Turkey Travel Checklist — 25 Things to Know Before Your Trip (2026)
Heading to Turkey for the first time? This comprehensive Turkey travel checklist covers everything you need to know before you go — from visas and currency to cultural etiquette and packing essentials. Bookmark this page and check off each item as you prepare for your trip.
Before You Book
1. Check your passport validity — Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. 2. Apply for your e-Visa — Most nationalities need an e-Visa from evisa.gov.tr. Apply at least 48 hours before departure. 3. Get travel insurance — Essential for medical emergencies and trip cancellations. 4. Book accommodation early — Especially for Cappadocia cave hotels and high season in Istanbul.
Money and Budget
5. Know the currency — Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). See our currency guide for ATM tips and exchange rates. 6. Bring a travel-friendly debit card — Wise or Revolut cards offer the best exchange rates. 7. Budget realistically — Plan for $50-120/day depending on your style. Our budget breakdown has all the details. 8. Carry some cash — Smaller shops, markets, and taxis may prefer cash.
Health and Safety
9. No special vaccinations required — Standard travel vaccinations are recommended. 10. Turkey is safe for tourists — Read our safety guide for detailed information. 11. Pack a basic medical kit — Pharmacies are excellent but having basics saves time. 12. Save emergency numbers — 112 for all emergencies, 155 for tourist police.
Connectivity
13. Get a Turkish SIM or eSIM — Our SIM card guide covers the best options for data. 14. Download offline maps — Google Maps works perfectly in Turkey and saves you when signal is weak. 15. Download translation apps — Google Translate with Turkish downloaded offline is invaluable.
Cultural Tips
16. Learn basic Turkish phrases — “Merhaba” (hello), “Teşekkürler” (thank you), “Lütfen” (please). Locals appreciate the effort. 17. Dress appropriately for mosques — Cover shoulders and knees; women should bring a headscarf. Read our dress code guide. 18. Remove shoes when entering homes — A universal Turkish custom. 19. Tipping is expected — 10-15% in restaurants, round up taxis.
Packing Essentials
20. Comfortable walking shoes — Turkey involves lots of cobblestones and ruins. 21. Layers for all seasons — Even summer evenings can be cool in Cappadocia. 22. Swimsuit — For beaches, Pamukkale, and hamams. 23. Sunscreen and hat — Essential even in spring and fall. 24. A light scarf — Useful for mosque visits and sun protection. 25. Reusable water bottle — Many hotels and restaurants offer free refills.
For the complete list, see our detailed Turkey packing list.
Plan Your Itinerary
Now that you’re prepared, plan your route! Our 7-day itinerary is perfect for first-timers, or go deeper with our 10-day itinerary. Browse our guided tours for hassle-free options with expert local guides.
