Officially known as the Republic of Türkiye, Türkiye is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe. It is known for its rich cultural heritage (home to ancient civilizations like the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans), stunning sites (e.g., Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Mount Ararat), and strategic geopolitical position; bridging both Europe and Asia. Türkiye's capital is Ankara (ever since 1923, replacing Istanbul). It is known for landmarks like Anıtkabir (mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Türkiye). It may not be as popular than Istanbul, but the city is culturally rich and strategically important (The political and administrative centre of the country, and hosting government institutions, foreign embassies, and major universities).
UTC+3.
Due to its location on several active fault lines, earthquakes are the most frequent, but floods, landslides, and wildfires can happen.
In 2025, fines have increased by roughly 44% to account for economic changes. Payment is done via e‑government portal, at PTT (post offices), tax offices, or through rental agencies (rental companies would often process fines and charge your card, before informing you), and if you pay within 15 days, you'll receive a 25% discount. Fines for traffic and driving violations include:
Additionally; standing up before an aircraft is fully parked will result in fine around ₺2,800 (~£51), littering or smoking in banned areas may incur ₺1,500 (~£27) fines for individuals, and ₺50,000 (~£916) for venues, exporting antiques or artifacts without authorization: up to ₺2 million (£36,636) and possible prison time, and insulting the state or Atatürk, or Islam (even on social media) can result in legal consequences or deportation.
Overstaying a tourist visa (90 days) may result in a small fine (e.g. ~₺200/~£3.66) or a temporary re-entry ban; unpaid fines can escalate if not handled.
The official language of Türkiye is Turkish, but Kurdish, Zazaki and Arabic are also spoken.
Even though many people spell and pronounce Türkiye as 'Turkey', it is not the correct spelling and pronunciation since the country and the UN officially changed it in June 2022. This was due to better represent Türkiye's culture and values, and to distance itself from the English word 'turkey' - the name of a bird, and a term for something that fails.
Vehicles drive on the right in Türkiye. The minimum age to drive a car is 18 years, rental car companies would require drivers to be at least 21 (with a license held for 1 -2 years) to rent (some requiring drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car categories), with drivers under 25 sometimes facing a 'young driver surcharge'. Tourists can drive using a valid international driving permit (IDP) or a notarised translation of their licence for up to 6 months. Afterwards, a Turkish licence is required.
If you're entering Türkiye with your own motor vehicle, you must register it at customs in your name (or have a power of attorney), and get a foreign vehicle entry permit and Green Card Insurance. The vehicle can stay for up to 730 days (2 years) under temporary import rules.
Some highways and bridges have tolls. Payment is made via HGS (prepaid tag); cash payment is not accepted. Ask rental companies about this. Street parking is available in cities, usually paid via meters or mobile apps, where many areas have paid private lots or valet services. Illegal parking can lead to towing or fines.
Unleaded (Benzin), Diesel (Motorin) and LPG are available at widespread petrol stations. Many stations offer full-service (attendants will pump the fuel for you), but fuel is relatively expensive, so budget accordingly.
The legal limit for private drivers is 0.05%, where it is 0.00% for commercial vehicle drivers.
All passengers must be wearing seatbelts, or be fined ₺993 (~£18) per person.