- On
- 14 Oct 2025
- Reading time
- 5 minutes
Turkey has become the ultimate trending spot for British travellers, with more than four and a half million visiting the country in 2024 for its world-famous cuisine - think baklava - and bustling atmosphere and vibrant energy. Holidaymakers rave about the warmth of Turkish hospitality, characterised by abundant generosity: the Turks have an ingrained idea of giving up their comfort for someone else to be accommodated as perfectly as possible. Compared to many European destinations, Turkey offers excellent value for money, allowing tourists to enjoy a range of experiences, from boutique hotels to lavish meals, at local prices.
If you're craving a mix of culture, cuisine, and coastline, Turkey might just be your next great adventure. Winter can be a good time to visit if you want to beat the crowds, indulge in skiing fun, and take in the unique winter scenery, but you need to pack warm clothing and prepare for chilly temperatures. Here's a handy guide to important details you should know before you head off.
If You Plan To Stay For More Than 90 Days, You Need A Visa
It's standard for anyone on a full-time contract in the UK to have around 28 days of paid annual leave. No matter how many days you can take, you can maximise your paid time off by planning it strategically, which allows for more rest, reduces stress, and even leads to more affordable travel arrangements. Eight days is the perfect vacation length. After that, positive feelings fade and return to pre-trip levels, so don't stay longer than you have to. UK citizens can stay in Turkey for up to ninety days without needing a visa, but make sure your passport is valid for at least five months from the date you arrive.
Install Your eSIM Before Your Flight
Losing access to the Internet can mean being unable to reach friends and family or getting lost in Istanbul, especially in crowded areas like the Grand Bazaar, with its labyrinthine streets and countless shops. Your UK SIM card will work in Turkey, but roaming charges apply when you text someone back home, use Google Maps, post on your social media accounts, or do anything that requires data. Turkey isn't part of the European Economic Area (EEA), which means the "roam like at home" rules don't apply here. Many travellers appreciate the ease of staying connected with a Holafly eSIM in Turkey, which gives them unlimited data the moment they land.
Since roaming with your phone can be a costly exercise, get an eSIM for immediate, affordable Internet. You can buy one online or go to a shop, such as a carrier store, airport kiosk, or a retailer that specialises in SIM cards and travel data, which can be helpful if you prefer in-person instructions. Install the eSIM - i.e., download the profile - before your trip to Turkey, but activate it upon arrival to make the most of every day in your subscription. Having data roaming turned off at all times is a good idea because roaming fees can pile up without you even realising it.
There's No Need To Exchange Currency Before Travelling To Turkey
The Turkish Lira has a much lower value compared to stronger currencies like the British Pound, so your money stretches further for food, accommodation, and activities. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but it's useful to carry cash for markets, small shops, and rural areas, where Internet connections may be patchy and unreliable. You'll find plenty of exchange offices and ATMs in Turkey. Still, you should bring a small amount of Turkish Lira just in case you need it. Having some cash on hand also makes tipping easier and ensures you're covered if you run into places without card machines or during power outages.
Figure Out What You Want To See And Do
Visit Istanbul, the city where the East meets the West, divided by the Bosphorus Strait. The European side of Istanbul is where most of the city's iconic landmarks are found, from the Hagia Sophia, the crowning achievement of the Byzantine Empire, whose dome was for a millennium one of the largest in the world, to the Grand Bazaar, where you can enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee at one of the city's historic coffee shops. By contrast, the Asian side of Istanbul is more residential, with leafy neighbourhoods, seaside promenades, and a slower pace of life. Here, you'll find a more authentic atmosphere, with scenic views of the Bosphorus flanked by the Golden Horn.
You can relax in a cay bahcesi (tea-house) instead of roaming the steep, cobbled streets and alleys of Fener and Balat. Turkish tea has a moderate caffeine content, which means it's not as strong as Turkish coffee but stronger than many other teas due to the strength of its brew. It's diluted with hot water to the drinker's desired strength and served in small tulip-shaped glasses without milk. You can serve Turkish tea with baklava or savoury snacks like börek, which can be made with almost any ingredient you can think of, such as potatoes, cheese, and spinach.
Hammams (bathhouses) still play an important role in Turkish society, both as places to get clean and socialize. Rooted in Islamic traditions, hammams were originally tied to religious practices like ghusl (full-body cleansing) and the idea that "cleanliness is half of faith", advanced by the Prophet Mohamed. Beyond hygiene, they were places where people gathered, relaxed, and bonded. Today, many Turks and visitors alike use hammams for stress relief, massages, and skin treatments, such as kese glove exfoliation that removes dead skin cells.
Learning A Few Turkish Phrases Before Travelling
Turkish opens the door to a rich cultural experience in a country that holds enduring historical and geographical prominence on the global stage. Whether you're visiting for a few days or settling in for a longer stay, learning some basic Turkish phrases can make your experience far more enjoyable. Words like Merhaba (Hello), Teşekkür ederim (Thank you), and Lütfen (Please) go a long way in showing respect and friendliness, so use flashcards or a language app to immerse yourself in the language.
Conclusion
Turkey offers a rich blend of culture, cuisine, and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal destination for British travellers. By planning ahead, considering visas, staying connected, managing money, and embracing local customs, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable trip. Exploring Istanbul, relaxing in a hammam, and tasting authentic Turkish tea will enhance your experience.