Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for tourists today. Your trip will be perfect if you avoid doing the following 13+ things while traveling to Turkey. So, what to know before visiting Turkey, what not to do in Turkey and what to know before traveling to Turkey? Let’s check out our Turkey travel tips, Turkey travel etiquette and Turkey travel advice with 14 things to know before traveling to Turkey, things to know before visiting Turkey including dos and don’ts in Turkey in general as well as dos and don’ts in Istanbul in particular! Okay, let’s get started! We’ll find these things out together!

Istanbul – The city of magnificent mosques. | what to know before visiting turkey
Antalya
Spring and autumn are the best times to go to Cappadocia. | what to know before visiting turkey
A panoramic view of Cappadocia valley. | what to know before visiting turkey

What to know before visiting Turkey: Wear shoes when entering the mosque

| what to know before visiting turkey

If you visit a mosque, remember to take off your shoes before entering the building. Also note that you shouldn’t wear shorts, as this is thought to be inappropriate. If you are lucky enough to visit a Turkish house, check the entrance for shoe storage and then put your shoes in the right place.

Çamlıca Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey | what to know before visiting turkey
A traditional Turkish house | what to know before visiting turkey

Dos and don’ts in Turkey: Consume food and drink in public places when traveling during Ramadan

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Ramadan is a Muslim holiday that lasts about a month. During this time, people usually go on a vegetarian diet every day for 30 days. Muslims aren’t supposed to eat or drink anything between sunrise and sunset.

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If you travel to Turkey during the month of Ramadan, you shouldn’t eat or drink in public or offer anything to a Muslim during the day.

Istanbul cuisine | what to know before visiting turkey

Turkey travel advice: Walk in front of a praying person

The exterior of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey | dos and don’ts in turkey

According to the traditional conception of Muslims, if you precede a person who is praying, their prayers will not be counted. This becomes even more true when you visit a mosque. Therefore, be extremely cautious when walking in these places.

Prayers in Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey | dos and don’ts in turkey
Keep polite in the sanctuary in Istanbul, Turkey | dos and don’ts in turkey

Turkey travel tips: Wear inappropriate costumes

| dos and don’ts in turkey

When you travel to Turkey, remember to bring some discreet clothes. Both men and women should consider leaving their shorts at home. As you get away from big cities, you will likely see Muslims looking at you strangely if you’re wearing unusual attire.

You need to comply with some rules on outfits for churches or mosques in Istanbul, Turkey | dos and don’ts in turkey
| dos and don’ts in turkey

What not to do in Turkey: Forget to learn a few Turkish words before traveling

| what not to do in turkey

Most people living in Turkey do not speak English (like many people in the United States do not speak Turkish). So if you’re going to visit this country, learn a few basic words and phrases to communicate more effectively.

| what not to do in turkey
| what not to do in turkey

What to know before traveling to Turkey: Practice body language when visiting Turkey

Muslim men in Istanbul | what not to do in turkey

In Turkey, your nod will be meaningless or confusing. If you want to signal “yes” or “agree” to someone, only nod once. Otherwise, if you want to say “no” or “disagree,” lift your chin, raise your eyebrows and press your tongue slightly.

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Balata District, Istanbul | what to know before traveling to turkey

Things to know before traveling to Turkey: Fail to be concerned with your behaviors in all circumstances

Galata Tower
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One of the things not to do in Turkey is failing to pay attention to one’s behavior. Not only because it’s a cultural norm of the Turks but remember that you represent your country, so be careful in all actions. You’d better learn some Turkish such as “please” and “thank you” before traveling to Turkey!

| what to know before traveling to turkey
| what to know before traveling to turkey

Be offended when the Turks only talk to your companions who are male

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If you are a woman visiting Turkey with your significant other or friends, you will find that Turkish men only speak to your male companion.

| what to know before traveling to turkey

This is something that happens very commonly in the countryside. You shouldn’t be offended or have bad feelings for them. The reason is they’re trying to protect your virtue politely in their traditional style.

| things to know before traveling to turkey

Things to know before visiting Turkey: Enter a mosque dressed in sexy outfits

| things to know before traveling to turkey

The historic mosques of Turkey, such as the Blue Mosque or Yeni Cami, are not only tourist attractions but also places where devotees come to pray. To show your respect in these sacred locations, say no to wearing sexy clothes.

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul,Turkey-8
This religious site attracts many locals and out-of-towners | things to know before traveling to turkey

Indeed, you should prepare a sweater to cover your shoulders or arms. At the same time, you should avoid wearing miniskirts and shorts. You will feel comfortable when mingling yourself into the surrounding with discreet and respectful outfits.

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Dos and don’ts in Istanbul: Get on a taxi without a logo

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Turkish taxi drivers are pretty fond of separating tourists by taking detour routes or using a faulty meter for extra fares. To keep yourself from this kind of situation, you should choose taxis that offer a certain price.

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You can distinguish between trustworthy and rogue taxis by the logos on the doors. This will show you that the cab is working under a certain brand instead of a fishy business. The advice is to download the BiTaksi app to book a reliable ride from anywhere.

Traffic view in Istanbul, Turkey | things to know before visiting turkey

What to know before visiting Turkey: Only go shopping at shopping malls

A row of shops selling pottery in the Grand Bazaar. Right on the streets of Istanbul, you can also easily see many hand-painted ceramic products, from coasters to candle holders, and cups… at affordable prices. Don’t miss it, because maybe on the whole journey, you won’t be able to find the same product again. | things to know before visiting turkey

Going to shopping malls is quite a waste when traveling to Turkey. You can go to the markets to discover great things, from the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul to the Kemeraltı Market in Izmir.

Young tourist couple shopping in in Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey | what to know before visiting turkey

You’ll find more unique handmade products, clothing, and accessories than any of the brand stores located at shopping malls.

A shop selling lamps in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul | what to know before visiting turkey
Spice bazaar Misir Carsisi | dos and don’ts in turkey
Grand bazaar shops in Istanbul. Turkey. | dos and don’ts in turkey

Dos and don’ts in Turkey: Focus only on tourist areas

Istanbul downtown | dos and don’ts in turkey

It would be regrettable to travel to Turkey and only visit the central tourist areas. While many people only visit Istanbul, locals usually recommend going to other unpopular places in the city.

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Istanbul tram | dos and don’ts in turkey

Take a day or two to visit the main attractions, then spend your time researching and exploring the surrounding local areas. There are a lot of exciting things here, which will let you have an awesome experience of Turkey.

Inside Turkey metro train | dos and don’ts in turkey

Show off your wealth

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There are only a few areas in Turkey where you can comfortably show off your wealth. For example, wealthy neighborhoods in big cities like Istanbul or Ankara. However, it’s better to avoid flaunting your money in smaller cities or rural areas because this will easily make you a target for scams.

Street in Istanbul, Turkey

Though Turkish tourism has experienced a sharp decline in sales in recent years, the beautiful country situated across two continents still has new features that attract tourists globally. The historical sites, enchanting sceneries, delicious food, and cultural festivals imbued with national identity will give visitors the most beautiful memories in Turkey.

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul,Turkey-9
A massive complex of Hagia Sophia.

If you consider Turkey as your next vacation, schedule your trip now! This country won’t let you down. Above are a few things not to do when traveling to Turkey for your reference. Hopefully, these tips will help you have a wonderful and memorable journey.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Istanbul you can refer to

Blue Mosque in Istanbul, architectural masterpieces
Turkey is famous for its massive scale, magificent, overwhelming mosques. | 12 hour layover in istanbul

Are you looking for more top things to do in Istanbul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And Istanbul travel guide and Turkey travel guide here.