Health care in Turkey is good. However, medical care in rural areas cannot usually be compared to that in Europe. Many Turkish doctors and dentists, especially in the large hospitals, speak a foreign language. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and cooled according to the temperatures on the way. German citizens need the T/A 11 entitlement certificate, which is available from the health insurance company, for free treatment for emergency care or reimbursement of costs. Austrians and Swiss also need a holiday sickness certificate. Check findjobdescriptions for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] Turkey is considered malaria-free.
Food and drink
The tap water in the cities is chlorinated, but it should not be drunk. Bottled mineral water is widely available. If a water source is marked with the word içilmez, it is undrinkable; Water from springs marked içilir or içme suyu is safe to drink. Milk is pasteurized. You should only eat well-cooked meat and fish. The usual caution is required at the street stalls; only freshly cooked food should be eaten, ideally prepared in front of your own eyes. During the summer months temperatures in Turkey can reach as high as 40°C, so always carry a water bottle with you.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in some ponds and rivers, especially in the southeast on the Syrian border, so swimming and wading in inland waters should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Brucellosis occurs nationwide. Only well-cooked meat and boiled milk should be consumed. According to current studies, there is a high risk of infection with hepatitis A and a medium risk of infection with hepatitis B nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is a danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: unprotected sexual contact, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Nationwide, pathogens of Crimean-Congo fever, which are transmitted by ticks, rarely occur in rural areas, mainly in summer. Vacationers should therefore protect themselves from tick bites. When hiking through grass or undergrowth, it is recommended to wear socks, long pants and a shirt. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by butterfly gnats, occurs sporadically in the south. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Rabies occurs nationwide. Carriers include stray dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tuberculosis occurs. Vaccination is recommended in cases of particular exposure. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tuberculosis occurs. Vaccination is recommended in cases of particular exposure. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tuberculosis occurs. Vaccination is recommended in cases of particular exposure.
Money
Currency
1 Turkish lira (türk lirasi)= 100 kuruş. Currency code: TL, TRY (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 TL, coins in denominations of 1 TL and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 kuruş.
Credit cards
Visa and Mastercard in particular, but also American Express, are accepted. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Girocard With the Girocard (formerly EC card) such as the Maestro card, V Pay or Sparcard and PIN number, cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in the national currency throughout Europe. In many European countries it is also possible to pay with a debit card in shops. Cards with the Cirrus, V-Pay or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Travelers checks can be cashed in Turkey in the larger cities at a few banks and exchange offices. However, redeeming can prove problematic in many areas of Turkey.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 08.30-12.00 and 13.30-17.00 (in some cases continuously).
Foreign exchange regulations
Unlimited import of local currency and foreign currencies, but there is an obligation to declare from a total value of US$ 5,000. Export up to a total amount equivalent to US$ 5,000 or up to the amount declared. Receipts from currency exchange in Turkey must be kept. In the case of a return exchange from TL to a foreign currency, all receipts must be presented upon departure.
Currency Exchange
All exchange and purchase receipts must be retained as proof of legal exchange. The rates can vary from bank to bank in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Money and travelers checks can be exchanged at all PTT offices. Airports, hotels and banks charge high commissions. It is better to go to one of the numerous free exchange offices (Döviz Bürosu). Exchange offices are usually open until midnight, even on weekends and during the high season.
