Middle East
Turkey
One of the easiest countries for a first solo trip beyond Europe: Istanbul, the coast and Cappadocia, linked by good buses and cheap flights. High inflation means prices change fast; touts target tourist areas.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa95 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyTRYUS$1 ≈ ₺49.13Details
- Price level41%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterFilter or boilCity water is treated, but most locals drink bottled or filtered water; homes order cheap 19-litre jugs.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalIstanbul has a discreet scene around Beyoğlu, but Pride marches have been banned since 2015 and official rhetoric is hostile.Details
- Internet83 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 171 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are valid for six months from entry; carry an IDP if yours isn't in Latin script.
- Digital nomad visaYesDigital Nomad VisaDetails
Where to go in Turkey
24 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IstanbulCity | 4/5 | $2,240–3,460 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 9/100 |
| AntalyaCity | 4/5 | $1,830–2,850 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 28/100 |
| CappadociaRegion | 4/5 | $1,630–2,650 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 33/100 |
| BodrumTown | 4/5 | $2,140–3,460 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 17/100 |
| FethiyeCity | 4/5 | $1,830–2,850 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 27/100 |
| AlanyaCity | 4/5 | $1,530–2,440 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 40/100 |
| IzmirCity | 4/5 | $1,630–2,650 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 36/100 |
| KaşTown | 5/5 | $1,530–2,440 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 53/100 |
| ÖlüdenizBeach town | 4/5 | $1,630–2,650 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 33/100 |
| MarmarisTown | 4/5 | $1,630–2,650 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 33/100 |
| PamukkaleTown | 4/5 | $916–1,420 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 78/100 |
| AnkaraCapital city | 4/5 | $1,120–1,730 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 65/100 |
| KuşadasıTown | 4/5 | $1,020–1,630 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 70/100 |
| SideTown | 4/5 | $1,020–1,630 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 72/100 |
| ÇeşmeTown | 4/5 | $1,120–1,830 | May–Jul, Sep | 63/100 |
| KemerTown | 4/5 | $1,120–1,630 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 68/100 |
| KalkanTown | 4/5 | $1,220–2,040 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 59/100 |
| DalyanTown | 4/5 | $977–1,590 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 73/100 |
| TrabzonCity | 4/5 | $855–1,380 | Jun–Sep | 79/100 |
| BursaCity | 4/5 | $936–1,530 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 73/100 |
| BelekBeach town | 4/5 | $1,420–2,240 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 45/100 |
| DidimTown | 4/5 | $977–1,380 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 76/100 |
| SelçukTown | 4/5 | $814–1,180 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 86/100 |
| GaziantepCity | 4/5 | $692–1,020 | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | 88/100 |
When to visit Turkey
April–June and September–October nationwide. Swim on the coast June–October; Istanbul is hot and crowded in July–August; the east and Cappadocia get snowy winters.
Good to know
Entry
- Many nationalities enter visa-free; others need an e-Visa. Use only evisa.gov.tr, as look-alike agent sites charge extra.
- Passport must be valid at least 60 days beyond your stay (150 days from arrival for a 90-day stay).
- Stays are capped at 90 days in any 180; overstays bring fines and possible entry bans.
- Staying longer needs a residence permit, applied for online (e-ikamet) before your permitted days run out.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Insulting Atatürk, the Turkish nation or the president is a crime.
- Taking antiquities, old coins or even stones from ancient sites can mean arrest.
- Don't photograph military zones; flying drones requires registration.
Etiquette
- Remove shoes in homes and mosques; women cover hair inside mosques.
- Accept tea when offered; it is how conversations and deals start.
- Haggle in bazaars, not in shops with price tags.
- Dress modestly in conservative towns; beachwear stays at the beach.
Tipping
About 10% in sit-down restaurants if service isn't included; round up taxis; tip hammam attendants and hotel porters a little.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa information
- Go Türkiye: Digital Nomads
- Presidency of Migration Management
- Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK)
- TCDD Taşımacılık
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.