Saily eSIM for Turkey
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1,761 mi away
£1 TRY 63.70
Today
2:09 pm
+3h from you
Travel warning
There's a major summit and ongoing regional tensions, which means airport security will be very tight and there could be disruptions and even attacks at short notice, so travel will be quite stressful.
Weather & climate
Weather in Turkey
Turkey
30°
Overcast
Thu
18°
30°
Fri
19°
29°
Sat
18°
29°
Sun
19°
32°
Mon
19°
33°
Tue
18°
33°
Wed
20°
34°
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.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Turkey
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid for at least 150 days after you arrive and have at least one blank page.
You can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for business or tourism.
Ensure border officials stamp and date your passport if you enter at a land border.
If you hold a British passport that is not a 'British citizen' passport, you will need a visa.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or use a reported lost or stolen passport.
Good to know:
If leaving Turkey with a dual British-Turkish national child aged 18 or younger, you may need permission from the Turkish parent.
You must declare to customs any currency worth more than 5000 US dollars when taking it out of Turkey.
Safety in Turkey
Tips when travelling
Turkey is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not accept drinks or food from strangers, as they could be spiked, and only drink from sealed branded bottles to avoid methanol poisoning.
Do not drink illegally produced local spirits or counterfeit branded alcohol, as methanol poisoning is a serious risk that has caused deaths.
Always carry your passport for ID checks, as it's illegal not to have photographic ID and police frequently stop people, especially in Istanbul.
If hiring a moped or quad bike, you need the correct driving licence, must wear a helmet to avoid a fine, and ensure your travel insurance specifically covers it.
Avoid unofficial taxis and always use a registered, metered cab or a pre-booked service, noting the registration number before you get in.
Bonus tips:
The sale or export of historical antiques is illegal and carries a prison sentence of 5 to 12 years, so check an item's status carefully before buying.
Comments insulting the Turkish nation or its flag online can lead to a prison sentence, so be very careful about what you post.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
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.
Health 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.
No vaccinations required
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.
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
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.
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
20 GB for 300 TRY (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 5G, 3G, GSM
Electrical in Turkey
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
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.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
155
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Turkey
Country code
+90
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.
Language in Turkey
Turkish(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy Ankara
Şehit Ersan Caddesi 46/A, Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
2 days ago
Safety
Travel disruption
Warnings and insurance
5 days ago
Travel disruption
- The entire section on travel disruption for the NATO Summit in Ankara from 7-8 July has been removed.
- Specific road closures, public transport impacts, and airspace restrictions around Ankara Esenboga Airport are no longer listed.
Warnings and insurance
11 days ago
Air travel
- All commercial air travel to and from Ankara Esenboga Airport is now prohibited from 0700 to 1500 Turkish time on 7 July.
- All commercial air travel to and from Ankara Esenboga Airport is now prohibited from 1100 to 1800 Turkish time on 8 July.
Warnings and insurance
23 days ago
Travel disruption
- New advice for travel to Ankara on 7-8 July due to the NATO Summit.
- Expect road closures, public transport disruption, and enhanced airport security.
Warnings and insurance
27 days ago
Regional risks
- The regional security context has changed from 'Regional escalation' to a specific 'US-Iran memorandum of understanding' and an '8 April ceasefire'.
- The advice now states 'The situation remains unpredictable and attacks could resume at short notice.'
Safety
- New detail on Iranian regime's stated intention 'to target locations associated with the United States and Israel', including businesses and facilities.
- New detail that Iran 'has previously targeted civilian infrastructure across the region' such as ports, hotels, airports, and energy facilities.
Airports in Turkey
Beaches in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
Turkey is generally safe for tourists, but it's essential to stay informed about current events and potential security risks. Monitor travel advice from the UK government and avoid demonstrations or large gatherings. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime, especially in crowded areas.
British citizens can enter Turkey without a visa for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Make sure your passport has at least six months validity from your date of entry into Turkey. For longer stays or other purposes, you may need to apply for a visa.
It's generally not recommended to drink tap water in Turkey. Bottled water is widely available and is the safest option for drinking, brushing your teeth, and making ice. Be cautious with ice in drinks, especially outside of major tourist areas.
The best time to visit Turkey is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summers (June-August) can be hot, especially in the south, while winters (November-March) can be cold and wet, particularly in inland areas.
Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, so it's advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Women should cover their heads, shoulders, and knees when entering mosques. In tourist areas, casual clothing is generally acceptable, but avoid overly revealing outfits.
Be aware of common scams such as overcharging in taxis, shoe-shining scams (where someone 'accidentally' brushes your shoes and then demands payment), and inflated prices in tourist shops. Always agree on a price beforehand and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering help.
The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). You can exchange money at banks, exchange offices (Döviz Bürosu), and some hotels. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller businesses and markets.
Turkey has a well-developed transport network, making it relatively easy to get around. Major cities have airports with domestic and international flights. Buses are a common and affordable way to travel between cities. Within cities, you can use public transport like trams, metro, and buses, or taxis and ride-sharing services.
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.