Türkiye trip preparation: documents, budget, packing and connectivity
Türkiye is an easy first long-haul trip for most people: good flight connections, strong tourism infrastructure and costs that stretch further than most of Europe. The preparation that actually matters is entry paperwork, seasonal packing and having data on arrival.
The essentials at a glance
- SocketsC / F
- Voltage230V
- CurrencyTRY
- Easiest monthsApril, May, June, September, October
Plan this trip in two minutes
Build my packing list for Türkiye → Work out my budget Pre-departure checklistOfficial sources: Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change without notice. Always confirm with the official source before you book.
Entry and documents
Check whether your nationality needs a visa or e-visa before booking anything — this varies enormously and is the single most common preparation mistake. The official e-visa portal is linked below; apply through it directly rather than a third-party site charging a markup.
Confirm your passport meets the validity rule for your nationality, and keep both a digital and a paper copy of your passport, insurance policy and accommodation booking.
What it costs
Türkiye is generally affordable, but the exchange rate has moved sharply in recent years, so treat any budget figure you read online as a starting point rather than a fact. Card payment is widely accepted in cities; carry some cash for markets, small cafés and rural areas.
Use the budget calculator above with your own numbers — it adds a safety buffer, which matters more than usual where prices move quickly.
When to go and what to pack
Summers are hot, winters in Istanbul and inland are genuinely cold, and the shoulder months are the sweet spot for walking cities comfortably. Coastal and inland climates differ a lot — pack for where you are actually going, not for the country.
Modest cover for shoulders and knees is worth carrying if you plan to visit mosques; a light scarf does the job and takes no space.
Getting online and getting around
Sort mobile data before you fly rather than hunting for wifi on arrival. An eSIM activated before departure means you have maps and translation working from the moment you land.
Download offline maps and save your accommodation address as a screenshot — useful when explaining a destination to a taxi driver.
Official sources
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and can change at any time. Always confirm with the official source before booking.
