1. Official Currency

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY, ₺).

Banknotes come in denominations of ₺5, ₺10, ₺20, ₺50, ₺100, and ₺200.

2. Exchange Rate

The exchange rate between Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) and Turkish Lira (TRY) fluctuates daily.

It is recommended to check real-time exchange rates through banks, currency exchange offices (Döviz Bürosu), or financial apps before making transactions.

3. Where to Exchange Money?

Airports: Available but usually offer lower exchange rates.

Currency Exchange Offices (Döviz Bürosu): Found in major cities, tourist areas, and shopping malls with competitive rates.

Banks: Offer secure currency exchange, but may have service fees.

ATMs: Many ATMs allow withdrawals in Turkish Lira using Visa or Mastercard. However, check your bank’s international withdrawal fees.

4. Credit Cards & Digital Payments

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and large stores.

Mobile payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay may work in some places.

Small shops and local markets may only accept cash, so carrying some Turkish Lira is advisable.

5. Tips for Exchanging Money

Avoid exchanging large amounts at the airport due to poor rates and high fees.

Always check for hidden fees or commission charges before exchanging money.

Use official exchange offices or banks for secure transactions.

Carry a mix of cash and cards for flexibility.

1. Checked Baggage Allowance

Most domestic airlines in Turkey allow 15 kg of checked baggage for economy class passengers.

Business class passengers may have a higher allowance, typically 30 kg.

Extra baggage fees vary by airline and are usually cheaper if purchased online in advance.

2. Cabin (Hand) Baggage Allowance

Standard allowance is 8 kg for economy class and up to 12 kg for business class.

The maximum size for cabin bags is typically 55 cm × 40 cm × 20 cm (varies slightly by airline).

Passengers are allowed one personal item (handbag, laptop bag, small backpack) in addition to their cabin baggage.

3. Restricted Items in Cabin Baggage

Liquids: Maximum 100 ml per container, packed in a transparent, resealable bag.

Sharp objects (scissors, knives) and flammable items are not allowed.

Power banks must be carried in cabin baggage, not checked luggage.

1. Food Regulations & Dietary Considerations

Halal Food: Turkey is a Muslim-majority country, and most restaurants serve halal food.

Bringing Food into Turkey:

Packaged and sealed food items (snacks, biscuits, instant noodles, tea, coffee) are generally allowed.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat products may be restricted by customs.

Always declare any food items if asked by customs officials.

Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Turkish cuisine has many vegetarian-friendly dishes such as lentil soup (Mercimek Çorbası), stuffed grape leaves (Yaprak Sarma), and vegetable stews (Sebzeli Güveç).

Spicy & Street Food:

Turkish food is generally not too spicy, but some dishes contain mild heat (e.g., Adana Kebab).

Street food is delicious and safe in most areas, but it's best to eat from busy, well-reviewed stalls.

2. Medicine & Pharmacy Regulations

Bringing Medicine into Turkey:

Common over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like painkillers, flu medicine, and vitamins are allowed.

Prescription medicine (for chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart conditions, etc.) should be accompanied by a doctor’s prescription and medical report (preferably in English).

Controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, sleeping pills, ADHD medication) may require prior approval from Turkish customs.

Buying Medicine in Turkey:

Pharmacies (Eczane) are widely available, and many medicines do not require a prescription.

Most pharmacies operate from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but one "duty pharmacy" (Nöbetçi Eczane) stays open 24/7 in every area.

Bring the generic name of your medicine, as brand names may differ.

Vaccinations & Health Precautions:

No mandatory vaccinations are required for Malaysian travelers.

It’s advisable to bring basic medications like pain relievers, stomach medicine, allergy pills, and motion sickness tablets.

1. Best Shoes for Different Seasons

Spring (March - May) & Autumn (September - November)

Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are ideal as the weather is mild.

If visiting Cappadocia or Pamukkale, opt for shoes with good grip due to uneven terrain.

Summer (June - August)

Lightweight, breathable sneakers or sandals work best, especially for cities like Istanbul and coastal areas.

Avoid flip-flops for walking as many streets have cobblestones.

If hiking in Cappadocia or other natural areas, wear hiking sandals or breathable trail shoes.

Winter (December - February)

Waterproof boots or insulated sneakers are essential, especially in Cappadocia, Eastern Turkey, and mountainous areas where it can snow.

In major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, choose leather or water-resistant shoes to keep your feet warm.

2. What to Wear for Different Activities?

City Exploration (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, etc.)

Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes are best due to cobblestone streets and long walking distances.

Hiking & Nature Trips (Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Mount Nemrut, etc.)

Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers with good grip are recommended.

Water-resistant shoes are useful if visiting in winter or rainy seasons.

Beach & Coastal Areas (Antalya, Bodrum, Fethiye, etc.)

Comfortable sandals or water shoes if planning to walk on rocky beaches.

Flip-flops are fine for resorts but not recommended for long walks.

Mosque Visits

Shoes must be removed before entering mosques, so easy slip-on shoes or sneakers are convenient.

3. Shoe Shopping in Turkey

If you need to buy shoes in Turkey, shopping malls and local markets offer high-quality Turkish leather shoes at reasonable prices.

Popular brands include Hotic, FLO, and LC Waikiki for budget-friendly options.

*** If you want to check the weather forecast for Cappadocia, enter "Nevsehir" as the city name.

1. Seasonal Weather Overview

Spring (March - May)

Mild temperatures (10°C - 20°C).

Occasional rain, especially in Istanbul and coastal areas.

Best clothing: Light layers, a thin jacket, and comfortable shoes.

Summer (June - August)

Hot and dry, especially in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Aegean/Mediterranean regions (25°C - 40°C).

Coastal cities (Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir) can be very humid.

Best clothing: Light cotton clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.

Autumn (September - November)

Cool and pleasant weather (10°C - 25°C).

Occasional rain in Istanbul and Northern Turkey.

Best clothing: Layered outfits, a light sweater or jacket, and waterproof shoes.

Winter (December - February)

Cold weather, especially in Istanbul (0°C - 10°C) and Ankara (-5°C - 5°C).

Heavy snowfall in Cappadocia, Eastern Turkey, and Uludağ (Bursa).

Best clothing: Thick winter jackets, sweaters, scarves, gloves, and waterproof boots.

2. Clothing Tips for Different Activities

City Exploration (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, etc.)

Comfortable clothes & shoes for long walks.

In winter, a warm coat and gloves are essential.

In summer, opt for light, breathable fabrics.

Hiking & Outdoor Activities (Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Mount Nemrut, etc.)

Hiking shoes, breathable clothes, and sun protection in summer.

Warm layers and a windproof jacket in winter.

Beach & Coastal Areas (Antalya, Bodrum, Fethiye, etc.)

Swimwear, flip-flops, sunglasses, and light summer clothes.

A light shawl or cover-up for beachside restaurants.

Mosque Visits

Men: Long pants and covered shoulders.

Women: Long skirts/pants and a headscarf (scarves are often available at mosques).

Shoes must be removed, so wear easy slip-on shoes.

1. Power Sockets & Voltage

Plug Type: Turkey uses Type F sockets (also known as "Schuko") with two round pins.

Voltage: 220V, 50Hz (same as in Malaysia).

Adapter Needed?: Malaysian plugs (Type G) need an adapter to fit the Turkish Type F or Type C socket.

2. Must-Have Electronic Devices

Smartphone: For maps, translation apps, and keeping in touch.

Power Bank: Useful for long day trips or hiking in areas like Cappadocia.

Travel Adapter & Universal Plug: To ensure compatibility with Turkish power outlets.

Camera: Turkey is incredibly photogenic—bring a good camera or rely on your smartphone.

Laptop/Tablet: If you need to work or for entertainment during travel.

Portable Wi-Fi Device: If you want a reliable connection for multiple devices (optional).

3. Internet & Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, and restaurants.

In rural areas (e.g., some parts of Cappadocia or Eastern Turkey), signal strength may vary.

E-sim support is available for compatible devices.

4. Charging Devices on the Go

Many cafes, airports, and public areas offer charging stations.

For multi-day tours or outdoor activities, consider carrying a solar charger or portable battery pack.

5. Drone Usage

Drones are allowed but regulated—you may need permission for flying in certain areas (e.g., Cappadocia).

Always check local rules, especially near historical sites and crowded areas.

6. Safety Tips for Electronics

Use a waterproof bag or cover for your devices, especially if visiting the coast or doing outdoor activities.

Be cautious of pickpockets in busy tourist areas—use anti-theft bags or carry valuables close to your body.

Back up your data regularly, and consider using cloud storage to keep important documents safe.

1. Using Malaysian SIM Cards in Turkey (Roaming)

Roaming is available, but costs can be high.

Major Malaysian telecom providers (CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, Yes, and Unifi Mobile) offer international roaming plans.

Check with your provider for Turkey-specific roaming packages before traveling.

Wi-Fi calling and messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype) can help reduce costs.

2. Buying a Local Turkish SIM Card

For cheaper calls and data, buying a local SIM card is the best option.

Top Turkish Mobile Operators & Tourist SIM Packages

1. Turkcell 🇹🇷

Best coverage & fastest internet.

Tourist SIM: Around $25–$30 for 20–30 GB data, local calls & texts.

Available at airports, official Turkcell stores, and malls.

Vodafone Turkey 🔴

Good coverage & reliable speed.

Tourist SIM: Around $20–$25 for 15–25 GB data, local calls & texts.

Offers international calling minutes in some packages.

Türk Telekom 🔵

More affordable, but slightly weaker coverage in rural areas.

Tourist SIM: Around $15–$20 for 10–20 GB data, calls & texts.

Best for budget travelers.

Where to Buy a SIM Card?

Airports (more expensive but convenient).

Official operator stores in the city (cheaper & more plan options).

Mobile shops in malls or tourist areas.

Documents Required

Passport is required to register a Turkish SIM card.

Your number will be valid for 90 days (after that, it may be blocked unless you register it officially).

3. E-SIM Option

Turkcell and Vodafone offer e-SIM services for compatible smartphones.

Alternative e-SIM providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad offer prepaid data plans without needing a physical SIM.

4. Portable Wi-Fi (Pocket Wi-Fi) as an Alternative

If you don’t want to switch SIMs, rent a Pocket Wi-Fi device.

Available at Istanbul Airport, mobile stores, or online rental services.

Good for group travelers who want to share internet access.

5. Free Wi-Fi in Turkey

Hotels, cafes, restaurants, and malls usually offer free Wi-Fi.

Public areas like airports and bus stations also have free Wi-Fi but may require a local phone number for verification.

If you're visiting Turkey and need a reliable way to get around, here are the best taxi and ride-hailing apps to use:

1. BiTaksi (Best for Istanbul & Ankara)

✅ Most popular taxi app in Turkey
✅ Allows cash, credit card, or digital payments
✅ Live fare estimates & driver tracking
✅ Option to request an English-speaking driver
📍 Available in: Istanbul, Ankara
📲 Download: iOS & Android

2. Uber Turkey (Only Works with Licensed Taxis)

✅ Connects users with yellow (regular) and blue (premium) taxis
✅ Fares are meter-based, no private Uber cars
✅ Pay via cash or credit card in the app
✅ Works just like Uber in Malaysia
📍 Available in: Istanbul, Antalya
📲 Download: iOS & Android

3. iTaksi (Istanbul Municipality’s Official Taxi App)

✅ Government-supported taxi app
✅ Fixed fares, no surge pricing
✅ Offers yellow (standard), turquoise (luxury), and black (VIP) taxis
✅ Payment via cash, card, or IstanbulKart
📍 Available in: Istanbul
📲 Download: iOS & Android

4. KiwiTaxi (Best for Airport Transfers & Intercity Rides)

✅ Pre-book taxis for airport or city transfers
✅ Fixed pricing (no meter)
✅ English-speaking drivers available
✅ Available in multiple Turkish cities
📍 Available in: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Izmir, and more
📲 Book via website: https://www.kiwitaxi.com

Additional Taxi Tips for Turkey

🚖 Avoid unlicensed taxis—Always use an app or official taxi stands.
💰 Always ask for a meter if taking a street taxi to avoid overcharging.
🔌 Download apps before your trip for a smoother experience.

1. Essentials to Pack

✔ Toothbrush & Toothpaste – Widely available, but bring your preferred brand.
✔ Shampoo & Conditioner – Most hotels provide basic ones, but pack your own if you prefer specific brands.
✔ Body Wash or Soap – Commonly available in hotels.
✔ Deodorant & Perfume – Important, especially in summer!
✔ Razor & Shaving Cream – Easily found in supermarkets and pharmacies.
✔ Hairbrush & Comb – Pack based on your needs.
✔ Facial Cleanser & Moisturizer – The dry winter air may require extra hydration.
✔ Lip Balm – Helps prevent dry lips, especially in cold weather.
✔ Sunscreen – A must, especially in summer or for outdoor activities like hiking in Cappadocia.
✔ Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes – Useful when traveling.

2. For Women

✔ Makeup & Makeup Remover – Bring your usual products.
✔ Menstrual Products – Pads and tampons are available, but not all brands may be familiar. Menstrual cups are harder to find.
✔ Hair Ties & Accessories – If needed for styling or tying back hair during hot weather.

3. For Men

✔ Shaving Kit – Razors and shaving cream are widely available.
✔ Hair Gel or Wax – Available in supermarkets, but bring your favorite brand if you prefer a specific type.

4. Buying Toiletries in Turkey 🏪

Available at supermarkets (Migros, Carrefour, Şok, BİM), pharmacies (Eczane), and cosmetic stores (Gratis, Watsons, Rossmann).

International brands like Nivea, Dove, Pantene, and L’Oréal are available.

Local brands (e.g., Eyüp Sabri Tuncer, Duru, Hacı Şakir) offer good-quality traditional soaps and skincare products.

When traveling to Turkey, some items are strictly prohibited, while others require special permits. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Completely Prohibited Items 🚫

❌ Drugs & Narcotics – Carrying even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to serious legal consequences, including jail time.
❌ Firearms & Ammunition – Unless you have special government authorization, all guns, bullets, and weapons are banned.
❌ Explosives & Fireworks – Includes firecrackers, dynamite, and flammable substances.
❌ Pornographic Materials – Particularly content that is violent, offensive, or against Turkish moral laws.
❌ Counterfeit Goods & Money – Fake currency, branded items, or pirated materials may be confiscated.
❌ Radar Detectors – Devices used to detect police speed traps are illegal.

2. Restricted or Special Permit Items ⚠️

🔶 Drones – Allowed only with official permission from Turkish aviation authorities.
🔶 Large Amounts of Cash – More than €10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared at customs.
🔶 Antiques & Historical Artifacts – Taking out historical or cultural items without permission is considered smuggling and is a serious offense.
🔶 Certain Medicines – Strong painkillers, sleeping pills, and some psychiatric medications may need a doctor’s prescription.
🔶 Hunting & Sporting Equipment – Must be declared and require official approval.
🔶 Radio & Communication Equipment – Some high-frequency communication devices require special clearance.

3. Bringing Food & Animal Products 🍖🌿

🚫 Meat, dairy, and fresh produce from outside the EU or Middle East may be restricted.
✅ Small amounts of packaged food and snacks are usually fine for personal use.
⚠️ Bringing pets requires health certificates and vaccinations (especially for cats and dogs).

4. Customs Checks & Penalties 🚔

If caught with prohibited items, penalties can range from fines to imprisonment.

Customs officers may scan your luggage and perform random checks.

If unsure, declare items at customs to avoid legal trouble.

While Turkey is a welcoming country, there are certain cultural norms, legal rules, and social etiquettes that visitors should be aware of.

1. Avoid Public Displays of Affection in Conservative Areas 💑

✔ Holding hands is generally fine, but kissing or hugging in public (especially in small towns or near mosques) may be frowned upon.

2. Don’t Disrespect the Turkish Flag or Atatürk 🇹🇷

✔ Defacing, damaging, or insulting the Turkish flag or Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (the founder of modern Turkey) is a criminal offense and can lead to legal trouble.

3. Don’t Wear Shoes Inside Mosques 🕌

✔ Always remove your shoes before entering mosques.
✔ Women should cover their head, shoulders, and legs, while men should wear long pants.

4. Don’t Take Photos Without Permission 📸

✔ Always ask before photographing locals, shopkeepers, or religious figures.
✔ Taking photos inside mosques during prayer is considered disrespectful.
✔ Military zones, police stations, and some government buildings are off-limits for photography.

5. Don’t Engage in Political or Sensitive Discussions 🗣️⚠️

✔ Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics, religion, the military, or Kurdish issues with strangers.
✔ Criticizing the government can lead to legal trouble, especially on social media.

6. Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English 🗣️

✔ English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but in smaller towns, locals may only speak Turkish.
✔ Learn basic phrases like "Teşekkür ederim" (Thank you) and "Merhaba" (Hello) to show respect.

7. Don’t Ignore Bargaining in Markets 💰

✔ In bazaars and souvenir shops, sellers often expect negotiation.
✔ Politely bargain, but don’t lowball too much, as it may be seen as rude.

8. Don’t Enter a House Without Being Invited & Offered Tea ☕

✔ If visiting a local home, wait for the host to invite you inside.
✔ You’ll likely be offered tea (çay)—refusing without a good reason may seem impolite.

9. Don’t Expect Fast Service in Restaurants 🕰️

✔ Turkish meals are a social experience, so service is usually relaxed and slow.
✔ If you need the bill, call the waiter by saying "Hesap lütfen" (Check, please).

10. Check the Balance of Payment at Roadside Shops or Street Vendors 💸

✔ When shopping in street markets, bazaars, or from roadside vendors in Turkey, it’s important to double-check your payment to avoid any misunderstandings or mistakes.

11. Don't Open Your Wallet in Front of Street Vendors

12. Don't serve if an Arab Couple Asks to See Malaysian Money

✔ This is scammers in Turkiye. An Arab couple will approach you, then tell you they will go to Malaysia. They want to see what Malaysian money looks like. As soon as someone opens their front wallet, believe me, your money is already gone! Don't know how fast their hands work.

13. Don't Open Malaysian Food in Public Transport

✔ Turkish people are very sensitive to the smell of Asian food.