Essentials for any trip
Passport with 6+ months validity and at least one blank page. Printed e-Visa (if applicable) plus a digital copy in your phone. Travel insurance certificate — Turkey hospitals expect upfront payment. Type-F (European) plug adapter, USB-C charger, power bank for the long flights to Cappadocia.
Clothing for mosques and religious sites
Both men and women must cover knees and shoulders inside Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye and most working mosques. Women need to cover hair — bring a light scarf or use the free ones provided. Avoid tight clothing in conservative neighbourhoods like Fatih and Eyup. In tourist zones (Sultanahmet, Kadıköy, Beyoğlu) normal Western clothing is completely fine.
Cappadocia balloon-flight kit
Mornings are 0–10°C from October to April, even in summer it is 12–18°C at 5 AM. Bring a warm fleece layer, beanie, gloves and closed-toe shoes — the basket lands in dusty fields. Avoid loose hats (they fly away) and skirts (you climb in and out of the basket). Phone strap is highly recommended.
Beach and Blue Cruise gear
Reef-safe sunscreen (Turkish marine parks fine plastic-bottle brands), water shoes for pebble beaches at Olu Deniz and Patara, dry bag for boat days, snorkel mask if you are particular — rentals on board are basic. Modest swimwear is appreciated on village beaches but bikinis are normal at resort beaches.
Apps to install before you fly
BiTaksi (taxi like Uber, fixed-meter), Trendyol Go (food delivery), İstanbulkart app (transit card), Google Translate with offline Turkish, Maps.me with downloaded offline maps for Cappadocia trails, and the e-Devlet app if you plan to file an extension.
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FAQs
What plug type does Turkey use?+
Type-F (the round two-pin European plug). Voltage is 220V, 50Hz — same as the rest of continental Europe. UK and US travellers need an adapter.
Do I need a SIM card?+
Hotels and restaurants offer free WiFi everywhere. For data on the go, a Turkcell or Vodafone tourist SIM (around 20 EUR for 20 GB / 30 days) at the airport is the simplest option. eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly) work too and skip the queue.
Can I bring my drone?+
Drones over 250 g must be registered with TCSHGM at least 60 days before arrival. Flying in national parks (Cappadocia valleys, Pamukkale) without a permit risks confiscation. For most travellers, a phone camera is enough.
Is tap water safe to drink?+
Generally not for tourists. Stick to bottled water (1 L is around 8 TRY in supermarkets, 25 TRY in hotels) or refillable filtered bottles. Brushing teeth with tap water is fine.
