Useful Information for Visiting Istanbul
Istanbul
Are you planning a trip to Istanbul?
If so, you’re probably eager to learn more about its fascinating history, how to get around the city, what to see, what traditional Turkish dishes to try, and many other details to help you plan the perfect trip.
Visit our website https://airporttransportation.com/istanbul-airport-transportation to learn more about Istanbul and how to make your arrival smooth and easy.
What Documents Do I Need?
Galata Tower
Countries That Do Not Require a Visa
Stays up to 90 days (passport valid for at least 6 months):
Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, South Korea, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Italy, Iceland, Iran, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, San Marino, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela, and Peru.
Stays up to 60 days (passport valid for at least 2 months):
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Macedonia.
Stays up to 30 days (passport valid for at least 1 month):
Costa Rica, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Macao.
Countries That Require a Visa
Stays up to 90 days:
Australia, Austria, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Canada, Dominican Republic, Haiti, the Netherlands, Hong Kong (British passport), Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, the Maldives, Oman, Portugal, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Stays up to 60 days:
Albania, Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia.
Stays up to 30 days:
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Estonia, Cyprus, Hungary, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Serbia, and Montenegro.
Other Countries
Citizens of countries not listed above must obtain a visa at the nearest Turkish Embassy.
Language
The official language is Turkish, but thanks to the growing number of Spanish- and English-speaking tourists, you’ll have no trouble communicating in most tourist areas.
Here are a few common Turkish words and phrases to get you started:
| Spanish | English | Turkish |
|---|---|---|
| Hola | Hello | Merhaba |
| Gracias | Thank you | Teşekkür ederim |
| Por favor | Please | Lütfen |
| Adiós | Goodbye | Hoşça kal |
| Sí | Yes | Evet |
| No | No | Hayır |
Currency in Istanbul
Turkish Lira currency
Banknotes and Coins in Turkey
In Turkey, you’ll find banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Turkish Lira (TRY).
All banknotes are made of paper and feature the image of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey.
The reverse side of each note depicts monuments and landmarks from across the country.
Coins come in 1 Lira and 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 kurus denominations.
100 kurus (YKR) = 1 Turkish Lira (TL)
Where to Exchange Money
Although the most convenient way to get Turkish Lira is to withdraw cash directly from ATMs, you can also exchange euros or dollars at currency exchange offices.
They usually offer slightly better rates than banks and don’t charge commissions, making them a good alternative for travelers.
Exchange rate (approximate):
35 TL = 0.84 USD
Weather in Istanbul
Winter in Istanbul
Because Istanbul is such a large and diverse city, the weather can vary greatly between neighborhoods and seasons.
Summer in Istanbul
Summers are hot and mostly dry, with daytime highs often exceeding 30°C (86°F) — especially in August — and nighttime lows rarely dropping below 20°C (68°F). Evenings are pleasantly warm and perfect for outdoor dining or walks.
Winter in Istanbul
From December to February, the city experiences cold and rainy weather. Temperatures often drop below freezing, and snowfall is quite common, creating a magical winter atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Istanbul
The ideal months to visit Istanbul are May, June, September, and October.
These shoulder-season months offer pleasant temperatures and low rainfall, making them perfect for sightseeing.
Travel Insurance
Before traveling to Turkey, it’s highly recommended to have travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected issues.
Healthcare in Turkey is generally good, but medical costs for foreigners can be high, especially in private clinics.
Although insurance might seem unnecessary, it can save you from major expenses and stress in case of accidents, lost luggage, or health emergencies.
Before purchasing new coverage, check your car or home insurance policies, as many already include international medical assistance that could cover your trip to Turkey or other European destinations.
