Turkey is an exciting melting pot of culture and is one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting countries. It really should be up there as one of the places to visit at least once in your lifetime. Turkey sits between Asia, Europe and the Middle East and did you know that Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents? If that isn’t enough to convince you, it is currently the eighth-most visited destination according to the World Tourism Rankings. Before you go, it’s wise to get clued up on what you need to know before visiting this amazing country. From whether you need a visa to what currency you need, we’ve got all of the information for you right here in this article.
Do you need a visa?
Whether you need a visa to travel to Turkey really depends on where you are travelling from. If you are travelling from the UK, Australia or North America then the answer is yes. You are not exempt and a visa will be necessary for entry. It can sound daunting, but in reality, getting your Turkey visa couldn’t be easier. In the grand scheme of things, they really aren’t expensive but it is advisable to check whether you can apply for the e-visa Turkey online. Sometimes the purpose of your travel may require that you need a physical visa. If this is the case then you would need to collect it from the Turkish consulate. If however, this isn’t necessary then you can make your application in minutes by applying and paying online. All you have to do then is print your e-visa Turkey and take it with you on your travels.
What currency do you need?
The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (₺TRY). Lira is available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 notes. It is currently very cheap for tourists to travel due to the high level of inflation. As always it is wise to check all of the usual travel money providers to make sure that you get the best rate when shopping for your travel money. A little UK money goes a long way in Turkey at the moment so you don’t need to break the bank when travelling there.
Is Turkey expensive?
As I’ve already mentioned in the last paragraph, compared to the UK, no, Turkey is not expensive. At least for tourists. Those that live there may disagree. Costs can and will vary between the big cities and the small villages and it really depends where you choose to dine. As far as souvenirs are concerned, as with most holiday destinations, they should be haggled for, but there will be something for all kinds of budget.
When is the best time to visit?
Turkey is a fantastic year-round location. Although, it can have boiling hot summers and freezing cold winters. If you want guaranteed weather then Summer is obviously advisable, but if you are wanting to explore the sites inland, it might be worth going during the spring or autumn months, as it could be a little too warm for all of that walking.
What should you wear?
There is a large Muslim population in Turkey but it is extremely influenced by Europe when it comes to clothing and lifestyle. There is no essential requirement for women to cover up unless they are visiting a religious site or a more conservative town. Normal day to day clothing will be absolutely fine. Tattoos can get a ‘stared at’, so if you’re not keen on the idea of that, it might be worth covering them up, but that is down to personal preference.
Surgery
Turkey has a world-renowned healthcare system that provides high-quality care to patients. You can get cosmetic procedures done there safely, and some clinics even provide inclusive cosmetic surgery packages to ensure you have a safe recovery or can enjoy the country before or after your procedure. Overall, getting plastic surgery in Turkey is safe and the success rate is high across the country.
In particular weight loss surgery in turkey is an industry that is steadily growing. This is because the quality of medical services and aftercare programs provided for these patients is much cheaper than their counterparts in western countries.
Is Turkey safe?
It doesn’t matter where you go in the world in this day and age, there is always a risk. Turkey is no different, but that doesn’t mean it’s an unsafe place to travel to. It is no more dangerous than London, Paris or Milan.
Locals are unbelievably hospitable to their visitors and will look after you at any given opportunity. It is of course always wise to take all of the regular safety precautions you would do if you were travelling anywhere else. Avoid any areas you are uncertain of, carry small amounts of money and keep expensive items like smartphones and tablets out of sight when you’re not using them. These are just common sense things to do anywhere in the world. Turkey is no different.
So now you know what you needed to know! If you are still tempted I would strongly recommend booking that flight, applying for that visa and get yourself to one of the most wonderful countries in the world. You won’t regret it!
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