Turkey, officially known as the Republic of Turkey, is one of the most popular destinations which also happens to be a part of both Europe and Asia.

This unique country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pamukkale, the ancient city of Ephesus, mosques and historic sites in Istanbul, and more. And not to forget, you also have the unique Fairy Chimneys in the Cappadocia region!

The country has a rich history and culture and is home to several wondrous locations. For lessons on the Roman ruins and history, visit the Pergamon. 

On the other hand, the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli give a deep insight into the troubled history of the Cappadocia region.

That’s not all. There are plenty of locations here for adventure and water lovers as well. From hot air ballooning over Cappadocia to enjoying a tour of the islands of the Mediterranean sea, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Turkey.

Are you planning to visit Turkey soon? If yes, then check out this detailed guide on Turkey that highlights all the important details such as the best time to visit, where to go, what to eat, and more.

Best Time to Visit Turkey

1. Summer Season (June-August) – The peak season to visit Turkey is in the summers when the temperature stays between 25 and 48 degrees Celsius. It can become hot but it is still a good time to visit places like Istanbul, Cappadocia, Trabzon, and more. Plus, you can enjoy water activities at the coastline during these months. The only thing to remember is that this is the high season so the prices of hotels and flights can be a little high. So, book everything in advance.
2. Spring Season (March-May) – I love the spring season in Turkey because the weather is cool and pleasant and flowers are blooming everywhere. Also, since this is the shoulder season, there are fewer tourists still and you can get the best prices for most activities.
3. Fall Season (September – November) – Another great choice for avoiding tourists and cheaper prices with good weather is the fall season. The autumn colors are bursting all over the country and you get many activities and hotels at a steal!
4. Winter Season (December – February) – If you wish to avoid crowds and want the cheapest prices for all the activities, then winter is a good time to visit. The temperature can be as low as 3 degrees Celsius at most places and cities like Istanbul, Cappadocia, etc. receive plenty of snowfall as well. This is why most tourists avoid this season but if you can manage the cold, then this is also a good time to visit Turkey.

Passport and Visa Requirements

Passport

• Your passport should be valid for 6 months from the intended date of travel.
• There should be one full empty page on the passport for the visa stamp and one page for the sticker visa.
• Your passport should be in good condition.

Visa

• Indians need a pre-approved visa to travel to Turkey.
• You can choose to get an e-visa or a sticker visa for Turkey.

Visa Costs

• The Visa Fee for a Single-Entry Tourist Visa for a validity of 3 months is 5,090 INR and the Visa Application Fee for the same is 12,280 INR.
• The Visa Fee for a Single-Entry Tourist Visa for a validity of 6 months is 5,090 INR and the Visa Application Fee for the same is 14,268 INR.
• Multiple Entry Visa is applicable for business visitors only and costs between 30,000 – 40,000 INR.
• E-Visa Fee is 44.50 USD which is valid for 180 days with a maximum stay of up to 30 days.

How to Apply for a Sticker Visa

If you wish to get a sticker visa for Turkey, then you need to contact the Gateway International company to submit your application.

Documents Required

Here are the documents required for the Sticker Visa:

• A valid passport 
• Photocopy of the passport information pages (both front and back) and the Visa Pages
• Fully completed and signed visa application form 
• Two biometric photos with a white background that is no older than 6 months and sized 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches.
• Cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit and details of the tour
• Return Flight Tickets and Internal Tickets (Do not buy the tickets before the visa is approved, a flight reservation or booking is accepted)
• Hotel Reservation Details
• Travel Insurance (provided by the Visa Center)
• Proof of Civil Status – Aadhaar Card or PAN Card copy
• Original Previous Passports (If previous passport is lost, then FIR document for the same)
• The last 6 months’ bank statements, attested and signed by the bank with a bank balance of a minimum 1 lakh for one person.

Additional Documents Needed

If Freelancer:

• Contract documents and a leave or cover letter if applicable
• Proof of Regular Income
• Last three months’ personal bank statement, either original or copies attested by the bank. Please note that the bank balance must be a minimum of 1 lakh INR for one person.

If Employed:

• Original leave letter mentioning the applicant’s designation, period of work, salary, purpose of visit, and duration of travel with travel dates. 
• Last 3 months’ salary slips with letterhead, signature, seal/stamp 
• ITR (Income Tax Return) for last 3 years
• Form 16 (only for Employer)

If Student:

• No-Objection certificate from school with a copy of the Student ID card. 

If Employer or Business Owner:

• GST registration
• Company registration documents.

How to Apply

Here are the steps to follow for submitting your visa application:

1. Create an Appointment – Go to the official Gateway International website and click on the Create an Appointment button. Click on the Schedule an Appointment button where you will be asked to log in. Create an account and fill in all your personal details, pay the fees of 6814 INR, and choose your appointment date.

If you face any issues, then email them at helpline.india@gateway.com.tr with the following details:

Name
Passport number
Contact number
Screenshot of the issue (if any)

2. Submit Your Visa Application – On the day of your visa appointment, arrive at the Gateway International Center with the necessary documents. Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time and pass the security check. Once the documents are verified, you will pay the remaining fees and give biometrics. You will receive a receipt for your application which you can use to track your application status.
3. Track Your Application and Collect the Passport – Use the Application Number to track your application status. Once the passport is ready to collect, go to the center with your receipt and a photocopy of your ID.
4. Check the Visa Details – Make sure your visa details match your passport details and the travel dates.

You are now ready to travel to Turkey.

How to Apply for E-Visa

Eligibility 

Indians are also eligible for Turkey e-Visa if they have a valid Visa or residence permit from one of the Schengen countries, USA, UK, or Ireland. 

How to Apply

Follow the below steps to apply for Turkey e-Visa:

1. Go to the official website https://www.evisa.gov.tr/ and click on Apply.
2. On the application page, choose your visa type as ‘Electronic Visa’, enter your country, and travel document type, and continue.
3. Choose your arrival date in Turkey. The e-visa will be valid for 180 days but you can stay a maximum of 30 days in it.
4. Check all the prerequisites and make sure you have the supporting documents for those and then click on Continue.
5. Fill up all your personal details and Passport details along with your Visa/Residence Permit Details and then proceed. 
6. Verify your details and submit after which you will receive an email to verify your email address.
7. Next, complete the payment of 44.50 USD after which your e-visa application will be submitted.
8. Check the status of your e-visa and download it once you receive the confirmation.

Are Indians Eligible for a Visa on Arrival?

As per the current visa statements of the Embassy of Turkey, Indians are not eligible for a Visa on Arrival. So, make sure you apply for a visa in advance before traveling to Turkey.

If you have a valid visa from the US, UK, Schengen country, or Ireland, then you can get an e-visa for Turkey by applying from their official website.

If you don’t have a visa from any of these countries, then you need to get a sticker visa to enter Turkey.

Make sure to check with Gateway International or the Embassy of Turkey in India for updated information when planning to travel to Turkey. You can call or email them during their office hours for any queries.

Money in Turkey

Currency

The currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (₺) and 1 TRY is made up of 100 kurus.

The banknotes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 lira. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 kuruş, as well as 1 lira.

Apart from the Turkish Lira, the United States Dollar (USD) and Euro are also accepted here.

Money Exchange

Credit Cards are widely accepted in Turkey but cash is always a better option, especially in remote areas and for traveling in local transportation.

I suggest you withdraw cash directly from the ATM to avoid forex cash commission. If you are carrying EUR or USD, you can easily get it changed for TRY at the local banks or money exchange shops.

ATMs

You will find ATMs available in all towns and cities of Turkey. 

When withdrawing cash in Turkey, try different ATMS as some charge an ATM fee while others don’t.

Also, be careful when using your Forex or Debit cards, and don’t share it with anyone else. 

Credit Cards

As mentioned earlier, credit cards are widely accepted in Turkey, so you can pay for hotels, restaurants, cafes, etc. using it.

You can also order online cabs with the help of credit cards.

So, make sure to carry International Visa and Mastercard Credit Cards when traveling in Turkey.

Sim Card in Turkey

WiFi Network in Turkey

WiFi in Turkey is pretty great at some places so, you can easily stay in touch with your loved ones. However, at most locations, it can be a little slow which is why I recommend you to buy a local sim or have a date pack ready.

Airtel or JIO International Plans

If you are planning a trip to Turkey for 7-10 days only, then you might not want the hassle of purchasing a local SIM.

For this, you can buy the International Roaming Plan of Airtel or Jio. There are 1-day, 7-day, or 10-day plans available that you can choose from.

Local SIM

For those who love posting on social media or video calling their loved ones, a local SIM is a must.

Both Turkcell and Vodafone are good options to buy in Turkey. Avoid purchasing the SIM card at the airport as they will charge you more. Instead, you can buy it from a local mobile shop or ask your hotel manager for one. The cost can range anywhere between 1000 – 1500 TRY.

If you don’t want to add another SIM to your phone, then you can also get an e-SIM from Airalo, Holafly, or Matrix.

Best Places to Visit in Turkey

Turkey is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites and features a wide range of landscapes. From the travertines to fairy chimneys to coastal towns, you can find it all here. 

Here are a few of the top places that you should visit in Turkey:

Istanbul – Istanbul is where the East meets the West. It is home to some of the most iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Galata Tower. Plus, there are plenty of vibrant markets for you to explore.

Cappadocia – Known for its unique fairy chimneys, caves, and rock formations, Cappadocia is a true gem of Turkey. Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over this unique landscape for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Antalya – For some beach time, Antalya is the perfect coastal city. Stunning beaches, majestic falls, and interesting historic sites, you can find it all here.

Pamukkale – Explore the terraces of thermal water at Pamukkale’s travertines. They not only look stunning but the nearby Heirapolis adds a little historic touch to it too.

Fethiye – Home to beautiful beaches and the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz, Fethiye is popular for paragliding, boat tours, hiking, and cable car rides.

Ephesus – Visit the ancient city of Ephesus where you can find the Roman ruins in this Mediterranean region.

Bodrum – Another stunning coastal town that is home to the best beaches and nightlife.

Mount Nemrut – For history lovers, Mount Nemrut is perfect where you can find ancient tombs and colossal statues. Enjoy the stunning sunset and sunrise views from this historic destination.

Kas – Perfect place for snorkeling and diving, Kas is a resort coastal town in Turkey. 

Ankara – Turkey’s capital, Ankara offers a glimpse into the modern lifestyle in Turkey and is the perfect place to party. Plus, you can visit the Ataturk Mausoleum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to learn a little bit about the history of this region.

Trabzon – A beautiful Black Sea coastal town, Trabzon is home to a lush green landscape and traditional wooden houses. Do visit the stunning Sumela Monastery which is perched on a cliff.

How to Travel in Turkey

InterCity Travel

Flights – Turkey has an extensive flight network. As a result, if you are short on time, you can easily fly to most destinations. There are airports in Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Trabzon, Nevsehir, and more. So, you can reach Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Antalya, Izmir, etc. easily by flight. 

Buses – For solo and budget travelers, the most affordable and convenient way to travel around Turkey is by bus. There are major bus terminals located in each city from where you can get intercity buses. You can also book buses from Flixbus or Busbud websites for your journey in advance.

Trains – Turkey also has a good rail network and features different types of trains to connect the cities. You can use high-speed trains to travel between Istanbul, Ankara, and Konya whereas regional trains are great for shorter distances. 

Taxis – For comfort and saving time, hiring a taxi is a good way to travel to nearby locations as well. However, do keep in mind that locations such as Istanbul, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, etc. are really far from each other so, it won’t be feasible to cover them all in a taxi. Plus, it will become really expensive for you. 

Rental Cars – If you are traveling around with friends or want more flexibility in your itinerary, then renting a car in Turkey is the best way to get around. The roads are really good for driving here and connect most cities and towns. Just remember to keep your passport at all times because there can be checking at the region’s borders.

City Travel

Taxis or Ride-Hailing Services – Inside cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, etc., you can use ride-hailing apps such as Uber or BiTaksi. Apart from that, you will find yellow taxis pretty much everywhere in Turkey.

Cycling or Walking – In many cities, there is limited public transportation or most attractions are nearby so you end up walking a lot. I loved walking around the streets of Istanbul and Antalya and even hiked a lot in the Cappadocia. You can also hire cycles in most cities to explore around easily.

Metros – There are plenty of cities in Turkey with a good metro system that you can use to explore around the city. Antalya, Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, etc. are a few places that have a good metro network.

Buses – You will find buses inside almost all cities of Turkey which makes traveling around easy and affordable. Use Google Maps or CityMapper to find the bus routes for your destination here.

Ships/Ferries – In Istanbul, you can also use the ferry to travel between the European and the Asian side of the city. You can pay for this using your Istanbulkart and enjoy the views of Bosphorus as well.

Tramways – In Istanbul, you will find both modern and ancient tramways. The modern tramway is a great way to get around the city, especially the heritage sites. The Istiklal tramway is a great nostalgic experience and helps your shop quicker.

Group Tours – The best way to explore a local city if you don’t have a rental is by booking a group tour. This way, you don’t have to worry about figuring out the transportation and can cover all the major sights with the help of a local guide. 

Local Travel Cards

If you are planning to spend at least 2-3 days in each city and will be exploring a lot, then I suggest you buy the local transport cards.

In major cities such as Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Bodrum, Izmir, etc., you can get a local transport card. This will allow you to pay for buses, metros, tramways, and more without needing cash every time.

You can get these cards recharged easily and don’t have to think twice before exploring around. 

Alternatively, you can carry cash as well to pay for the rides. Some of the buses even accept credit card payments, so make sure to carry an international visa card with you. 

Foods to Eat in Turkey 

Due to its rich history and geography, Turkey is home to a diverse range of flavors. Some of the foods that you should try when visiting this country are:

1. Kebabs – Of course, Turkey is home to the best kebabs in the world and has many varieties to offer. Adana Kebab, Doner Kebab, and Sis Kebab were my favorites that are served with rice, vegetables, and bread.
2. Baklava – Baklava is a popular sweet prepared in Turkey that you cannot miss. It is a sweet pastry prepared with layers of filo dough. Furthermore, it is filled with chopped nuts and is sweetened using honey or syrup.
3. Lahmacun – If you love pizza, then you need to try the Turkish pizza – Lahmacun. The dish is a thin, round dough topped with minced meat, spices, and a few veggies. It is baked in a wood-fired oven before being served.
4. Simit – One of the popular street foods to try in Turkey is a Simit. This is a circular bread covered in sesame seeds, similar to a bagel, and often eaten for breakfast with olives and cheese. 
5. Pide – Another of my favorites was Pide, a Turkish flatbread. It is a boat-shaped flatbread with minced meat, spices, and veggies as toppings and baked, similar to lahmacun.

Shopping in Turkey

Turkey is one of the best places for shopping, especially if you want Middle Eastern treasures. From traditional handicrafts to modern skincare, you will find everything here at affordable prices.

In Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar is the best place for buying souvenirs, textiles, ceramics, carpets, Persian lamps, and more. The prices can be a little high so be ready to bargain a lot here. Another great place in Istanbul for buying Turkish tea and sweets like Turkish delights is the Egyptian Bazaar in Fatih. Here, you will find plenty of shops to compare the prices and choose from!

For high-end shopping, Istiklal Avenue is a good place to visit in Istanbul. From Mango and ZARA to Decathlon, you can find it all here.

One of the most unique items that you can buy in Turkey is Zultanite which changes color depending on the light falling on it. It is mined in the Anatolia region and can be found in Cappadocia easily. But be careful as many people sell fakes here as well.

I also found that skincare and chocolates are quite cheap in Turkey. So, you can stock up on these products from the malls or the shops and get them back as souvenirs for friends and family. 

Most places accept Credit cards but it would be better to carry cash as many places would charge you a 3% fee for credit card payments. 

Should You Hire a Tour Guide/Company for Turkey?

I have traveled solo in Turkey for over a month and there were quite a few challenges, especially as a female traveler. 

Although Turkey has great transportation options, sometimes people can hassle you for money or generally.

So, if you wish to avoid that, I suggest that you book a tour package or a local guide when traveling to Turkey. Here are a few reasons why it is better to book a travel package for Turkey:

1. Convenience – If you book a tour operator or a local guide to plan your trip, then you won’t have to worry about the logistics, accommodations, entry fees, and more. This will make your trip smooth and hassle-free and you will have someone to rely on for any issues on your trip.
2. Safety – Most tour operators and local guides are aware of the local customs and dangerous areas in a country. So, they will ensure your safety during your trip, especially in remote areas.
3. Local Knowledge – A local guide is the best way to learn about Turkey’s rich history and culture. Plus, they will be able to provide you with small facts about each attraction you visit which will further enhance your travel experience.
4. Offbeat Travel – Another amazing thing about booking a travel package or hiring a local guide is that they will show you the offbeat side of Turkey. You will be able to discover hidden gems that most tourists don’t have time or information to visit.
5. Cultural Immersion – Finally, with the help of a guide, you can interact with locals more deeply and learn about Turkish traditions and culture. 

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is mandatory for visiting Turkey but thankfully it is already included in your Visa Application Fee with Gateway International.

They offer you coverage of USD 60,000 without any limits or exclusions for your hospitalization, medication cost, surgery and treatment cost, and more. This will come in handy if you encounter any sudden illness or injuries while traveling to Turkey.

Moreover, you get compensation of up to 1000 USD for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage on your scheduled flight. 

Since this is a mandatory insurance included with your visa application, you have the option of not buying it separately. However, you should read the insurance coverage carefully before making any decision.

If you want to book a trip with Travel LYKKE, then use my code ‘RACHITA‘ to get a discount on your next vacation.

For any queries, you can reach out to holidays@lykke.travel

About the Author – Rachita Saxena is an IT Engineer turned full-time travel blogger who left her job in 2018. Since then, she has traveled to over 20+ countries including Seychelles, Turkey, Jordan, and more. Over the years, she has worked with multiple tourism companies to share travel experiences with her followers. She is a qualified PAD Rescue Diver and has explored quite a bit of the underwater world. You can follow her journey on different social media platforms and her website MeanderWander.