Table of Contents

25 Top Turkey Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

25 Top Turkey Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring
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Turkey is renowned as a destination where “East meets West,” due to its unique position between Europe and Asia. Home to the legendary city of Troy, Turkey has historic cultural ties to the ancient Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

The metropolitan city of Istanbul perfectly blends remnants of the past with the modern world. On your trip, you will likely be tempted to spend the majority of your time there, but don’t forget to visit the Turkish countryside as well, which is filled with treasures to explore.

Check out this comprehensive Turkey Packing List, which will also touch on what to wear in Turkey, what NOT to bring, and other FAQs.

girl watching hot air balloons
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What to Pack for Turkey - 25 Essentials

  • 1. Universal Power Adapter

    Make sure you bring a power outlet adapter that you can use while in Turkey. Turkey operates on 220 volts (50 Hz) with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets. In four and five-star hotels you will often find North American-style 120-volt (60Hz) sockets but it’s best to buy an adapter prior to traveling. Be sure to avoid using high-voltage electronics while in Turkey.

    Universal Power Adapter

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Daypack

    Every traveler needs a great daypack. This pack is lightweight and secure, with separate pockets to keep you organized and help you to easily access whatever you need. Whether you’re exploring the bazaars of Istanbul or hiking through the Turkish countryside, this Osprey daypack is perfect for carrying all the essentials throughout your adventure.

    Osprey daypack

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    Turkey is one of the top-ranking countries for internet censorship, particularly on social media. In fact, it’s ranked as “Not Free” by Freedom House’s Index. The Turkish government regularly blocks popular sites like YouTube, Twitter (X), Facebook (Meta), Wikipedia, and more. Because of this, a VPN is crucial to online freedom.

    Another main perk of using a VPN while abroad is to secure your network from hackers. Especially if you plan to connect to the internet in public places such as hotels, cafes, and airports – a strong VPN provides an added layer of security so that all your sensitive data (including passwords and credit card information) are protected from being stolen.

    You don’t want your credit card number or banking logins stolen like we experienced at our Airbnb in Paris. We quickly learned that nowhere is safe! Our preferred provider is NordVPN for domestic and international use because their service is reliable, affordable, and comes with unlimited bandwidth for faster streaming.

    Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    View NordVPN.com Options ➜

  • 4. Packing Cubes

    Packing cubes will change your whole packing game. Prepare to be more organized than ever with these color-coded cubes. Don’t be the guy at the airport digging through your bag frantically, trying to locate one specific item. With the built-in card holder, you can write down and see exactly what’s inside each cube to make finding and accessing your belongings easier than ever. It even has two bonus laundry bags to separate your clean and dirty items.

    aqua packing cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Activated Charcoal

    Turkish food is renowned throughout the world for being some of the best, and there’s no doubt you’ll want to try all the delicious-smelling street food. That said, your body may not be used to the different germs and ingredients you’ll experience in Turkey, and activated charcoal will help to absorb and quickly expel the toxins in your system to keep you on your feet and out of the bathroom!

    Activated Charcoal

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Travel Insurance for Turkey

    You never think you’ll need travel insurance – until you do. Though it’s not fun to think about, traveling has its risks and you’ll want to make sure you’re covered in case of emergency. Travel insurance covers common issues when traveling (including baggage loss, theft, flight cancellation, entire trip cancelation, and medical emergencies). Your domestic provider does not cover you outside of the country, so paying out-of-pocket for international medical bills could cost a fortune and is completely avoidable.

    Protect yourself with Faye. They are the best travel insurance company we’ve ever worked with and their claims process is a piece of cake. Everything is handled through their mobile app, and we were reimbursed when we needed it most (instead of filling out paperwork for months and waiting around like with most providers). It’s one of the cheapest parts of your trip and it will pay for itself if anything comes up.

    Travel Insurance for Turkey

    Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

  • 7. Neck Wallet

    Though Turkey is a relatively safe country, in the larger cities, particularly Istanbul, it’s wise to protect yourself against petty theft. Wear this neck wallet under your clothes to keep all your valuables secure and out of reach from pickpockets. We recommend this one in particular as it’s large enough to hold your cell phone, wallet, passport, credit cards, keys, etc., and has separate pockets to help keep you organized.

    Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO”.

    neck wallet

    Or view on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Lightweight Jacket

    A good jacket makes all the difference while traveling. Whether you need an extra layer on a chilly summer night or you want to bundle up in the winter, you can never go wrong packing a lightweight jacket. We like this one by Columbia because it’s wind and water-resistant while remaining simple and stylish. It’s made by an outdoor brand that is built to last!

    jacket

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Jet Lag Relief

    The journey to Turkey can be a long one! Typically 10-15 hours from the U.S., and that’s WITH a non-stop flight. Use jet lag relief to naturally fight the daunting time changes and layovers. This one is very gentle on the system, but we notice a difference when traveling without them! Now we never leave them at home for a trip.

    jet lag relief

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    The shopping in Turkey is in a league of its own. You’ll absolutely need that extra bag (that we all wish we had packed), so you can bring back souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones. This “just in case” bag answers that ongoing dilemma for travelers, elegantly solving it since this bag counts as your personal item on the flight home (avoiding any carry-on fees).

    Be sure to check out local Turkish goods like tea, coffee, spices, jewelry, Nazar amulets, leather goods, and Turkish delights!

    Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Luggage Locks

    Luggage locks are a must for keeping your belongings safe from theft while you’re in Turkey. Plus, they give you peace of mind since you won’t constantly be worrying about someone getting into your bags. This set of two TSA-approved locks is perfect for checked bags, carry-ons, day bags, and lockers. They’re durable and come with a lifetime guarantee.

    luggage locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Comfortable Flats

    Istanbul is a very fashionable Europeanized city, so it’s a good idea to bring a pair of versatile, stylish flats that can be worn with multiple outfits. You’ll surely be doing a lot of walking and sightseeing, so you’ll need flats like these that are supportive, comfortable, and go great with any outfit.

    Comfortable Flats

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    A quick-dry towel is an absolute essential when traveling. It’s light, easy to pack, and portable, making it the most convenient and useful item on your packing list. This is an item that can help you avoid towel rental fees at hostels, is perfect for a spontaneous swim, and is convenient to bring to Turkish bathhouses.

    HERO Travel Towel - Blue

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    A small, portable charger can be an absolute lifesaver when traveling. Small enough to fit conveniently into your daypack or purse, you can charge your devices on the go. You’ll be immeasurably happy to have this if the smartphone you’re using for photos and navigation runs out of battery at an inconvenient time.

    charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Filtered Water Bottle

    In larger cities, the tap water of Turkey is safe to drink. But in rural or less developed areas, or out exploring during excursions – you can never be sure what access you’ll have to clean water. We bring a Brita filtered water bottle with us on all vacations. It noticeably improves the taste of water and will give you some autonomy to fill up at fountains and public areas as you explore. If you want a top-tier option, the Grayl is the best investment for your health.

    Filtered Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. Cooling Towel

    Popular destinations in Turkey like Istanbul and Cappadocia get quite HOT! But don’t let the heat hold you back from getting out and exploring. We never go on an adventure without cooling towels. They are compact and will fit in any day bag and provide instant relief from the heat. All you do is wet the towel, wring out excess water, and it instantly becomes 20-30 degrees cooler than the air temperature. I don’t dare brave the heat without one.

    towel pink

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. Gorgeous Outfit

    Be sure to bring at least one nice outfit for exploring Istanbul by night. The city is well known for its upscale nightlife and club scene, so you’ll want to dress to impress. For women, this gorgeous jumpsuit is perfect for a night out on the town. It looks great on a wide variety of body types, doesn’t wrinkle easily, and is an amazing piece for the price!

    Gorgeous Outfit

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 18. Discounted Tickets for Turkey Attractions

    Turkey is a playground for all ages and you can build out an incredible itinerary here! Some of our favorite things to do were hot air balloon over Cappadocia and float down the Bosphorus on a dinner cruise.

    There is also amazing history to discover in Turkey, like the largest place of worship, the Hagia Sophia. Or the ancient Basilica Cistern. If you want to see the Mediteranean beauty – explore Suluada Island and the waterfalls of Alanya.

    We use Get Your Guide because they are a flexible booking platform with reputable tour guides. You can book discounted excursions and cancel at any time before your tour.

    Discounted Tickets for Turkey Attractions

    See all Turkish attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

  • 19. Wide Brim Hat

    Both cute and practical, a wide-brim hat is not only a fashionable accessory, but it can help to shield your face from the sun, which is essential in Turkey (especially during summer). This one comes in several colors and adds a vibrant accent to any trendy outfit.

    wide brim hat

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 20. Long Skirt

    If you plan to enter mosques or holy sites while visiting Turkey, come prepared with a long skirt. Many of these beautiful and historical sites will require women to be dressed conservatively, meaning knees and shoulders are covered. It can get quite hot in Turkey, so you’ll want to bring something lightweight and breezy to help keep you cool.

    Long Maxi Skirt

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 21. Swimsuit

    You will definitely want to bring a swimsuit with you to Turkey! Depending on the time of year you travel, you will most likely frequent one of the many beaches or hammams (bathhouses). Many luxury hotels have indoor swimming pools and spas as well. At the beach, anything goes in Turkey, so feel free to wear whatever swimsuit you feel the most comfortable in.

    swimsuit

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 22. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Be prepared, rain or shine, with a good travel umbrella. This lightweight umbrella is my absolute favorite. I recommend it to all of my friends who travel. Thanks to the fiberglass ribs and the waterproof coating, it’s made to withstand the elements. It’s compact but can fit two people underneath, and I love the hard travel case it comes with.

    Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 23. Pashmina Shawl/Scarf

    When in Turkey, you absolutely must have a pashmina shawl or scarf as part of your daily wardrobe. Pashmina scarves are not only great accessories but are very useful as well! When visiting mosques in Turkey, you will be required to cover your head. And in most churches, it’s respectful to cover bare shoulders. Besides serving as a modesty wrap, it is also useful for layering. You can use it for added warmth on a boat ride down the Bosphorus!

    shawl

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 24. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    If you’re staying in a boutique hotel or hostel, countertop space can be limited. Even in luxurious accommodations, you don’t want to throw your toiletries all over the counter in chaos. This is why we use a hanging toiletry bag to create a built-in shelf no matter where we go. It has 4 giant pockets that hold all of our skincare, haircare, and personal hygiene items, plus my wife’s skincare and some small face washcloths. It’s a great way to consolidate all liquid items and keep them in an organized place.

    Hanging Toiletry Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 25. Sunglasses

    No matter what time of year you’re visiting Turkey, it’s a good idea to bring a pair of sunglasses with you. Even during the rainy season, the sun will often come out – and you’ll want to be prepared with a stylish pair of glasses. Be sure you’re protected when visiting the beach or cruising around the Black Sea.

    Sunglasses

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What to Wear in Turkey

For the most part, Turkey is considered to be a secular country where you can wear what you like. An equal mix of liberal and conservative, styles depend on whether you’re in the city or in more rural areas. Turks in the big cities are very fashion forward. Istanbul’s street style reflects the latest trends as well as its cultural past and present.

For women, it is not necessary to cover your head or dress conservatively unless you are entering a mosque, church, or holy site. Many mosques will have scarves on site for visitors to borrow.

couple in Turkey
What should WOMEN wear in Turkey? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Short-Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt
Long Maxi Skirt
Flat Shoes
Leggings
Fedoras
sandals
Cover-Ups
Sunglasses
jacket
sweater
jeans
shawl
Active Pants

Turkish women are very fashionable and Istanbul is a city where you will want to look your best. Istanbul is the perfect blend of ancient and modern and the style is very much a reflection of Turkey’s rich history as well as the latest European trends. Women will need to cover their head, chest, shoulders, and knees when entering mosques or holy sites, which is in line with the local customs. Many mosques will have scarves on site for visitors to borrow, though bringing your own is always a good idea.

What should MEN wear in Turkey? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Blazer
pant
sneakers
shirt
jeans
swimsuit
Sandals
cap
loafers
jacket
shirt
jacket
short

In Istanbul, Turkish men dress in trendy, European style. Typical city attire includes boots or sneakers paired with a shirt and jacket. A graphic t-shirt paired with a blazer, jeans, and loafers is another classic option for men on the Istanbul streets. Jeans paired with a sweater or leather jacket is also a great option in Turkey. Pack a mix of casual and more formal attire, and be prepared with a dress shirt and jacket that can be dressed up or down depending on the activity.

Packing for the Seasons in Turkey

Turkey has a Mediterranean climate and experiences all four seasons. The weather varies from hot and dry during the summer to cold and rainy in the winter. It’s typically warmer along the coasts and cooler at higher elevations, where there is often snow. Be prepared for rain when visiting Turkey and don’t forget to bring your reliable windproof umbrella.

WINTER – December, January, February

Different regions of Turkey experience differences in their winter season. Depending on where you are in the country, the weather can range from mild, to cold and rainy, to snowy. Temperatures throughout the country range from 9°F (-13°C) to 75°F (24°C) depending on where you’re located, so be sure to check ahead of time what type of weather to expect in your particular region.

turkey winter

SPRING – March, April, May

As Turkey is so large and far-reaching, the climate throughout the country is quite diverse. Spring is the start of Turkey’s tourism season, and the weather throughout the country is moderate with longer days. Depending on where you are, you may experience cold, rainy days and chilly evenings so be sure to bring plenty of lightweight clothes for layering.

SUMMER – June, July, August

Summer experiences the peak of tourism season in Turkey, and people flock to the coasts for swimming, sunbathing, and exciting nightlife. Throughout the country, you can expect the weather to be mostly hot and dry, with temperatures typically at or exceeding 86°F (30 °C). Summer is the driest of Turkey’s seasons, though be prepared for the occasional thunderstorm and rain showers.

turkey-summer

FALL – September, October, November

Fall is an ideal season to visit Turkey as weather throughout the country remains mostly mild and pleasant for exploring outdoors. Days are shorter and rain typically begins starting in October. Be prepared for cooler temperatures in the north of the country, especially at night.

How to dress for different activities in Turkey – (Click to expand)

Beaches – As Turkey is a largely secular country, bikinis and western-style swimsuits are the norm when visiting the beach. Flip flops, tank tops, and shorts are worn by both men and women at the beautiful beaches throughout the country.

Religious Sites – Religious sites such as mosques, churches, and synagogues will require that women dress modestly upon entering. This means avoiding tight-fitting clothing and covering the shoulders, chest, and knees. At mosques and holy Muslim sites, women will likely be required to cover their heads, so be prepared with your own shawl or scarf if there isn’t one provided.

Hammam – A Hammam is a traditional Turkish bathhouse, and these are quite popular throughout the country. It is common for tourists to wear swimsuits or underwear into the Hammam but be aware that locals likely won’t be wearing anything, as is the traditional custom.

Exploring the City – In larger cities like Istanbul, fashionable European and Western-style clothing is the norm. In more rural areas you should opt for loose-fitting clothing to remain respectful and blend in a bit more easily. Women won’t need to cover their heads unless they’re entering a mosque or holy site.

What NOT to Bring to Turkey

  • 1.DON’T PACK expensive jewelry or valuables

    Leave any expensive jewelry or valuables at home when visiting Turkey, as flashy or expensive items will call unnecessary attention to you as a tourist. This will also help you avoid becoming a target for pickpockets and petty crime, particularly in Istanbul.

  • 2.DON’T BRING items you can buy at the supermarket

    Avoid bringing heavy or bulky items that can be purchased cheaply upon arrival, such as soap and generic toiletries. Many everyday items can be found at the local supermarket in Turkey so do your research ahead of time as to which stores will be available in the area you’re staying in and save yourself some luggage space!

  • 3.DON’T TAKE bulky luggage

    Be sure to bring a lightweight and not overly-bulky suitcase or backpack when visiting Turkey. Particularly if you plan to move around from place to place, you’ll want to make sure your luggage is easily transferrable on the cobblestoned streets.

  • 4.DON’T PACK too many clothes

    This cannot be said enough! Many people end up overpacking for their trips and bring items that never see the light of day. Challenge yourself to pack light and be strategic about what you bring. You’ll be glad for that extra space in your suitcase after you’ve been shopping at the bazaar!

What Clothing Should I NOT Wear in Turkey? – (Click to expand)
Avoid wearing tight-fitting or revealing clothing when visiting Turkey, particularly when entering mosques or holy sites, or when visiting more rural areas. The local style in the cities can be described as “smart casual”, which means fashionable, European-style clothing. With varying climates throughout the country, be sure to pack layers so you will be comfortable wherever you go.

FAQs About Traveling in Turkey

  • 1. What language is spoken in Turkey?

    woman at market in turkey

    The official language of Turkey is Turkish. The language was originally written in the Perso-Arabic script used by the Ottomans but in the 1920s in an attempt to modernize the country, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk issued a decree that the Turkish language was to be changed to the Latin alphabet which is used to this day. English is also widely spoken in Istanbul.

  • 2. Can you flush toilet paper in Turkey?

    Most hotels will have sit-down toilets, though hole-in-the-ground toilets are common also. Toilet paper is often unavailable, especially on the train, so it is a good idea to bring some with you! In most bathrooms, you can flush paper down the toilet but in parts of Istanbul’s old city, flushing paper down the toilet could cause flooding, in which case you must dispose of paper in a bin. There are often signs in bathrooms that will advise you on the policy. Some bathrooms charge a fee to enter so it’s good to keep some small coins on you as well.

  • 3. Is Turkey a part of the European Union?

    istanbul mosque

    No, currently Turkey is not a part of the EU but has been increasing its efforts for many years to gain membership. Since it is not a member it does not use the Euro as its primary currency but instead uses the Turkish Lira. However, as Turkey is closely linked with Europe, Euros are accepted by many vendors.

  • 4. Is tipping required in Turkey?

    Restaurants: As a rule, it is expected that you tip 5-10% in restaurants. If you are in a fine dining establishment opt for the higher 10%. Be sure to carry some cash or coins with you as there isn’t always a place to write in the tip if you pay by credit card.

    Turkish bathhouse (Hammam): You will want to tip your bathhouse attendant before you leave. They will normally come by to bid you farewell and help you exit the hammam, so make sure to have cash on you and divide 10-20% of the total amount spent among the attendants.

    Hotels: Tip 5-20 lira for hotel staff depending on their role. Tip when being helped with your luggage, room service, laundry, etc.

    Taxi: Tipping taxi drivers is not required, though most people simply round up their fare. If the driver helps you carry your luggage it is polite to give a tip.

  • 5. How expensive is Turkey?

    hammam

    Turkey is relatively inexpensive to visit. That said, you can comfortably experience Turkey on either a high or low budget! Expenses really depend on your travel style and which activities you’ll be doing while there. Istanbul and Ankara will be pricier than smaller cities, and beach towns tend to be more expensive. If you’re a budget-savvy traveler, you will have no problem getting the most bang for your buck in Turkey!