Frequently asked questions
How do I get a visa to Turkey?
Getting a temporary tourist visa to Turkey is usually really simple, fast, and inexpensive. You can click HERE to apply for your tourist visa to Turkey.
-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, and 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
How can I pay for my Trip with SilkRoad 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.
Can SilkRoad 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 help with, then please fill out one of our tour forms or chat with us on our website.
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 percent of the population as a first language. 11.97 percent of the population speaks the Kurmanji dialect of Kurdish as their mother tongue. Arabic and Zaza are the mother tongues of 2.39 percent of the population, and several other languages are the mother tongues of smaller parts of the population.
How does Ramadan effect 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.
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.
What should I know about electronics and outlets?
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.
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.
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 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 cities. You will have the phone number of our American Representative in Turkey if 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 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.
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 begin the reservations for the hotels and transportation. Once 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 send you a packet with travel information.
Is it safe to travel in Turkey?
Yes! SilkRoad 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 worldwide, with millions of foreign visitors vacationing there year after year.
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!
112-Ambulance
114-Poison Helpline
155-Police
156-State Police
157-Foreigners Helpline
177-Wildfire Helpline
Is Turkey family/kid friendly?