Before You Leave For Turkey

Commonly referred to as the gateway to the East, Turkey straddles two continents and has a unique blend of Asian and European culture and civilization. This Eurasian country is among the world’s top tourist and relocation destinations for people from across the globe. But before packing the bags for Turkey, one should be aware of a few basic things about this destination country.

Health: Turkey’s state-run hospitals, owing to limited funding, don’t have the capacity to cater to the healthcare needs of its huge 70 million population. Nor do they offer services on par with international standards. Due to this, private healthcare has flourished in Turkey which caters to a larger proportion of population and also meets all international standards in terms of expertise and equipment.

Commute: Modern and well-maintained routes linking to cities, small towns and major tourist areas are to be found throughout Turkey. A developed public transport system also exists in Turkey, but as it is limited, having a car at one’s disposal gives them the freedom of travel. Driving in the crowded Turkish cities can however sometimes be frustrating for those having quieter and lesser crowded driving conditions in their home country.

Money: Throughout Turkey, especially in the tourist areas, credit and debit cards are widely accepted. A vast network of ATM machines enables you to draw cash in foreign currency. Currency exchangers are also abound in the country and are open until midnight. In case you plan to open an account in a Turkish bank, it’s wise to first check the bank’s money transfer rates to and from Turkey.

Food: Typical Turkish cuisine consists of fresh vegetables which are either eaten raw or cooked with meat in traditional terracotta pots. Whatever your taste, you are very likely to find it in Turkey. All sorts of meat, dairy products, cereals, vegetables, fruits, nuts and spices are easily to be found in Turkey. Cuisine from European to Asian is available in Turkey’s countless restaurants and eateries. Sale and use of alcohol is not restricted in any part of Turkey.