Traveling Tips for Turkey

Turkey is one of the most fascinating destinations on the planet. If you are well prepared for your Magister travel experience you will enjoy it tremendously and return home with wonderful long lasting memories of your journey.

When to go:

Most leisure travelers visit Turkey between April and the end of October. July and August are the busiest and hottest months. More temperate weather is the usual expectation for April through June, September and October.

Istanbul tends to be hot in summer, cold and rainy in winter. The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts enjoy mild winters and hot summers. The Black Sea coast is mild and damp, with an average annual rainfall of 90 inches. Central and Eastern Anatolia regions experience hot summers and cold, snowy winters.

Currency:

Turkish Lira, Euros and US Dollars are widely accepted. ATM machines are available in major cities. Major credit cards are mostly accepted, however, it is helpful to have cash on hand when shopping in bazaars. Make sure that your dollar bills are new without rips or folds.

Eating and drinking:

There is a wide variety of cuisine offered throughout the country, although it is a good idea to sample regional foods while you are visiting the area as they may not be found outside of their particular region. Vegetables and fruits are excellent and it is safe to eat foods from street vendors. Bottled water is advisable and hotels usually provide bottled water in guest rooms.

Mosque Etiquette:

It is best not to enter a mosque during the five daily prayer sessions, or at midday on Friday, when attendances are higher. Immodest clothing is usually not allowed; women should cover their arms, legs and heads before entering a mosque. However, this rule is often overlooked and your Magister guide will instruct you on how to dress for the day’s touring. Men may not wear shorts to enter a mosque.

Shoes must be removed before entering a mosque; there is normally an attendant who watches over them.

It is not appropriate to sit down in a mosque and there are usually signs indicating so.

Taking photographs inside the mosque is normally not allowed.