Ankara Travel Guide: Dos and Don'ts

Travel Guide

Dos and Don'ts for Visiting Türkiye

Essential Travel Information for Pakistanis Visiting Türkiye

This guide will help you have a safe, enjoyable, and culturally respectful experience while visiting our brotherly nation Türkiye.

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Dos When Visiting Türkiye

Learn Key Turkish Words

In popular tourist areas of large cities, like Istanbul, people speak English. However, most Turkish people are not fluent in the language. It would be advisable if a few Turkish words may be learned before visiting Türkiye. We can take particular pleasure from the fact that there are thousands of words common in Urdu and Turkish (Urdu itself is a Turkish word!).

Be Prepared to Haggle/Bargain

It is customary to haggle at bazaars or markets in Türkiye. Although actual stores have fixed prices, the open-air markets expect you to haggle so their first price will be high.

Try Local Food

Turkish cuisine is famous for its taste and variety. Börek (baked pastry), pide (Turkish-Flat-bread-pizza), çorba (soup), helva (sweet confection), and Turkish kebabs are famous Turkish dish delicacies.

Always Carry your Passport

It is advisable to keep your passport safely with you all the time.

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Don'ts When Visiting Türkiye

Be Respectful to Privacy

Do not take random pictures which may include military facilities, Turkish people, especially women even in the background. Be extra cautious that no picture showing Turkish people be loaded on social media without their consent.

Do not Fall for Scams

Tourist scams such as selling fake artifacts and stones are common in Türkiye as a way for many locals to make extra money. Be aware of these scams, especially in Istanbul, so you don't get cheated out of your money.

Don't Carry Areca Nuts

According to Turkish law, areca nuts and similar categories of chewable items are considered narcotics and carry severe punishment. It is intimated not to carry areca nuts or similar category of chewable items like gutka, chalia, Supari etc while visiting Türkiye.

Beware of Unmetered Taxis

Often taxis claim their meter is broken and then grossly overcharge at the end. Only take taxis with a working meter or use BiTaksi.

Watch Out for Pickpocketing

Pickpocketing is rampant. Be careful at tourist attractions and avoid flashy items that attract pickpockets' attention.

Do not Disrespect Atatürk

Turkish people have a deep respect for the Founding Father of the Turkish Republic, Atatürk. Do not say anything which can hurt the feelings of local people. This also goes for the government and the Turkish flag.

Don't Buy Stones or Fossils

Stones and fossils are considered cultural artifacts, and it's illegal to export them. It is better not to buy them in Türkiye.

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Important Legal Notice

Attention Pakistani Citizens: Turkish authorities strictly enforce laws regarding narcotics and cultural artifacts. Areca nuts (gutka, chalia, supari) are classified as narcotics and carry severe penalties including imprisonment.

Exporting stones, fossils, or historical artifacts is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences. Always respect local laws and customs during your stay in Türkiye.

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