Gaziantep Turkey Travel Guide
The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Exchange major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) at airports, banks, and authorized exchange offices (döviz bürosu). Rates vary, so compare a few places.
ATMs are widely available throughout Gaziantep. Notify your bank about your trip plans. Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most hotels, larger restaurants, and shops. Smaller businesses, especially in bazaars and street vendors, often prefer cash. Carry small denominations of Turkish Lira.
Approximate daily costs (early 2024).
Exchange rates fluctuate. Prices are approximate and serve as a guide.
| Category | Budget Traveler (TRY/USD) | Mid-range Traveler (TRY/USD) | Luxury Traveler (TRY/USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 300-600 / $10-20 | 1000-2000 / $35-70 | 3000+ / $100+ |
| Meals | 200-400 / $7-14 | 500-1000 / $17-35 | 1500+ / $50+ |
| Transportation | 50-100 / $2-4 | 100-200 / $4-7 | 500+ / $17+ |
| Attractions | 50-150 / $2-5 | 100-300 / $4-10 | 500+ / $17+ |
| Total Daily | 600-1250 / $20-43 | 1700-3500 / $60-120 | 5500+ / $190+ |
Restaurants: 5-10% for good service. Round up for casual eateries. Taxis: Round the fare up. Hotels: Bellhops and housekeepers receive 20-50 TRY. Tour Guides: 100-200 TRY per person for a full-day tour shows appreciation.
Always carry small denominations of Try for local markets and small vendors. ATMs are common, but notify your bank before travel.
Prioritize street food and local eateries for authentic, affordable meals.
Use the Gaziantep Kart for economical city travel.
Many main attractions are walkable, saving money and offering city immersion.
Polite bargaining at bazaars is expected; not for fixed-price stores.
Go in the off-peak season for lower accommodation and flight costs.
Prioritize your health and security when traveling to Gaziantep.
Ensure all routine vaccinations are current: MMR, DTP, Varicella, Polio, and yearly flu vaccine. Recommended additional vaccines Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Hepatitis B and Rabies for longer stays or specific activities. See your doctor or a travel clinic well ahead of your journey for custom advice.
Traveler's Diarrhea: Drink only Bottled water, steer clear of ice (unless purified), eat well-cooked food, wash hands. Heat Exhaustion/Stroke (Summer): Stay hydrated with Bottled water, wear light clothing, seek shade, limit activity during peak sun hours. Sunburn: Use High-SPF sunscreen, wear hats, and Sunglasses.
Gaziantep sits in an active seismic zone. The region experienced significant earthquakes in February 2023, causing damage. Reconstruction efforts continue. Visitors should be aware of earthquake preparedness and follow local safety guidelines if an event occurs. Heavy rainfall can occasionally cause localized flash floods. Refer to health concerns for summer heat strategies.
