Living, staying and travelling in Türkiye
A practical hub for the questions that start after the flight is booked: arrival, accommodation, residence, health, money and everyday life.
Arriving
The first days are easier when the paperwork, transfer and phone are sorted before you land.
Staying
Where you stay shapes the trip. Confirm the practical details before you pay, especially for longer stays.
Living
Rules for residence, work, tax and health depend on your nationality and plans. Use official channels and keep copies of every document.
While on holiday
The practical details that keep a holiday moving: transport, safety, etiquette and emergency numbers.
Arriving
The first days are easier when the paperwork, transfer and phone are sorted before you land.
Passport and visa
Check the current entry rules for your nationality before booking. Keep digital and paper copies of your passport, visa or e-Visa and insurance.
Travel insurance
Choose cover for health care, cancellation, luggage and any sport you plan to do. Read the exclusions before you pay.
Airport transfer
Use a licensed taxi, the airport bus, metro or a pre-booked transfer. Agree the price before departure and avoid unmarked cars.
Phone and internet
A local SIM or eSIM works well for maps and bookings. Passport registration may be required; keep the receipt.
Money
The currency is the Turkish lira. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for markets, small villages, buses and tips.
Staying
Where you stay shapes the trip. Confirm the practical details before you pay, especially for longer stays.
Hotels
Check the exact location, taxes, cancellation terms and whether airport transfer is included.
Apartments and long stays
Read the contract, deposit, utility costs, building rules and registration terms. Ask who handles repairs and who to call in an emergency.
Neighbourhood
Look at transport links, noise, markets, pharmacies and how the area feels after dark. A short walk from the centre can be quieter and better value.
Living
Rules for residence, work, tax and health depend on your nationality and plans. Use official channels and keep copies of every document.
Residence permit
Applications and required documents depend on your purpose and nationality. Apply through the official migration system and keep proof of address and appointments.
Tax number
A tax number is needed for banking, contracts and some services. Apply at a tax office or through the official digital system.
Bank account
Compare fees, document requirements and language support. Keep your residence, tax and address papers together.
Health
Emergency care is reached through 112. Pharmacies are widespread; check whether your insurance works with public or private hospitals.
Family and schools
Ask about registration, language support, transport and school calendars. Requirements vary by city and school type.
Driving
Check whether your licence is accepted or whether you need an international driving permit. Keep insurance and vehicle papers in the car.
While on holiday
The practical details that keep a holiday moving: transport, safety, etiquette and emergency numbers.
Getting around
High-speed trains connect major western cities, coaches reach almost everywhere, and ferries link the coast. Book peak-season tickets early.
Safety
Use licensed taxis, official guides and well-lit routes at night. Keep bags closed in crowded areas and ignore unsolicited approaches.
Etiquette
Remove shoes in mosques and homes, cover shoulders and knees in religious spaces, and ask before photographing people.
Emergencies
112 for ambulance, police and fire coordination; 155 police; 156 gendarmerie; 110 fire; 177 forest fire; 176 tourism hotline.
A simple checklist
Verify before you travel or move Entry rules, residence requirements, prices and transport schedules change. Confirm with the official government office responsible for your situation before you make a payment or a move.
Photographs: Wikimedia Commons contributors, used with attribution.