£1 TRY 59.49
Today
6:59 am
+3h from you
Travel warning
There's fighting and a high risk of terrorism near the border with Syria, and your travel insurance won't cover you if you go to those areas.
Weather in Turkey
Turkey
12°
Slight rain showers
Wed
4
12
Thu
5
13
Fri
2
16
Sat
5
16
Sun
6
11
SPF level in Turkey
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Turkey
Language in Turkey
Tipping in Turkey
Tipping is appreciated in Turkey, but not always mandatory. It's a way to show appreciation for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (5-10%) for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common.
Hotel Porter
10-20 TRY per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 TRY per day, left at the end of the stay.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good tour.
Safety in Turkey
Tips for British travellers
Turkey is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be wary of strangers who approach you to change money or take you to a nightclub, as drinks they offer could be spiked.
Only drink reputable branded alcohol to avoid methanol poisoning from illegal local spirits, which can be deadly.
Supervise children closely at all times, especially around hotel staff and toilet facilities, due to reports of sexual assault in resort areas.
Carry your passport or a photo ID at all times as it is illegal not to have it, and you may be stopped for checks.
When swimming at beaches, understand the flag system, follow lifeguard instructions, and never enter the water when a red flag is flying.
Bonus tips:
Only use registered taxis, note the registration number before getting in, and ensure the meter is used to avoid risks.
Be careful with personal injury claims for gastric illness, as making a false claim could lead to legal proceedings.
Be careful with personal injury claims for gastric illness, as making a false claim could lead to legal proceedings.
Driving in Turkey
A UK driving license is valid in Turkey for up to six months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Turkey drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
155
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Turkey
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Turkey uses 220V electricity at 50Hz. Plug types C and F are standard. British travellers will need a plug adapter to use their UK appliances.
Cards & payments
Card payments are common in larger establishments, hotels, and restaurants especially in urban areas. Smaller shops and taxis may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
ATMs in Turkey
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are the most convenient way to get Turkish Lira. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. Be aware of potential transaction fees from your bank.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Turkey. Charges can be high, consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM data package
20 GB for 300 TRY (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 5G, 3G, GSM
Local carriers
Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, Türk Telekom
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in urban areas and tourist destinations.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Free WiFi is often available, but quality can vary. Mobile data is a good option for more reliable internet access.
Health & vaccinations in Turkey
British tourists should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can be used for state healthcare, but it's essential to have full travel insurance as well.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Check with your GP or a travel clinic for the latest recommendations. Tap water may not be safe to drink; bottled water is widely available. Food hygiene standards can vary, so choose reputable places to eat. Protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially in warmer months. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell.
Calling Turkey
Country code
+90
To call Turkey from the UK, dial 00 90 followed by the area code and the local number.
To call a number in Ankara, dial 00 90 312 xxx xx xx.
The country code for Turkey is 90. When calling Turkey from abroad, dial your international exit code, then 90, followed by the local area code and phone number.
UK Embassy in Turkey
British Embassy Ankara
Şehit Ersan Caddesi 46/A, Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey
Airports in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.