Country Information

  Airport taxes

  Security

• Turkey is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in crowded areas, markets, and public transport, especially in Istanbul.
• Violent crime against tourists is rare, but exercise caution in nightlife districts and avoid isolated areas after dark.
• Keep valuables in hotel safes and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive items when out.
• Be alert when using ATMs and watch for credit card fraud.
• Road conditions are good in cities but can be challenging in rural or mountainous areas; avoid driving at night outside major towns.
• Demonstrations can occur and may turn violent; avoid large gatherings and monitor local news.
• Terrorism risk exists, particularly near the Syrian border and in some southeastern provinces; avoid these areas.
• The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises against all travel to areas within 10 km of the Syrian border and all but essential travel to Sirnak, Hakkari, and some parts of southeastern Turkey due to terrorism and instability.
• Emergency services are generally reliable in cities; the emergency number is 112.
• Drug offences carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences.

Note to LGBT travellers: Same-sex relations are legal, but social attitudes can be conservative, especially outside major cities; discretion is advised.

Note to women travellers: Turkey is generally safe for women, but harassment can occur in crowded areas and nightlife settings. Dress modestly in rural areas, avoid walking alone at night, and use trusted transport options.

  Health Precautions

Vaccinations

Compulsory:
None

Recommended:
• Routine vaccines (including MMR and diphtheria–tetanus–polio)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Influenza (seasonal)
• COVID‑19 (up to date)
• Rabies (consider for long stays, rural exposure, or potential animal contact)

Additional Health Considerations
• Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only for travellers arriving from, or transiting through, any country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Gastrointestinal diseases: Moderate risk; maintain good food and water hygiene.
• Mosquito‑borne diseases: Occasional cases of West Nile virus; use standard bite‑avoidance measures.
• Air quality: Pollution can occur in major cities and industrial areas; may affect sensitive travellers.
• Extreme weather: Hot summers, cold winters, and regional earthquakes may impact travel and access to services.
• Healthcare quality: Good in urban centres; more limited in rural regions. Upfront payment may be required.
• Medical evacuation: Travel insurance with evacuation cover is recommended.
• Medication availability: Widely available, but travellers should bring essential prescriptions.

  Currency

1 New Turkish Lira (TRY) = 100 new kurus.
Latest exchange rate: TRY1 = ZAR0,3635 (25 Feb 2026 05:00). 

It is easier to exchange currency (preferably EUR or USD) at authorised currency exchange offices rather than banks. Keep all currency exchange receipts if you will be reconverting a large amount of money or will be buying a large item that will need to be declared. Visa and MasterCard can be used. There are ATMs available but they are sometimes unreliable. Check with your bank whether your card will be accepted. Most Turkish ATMs require a four-digit PIN. Do not take traveller’s cheques.

Banking hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:00.

  Language

The official language is Turkish. Kurdish is spoken by a minority in the southeast. French, German and English are widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas. 

  Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz (same as SA). Plugs are European 2-pin round and Schuko 2-pin round.

  Telecoms/Internet

  Public Holidays

  Customs

Visas:

• South Africans need to apply for a visa to Turkey before arrival.

Duty-free allowances:

• 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco are permitted as well as 10 disposable e-cigarettes or 200 cigarette papers or 200g pipe tobacco or 200g chewing tobacco or 200g tobacco for nargileh or 50g snuff
• In addition to the above allowances, it is also possible to purchase 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars and 500g pipe tobacco in the Turkish duty-free shops on arrival
• 1 litre over 22% volume or 2 litres under 22% volume
• A maximum of 5 skincare and makeup products, incl. cologne, perfume, lavender, essence, or lotion, with a total volume not exceeding 600 ml
• 1kg of coffee and tea
• 1kg of chocolates and 1kg of snacks (candies)
• Gifts up to the value of EUR430 (EUR150 for those aged under 15)
• Jewellery, articles made of precious stones or metals and other personal effects up to a maximum of USD15 000 or equivalent (jewellery exceeding USD15 000 must be declared on arrival)
• Medications for personal use

Export allowances:

• 2kg or 3 cartons of local tobacco products, 5kg of alcoholic beverages or 12 bottles of Raki or local drinks and foodstuffs up to a total value of TRY100 (Turkish Lira). Each commodity must not exceed 5kg.
• Gift articles up to a value of TRY5 000. If more is exported, the proof is required that foreign currency has been exchanged to the amount in excess of TRY5 000.
• Jewellery exceeding a value of USD15 000 must have been declared on arrival or accompanied by a proof of purchase in Turkey with legally exchanged currency.
• Prohibited exports: Antiques, grain products, tea, cacao, coffee and spices.

Special notes:

• Only travellers of 18 years or older may bring in alcohol and tobacco products.
• Arms and ammunition: An Import Permit is required, which must be obtained in advance at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. It is prohibited to carry arms and ammunition in the hold baggage.
• Pets: Pets must be accompanied by a certificate of vaccination, a health certificate issued by an official veterinarian in country of export and a pet passport or identification card. In connection with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, passengers must keep their pets in quarantine for 14 days.
• Baggage clearance: Baggage is cleared at the airport of entry in Turkey. Exempt – baggage of transit passengers with a connection within Turkey to an airport with customs facilities. Turkish airports with customs facilities are: Adana (ADA), Ankara (ESB), Antalya (AYT), Bodrum (BJV), Bursa (YEI), Dalaman (DLM), Denizli (DNZ), Elazig (EZS), Erzincan (ERC), Erzurum (ERZ), Gaziantep (GZT), Gazipasa (GZP), Hatay (HTY), Istanbul Ataturk (IST), Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW), Izmir (ADB), Kayseri (ASR), Konya (KYA), Kutahya (KZR), Malatya (MLX), Nevsehir (NAV), Samsun (SZF), Sanliurfa (GNY), Sivas (VAS) and Trabzon (TZX).
• Baggage arriving on:
  • 1. Emirates (EK) can only be checked through to airport with customs facilities within Turkey if the connecting flight is operated by Atlasjet Airlines (KK).
  • 2. Qatar Airways (QR) can only be checked through to airport with customs facilities within Turkey if the first port of entry is: Adana (ADA), Hatay (HTY) or Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) and the connecting flight is operated by Atlasjet Airlines (KK), Pegasus Airlines (PC) or Turkish Airlines (TK); Istanbul (IST) and the connecting flight is operated by Atlasjet Airlines (KK) or Pegasus Airlines (PC).
  • 3. Etihad Airways (EY) is cleared at the airport of entry in Turkey.
  • Exempt: baggage of transit passengers with a destination outside of Turkey.
• Currency import regulations: Local currency (Turkish Lira TRY) and foreign currencies unlimited. However, passengers should declare large amounts on arrival.
• Currency export regulations: Local currency (Turkish Lira TRY) and foreign currencies up to EUR10 000 or equivalent. Exceeding amounts must be declared and it is required to hold a proof of purchase from an authorised bank.
• Global liquid ban regulations apply. See below.

NB! This is only a brief overview of Customs requirements. If you need additional information, please contact the Embassy of Turkey on (012) 342 6055/6.

GLOBAL LIQUID BAN REGULATIONS
Global security guidelines have been issued by the International Civil Aviation Organisation implementing restrictions on liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols that passengers are allowed to carry in their hand luggage.

The following rules will apply throughout most airports world-wide:
Passengers may only carry small quantities (max. 100 ml per container) of liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols in their hand baggage. The packaging of these products must also meet specific requirements.

The new rules apply for liquids such as water, drinks, cream, lotion, oil, perfume, spray, hair gel, bath gel, various types of foam, toothpaste, deodorant, lip gloss or any product of similar substance. Exceptions will be made for baby milk, special dietary foods and medication, for which prescriptions are required.

The following rules apply for liquids in hand baggage:
– Passengers are only allowed to carry liquids and gels in containers with a volume of 100 ml or less.
– These containers may only be carried in a transparent plastic bag.
– Each passenger may only carry one such transparent plastic bag.
– The volume of the transparent plastic bag may not exceed 1 litre.
– The transparent plastic bag must be re-sealable.
– You may bring a transparent plastic bag from home.

Liquids and gels that you purchase after passing through passport control or aboard the aircraft will be packed and sealed for you in the shop or on board, if necessary. The package seal will remain valid for 24 hours. If you have to catch a connecting flight, you will not be allowed to break the seal until you have reached your final destination.

Note: Please consult relevant airline for hand baggage rules regarding liquid ban.

  Doing business

Office hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:30.

Dress: Men wear a conservative suit and tie while women normally wear business suits with either a skirt or trousers. During summer, lighter clothes are acceptable; men can wear a shirt and trousers without a jacket and perhaps even a tie, depending on the formality of the business. Women can wear lighter clothes, without a jacket, but make sure not to wear anything too tight or revealing.

Greeting: On initial meetings a good, firm handshake is the norm. Men occasionally also hold your arm with their left hand as a sign of warmth. The handshake is not usually used when departing. Once the relationship has been established the handshake may be followed by a kiss on the cheek. In the business context most women will shake hands with men. However, this may not be the case in eastern or rural Turkey where people are more conservative. If unsure, wait for the woman to extend her hand first.

Communication and etiquette: Business is generally conducted in English, however an interpreter may be needed so be sure to check before the meeting. Be on time for appointments. Don’t offer gifts that are too lavish or personal and be sure to check that your Turkish counterparts drink before offering alcohol. Exchanging gifts is not a predominant feature of Turkish business culture, however, if a gift is given it will be gratefully accepted. Turkey is officially secular but the vast majority of people are Muslim. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing. If visiting a mosque, wear clothes that cover arms and legs, and women should cover their heads. Take off shoes before going in. During Ramadan, be aware that local people may be fasting during the day. Only use the right hand for giving or receiving items. The local people are friendly. Avoid discussing politics. Refrain from showing affection in public. Do not take pictures of locals without permission. It is illegal to smoke in public areas, including public transport. Business cards are frequently exchanged, although Turkish counterparts may not share their business card until they are sure they want to do business with someone.
 

  Getting around

• Driving is on the right-hand side; roads are generally well-maintained, especially in urban and tourist areas.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended and may be required alongside your national license.
• Intercity travel is well-served by long-distance buses, which are comfortable and frequent.
• Domestic flights are widely available and affordable, with major airports in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and regional cities.
• No internal ferries are essential for travel, but ferries operate across the Bosphorus and to some islands.
• Taxis are common in cities; metered fares are standard, but it’s good to confirm the meter is used.
• Ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi and Uber operate in major cities.
• Metro, trams, and buses are available in large cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
• Car hire is widely available; self-driving is common for exploring coastal and rural areas.
• Women travellers are generally safe; modest dress is advisable in conservative regions.
• Police checks may occur; carry ID and vehicle documents when driving.

  Accommodation

• The main centres offer various hotel options, including large hotel chains, either luxury or standard, and family-run commercial operations. There are also smaller hotels for budget travellers. 
• B&Bs and guesthouses are also an option, often in great locations and offering a unique glimpse into Turkish life.
• Villas are available for short- or long-term rentals, particularly on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Various rental agencies are available to assist.
• For those looking for a more unique experience, gulets (two- or three-masted wooden sailing boats) offer accommodation while sailing the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea, often including a stop at Greek islands. 

  Useful tips

• Tip about 10% in restaurants and round up taxi fares. Tip porters and Turkish bath attendants about TRY4. Tip tour guides about TRY20-30. Tip hotel cleaning staff, hairdressers, etc.
• Many museums, especially those in Istanbul, are closed on Monday and palaces are closed on Tuesday or Thursday as well.

  Disability awareness