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  • How do I get a visa to Turkey?
    Getting a temporary tourist visa to Turkey is simple, fast, and inexpensive. You can click HERE to apply for your tourist visa. +Each traveler must obtain a separate e-Visa, including infants and children (even if children/infants are included in their parents’ passports). +The process is quick. Approval is usually right away, but should be within 48 hours. +If you have questions or need help, we can help individuals or groups process their application. +Be careful using any websites other than the official website we have linked here, as many charge an added unnecessary fee.
  • What is the main language spoken in Turkey?
    The official language is Turkish, which is the most widely spoken Turkic language in the world. It is spoken by 85.54% of the population as a first language. 11.97% of the population speaks the Kurmanji dialect of Kurdish as their mother tongue. Arabic and Zaza are the first languages of 2.39% of the population, and several other languages are spoken by smaller portions of the population as well.
  • Is it safe to travel in Turkey?
    Yes! Silk Road Moments prioritizes safety and partners with the most trusted companies throughout the country. Nevertheless, visitors are advised to pay attention to their surroundings and practice common-sense precautions, just as they would when visiting any major city worldwide. Turkey remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with millions of foreign visitors vacationing here year after year.
  • Is Turkey family/kid friendly?
    Yes! One of the first things we noticed when moving to Turkey was how wonderful the locals are with our kids. You can’t go out in public without getting complimented (warning: your kids may be handed candy or gifts randomly just because they’re adored). Many malls have free stroller rentals, and all have changing areas, nursing mother rooms, etc. You will find parks and playgrounds in every neighborhood. Most restaurants have high chairs and kids menus, and many even have play areas. Turks are warm and friendly people who love children, and Turkey is the perfect place to bring your little world travelers for an experience of a lifetime.
  • What medicine should I bring? What if I get sick?
    We advise that you bring any prescriptions that you are taking and pack them in your carry-on to ensure that they do not get lost during your travel. You may also want to bring something for “traveler’s stomach.” While it is generally advisable to pack a small medical kit when traveling in a foreign country (sample packets of Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, triple-antibiotic ointment, band-aids, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, etc.), pharmacies are plentiful in Turkey. Medical clinics and hospitals with emergency care are also readily available in most all cities. You will have the phone number of our American Representative in Turkey and in the unlikely event that any issues arise, they will be ready and eager to help you. Be sure to check out our Beginners guide to pharmacies in Turkey!
  • What should I know about electronics and outlets?
    Turkey's electrical sockets/outlets follow the design of one of the two European standard electrical socket types (two, round prongs): the "Type C Europlug," "Type E" and "Type F Schuko." These types of sockets/outlets are also used in Germany, France, and Russia. If your appliance's plug doesn't match these sockets' shape, you will need a travel plug adapter to plug in. Electrical sockets/outlets in Turkey supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or a device that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. IMPORTANT: Travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the world. This being the case, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts. That doesn't mean that your specific device isn't already compatible with the higher voltage or that you won't be able to use your device in Turkey. You will need to make sure that your device will facilitate 220-240 volts and that you have the appropriate adapter plug.
  • Will I be able to get online?
    Yes! Almost all hotels offer free Wi-Fi for their guests. Another option to get online during your trip is to purchase a local SIM card and purchase data for it. You can then use this on your phone wherever you have cell service and use it as a hotspot for your laptop if needed.
  • Will my phone work in Turkey?
    It depends. Check with your phone provider to see if they offer any international services. If your phone is unlocked, you can purchase a local SIM card to use while in Turkey.
  • What is the best way to get money?
    The easiest way to get the local currency is to bring a bank card and withdraw cash as needed. You will be able to find Banks and ATMs in every major Turkish city. Hotels, restaurants, and markets usually accept major credit cards, but some smaller stores do not. We recommend that you keep a ready supply of cash, including small change for taxi fare and miscellaneous tipping on hand during your stay in Turkey. If you do pay by credit card, we recommend that you double-check the receipt before signing, as working in a foreign currency can allow you to be charged more than you expected, either intentionally or inadvertently.
  • Can I excercise while in Turkey?
    Depending on the hotel, you will find some upper-level hotels with exercise rooms and equipment. Most cities and larger towns are equipped with running tracks and gyms, which are generally willing to provide temporary memberships for tourists/visitors. We recommend that joggers have a jogging companion, pay attention to traffic, and avoid jogging in dark or isolated areas.
  • Can I do laundry during my trip?
    Yes! Hotels in the main cities will offer laundry services. If they do not, they will outsource it to someone else. We recommend doing laundry in a town where you will be spending multiple nights. Please be sure that you understand the service charge for laundry at the hotel before confirming, as working in another currency can sometimes be challenging and present surprises.
  • How does Ramadan affect my trip?
    Coming to Turkey during Ramadan will affect your trip. There may be fewer options for restaurants during lunch, as most restaurants are closed during the day. Some restaurants may not serve alcohol. Shops will open up later in the day; people sleep later after staying up to break the fast. While locals don't expect tourists to fast, we ask that you be respectful and avoid eating and drinking while walking around on the street. Some of the regulations will depend on the city's culture or even the area in a town you are visiting.
  • How can I pay for my trip with Silk Road Moments?
    We accept American Express, Master Card, Visa, and Troy. You can also pay in cash in person, via bank transfer within Turkey, or a physical credit or bankcard in person. -If you would like to pay with a credit card online, once we have planned your trip and agreed on the price, we will send you an invoice link through which you can pay with a credit card. -We use the iyzico company as our credit card processor. You do NOT need an iyzico account to use this service.
  • What are the emergency phone numbers in Turkey?
    If you are traveling with us, you will have your guide and the number of one of our Americans working locally. But if you are in an emergency and need assistance, here are some numbers to help! 110-Fire Department 112-Ambulance 114-Poison Helpline 155-Police 156-State Police 157-Foreigners Helpline 177-Wildfire Helpline
  • Can Silk Road Moments only provide the tours they have listed?
    No. We are continually building our trips and connections throughout Turkey. If you have a specific place that you would like to tour or other travel you would like to plan, please fill out this form or chat with us on our website.
  • How do I secure my booking?
    To begin the reservation process, we require a non-refundable deposit of 10% per person. Once we have received this deposit, we will begin the reservations for the hotels and transportation. When the reservations are complete, you will receive a copy of the hotel information and covered expenses to verify. Forty-five days before arrival, full payment is due. After full payment is received, we will send a packet with travel information via email.
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