Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₺500–800 | ₺1,200–2,500 |
| Food | ₺200–350 | ₺500–800 |
| Transport | ₺50–100 | ₺150–300 |
| Activities | ₺100–250 | ₺300–600 |
| Drinks | ₺50–100 | ₺200–400 |
| Daily Total | ₺900–1,600 | ₺2,350–4,600 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Many nationalities enter visa-free for 90 days (EU, UK, most Americas). US, Canada, Australia need an e-visa ($50) — apply at evisa.gov.tr
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months from entry. Keep a copy of your e-visa printout handy
- Antalya Airport (AYT) is 13km from the city centre. AntRay tram (₺15) connects to the centre in 40 minutes
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is technically safe but locals drink bottled (₺10–15 for 1.5L)
- Antalya is very safe for tourists. Petty theft is rare but use common sense in crowded areas
- Summer heat (Jul–Aug) hits 38–42°C — hydrate constantly, wear sunscreen, and avoid midday sun
Getting Around
- AntRay tram runs from the airport through the centre to Expo. AntalyaKart (₺30 + credit) for public transport
- Dolmuş (shared minibuses) cover routes not served by the tram — ₺15–30 per ride. Wave them down anywhere on the route
- Taxis are metered (₺30 start + ₺30/km). Always insist on the meter. Uber doesn't operate; use BiTaksi app instead
Connectivity
- Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom sell tourist SIMs at the airport — ₺500–800 for 20GB + calls (passport required)
- Free WiFi in most cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Speed varies — Kaleiçi cafes are generally reliable
- WhatsApp, Instagram, and most apps work fine. Some VPN services are blocked; download one before arriving
Money
- Turkish Lira (₺) fluctuates — check rates daily. ATMs are everywhere; PTT (post office) ATMs have lowest fees
- Cards accepted at most restaurants and shops. Cash needed for dolmuş, bazaars, and smaller lokanta restaurants
- Tipping: 5–10% at restaurants is standard. Round up taxi fares. No tipping at lokanta or street food
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing. A scarf or shawl for mosque visits (women should cover hair, shoulders, and knees)
- Water shoes for the pebbly beaches at Konyaaltı. Sturdy shoes for Termessos and Perge ruins
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, and a hat — the Mediterranean sun is intense even in shoulder season
Cultural tips
Mosque Etiquette
Remove shoes, cover shoulders and knees. Women must cover their hair — carry a scarf. Don't visit during prayer times. Be quiet and respectful inside.
Tea Culture
Accepting tea is a social ritual. Shopkeepers, hosts, and even taxi drivers may offer çay. It's rude to refuse — accept, sip slowly, and enjoy the hospitality.
Bargaining
Expected in bazaars and markets but never in restaurants, supermarkets, or transport. Start at 40% of asking price and meet in the middle. Keep it friendly.
Dress Code
Antalya is liberal by Turkish standards. Beachwear is fine on beaches but cover up in town. Conservative dress required for mosques and rural areas.
Ramadan
During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours out of respect. Restaurants in tourist areas stay open but may be quieter. Iftar meals at sunset are a cultural highlight.
Greetings
Learn "Merhaba" (hello), "Teşekkür ederim" (thank you), and "Lütfen" (please). A little Turkish goes a very long way. Locals genuinely appreciate the effort.
