The Ultimate Guide on What to Pack on Your Next Trip to Turkey

Visiting Turkey is one of the most exceptional experiences imaginable. The cuisine is one of the world’s most delicious, and the complex history is imprinted in today’s culture. With so many things to see around, you may think holidays will be expensive, but the biggest advantage of Turkey is that it’s quite affordable for any budget.

Regardless, you may want to travel light and save money to spend on future memories, so the best thing to do is pack smart. Not only do you have all your necessities in one place, so you don’t need to buy any when you arrive, but you will also travel light, making the vacation less stressful and tiring.

So, here’s what you need for your next holiday in Turkey!

A digital SIM for seamless communication

Upon arrival in Turkey, you will need a SIM card to stay connected with friends and family back home, as well as to access the internet for directions and information. However, local SIMs are physical, so they might get lost, and they’re also quite expensive, especially if you purchase them from places like airports.

Luckily, you have the option of a digital SIM that’s easy to install and more affordable. An eSIM Turkey with unlimited data offers fast and reliable internet, and there are no secret roaming charges involved. The coverage includes 4G LTE and 5G in urban areas, and the product is compatible with most smartphone brands, ranging from the most common, such as Apple and Samsung, to less popular ones like Motorola, Sony, and Oppo.

An appropriate set of clothes according to the region

Turkey is much more than Istanbul (within the Marmara region), where the climate is somewhat balanced, and you can wear clothes according to the season. Depending on where you go, you must choose clothes adequately:

• The Mediterranean Coast (Antalya, Bodrum) has hot summers and wet winters with rainfall;
• The Aegean Coast (Izmir, Cesme) has hot summers and mild winters;
• Central Anatolia (Cappadocia) has dry summers and cold winters;
• Eastern Anatolia (Van, Erzurum) has warm summers and extremely cold winters;
• Southeastern Anatolia (Gaziantep, Sanliurfa) has semi-arid summers and mild winters;

Rainfall, on the other hand, is more common from October to March, especially in December, so it’s best to get clothes made of waterproof materials. In some cases, water-resistant outerwear is sufficient, and the layers beneath the coat should also be made of natural materials, allowing the skin to breathe while keeping you warm.

A set of comfortable shoes

Turkey is a relatively walkable country, and it has a well-developed public transportation system, so you’ll be walking a lot while exploring. Major attractions are conveniently close to each other, and accommodations, restaurants, and other amenities are also within proximity to every point.

Hence, get at least one pair of good walking shoes or sandals with you, according to the season, that have wide soles, so your foot will be stable and more comfortable during long walks. Before buying a new pair, test them to see if they can bend or twist, as this may indicate that they are not as stable and sturdy. Cushioning is also important, and the fit matters the most, so it’s necessary to try on the shoes and walk in them a bit. Be aware that at least the central streets of Istanbul have concrete steps, which are quite steep, so high heels may not be the most suitable choice.

A package of documents in one place

The documents are the most important when traveling to Turkey, so gathering them one by one several months before the trip will ensure a smooth embarkation process. For example, the passport must be valid for more than six months after the holiday date, and it should be renewed at least four months prior to the holiday.

You will also need an e-visa to travel to Turkey, which can be easily applied for on the official website and obtained in a few minutes. After payment, the visa document is available for download, allowing you to either print it or display it digitally on your smartphone. The visa should be bought at least 48 hours before the trip.

Ultimately, it would be ideal to obtain travel insurance to cover all unexpected events, such as illnesses, injuries, or trip cancellations. While medical expenses might not be as expensive, you may not be prepared financially for them, so investing in insurance is best. It can provide you with tremendous assistance in cases such as lost or stolen luggage, flight delays, or offer 24/7 support.

A combination of gadgets

Travel gear is often underrated, but it can be considerably helpful in making the process less challenging. For example, the average flight time from the US to Turkey is more or less 10 hours, so you might get bored or arrive with jet lag. Hence, a pair of noise-canceling headphones can help you get some sleep, watch a movie in peace, or even listen to a podcast as you kill some time.

A power adapter with a converter is necessary when arriving in Turkey, as the voltage here is different. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase one from the US, as this can save you a significant amount. Just ensure the product comes with sockets and USB plugs before traveling. Additionally, a portable phone charger will be useful when going on long walks or hikes, as you can carry it with you and have access to your phone at all times. Speaking of smartphones, getting an AirTag for your iPhone or a similar product for Samsung will ensure you never lose your luggage, as its Bluetooth will connect to other devices and show you exactly where it is.

Excited about your next trip to Turkey?

Traveling to Turkey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience during which you’ll eat the most delicious food and explore a vast and impressive culture. You can enhance your trip by bringing the right essentials with you, including a digital SIM that provides a strong internet connection, suitable clothing for the region, and necessary gadgets such as a power adapter with a converter.