Travel tips · Antalya · Turkey
Antalya travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Esginmurat, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Antalya mixes a working Turkish city with one of the Mediterranean's biggest tourist industries. Its history runs from the Pamphylian Greek cities through Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman rule, all visible in Kaleiçi. Turkish hospitality is warm and tea is offered freely, while religious customs are observed most visibly around mosques and during Ramadan.
Key facts
- Language
- Turkish
- Currency
- TRY
- Plugs
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is treated, but most residents drink bottled or filtered water…
- Emergency
- 112 (general emergency number)
Things to know
- Remove shoes before entering a mosque; women should cover their hair and everyone should cover shoulders and knees.
- Avoid visiting mosques during prayer times, especially Friday midday prayers.
- Accepting a glass of tea in a shop is a polite gesture and does not oblige you to buy.
- Haggling is expected in bazaars and souvenir shops, but not in supermarkets or restaurants.
- Cover up when leaving the beach; swimwear is for the beach and hotel pools.
- Prices in Turkey change quickly with inflation; check current costs locally and pay in lira where possible for better rates.
Tipping
Leaving about 5–10% in restaurants is customary if service is not already included. Round up taxi fares, and a small tip for hotel staff and boat crews is appreciated.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Merhaba | Hello |
| Teşekkür ederim | Thank you |
| Lütfen | Please |
| Hesap, lütfen | The bill, please |
| Ne kadar? | How much? |
| Afiyet olsun | Enjoy your meal |
What to wear
Light summer clothes are fine in the city and resorts. Carry a scarf and long trousers or a skirt for mosques, and good walking shoes for the ancient sites.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is treated, but most residents drink bottled or filtered water, which is sold everywhere.
- Emergency number
- 112 (general emergency number)
- Phone and internet
- Hotels and cafés widely offer Wi-Fi; visitors commonly buy a Turkish tourist SIM at the airport or use an eSIM data plan.
- Time zone
- Europe/Istanbul
Antalya is generally relaxed for visitors. The main risks are summer heat and sunburn, strong currents on windy days, and overcharging by touts, unofficial guides and taxis that avoid the meter. Keep an eye on valuables on busy beaches and in the bazaar.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Turkey's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Antalya?
Leaving about 5–10% in restaurants is customary if service is not already included. Round up taxi fares, and a small tip for hotel staff and boat crews is appreciated.
+Can you drink the tap water in Antalya?
Tap water is treated, but most residents drink bottled or filtered water, which is sold everywhere.
+What plugs are used in Antalya?
Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Antalya?
Turkish.