Turkey
Turkey has three main mobile service providers: Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom. Turkcell generally offers wide coverage and fast data speeds. You will need your passport for SIM card registration.
The official language is Turkish. While some English speakers work in tourism, outside these areas, English proficiency may be limited.
Everyday phrases for dining and navigation.
A few words in Turkish make a positive impression and may open up conversations with locals.
Familiarity with local operating hours for various businesses.
Shops generally open from 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM. Larger shopping malls stay open until 10:00 PM. Traditional bazaars operate from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and are often closed on Sundays.
Lunch service is typically 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Dinner service usually starts around 7:00 PM and continues until 10:00 PM or later. Cafes open earlier and close later.
Most museums operate from 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, often closed on Mondays. Active mosques are open from dawn until dusk but close to visitors for 15-30 minutes during each of the five daily prayer times.
Most banks operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. They are closed on weekends and public holidays. ATMs are widely available throughout Edirne, especially in the city center and near banks. They operate 24/7.
National and religious holidays may affect business hours, public transport, and services. Banks and government offices will be closed. Some shops and restaurants may also close for part or all of these holidays.
To avoid unexpected closures, check the operating hours of specific venues before your visit, especially around holidays.
Navigating social interactions with respect and cultural awareness.
Handshakes are common greetings, notably between men, and between men and women if extended by the woman. For elders, kissing their hand and bringing it to your forehead is a sign of respect. As a visitor, a polite verbal greeting and a slight head bow are perfectly acceptable.
Modest dress is advisable in public, especially in more traditional areas. This shows respect for local customs. For mosques, modest dress is a requirement (women covering head, shoulders, knees; men in long trousers and shirts).
Try to finish the food on your plate as a sign of appreciation. Do not waste bread; it is considered a staple. Tipping (bahşiş) is customary in restaurants (5-10%). Round up taxi fares. Small tips for hotel staff are appreciated.
Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children or women. Respect a "no." Avoid taking photos of military or government buildings. Inside mosques, be discreet, avoid flash during prayer, and do not photograph praying individuals.
Specific services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are not widely advertised or available. Translation apps and a good travel companion are beneficial.
