Where to Start When Planning Your Trip to Turkey

Transportation:

Public transportation in Istanbul:

You can buy the Istanbul Transportation Card at any kiosk outside of every public transportation station. The card cost around 7 TRY and then you can add any pre-paid amount you need. Allowing you to travel on the subway, trams, ferries, and buses. There is an unlimited transportation card option you can buy here. Unless you are planning to spend a lot of time in Istanbul it seems to be a wee bit pricey.

Flying:

Turkey is a massive country and just exploring Istanbul does not do Turkey justice. Thankfully they have domestic airlines, such as Pegasus, for great prices. Getting travelers to and from different areas in Turkey.

Rent a car:

We rented a car for over half of our time in Turkey. If you would like to learn more you can click here.

Things to Consider:

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY or TL)

Best Time to Visit: April-May or September-October

Language: Turkish

Drinkable Tap Water: Yes

Haggling: Yes

Tip: Yes (5-10%)

Flush Toilet Paper: Yes

Cash or Credit Card: Mostly credit card

Cultural Tips:

Tea is commonly served after a meal. Served in a small tulip-shaped glass. Flavors can include lemon, apple, cherry, and of coarse black.

Turkey recognizes their former president, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, by a moment of silence every November 10th at 9:05am. He can be attributed to leading the country to independence and reform. Introducing the latin alphabet, economic and social reforms.

What We Wish We Knew:

Get to Ephesus early, can not state this enough. We got there right when they opened and it was only us and one other family. Thirty minutes later is when the tour buses started coming and getting busy.
Unfortunately, Pamukkale is overrated in my opinion. Unless you are driving through I would not recommend going out of your way for the thermal pools. Instagram really over edits them.