Here’s what to know when you plan a trip to Turkey/Türkiye as well as must-have travel apps for visitors. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul, the landscapes and hot air balloons of Cappadocia, the sun-soaked beaches of the Turquoise Coast, or the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the Library of Celcus, planning your trip to Türkiye requires careful preparation. This guide will let tell you important considerations for visiting the beautiful country of Türkiye!

You need to plan a trip to Turkey / Türkiye! With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Turkey, or Türkiye as the country prefers to be called, offers an unforgettable experience. 

Türkiye has long been on my bucket list. After a short visit in 2023 while cruising the Mediterranean, I’m hooked. I can’t wait for another reason to plan a trip Türkiye. One day was simply not enough. And I’m not alone in my desire to visit Türkiye! In 2022, Türkiye welcomed over 51 million tourists, a 71% increase from 2021!

Because Türkiye is a vast country that spans two continents, Europe and Asia, it offers a really unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, rich history, and stunning landscapes. 

Things to Know About Turkey / Türkiye

First and foremost, let’s talk about the name of the country. In 2022, the country officially changed its name from “Turkey” to “Türkiye” (pronounced “Tur-key-yeh”). Using Türkiye instead of Turkey better represents and expresses the culture, civilization, and values of the Turkish nation.

Since one of our favorite reasons for traveling is to connect with new people and gain a deeper appreciate for other ways of life, we think it’s important to use they name they want us to use.

To help you plan your trip to Türkiye, here are a few things to know about Turkey/Türkiye.

Do I need a visa to visit Türkiye?

Yes, American citizens need an e-Visa, which can be obtained online before travel. It be helpful to read this post about passports and other travel documents you need when flying with children.

Is it safe to travel to Türkiye?

Generally, yes. Most tourist areas are safe, but stay alert in crowded places and follow local advice, especially near borders.

What’s the best time of year to visit Türkiye?

The summer months are the most popular time for visiting Türkiye. However, spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.

The best time to visit Turkey really depends on your own preferences. We spent one day there in early December and the weather was perfect! Not too hot, not too cool and there were no crowds which I appreciated. 

Is English widely spoken?

English is common in tourist areas and larger cities, but less so in rural areas. Learning basic Turkish phrases is helpful.

Can I drink tap water?

It’s generally safe in major cities, but bottled water is recommended for tourists.

How should I dress in Türkiye?

It’s a good idea to dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention, especially when visiting religious sites. In coastal areas and big cities, casual wear is acceptable.

What’s the currency, and can I use credit cards?

The currency is the Turkish Lira. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but carry cash for small purchases.

Is it okay to take photos at tourist sites?

Generally yes, but some religious and military sites may have restrictions. Always ask for permission when photographing people.

What are some must-try Turkish foods?

Turkish food is fantastic and you can’t really go wrong! Do make sure to try street food like kebabs, meze (appetizers), pide (Turkish pizza), baklava, and Turkish coffee or tea. 

How do I get around in Türkiye?

Major cities have good public transport. For intercity travel, buses are comprehensive, and domestic flights are affordable.

Why Travel Apps Matter for Your Türkiye Trip

Travel apps will be essential for your trip to Türkiye, enhancing your experience and helping you navigate this diverse country with ease. As you make your travel plans to Türkiye, make sure to check out these nine essential travel apps.

From translation to transportation, these apps provide real-time information, seamless connectivity, and access to local services, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Communication Apps

WhatsApp: Stay Connected

WhatsApp is essential for staying in touch with friends, family, and local contacts. It offers free messaging and calling, making it easy to communicate without incurring extra costs. 

To ensure uninterrupted access to WhatsApp and other communication apps, consider getting an eSIM, Turkey before your trip to Turkey. This digital Turkish SIM card allows you to connect to local networks as soon as you land, avoiding the hassle of finding a physical SIM card or relying solely on Wi-Fi or an international phone plan. 

With an eSIM, you can enjoy seamless communication and fully use WhatsApp’s features, including multimedia sharing and group chats, to send photos and videos, staying connected with multiple people simultaneously throughout your Turkish adventure.

Skype: For Important Video Calls

Skype complements WhatsApp by offering reliable video and international calls. It is perfect for longer conversations or business needs, providing high-quality video calls and affordable international calling rates. Skype also includes chat features, allowing users to send instant messages, share files, and stay connected with their contacts in various ways.

Essential Translation Apps for Your Trip to Türkiye

Google Translate: Your Pocket Linguist

Google Translate, a powerhouse in language translation, supports 108 languages and has over 500 million users globally. It offers instant text translation and voice translation, making it indispensable for travelers. 

The app also features an offline mode, which is particularly useful in areas with limited internet connectivity. Before you visit Turkey, download the Turkish language pack in advance to help you save on data costs and ensure seamless communication. 

Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering food, or engaging with locals, Google Translate might be your best friend.

Top Food Delivery Apps in Türkiye

Yemeksepeti: A Feast at Your Fingertips

Yemeksepeti is an essential app for anyone wanting to explore Turkish cuisine. With an extensive range of local restaurants, this user-friendly app allows you to browse menus and place orders easily. 

One of its many useful features is real-time order tracking, which ensures you know exactly when your meal will arrive. Whether you crave traditional Turkish food or international cuisine, Yemeksepeti connects you with over 25,000 restaurants across Turkey, offering a diverse array of dining choices.

Learn about Yemeksepeti here.

Getir: More Than Just Food

Getir is a versatile app that goes beyond food delivery to include groceries and other essentials, delivered swiftly to your door. Available 24/7, Getir is perfect for late-night snack cravings or emergency grocery needs. 

The app’s fast delivery service ensures you can enjoy a wide variety of meals and products anytime. Its convenience and broad selection make Getir an invaluable tool for travelers and locals alike, providing everything you need with just a few taps on your phone.

Learn about Getir here.

Uber Equivalent Apps

BiTaksi: Your Reliable Ride

BiTaksi is an essential app for travelers in Turkey, offering easy taxi booking in 24 cities. With over 5,000 registered taxi drivers, it ensures a safe and efficient way to navigate urban areas. The app features transparent pricing, so you know the fare upfront, and supports cashless payments for added convenience. 

Whether you’re in Istanbul or Ankara, BiTaksi provides a reliable transportation option, making it simple to book a ride with just a few taps on your smartphone. It’s the perfect solution for those seeking a trustworthy alternative to Uber in Turkey.

Find out about BiTaksi here.

Public Transportation Apps

Istanbulkart: Your All-in-One Transit Pass

Istanbulkart is an indispensable app for navigating Istanbul’s public transportation system. It integrates seamlessly with buses, trams, metros, ferries, and funiculars, offering a comprehensive solution for all your travel needs. The app allows users to track their balance in real time, ensuring they never run out of funds unexpectedly. 

Additionally, Istanbulkart provides route planning features, helping you find the most efficient paths to your destinations. With its widespread use and convenience, Istanbulkart makes traveling around Istanbul straightforward and hassle-free. 

Find out about Instanbulkart here.

Moovit: Navigate Like a Local

Moovit is a top-tier public transportation app that helps users navigate urban areas with ease. It offers real-time transit updates, so you always know when your next bus or train will arrive. The app provides route suggestions based on current traffic conditions, helping you choose the quickest and most efficient path. 

Moovit also sends service alerts, informing you of any disruptions or changes in the transit system. With its detailed and accurate information, Moovit ensures you never miss a stop and can travel like a local in any city. 

Find out about Moovit here.

Currency and Financial Apps

XE Currency: Your Personal Exchange Rate Calculator

Keep track of the Turkish Lira with the XE Currency app. XE Currency provides real-time exchange rates and a currency converter, making it easy to understand local pricing and convert currencies while traveling. With rate alerts, you can track and get notified of favorable exchange rates. This app processes over 280 million currency conversions annually, ensuring reliable and accurate information.

Learn about XE Currency here.

TransferWise (Wise): Smart Money Management

TransferWise, now known as Wise, offers low-cost international transfers and multi-currency accounts, making it a smart choice for travelers managing their finances abroad. Its borderless spending feature allows you to manage and spend money in multiple currencies efficiently, helping you handle your finances with ease while traveling.

This app would have come in very handy several years ago when we ended up with a speeding ticket in Germany. LOL

Learn about WISE here.

Health and Safety Apps

Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK): Your Health Companion

The Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK) app provides essential access to healthcare services in Turkey. It offers detailed insurance information and allows users to book medical appointments easily.

With this app, travelers and residents can ensure they have quick and reliable access to necessary medical services when needed. This app might only be for expats or foreigners living in Turkey after you’ve been accepted into their universal health care system.

Sağlık Bakanlığı: Stay Informed, Stay Safe

The Sağlık Bakanlığı app is crucial for staying updated on health advisories and guidelines, including COVID-19 updates. It provides essential health guidelines and emergency contact information, helping users stay informed and safe during their travels. This app is a vital tool for maintaining health and safety on the go.

Accommodation Booking Apps

Booking.com: Your Home Away From Home

Booking.com offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs and budget. The platform features user reviews to help you make informed decisions and provides flexible booking options, allowing you to cancel or modify reservations easily. It’s a reliable choice for finding a comfortable stay anywhere.

Airbnb: Live Like a Local

Airbnb provides unique lodging experiences, allowing you to stay in local homes and immerse yourself in Turkish culture. The platform offers easy booking and a variety of options, from apartments to villas. Additionally, Airbnb highlights local experiences, helping you connect with hosts and explore the area authentically.

Restaurant and Local Services Review Apps

Yelp: Your Local Guide

Yelp is valuable for discovering top-rated restaurants and local services in Türkiye. It provides user reviews, ratings, and photos, offering detailed insights into various businesses. With comprehensive information on local establishments, Yelp helps you make informed choices about where to dine and which services to use during your stay. Its user-friendly interface and extensive database ensure you can easily find the best options available, enhancing your travel experience by connecting you with trusted local recommendations.

Conclusion

The right travel apps can significantly enhance your travel experience. These essential tools will help you navigate, communicate, dine, and stay safely in Türkiye, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Remember, while these apps are invaluable as you plan a trip to Turkey, don’t let them distract you from the beauty and experiences Türkiye has to offer. Use them as tools to enhance your journey, not replace it.

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