Before you go
Check Türkiye’s official e-Visa portal to see whether your passport is eligible or whether another visa process applies. The government warns travellers to use the official portal rather than fee-charging lookalike websites.
Your first hour after landing
Connect to data, obtain some Turkish lira if needed, then use the official airport transport, taxi or pre-arranged transfer. Istanbul has multiple airports, so confirm the airport code and hotel side of the city before booking transport.
SIM, eSIM and apps
An eSIM can remove the airport setup step. Physical tourist SIMs are widely available too. Save offline maps and your hotel address; Istanbul’s scale means a wrong airport or neighbourhood assumption can add a lot of travel time.
Money and payments
Cards are common in hotels, restaurants and shops, while cash is useful for smaller businesses, tips and situations where terminals fail. Decline unnecessary dynamic currency conversion if your card provider offers a better rate in local currency.
Getting around
In Istanbul, ferries, metro, trams and buses form an excellent network and Istanbulkart is useful. Cappadocia is more spread out, so airport shuttles, organised tours or a private driver may be more practical than trying to copy an Istanbul-style transit plan.
Weather and packing
Türkiye covers very different climates. Istanbul can be cold and wet in winter and hot in summer; Cappadocia has colder nights and more temperature variation. Dress in layers and bring suitable footwear.
Mosques, food and everyday etiquette
At mosques, dress modestly, remove shoes where required and avoid disrupting prayer. Turkish hospitality is warm; a polite greeting and patience in busy tourist areas make interactions easier.
Entry rules, transport systems and travel procedures can change. Check the official sources again shortly before departure.