What to say in a taxi, at a restaurant, when you ask the way, at the hotel, the bazaar, the pharmacy and the bus station, in the order you will need it, and what you are likely to hear back. Written by a native speaker in the Turkish people actually use.
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Where to? (abi and abla mean brother and sister: friendly, not rude)
Hangi yoldan gidelim?
Which way shall we go?
Köprüden mi gidelim?
Shall we take the bridge? (bridge tolls are added to the fare)
Trafik var, biraz sürer.
There's traffic, it'll take a while.
Nakit mi, kart mı?
Cash or card?
Burası olur mu?
Is here all right?
Useful words
sağ / sol / düz — right / left / straight on
dur — stop
köprü — bridge
bagaj — boot, trunk
havalimanı — airport
fiş — receipt
Good to know: Taxis in Türkiye run on a meter, and the city sets the tariff; ask for the meter before you set off. Bridge and motorway tolls are added on top. Rounding the fare up is a common courtesy, not an obligation.
su / çay / ayran — water / tea / ayran (salty yoghurt drink)
hesap — bill
Good to know: Bakar mısınız? (literally "would you look?") is how everyone calls a waiter; waving or snapping fingers is rude. A tip of around 5 to 10 percent is usual in sit-down restaurants, usually left in cash on the table. If a place adds a cover or service charge, it has to be shown on the menu.
Good to know: People often walk you part of the way rather than explain; that is ordinary hospitality, not a sales trick. İleride (further on) can mean fifty metres or a kilometre, so ask Yürüyerek kaç dakika? if it matters.
Good to know: Hotels and guesthouses in Türkiye have to register their guests with the authorities, so expect to show your passport at check-in. That is the law, not a deposit.
Good to know: Bargaining is normal at bazaar stalls and souvenir shops, and nobody minds if you walk away. It is not done in supermarkets, chain stores or anywhere prices are printed. Plastic bags have carried a small charge in Türkiye since 2019, so you will be asked if you want one.
Good to know: Turkish pharmacists give advice and sell many everyday medicines over the counter, but antibiotics need a prescription. At night and on Sundays, pharmacies take turns to stay open as the nöbetçi eczane (pharmacy on duty).
Good to know: Each bus company sells its own tickets at its own desk in the otogar, so compare a few. Many companies also run a servis, a free shuttle between the otogar and the town centre; ask at the desk when you buy.