PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Credit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are accepted in many places in Türkiye, including restaurants, shops, hotels, and online platforms. When using foreign credit cards, there may be additional fees due to currency conversion. It is possible to withdraw cash from ATMs in Türkiye using international credit cards. However, additional fees may apply for this transaction.

Languages

The national language is Turkish. However, many business and service employees speak English, particularly the younger ones.

Visas

Please check the visa requirements for Türkiye on the website of the Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs for your country.

Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa Information

Electricity / Voltage

Electrical sockets in Türkiye are one of the two European standard electrical socket types. The “Type C” and “Type F”. The electrical current in Türkiye is 220 volts and the frequency is 50 Hertz. Remember that you may need a travel adapter for certain electrical devices.

Time Zones

The time zone in Türkiye is Türkiye Time (UTC+03:00).

Climate

Türkiye has a diverse geography with different climate types. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and rainy. In September, which marks the end of summer, the weather is generally warm and humid. Coastal areas see temperatures between 25-30°C, while inland regions can be cooler.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Istanbul is provided by metro, tram, bus, minibus, and ferry. The Istanbulkart, a smart card, can be used on all these vehicles and can be obtained from kiosks, bus stops, or metro stations throughout the city. You may also download the Istanbulkart mobile app and load money onto your Istanbulkart online.

Uber

The Uber app is also available in Istanbul. Users can easily request a ride through their smartphones and travel safely. The app offers a user-friendly interface and various payment options, providing a practical solution for transportation in Istanbul.

MartıTAG

Marti is Türkiye’s mobility super app, offering multiple transportation services to its riders. Marti has launched a ride hailing service that matches riders with drivers traveling in the same direction and operates a large fleet of e-mopeds, e-bikes, and e-scooters. All of Marti’s offerings are serviced by proprietary software systems and IoT infrastructure. To use TAG, download the Martı app. After entering your address, type in your destination to find the most suitable vehicle for you. You may get more information from the website.

Currency

Türkiye's official currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). While many places in Türkiye accept credit cards and foreign currency for shopping, cash usage is still common. The value of the Turkish Lira can fluctuate based on economic factors, inflation, and international markets. Therefore, it would be helpful to check the current exchange rates while traveling in Türkiye.

Useful Telephone Numbers

All Emergencies: 112 (all over Türkiye for Ambulance, Police, Fire, Coast Guard, Gendarmery, etc.)

Forest Fire: 177 (all over Türkiye)

Yellow Pages: 11818 or 11811 or 11880 (all over Türkiye)

Tourism Info: 170 (all over Türkiye)