Documents and visa
If you are visiting Turkey, your passport should be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive and there should be a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps. British Citizens travelling to Turkey for tourist or business purposes are able to travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you plan to remain in Turkey for a period of more than 90 days, you should either apply for a longer stay visa before you travel, or get a residence permit from the local authorities in Turkey before your 90 day stay has elapsed.
Money
The unit of currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira (TL). You can exchange currency locally at exchange offices, banks and hotels. All international credit cards are accepted. ATMs are available in major cities and at tourist sites (due to ongoing inflation, it is best to withdraw money as and when you need it). Banks are open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 5pm. Some shops accept euros, especially in large cities and tourist areas.
Getting around Istanbul
The best ways to get around Istanbul are by bus and tram, which cover the tourist areas. But on buses, drivers don't announce stops, so you'll need to be vigilant and watch where you're going. The metro is also a cheap and reliable way to travel, although the stops are further apart. The metro and bus networks can also be used to get to the city centre from Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST).
Driving is possible provided you have a good GPS as the road signs are in Turkish.
Health
Up-to-date diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccination is necessary. It is also advisable to be vaccinated against typhoid and hepatitis A and B. Avoid drinking tap water.
Best time
The best time to visit Turkey depends on what you want to do. April, May, September and October are pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. These are therefore generally the best times to visit the wide range of historical sites.
The summer months (June to September) are very hot, with temperatures reaching over 30°C. This is perfect for lounging by the sea or swimming in the pool.
The weather starts to cool down in October. However, despite the cool temperatures, these winter months are nice for exploring the almost empty sites.
Safety
Istanbul, like any other city, has both very safe areas and parts to avoid, especially at night.
You are generally safe in any tourist area including Sultanahmet, Fatih, Kadikoy, Besiktas, Ortakoy. The Taksim district is not dangerous per se, but it is a very busy area with many winding alleys, and it is also where the city's main nightlife is located.
Stay alert and don't walk alone at night.
