiest currencies to convert are US dollars and Euros, and exchange offices give the greatest prices. There are several ATMs across Turkey, however verify with your own bank about international withdrawal fees before going. Carry cash with you at all times in case you can’t find a machine that will accept your card.In Turkey, good service is expected, but wait staff are underpaid, so tipping is encouraged; 10-15% is customary in upscale restaurants, but I usually leave something at small, family-run local eateries. If taxi drivers assist you, round up the fare or add an extra US $1-2 (8.40-16.80tl) to the fare.
- Know how to dress appropriately
Religious beliefs impact a lot of the daily behaviour and customs you’re likely to encounter, whether in cosmopolitan capitals or traditional rural towns, because Turkey’s population is 99 percent Muslim. This does not mean that women coming to Turkey must cover themselves from head to toe, but understanding correct etiquette and dressing modestly might help you avoid unwanted attention.A scarf is the ideal multi-purpose accessory. If you’re feeling exposed or the temperature decreases, you can drape it around your shoulders.
- Traditional Turkish toilets
While you’ll find western-style toilets in most Turkish hotels, museums, and restaurants, you’ll also come across squat toilets on your travels. They’re better for me because they’re usually cleaner. The stalls’ floors are occasionally wet, but don’t panic; it’s only clean water sprayed around. Because Turks prefer to use water rather than paper, they have a tap with flowing water (bidet) built next to the squat area, therefore keep a packet of tissues in your bag. Also, hand sanitizer is an excellent idea.If you’re wearing long pants, you should roll up the cuffs, and jumpsuits aren’t recommended. Remove any objects from your pockets, as well as sunglasses perched on your head, before squatting after returning to the stall.Call Now at
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