Before You Go to Turkey

Yes, Turkey is generally considered a safe travel destination for tourists. Millions of visitors travel there each year, enjoying its rich history and culture. You'll find Turkish cities to be not only vibrant and fascinating but also reassuringly secure for visitors. A highly visible security presence, including police patrols and checkpoints in key areas, works proactively to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone. This thoughtful approach to safety allows you to fully relax and immerse yourself in the incredible experiences Turkey offers. So come and explore with confidence, and discover the welcoming heart of this magnificent crossroads of continents.

1.  Pack Smart for Culture & Terrain

   • Modest Dress: Pack a headscarf and clothes covering shoulders/knees for visiting mosques.

   • Comfortable Shoes: You will walk extensively on historic, uneven cobblestone streets.

   • Power Adapter: Turkey uses Type F power sockets (220V).

2.  Manage Your Money Conveniently

   • Cash is Key: While cards work in cities, always carry Turkish Lira (cash) for markets, small shops, taxis, and tips.

   • Exchange Wisely: Avoid airport exchanges; use local banks or ATMs for better rates.

   • Bargain Politely: Haggling is expected in bazaars like Istanbul's Grand Bazaar—start at about 50-60% of the asking price.

3.  Stay Connected & Get Around

   • Local SIM: Buy a tourist SIM card at the airport for affordable data to use maps and translation apps.

   • Transport Card: In Istanbul, get an Istanbulkart for seamless, discounted travel on all public transport.

   • Use Official Taxis: Ensure the meter is always running, or use the BiTaksi app to book.

4.  Savor Food Safely & Authentically

   • Drink Bottled Water: Tap water is generally not for drinking.

   • Eat Where Locals Eat: Seek out "esnaf lokantası" (tradesmen's restaurants) for authentic, home-style meals.

   • Try the Classics: Don't miss a full Turkish breakfast, fresh simit, manti, and regional specialties.

5.  Respect Local Customs & Etiquette

   • Shoe Etiquette: Remove shoes before entering homes and mosques.

   • Greetings & Dining: A simple "Merhaba" (hello) goes far. Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and exchanging items.

   • Tipping: Tip 5-10% in restaurants if service isn't included; round up taxi fares and tip hotel staff.

6.  Plan Logistically & Be Flexible

   • Check Visa Requirements: Apply for an e-Visa online well before your trip.

   • Book Key Experiences Early: Popular activities like Cappadocia hot air balloon rides sell out months ahead.

   • Balance Your Itinerary: Turkey is vast—don't rush. Balance iconic sights (Hagia Sophia, Cappadocia) with relaxed exploration.

For more information, check 23 Turkey Travel Tips That Locals Won't Tell You

We offer two distinct options for individual travelers. A "Single" fare is for someone joining a group tour but requesting a private hotel room. A "Solo" fare is for a completely private, customized tour just for you, which includes dedicated guides and transport, making it a higher value and cost. For specific prices, please check our website or contact us directly for a personalized quote.

No, travelers from all over the world of all ages are welcome to Book their Turkey Tours with Memphis Tours.

Enjoying a fantastic trip starts with planning and scheduling; however, the actual journey starts at the airport, so we recommend some tips and tricks help you get the perfect Turkey Tour. 

Smart Airport Hacks for a Smooth Start to Turkey:

• Check-In Early: Print your boarding pass or have it ready on your phone before arriving to save time.

• Be Bag Savvy: Use a bright luggage tag or ribbon to spot your bag quickly, and always pack essentials and a change of clothes in your carry-on.

• Pack Smart for Security: Keep all liquids in a clear, sealable bag within your carry-on for easy access during security checks.

• Arrive Relaxed, Board Last: Don't rush to queue at the gate. Boarding last can mean a more comfortable waiting time and less time cramped on the plane.

• Charge Up: Bring a universal power adapter (multi-plug) to keep all your devices charged, especially during layovers.

• Listen & Settle In: Once on board, pay attention to the safety briefing and crew instructions to ensure a calm and pleasant flight to your Turkish adventure.

One of the very first questions that pops up when you visit Turkey is what to eat in Turkey. Turkish Food varies and fits all nutritional diets and tastes. Turkish cuisine, comprising some local dishes you would not like to miss, such as the Doner Kebabs (Shawarma), Simit, Menemen, Meze, and more, Turkish food can make your unforgettable, fabulous Turkey Tour.

Tours usually start from Istanbul, as mentioned in the trip description of each specific tour, where it starts and ends too.

There are no obligatory vaccinations that should be taken before being granted a visa for Turkey. However, it would be recommended for the elderly and for young children to take vaccinations against Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and an oral dosage of Tetanus.

Credit cards are widely used in Turkey in hotels, shops, restaurants, and cafes. Most stores in markets accept credit cards. The most common types of credit cards used in Turkey are Visa, Master Card, and American Express. For more information, kindly check this comprehensive guide

Turkey offers a fantastic range of accommodations to suit every traveler and budget. You'll find everything from world-class luxury hotels by international chains to charming local boutique hotels and simple hostels. While Turkey uses its own 5-star rating system, which differs from some international standards, you can be assured of excellent quality, from opulent resorts to comfortable and authentic local stays.

While you can absolutely get by with English in Turkey's main tourist spots, learning even a few basic Turkish phrases will make your trip much richer. Simple greetings and "thank you" go a long way in showing respect and connecting with the famously friendly locals. If you're venturing off the beaten path, knowing some key terms becomes even more helpful, but rest assured that Turks are wonderfully patient and welcoming, regardless of the language barrier.

Yes, tipping is a customary and appreciated way to show satisfaction for good service in Turkey, as many tourism professionals rely on gratuities for a portion of their income. While it is a gracious gesture and a part of the local travel culture, it remains entirely voluntary and at your discretion based on the service you receive.

Yes, non-Muslim visitors are warmly welcomed to visit most mosques and religious monuments in Turkey as a sign of cultural respect and curiosity. To ensure a smooth visit, it's best to plan around the five daily prayer times, the midday congregational prayer on Fridays, and any special religious festivals. We always recommend checking specific visiting hours with your guide or online before you go.

Yes, there is a modest dress code to respectfully visit a mosque in Turkey. For both men and women, clothing should cover shoulders and knees. Women are also highly advised to cover their heads with a scarf, which is often available at the entrance. Everyone must remove their shoes before entering the prayer hall.

Yes, you are generally welcome to visit churches and monasteries in Turkey. Similar to visiting mosques, it's important to dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) as a sign of respect. It's also best to avoid visiting during major services, especially throughout the Lenten season.

Turkey features a large number of mosques with historical and heritage value. The most significant mosques you would never miss when visiting Turkey, Hagia Sophia Mosque, suleymaniye mosque, Istanbul, Amasya -Sultan Bayezıd II. Mosque Complex or The Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmed, Eyup sultan mosque, Istanbul, The Green Mosque of Bursa, Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital, and more. Tourists are welcome in all of these mosques on any day, except Friday.

Hence Turkey bears a huge credit of religious heritage built over the decades and eras passed with several cultures and civilizations from the Christian heritage you can visit:

- St. Paul’s Church Turkey 

- The church of st john Ephesus

- The Basilica of St. John

- Church of Saint Pierre.

- Additionally, Eshab Kehf Cave of the Seven Sleepers

- Pamukkale Hierapolis ancient city

- Antalya st Nicholas kilisesi Church

- İsparta St Pauls Basilica ( Yalvaç ) 

- Hatay - St. Peters Grotto (Antakya) and Hatay

- Cradle of the Saints.

Turkey is where continents and centuries dramatically collide, offering the perfect blend of ancient grandeur and modern thrill. Summers blaze with endless adventure—trekking through history, climbing rugged peaks, sailing the turquoise coast, and diving into vibrant underwater worlds. When winter's chill descends, the landscape transforms into a pristine playground for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, proving that Turkey's magic is a year-round spectacle waiting to be discovered. For more information, kindly check this blog

The official currency of the Republic of Turkey is the Turkish lira. The Turkish Lira is divided into sub-units called kuruş. Paper currency comes in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 TL money notes, and metal currency comes in 5, 10, 25, and 50 kuruş and 1 Lira. Read more about Turkish Currency here

Yes, your U.S. Dollars and Euros are welcome at many major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but to truly unlock Turkey's best value—from vibrant bazaars to charming cafes—keep the current Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rate in your pocket as your most useful travel accessory.

1- Prioritize Iconic & Unique Experiences

Focus on what Turkey does best: soar over Cappadocia's landscape in a hot air balloon at sunrise, and sail the Turquoise Coast on a traditional gulet boat. Check more Things to Do in Turkey

2- Structure a Balanced Itinerary

Don't cram. For a 10-14-day trip, combine 3-4 days in Istanbul, 2-3 days in Cappadocia, and 3-4 days along the Aegean (for history) or Mediterranean coast (for beaches).

3- Go Beyond the Major Cities

Allocate time for less-crowded wonders like the terraced pools of Pamukkale, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, or the mysterious stone heads at Mount Nemrut.

4- Engage with Local Culture

Move beyond sightseeing: take a Turkish cooking class, experience a traditional hammam (bath), or stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia.

 5- Eat Like a Local

Venture beyond tourist menus. Have a full Turkish breakfast, try balık ekmek (fish sandwich) by the water, and sip tea with locals.

6- Use Passes & Book Ahead

In Istanbul, buy a Museum Pass to skip lines at major sites. For popular activities, book hot air balloons, inter-city flights, and gulet cruises months in advance.

7- Respect Cultural Timing

Note that major mosques near visitors close during the five daily prayers, typically for 30-90 minutes. Plan visits around these times.

8- Optimize Long-Distance Travel

For long-distance travel (e.g., Istanbul to Cappadocia), use efficient domestic flights. For scenic routes along the coast, consider a rental car.

Yes, you can enjoy wherever you want with Memphis Tours. Explore the Classic Greece Tours or the Greek Islands on a marvelous trip you will never forget.

Türkiye uses Type C and F (European two-pin) sockets with a standard voltage of 230V.

Popular souvenirs include Turkish delight, hand-woven carpets, spices, ceramics from Avanos, and the "blue evil eye" (nazar boncuğu).

No, flying to Turkey from the U.S. is generally affordable, with round-trip fares typically ranging from about $327 to $410 and occasional one-way deals as low as $227. To get the best price, book several months in advance, be flexible with your dates, and consider flying from East Coast hubs, especially into Istanbul.