Some General Do's and Don'ts in Turkey
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fethiye mosqueThere are two important things to remember about visiting Turkey - it is a predominantly Muslim and conservative country - and the Turkish resorts are not representative of much of Turkey. To put it another way, you will be able to dress how you wish to, relax and be yourself in your chosen seaside resort within reason but if you venture further out - and further out isn't always very far at all - you need to think about dressing and behaving respectfully.
Drunkenness, walking around in bikinis and boisterous behaviour has slowly become reluctantly tolerated in the resorts over the years. It doesn't mean it is fine to do it, just that people have become used to it. None of these should be taken out of the resorts. Locals in rural areas are normally very welcoming and you may find yourselves being invited in for cay or even to join a family barbecue, so it's worth making an effort to behave conservatively!

Other Cultural Do's & Don'ts

  • Don't assume you can just take photographs of a Turkish man's house or farm or wife - if you must, ask permission first!
  • On a similar note, don't joke with him about his wife - "I'll run away with her" is NOT the compliment you meant it to be!
  • Cover up if you visit a mosque - and take your shoes off. If you visit a religious area you should also dress conservatively.
  • NEVER deface (even temporarily) or climb upon any images or statues of Ataturk - even for a joke or a 'funny' photograph - it simply isn't done. Similarly, respect the Turkish flag in every possible way - this is a very proud nation.

Airport Do's & Don'ts

  • Don't exchange money at the airport change shops - bring a little with you and change at the banks or change shops in resort - the airport rates are a disgrace!
  • There are no free luggage trolleys, just ones you have to pay for. Your taxi/transfer/friends won't be far from the carousel so if you can, carry your luggage.
  • Plan ahead and take food to the airport when you are going home - Dalaman airport is ridiculously expensive for food and drink - 12 euros for a Big Mac Meal!
  • Don't arrive at Dalaman and look for a taxi - this is madness and the price will shock you. Book with a registered transfer company or shuttle service before you fly.

In Resort Do's and Don'ts

Everyone in town will be very friendly, very helpful and very charming - welcome to Turkey. But it is too easy to fall into over relaxed mode too - and do things or take risks you would never dream of doing back home - Turkey is in fact a safe destination relative to many others - so just make a mental note of the things to avoid now:
  • Don't walk home alone in the late evening/wee small hours. As mentioned, you will normally have no problems at all but there is the occasional pest to be avoided. Also not all roads have street lighting like the UK and some have none at all - so best to walk back with friends.
  • Similarly, keep vigilant when using ATMs to get money - just like the UK there can be scams. Be especially aware of anyone who offers to help with the language or wants to try your card for you - keep your bank card in your hand ONLY!
  • Don't change money at shops or people who are touting for your currency - some are full of tricks and you will get the opposite to the great rate they promised. Use banks and official change shops, they are easy to find.
  • If you are unsure how much something will cost, just ask first - simple but it's amazing how people get a shock when the bill comes because they didn't!

Please don't take the above as a list of negatives - it is the opposite - how to enjoy a very different country, a very proud country and it's values quite easily.

If you have any do's and don'ts to add we'd love to see them - get in touch using our contact form
 
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