• The best time to visit Turkey is in Spring to early Summer (April to June) and autumn (October).   
• High season – July, August and September – has very high temperatures. Low season is winter, from December to February, when it is very cold. 

• There are frequent flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban to Istanbul.
• The flight duration from Johannesburg to Istanbul direct is approximately 9 hours, 50 minutes.  
• Turkey is well covered by public transport including buses, domestic flights minibuses, ferries, taxis and rail.

You’ll need a Turkey eVisa, which is quick to apply for online. Always double-check current Turkey visa requirements before you travel.

• Turkey is 1 hour ahead of South Africa. 

• The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TL).  
• You can use Euro, but you will get a better deal in the local currency. 
• Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are prevalent. 
• Tipping is an accepted custom. 
• Food is very inexpensive in Turkey.  

• Turkish is the official language. Basic phrases like “Merhaba” (Hello) and “Teşekkür ederim” (Thank you) go a long way. 
• English is widely spoken. 

Turkey is predominantly Muslim, but it’s a secular country. Respect for Turkey’s culture and customs is appreciated – dress modestly at religious sites and observe local etiquette.

• It is not safe to drink tap water in Turkey. Bottled water is readily available.  
• Vaccinations are not currently required but do check with your travel clinic before you go.  

Q: What should I know before travelling to Turkey?
A: Learn a few basic Turkish phrases, respect local customs, and prepare for a country that blends the ancient and modern like nowhere else.

Q: What are the do’s and don’ts in Turkey?

• Do try local dishes
• Do remove shoes when entering a mosque
• Don’t criticise local traditions
• Don’t refuse hospitality – it’s a big part of the culture

Q: How should I prepare for a holiday in Turkey?
A: Check your Turkey eVisa status, pack for mixed climates (especially if travelling across regions) and get ready for lots of walking.

Q: What is needed when travelling to Turkey?

• Valid passport
• E-visa
• Travel insurance
• Local currency or card
• Sense of adventure!

Q: Which month is best to visit Turkey?
A: May and September offer great weather and fewer tourists. July and August are hot and busy but ideal for beach holidays.

Q: Where should first-timers go in Turkey?
A: Start with Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus. If you love the coast, add Antalya or Bodrum to your itinerary.

Q: What food is a must try in Turkey?
A: Don’t miss a Turkish breakfast, kebabs, pide, meze, baklava, simit, and Turkish tea or coffee. Food is a highlight of any Turkey travel package.

Q: How many days are enough for a Turkey vacation?
A: 7–10 days is ideal for Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the coast. Two weeks lets you see more places to visit in Turkey like Pamukkale and Ephesus.

Q: What is the best transport for tourists in Turkey?
A: Use trams, buses, and ferries in Istanbul; domestic flights between regions; and car hire or tours in Cappadocia or along the coast.

Q: Is it hard to travel around Turkey?
A: Not at all – transport is reliable, and locals are helpful. You can explore confidently, even if you don’t speak Turkish.

Q: Where should I go for the first time in Turkey?

• Where to stay in Istanbul: Sultanahmet (history) or Beyoğlu (nightlife).
• Cappadocia where to stay: Göreme or Uçhisar for cave hotels.
• Bodrum where to stay: Bodrum town for buzz, Yalıkavak for luxury resorts.

Q: Do female tourists have to cover up in Turkey?
A: In cities and beach towns, everyday clothing is fine. For mosques, women should cover their heads, shoulders, and knees, and clothing must be modest – scarves are usually provided.