Do they speak English in Istanbul?

Turkish is the official language of Turkey and English is widely spoken in Istanbul; visitors are often surprised by the relatively high level of English spoken by most Turks.

Can you live in Istanbul without speaking Turkish?

Yes, you can survive in Turkey without knowing Turkish. If you live in a major tourist destination, only speaking English and using Google Translate to communicate with locals is survivable. However, only 17% of the country speaks English. Expat life in Turkey gets more manageable with some simple Turkish phrases.

How well is English spoken in Istanbul?

The primary language spoken in Istanbul is Turkish. However, Istanbul is one of the cities in Turkey with the highest number of English speakers, so it is very likely that you will be able to communicate in English.

Is it safe for an American to travel to Istanbul?

Overall, Istanbul is very safe for travelers coming from abroad. However, this doesn't always mean that crime doesn't happen. Just like everywhere else in the world, you'll want to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings when flashing cash or walking down back streets.

Can we speak English in Turkey?

About 17% of Turkey can speak English as a foreign language. It is more common to see English-speaking people in tourist areas such as Istanbul and Antalya.

Learn English in Istanbul - Turkey

Is Turkey friendly to foreigners?

A: Turkey is generally a welcoming country to foreigners, and many expats have had positive experiences living in the country. However, as with any country, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions and to be aware of any potential cultural differences.

Do English phones work in Turkey?

You'll need to set up & activate your UK SIM card before you depart. You'll need to buy & activate your Turkish SIM card on arrival (e.g. at the airport or a phone store). There's no need to register your phone or SIM card with the authorities in Turkey. You'll need to register the SIM card with official ID.

Are American tourists welcome in Turkey?

The United States has issued a travel advisory alert telling people visiting Turkey to exercise extra caution because of terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Due to Turkey's political unrest, the country is prone to terrorist attacks, with most cases reported in the southeast, Ankara, and Istanbul.

Is Turkey friendly to the US?

Security Cooperation

Turkey is an important U.S. security partner. Turkey has been a valued North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally since 1952.

Is Istanbul expensive for American tourists?

High-end traveller: 5000 TRY / person / day

A generous budget of 276 USD per person per day (or 1932 USD/week) is more than enough for Istanbul.

Does Turkey have a dress code?

In Turkish cities, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. There is no problem wearing shorts for comfort, except when you visit mosques. As for Turks, most of them will be wearing "smart casual" clothes: sleeved summer dresses or sleeved top and skirt for women, short-sleeved shirt and long trousers for men.

Can I drink the water in Istanbul?

Yes, it is safe to cook with tap water. The tap water in Istanbul is generally very clean, even good enough to drink straight from the tap.

How long can you stay in Turkey as a US citizen?

If you are planning to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days within a 180-day period, for any reason, including tourism, you must get a Turkish residence permit.

Is Istanbul people friendly?

Turkish people are incredibly friendly, love to help, and are very inquisitive. They often ask questions such as “How old are you?” or “How much money do you earn?” that can feel invasive, and staring is common.

Can a woman travel to Istanbul alone?

Yes! In fact, solo female travel in Istanbul is common, and women can feel safe exploring the city on their own. Of course, as with any big city, it's important to take basic precautions and use common sense to stay safe — particularly from scams and pickpocketing schemes.

Is Istanbul a friendly country?

What's more, the Turkish people are warm and welcoming to visitors. However, as mentioned, there are some instances that one has to be aware of when planning to visit Istanbul. For solo female travelers that are planning a trip, know that Istanbul is generally a very safe city for women.

Is Turkey cheap for Americans?

Is Turkey expensive for a holiday? No, Turkey is incredibly cheap, especially if you opt for budget accommodation and dine at local restaurants.

Is it safe for an American woman to travel to Turkey?

Travelling to Turkey is safe as long as you use common sense and take the same precautions you would at home. Understanding the country's culture is important and will help you enjoy your travels and better connect with its people.

Is it safe for an American woman to travel alone to Turkey?

Overall, Turkey is very welcoming to female solo travelers. You need to use your common sense and listen to your gut if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about anything. If you're prepared and aware of local customs, traveling solo in Turkey is a piece of cake and as safe as anywhere else.

What should a woman wear in Turkey?

Clothing tips for women

In rural Turkey, women tend to dress much more modestly, with dark colored head scarves. A long skirt or loose-fitting pants and a long-sleeved cotton shirt will help you to blend in a little more, and will protect you from the sun.

Are there many Americans in Turkey?

When we look at the nationalities of the foreigners working in Turkey we see that the highest proportion are American citizens. There are 2,258 Americans working in Turkey.

Do US citizens need health insurance to travel to Turkey?

If you are not applying for a visa to visit Turkey, then travel insurance is not mandatory. You can still travel to Turkey without it. However, it is always advisable to purchase travel insurance when you travel to a foreign country, even if it's not mandatory.

Can I use my US cell phone in Turkey?

Turkish mobile communication infrastructure is highly advanced and you can use almost all mobile devices in all GSM frequency bands (such as 900 / 1800 Mhz, 2G, 3G, 4G and 4,5G). It means all iPhone and Android devices work perfectly in Turkey (unless the device is locked by your resident company).

Are iphones allowed in Turkey?

The newer smartphones such as the Apple iPhone 5 and 6, and Android phones, work in Turkey. — Quad-band: 850 Mhz, 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz and 1900 Mhz four-band phones work practically anywhere in the world that GSM systems are found. In the USA and Japan, standards (CDMA, TDMA, etc.) are in use as well as GSM.

Can you use your iPhone in Turkey?

Register Mobile Phones in Turkey. When you are visiting Turkey as a foreigner, you may use you phone for up to 120 days via international roaming or with a Turkish SIM card without having to register it.