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Preplanned City Guides and Travel Itineraries

Istanbul Travel Checklist

These are the things that you need to take care of before traveling to Istanbul.

DONE

Flight

  • Print your e-ticket if applicable
  • TIP The earlier you book the better price you get

Plan your stay in Istanbul

Passport, visa and driving license

  • Check expiration of your passport (valid for 6 months after travel)
  • Apply for a passport (US citizens: Information on how to apply for passport)
  • Check visa requirements (Do you need a visa to Turkey?)
  • Make sure your license is current and valid
  • Study the driving laws of Turkey
  • TIP If you do not have a passport order it now (US citizens). Leave at least 6 weeks your passport to be processed
  • TIP Do not pack your travel documents in a suitcase that may get lost. Take your important documents in a wallet or purse that you can access at all times

Travel insurance

  • Get a quote >
  • Take out travel insurance
  • TIP Don't travel without insurance - make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to undertake such as extreme or water sports

Finances

  • Check credit card expiration dates
  • Take out credit card and/or traveler check
  • Exchange cash
  • TIP Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds in a mix of cash and travelers check and make a note of the checks' numbers before you go
  • TIP Leave unnecessary cards at home
  • TIP Do not pack your money, cards and traveler's check in a suitcase that may get lost. Take money in a wallet or purse that you can access at all times

Health

  • Buy your travel medical kit >
  • Visit your physician for prescription drugs for your entire journey (if applicable)
  • Check with your physician as soon as possible to find out if you need any vaccinations before you travel
  • TIP Don't travel without insurance - make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to undertake such as extreme or water sports

Communication

  • Check your mobile provider for details on international usage
  • Check for international rates
  • Take out more suitable plan if applicable

Luggage

  • Pack your luggage
  • Make a list of items you packed
  • TIP Check airline luggage allowance policies to avoid paying excess baggage fees

Emergency preparation

  • Write important phone numbers on a paper (such as friends, parents, spouse)
  • Find out where's the nearest embassy
  • TIP Don't travel without insurance - make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to undertake such as extreme or water sports

Home arrangements

  • Arrange for pet and plant care
  • Stop routine deliveries
  • Make your home seem lived-in while away by putting lights and a radio on timers
  • Turn down thermostat
  • Leave keys and itinerary with a friend
  • Lock windows, garage, and doors

Before you go

  • Take along printed e-ticket and flight booking confirmation
  • Check-in to your flight online (if applicable)
  • Take along printed hotel booking confirmation
  • Take photocopies of your passport and other important documents
  • Put a tag with your name, address, and telephone number on your luggage
  • Arrange for transport to airport, train or bus station
  • TIP Keep photocopies separate from original documents and/or store them online using a secure data storage site
  • TIP Leave unnecessary keys at home
  • TIP Tie a colorful ribbon or attach distinctive stickers to your luggage so that you can identify it easily, and other travelers will not take it by mistake at a busy terminal
  • TIP Protect your luggage against robbing by wrapping it in a roll of standard kitchen plastic wrap