Top 5 Important Tips Travelling From UK To Turkey

Important Tips Travelling From UK To Turkey

Turkey is a top world destination with many intriguing facets ranging from a bounty of natural resource endowment and scenic beauty, a historic cultural heritage with actual ruins of its primordial empires, great weather, modernized cities, charming countryside and so much more! It is one of the memorable places on Earth that makes you appreciate life and how far the world has come. Before the pandemic, Turkey registered over 35 million tourists annually, most of whom visited from May to October when it’s all warm and sunny. Travelling to Turkey from the UK has become more convenient with the great travel packages and the cost-effective auxiliary services offered by different operators.

Are you planning a trip to Turkey? Here are some of the top five things you need to know to help you plan before and during your esteemed visit.

#1. Travel Requirements

Due to the coronavirus, the Turkish government has put a temporary suspension on passenger flights from the UK. However, land and sea travellers still allowed into the country. You should, therefore opt for one of the alternatives, although random changes could occur unexpectedly. Nevertheless, considering that the pandemic is now under control, flights expected to commence soon. Passer-by flights allowed, on a condition that the passenger takes another PCR test upon landing on Turkish ground.

A visa is must, and passports should have more than six months before expiry. British passengers allowed a 90-day visa-free stay on business grounds or for tourism purposes. Similarly, a PCR negative test required before taking a direct flight to Turkey and must be taken within 72 hours before boarding. Upon arrival, one is expected to self-isolate for 14 days in quarantine locations selected by the Turkish authorities. If travelling with a Turkish mixed-race child, the Turkish authorities will not allow exit without proof of approval by the child’s Turk parent.

#2. Cheap Local Flights

Once on the Turkish soil, you might need to move around using local flights to either business or recreational destinations. Turkish Airline is preferable as they cover most destinations and offer standardized rates. Other cheap airlines that operate locally include Pegasus, Onur and Anadolujet airlines. It would be safer for all the mentioned flights to complete check-in about 2 hours before departure, except for OnurAirlines, which closes 3 hours before. Luggage allowances on these flights are quite restrictive; hence, you will need a world-class luggage delivery service. For example, the Turkish airlines allow a maximum of 8kgs cabin bags and 20kgs checked luggage for economy and 30kgs for business class.

#3. Luggage Shipping

It is smart to consider luggage shipping from the UK to avoid unprecedented inconveniences and exorbitant charges when checking in luggage. Furthermore, the best luggage shipping companies from the UK offer door to door delivery at reasonable prices. Apart from the assurance that your items will arrive undamaged, these services provide comprehensive compensation in case damage done. However, this is rare with the sophisticated luggage delivery system that allows customers to track the entire process. Such modern shipping services are transparent, and hence many travellers opt for the convenience they offer. All you have to do is go online, book shipping services, pack and wait for the carriers to get your bags from your current location. You may then travel peacefully, and wait for delivery at the exact time they promise, at your desired location.

#4. Health and Safety

Crime cases are relatively low in Turkey. Various police departments form an elaborate network across Turkey, in both cities and rural areas, to serve and protect at all times. However, a few individuals take advantage of oblivious tourists by pickpocketing them in congested zones such as city centres. Therefore, stay alert or even better, ensure that all your valuables enlisted as part of the shipped luggage. Although this might be less of a security matter, you should be aware that Turks accustomed to modest dressing, especially in the case of women. This more so, in rural Turkey. During the pandemic, avoiding crowded places is most advisable. Luckily, the country offers multiple destinations where any foreigner can comfortably relax and not worry about cultural subjectivity.

#5. Handling Money

Credit cards are common in Turkey; thus, you can use them in most places, including hotels, larger shops and entertainment outlets. However, some smaller businesses have a cash-only policy. Although most hotels accept credit card payments, having walk around cash in the local currency might be an added advantage as cash payment discounts are widespread. Do not buy Liras before entering the country. Exchange rates are more rewarding in Turkey. Besides, a considerable number of hotels and other businesses accept Euros, dollars and Sterling Pounds payments. However, the Euro is the most convenient. If you need to buy some local currency, the national bank, Ziraat Bankası, offers the best rates but cues are long despite the automated ticket system.

Turkey is a haven, and with the proper know-how, you do not have to break the bank to enjoy the ultimate experience the beautiful country has to offer.