Travel Guide
Travel to Turkey: Avoid These Top 10 Mistakes for a Smooth Journey
Any foreign country takes a bit of getting to know — and Turkey more so than most. Straddling Europe and Asia, it carries its own customs, traditions, and unspoken etiquette. Miss them and you'll have a frustrating trip. Respect them and you'll have one of the best holidays of your life.
Here are the ten mistakes most first-time visitors make — and how to sidestep every one of them.
Misconceptions About Safety
The biggest thing putting people off Turkey is safety — and honestly, the gap between perception and reality is enormous. Sensationalist headlines have done a real disservice here.
Turkey is the 6th most-visited destination globally, drawing over 50 million tourists in 2019. The government takes tourist safety seriously — major cities even have a dedicated tourist police force.
That said, common sense still applies. Stay aware of your surroundings, give political demonstrations a wide berth, and keep an eye on local news before you travel.
Common Scams to Avoid
- The Nightlife Trap: Be wary of strangers inviting you to clubs — bills can be shockingly high.
- The Change Trick: Always count your change immediately, especially near tourist hotspots.
- The Shoeshine Ruse: Politely refuse unexpected 'free' services that demand fees later.
- Pickpocketing: Keep belongings close in crowded areas and on public transport.
2x
Size of California
11x
Bigger than Ireland
24h
Driving East to West
1-2h
Domestic Flights
Overlooking Turkey's Vastness
Turkey is vast — genuinely vast. We've spoken to patients who tried to do Istanbul and Cappadocia and Pamukkale in four days. Don't do that. Pick one region and do it properly.
If you have a few days, Istanbul or the Izmir coastline is plenty. Need to cross regions? Fly — most domestic routes take 1-2 hours and save you from a brutal overnight bus journey.
Overlooking Turkey's Diversity
A lot of visitors pigeonhole Turkey as all-inclusive beach resorts and package holidays. It's so much more than that — and you'll kick yourself if you miss it.
19+
UNESCO Sites
500
Museums
28
Ancient Ruins
400+
Beaches
Winter Destinations
Yes, it snows in Turkey. Eastern cities like Kars are under snow for four months a year — and the slopes are genuinely world class.
- • Sarıkamış, Kars — Powdery slopes
- • Uludağ, Bursa — Ski resorts
- • Palandöken, Erzurum — Longest tracks
Cultural Heritage
History lovers are spoilt for choice. Ephesus, Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, the archaeological ruins — you could spend a fortnight and barely scratch the surface.
Natural Wonders
Pamukkale's white travertine terraces, the pristine Turkish Riviera, rugged mountain ranges, and valleys that genuinely look like they belong in a fairytale.
Last-Minute Hotel Booking
Book the moment you know your dates. Turkey draws tens of millions of visitors a year, and the good places fill up quickly — especially around national holidays and summer.
Note:Booking.com is banned in Turkey. Sort your accommodation before you travel, or use a VPN if you're already in the country. Hotels.com is a reliable alternative.
Istanbul Neighborhoods Guide
- Sultanahmet: Heart of historical treasures — Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia
- Beyoglu (Galata, Taksim): Authentic experience, diverse nightlife
- Besiktas & Sisli: Upscale dining and shopping
- Kadikoy: Vibrant nightlife and culinary scene (Asian side)
- Cihangir: Bohemian, artsy neighborhood
- Ortakoy: Luxurious waterfront stays
Ignoring Visa Requirements
Turkey's visa policy is relatively generous — many nationalities enter visa-free, but others require an electronic visa (Turkish eVisa). Don't assume; check well before you fly.
Apply online through the official Turkish government e-visa website. It takes minutes and avoids any problems at the border.
Disrespecting Local Customs
Turkey is a Muslim-majority country, and in mosques, rural areas, and many neighbourhoods away from the tourist strip, a conservative dress code is expected. Cover your shoulders and knees, and keep revealing clothing for the beach.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is considered disrespectful. A little awareness here goes a long way.
Limiting Your Visit to Tourist Hotspots
Prince Islands
Hop on a ferry and pedal through scenic paths of Buyukada or Heybeliada.
Kadikoy & Üsküdar
Charming streets, local eateries, and shops across the Bosphorus.
Arnavutköy
Exquisite Ottoman-era waterside houses and narrow streets.
Antique Hunting
Cihangir is a paradise for antique lovers with unique quaint shops.
Pierre Loti Hill
Sip Turkish tea with breathtaking views over the Golden Horn.
Eastern Turkey
Breathtaking landscapes and historical sites often overlooked by tourists.
Neglecting to Learn Turkish Words
You'll get by fine on English in tourist areas. But a handful of Turkish words — merhaba, teşekkürler, lütfen — make an instant impression. Locals genuinely appreciate the effort.
If you're not sure of the pronunciation, just ask someone to help you. Nobody minds. Getting it slightly wrong is far better than not trying at all.
Ignoring Bargaining Culture
At the Grand Bazaar or a local market, haggling isn't just acceptable — it's expected. It's a social ritual, not a confrontation. Lean into it.
One rule: only bargain if you genuinely intend to buy. Walking away after agreeing a price is considered rude. And in regular shops and malls, prices are fixed — don't try it there.
Pro Tips
Money & Transportation Tips
Skip Airport Exchange
Higher rates and fees. Exchange small amounts for immediate needs only.
Use Airport Shuttle
Economical alternative with reclining seats, free WiFi, and views.
Carry Cash
Many local spots prefer cash. ATMs can be sparse in rural areas.
Public Transport
135km metro, 400 bus routes, ferries — avoid renting cars in Istanbul.
Overlooking Turkey's Culinary Delights
Coming to Turkey and eating at the hotel restaurant every night — that's the real mistake. Turkish cuisine is genuinely world-class: endlessly varied, deeply seasonal, and extraordinarily generous. From a proper Adana kebab to a tray of fresh baklava still warm from the oven, you'll want to eat everything.
Never Skip Turkish Breakfast!
Turkish breakfast — kahvaltı — is an event in itself. Cheeses, jams, fresh bread, vegetables, olives, eggs, and endless glasses of çay. Most places serve until 11 AM. Set your alarm; missing it would be a genuine shame.
Dining Etiquettes
- • Leave no food on your plate — it shows you enjoyed the meal
- • Tipping is customary — 10-15% of the total bill
- • Pack comfortable, stretchy clothing for culinary explorations
Must-Try Foods
Traditional kebabs, mezes, baklava, Turkish delight, simit, lahmacun, pide, and authentic Turkish coffee.
Bonus Tips
Museum Pass & Dental Tourism
Invest in a Museum Pass
The Turkey Museum Pass gets you into most museums and archaeological sites — Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye — and lets you skip the queues at the busy ones. If you're doing more than two or three sites, it pays for itself quickly.
Consider Dental Tourism
Many of our UK patients combine their dental treatment with a proper Istanbul holiday — and it works beautifully. Turkey offers first-rate dental care at a fraction of UK prices. Just make sure you choose a TEMOS-accredited clinic; accreditation is the clearest signal of verified, internationally audited quality.
Why Avoid Renting a Car in Istanbul?
- • Notorious traffic jams and congestion
- • Narrow, cobblestone alleys challenging to navigate
- • Parking is a time-consuming nightmare
- • Public transport covers almost every corner efficiently
- • Cabs readily available for hard-to-reach places
Plan Your Trip
Ready for Your Turkish Adventure?
Whether you're here for the landscapes, the history, or a dental treatment that would cost three times more back home, a little preparation makes all the difference. Sidestep these ten mistakes and Turkey will more than live up to the hype.