Trip to Turkey

The list adapts to you

When you add it, the checklist asks a couple of questions and keeps only the items that fit your situation.

• What's the plan? Beach holidayCities and sightseeing
• Traveling with kids? NoYes

What's inside

1. Check your passport validity

   Turkey requires at least 150 days of passport validity from the date of entry. Check now — renewing a passport takes weeks.

2. Check visa rules

   Many nationalities enter visa-free or with a cheap e-visa from evisa.gov.tr. Rules change — double-check for your passport before booking.

3. Buy travel medical insurance

   Tourist healthcare in Turkey is paid and not cheap. Make sure the policy covers activities: waterparks, diving, quad bikes.

4. Save tickets and bookings offline

   Border control may ask for a return ticket and hotel address. Screenshots on your phone plus paper copies just in case.

5. Take cash (USD or EUR)

   Cards are widely accepted, but small vendors, markets and dolmuş buses often take lira cash only. Exchanging on arrival usually beats airport and home rates; keep small bills for tips.

6. Make copies of your documents

   Photos of passport, insurance and bookings go to cloud storage. Paper copies travel separately from the originals.

7. Pack a first aid kit

   Minimum: fever reducer, painkiller, sorbent and oral rehydration salts (stomach bugs happen), plasters, antiseptic, your regular meds. Many medicines in Turkey are prescription-only.

8. Buy sunscreen SPF 30–50

   It costs 2–3x more at the resorts. Add panthenol spray in case of sunburn.

9. Remember: drink bottled water only

   Even locals don't drink tap water in Turkey. Supermarket bottled water costs pennies.

10. Set up an eSIM or local SIM

    Airport tourist SIMs are overpriced. An eSIM (Airalo and similar) is usually cheaper. Keep access to SMS codes from your bank back home.

11. Download offline maps and a translator

    Offline city maps plus Turkish in your offline translator: outside hotels English is limited.

12. Arrange airport transfer

    Taxis at the exit are the priciest option. Havaist/HAVAŞ buses or a pre-booked transfer are calmer and cheaper.

13. Chargers and a power bank

    Type F sockets (European standard). US/UK plugs need an adapter.

14. Pack a light jacket for evenings

    Sea evenings get chilly, and buses, restaurants and malls run icy air conditioning.

15. Hat and sunglasses

    The southern Turkish sun is harsh from May to October.

16. Swimwear and beach shoes Beach holiday

    Two swimsuits are enough: one dries while you wear the other. Water shoes matter on pebble beaches (Kemer, Antalya).

17. Waterproof phone pouch Beach holiday

    Protects from sand and splashes, and you can shoot sea photos right through it.

18. Broken-in walking shoes Cities and sightseeing

    Sightseeing days mean 15–20k steps over hills, cobblestones and ancient ruins.

19. Modest clothes for mosque visits Cities and sightseeing

    Shoulders and knees covered; women need a headscarf. Big mosques lend wraps, but your own scarf is more comfortable.

20. Plan excursions in advance Cities and sightseeing

    Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Ephesus — balloon flights and popular tours sell out days ahead in season.

21. Kids' documents Yes

    Each child needs their own passport. Bring the birth certificate (matters when surnames differ) and check exit rules if the child travels with one parent.

22. Kids' first aid kit Yes

    Child-dose fever reducer, tummy remedies, thermometer, cartoon plasters — they beat any persuasion.

23. UV swim shirt and floaties for the kid Yes Beach holiday

    Kids' skin burns in 15 minutes. A UPF swim shirt beats any sunscreen, and a sun hat is non-negotiable.

24. Snacks and entertainment for the road Yes

    Offline cartoons, small new toys, water and familiar snacks: the flight plus transfer run long.

25. Stroller or baby carrier Yes

    Most airlines gate-check a light stroller for free. For ruins and cobblestones a carrier works better.

26. Check in online for your flight

    Usually opens 24–36 hours before departure. Free seats together go fastest right at opening.