Currency

According to Country Calculator, the main currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira, euros and dollars are in use, in some places even rubles. The exchange rate of the lira is very unstable, approximately one lira is equal to 15 rubles or half a dollar. It is better to pay in general in dollars without exchanging them for lira – it will be safer, otherwise you can end up with less money. You can exchange currency at special exchange points, at the post office, at a bank or at a hotel at a less favorable rate. The money received must be counted. Banks and exchange offices are open from 8 am to 5 pm.

If you do not plan to do shopping, then it will be enough to take about $ 500 per person with you. For an all-inclusive tour, this is more than enough, as you simply can’t spend more on walks and excursions. If you generally only want to relax on the beach, then you can take much less.

Transport

Roads in the tourist areas of the country are quite good, but to the east their quality is deteriorating. The traffic is right-handed, but the rules are violated very often. If you still dare to rent a car, then you need to be extremely careful on the road – Turkish drivers do not follow traffic rules at all.

Of public transport, taxis are very common, especially in Istanbul. When boarding, be sure to make sure that the meter is turned on – drivers love to deceive customers. It is worth remembering that the night rate is twice as expensive as the day rate.

Buses in Turkey are common, but very inconvenient – they are always full, and it is very difficult to understand where the bus is going. From Istanbul to Akhisar for $ 10 you can get on a very comfortable tourist bus. There are also buses running between cities. Shuttle buses also travel around the country.

There is a subway in Istanbul, but its three branches do not intersect at all. The railway network in the country is quite developed, it is especially comfortable to ride high-speed trains. You can also use water transport – catamarans.

Tips

In Turkey, a lot depends on tips. If you want to relax comfortably, then you need to remember that some hotel staff do not receive a salary at all – they are fed only by tips. A dollar tip must be given to the porter. If you give the hotel manager $10, you will be provided with a better room. Tipping the cleaning lady generally works wonders – literally for a dollar your room will sparkle. It is customary to leave a tip to the bartender – this way you will get better drinks. In the hotel restaurant, by the way, for only a dollar a day, the waiter can always hold the table you like for you. In hamams, it is customary to give staff up to a third of the cost of visiting the bath.

Taxi drivers are not tipped.

Clothing

In general, there are no strict requirements for clothing in Turkey – the country is quite secular and modern. In resorts, and even in cities, you can safely wear a T-shirt and shorts, although away from the beaches it is still preferable to dress a little more elegantly. You can enter the temple only in modest clothes and with your head covered.

National features and traditions

It is worth remembering that traditional views are strong in small Turkish towns, so women there should behave more modestly, and men should not show excessive attention to women.

In general, Turkey is a secular country, but Muslim traditions are strong here. In the provinces, it is better not to photograph people and animals. You must take off your shoes at the entrance to the mosque. When talking, it is better not to compare Turkey with other countries and not to make fun of the country at all. The national flag should be treated with respect. Remember that Turks do not like drunk people, and especially during the holy month of Ramadan for most.

Customs

The amount of goods exported from Turkey and not included in the customs declaration must not exceed $ 1,000. Be sure to keep all receipts and receipts for goods. You can not take out of the country antiques, weapons and drugs. There may also be a problem with the export of jewelry – upon arrival they must be registered, otherwise you may be asked for a receipt, although you did not buy these jewelry. You can take out duty-free up to 70 kilograms of luggage and up to 20 kilograms of hand luggage.