Driving in Türkiye
You will probably want to take advantage of your move to discover different regions of Türkiye, a vast country offering varied landscapes and attractions. Driving may sometimes be the most comfortable transportation option to travel around - and Türkiye is a great country to discover on a road trip.
However, before you set out on your journey, make sure to have a valid driver's license and a good understanding of the local driving laws and habits.
Getting a driver's license in Türkiye
A driver's license (surucu ehliyeti) issued in your home country will allow you to drive within Türkiye for your first 6 months in the country.
Afterward, you will simply be asked for a notarized and certified translation of your driver's license – no driving test involved.
After a year of stay, you will be requested to convert your foreign license into a Turkish one - it will also allow you to benefit from cheaper car insurance premiums. Reach out to your local Transport Registration Department with a residence permit and a medical certificate, including an eyesight check and a mention of your blood type. Here again, no driving test.
The driving test is only mandatory if you are applying for your very first driver's license in Türkiye. In this case, you have to pass both a theoretical test and a practical test after 12 hours of practical training, 10 hours of first-aid classes and 8 hours of traffic awareness classes provided by a certified driving school.
Note that foreigners who reside in Türkiye must get an appointment from the Ministry of Interior to obtain a Turkish driver's license, as Turkish police stations no longer serve them as of 2019. Fees vary according to the license classes. The most common one, a general B-class driver's license, costs 613 Turkish Liras currently.
Turkish licenses are European Union-compatible.
Traffic regulations in Türkiye
Türkiye has quite straightforward traffic regulations, in line with international standards:
- Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- The speed limit is set at 50 km/h in built-up areas, at 90 km/h on two-lane roads and at 120 km/h on highways (otoyol).
- It is compulsory to wear a seat belt and illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, except with a hands-free device.
- Driving under the influence is prohibited (for alcohol, the limit is fixed at 0.5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood).
- A valid driver's license, the registration license of the vehicle and proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle at all times.
The traffic police are empowered to carry out random checks. In case of infringement, you may be charged a fine or will receive penalty points (for example, driving without a seat belt will cost you 15 points).
You can be disqualified from driving if you build up 100 penalty points within the same year.
Attention:
As in some other Mediterranean countries, some drivers in Türkiye have a somewhat energetic driving style; you are advised to drive carefully and try to avoid altercations.
Türkiye also has a lot of mountainous regions. If you are not used to driving on mountain roads, make sure to pay extra caution. Alternatively, it may be a good idea to hire an experienced driver if you are taking on a lengthy road trip.
Roads and traffic in Türkiye
Most roads in Türkiye, whether in urban or rural regions, are in fairly good condition, although you should beware of the landslides and rockfalls that may occur in eastern Anatolia after snowy winters.
Note that traffic jams are quite frequent in the outskirts of large cities - Istanbul, in particular, is infamous for its bottlenecks. For short daily trips, resorting to the public transport network may often prove faster.
Important:
The tolls levied on entering major highways and bridges in Türkiye cannot be paid using cash or credit card. You must beforehand have enrolled in the automatic toll system (HGS) and purchased prepaid toll credit, available at post offices (PTT).
How to rent a car in Türkiye
To rent a car in Türkiye, you must be at least 21 years old, although some rental companies might require you to be 25. You'll need a valid driver's license from your home country; if it's not in the Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required. Along with your driving license, you'll need a credit card for the rental deposit and identification, such as a passport.
Numerous international car rental companies operate in Türkiye, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Budget, as well as local firms. It's advisable to compare prices online before you arrive in Türkiye. Booking in advance can often secure you a better deal. Major airports and city centers usually have car rental offices, making pick-up and drop-off convenient.
Rental costs vary depending on the type of vehicle and the rental duration. Compact cars are more economical and are easier to navigate in crowded cities or narrow streets, which is common in historic areas. If you plan to drive in rural or mountainous areas, a vehicle with a higher clearance or a 4x4 might be more suitable. Rental costs typically include insurance, but it's always a good idea to check what is covered and consider additional coverage if necessary.
Buying a car in Türkiye
Buying a car in Türkiye can be a practical choice for expats planning a prolonged stay. It comes with the freedom to explore the country's vast and varied landscapes without being tied down to public transportation or car rental companies.
Important:
Unfortunately, however, it is expensive to own a car in Türkiye. The prices for imported cars almost doubled in recent years, and Türkiye remains one of the world's more expensive countries when it comes to automobile tax.
The Turkish automotive market offers a wide range of vehicles, from economical city cars to luxury SUVs. European, Asian, and American car brands are all available. When choosing a car, consider the purpose of your driving (urban commuting vs. long-distance travel), fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and resale value. Diesel cars are popular for their fuel efficiency, but be aware that diesel is often more expensive in Türkiye than petrol.
New cars in Türkiye can be expensive due to high taxes. Thus, many expats opt for used cars, which can offer better value. When buying a second-hand car in Türkiye, it's essential to have it thoroughly checked by a mechanic. Be cautious of cars with a high mileage or those that lack maintenance records. Websites like Sahibinden.com, Arabam.com, and Otomotostore.com are popular platforms for buying used cars in Türkiye.
You can buy a car either from a dealership or through a private sale. Dealerships usually offer more reliability with a guarantee on the car, though at a higher price. In contrast, private sales might offer a better price but come with the risk of less transparency regarding the car's history.
To buy a car in Türkiye, you need a Turkish tax number, which you can obtain from a local tax office. The essential documents for car purchase include your residence permit, passport, and a valid driving license.
Once you purchase the car, it needs to be registered in your name. This process is handled at the local Traffic Registry Office and involves paying a registration fee and obtaining a registration plate.
Car insurance is mandatory in Türkiye. The basic insurance (Trafik Sigortası) covers damages to others in an accident but not to your own vehicle. Comprehensive insurance (Kasko Sigortası) is highly recommended as it covers damages to your car as well. Insurance costs vary based on the car model, age, and engine size.
As we've mentioned earlier, cars in Türkiye are subject to various taxes, including a Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) and Value Added Tax (KDV), making them more expensive than in many other countries. Be prepared for these additional costs when setting your budget. There are also annual vehicle taxes (Motorlu Taşıtlar Vergisi) based on the engine size and age of the car.
Regular maintenance is vital for your car's longevity. Service costs can vary greatly depending on the brand and model. It's advisable to service your car at authorized dealerships or reputable service centers, especially if it's still under warranty.
If you plan to sell your car in the future, consider the brand and model's resale value in Türkiye. Some brands and models have higher resale value due to their popularity and reliability.
Picturesque road trips in Türkiye
Türkiye offers a diverse range of picturesque road trip options. Here are just a few ideas for road trips that showcase the beauty and diversity of Türkiye:
- Aegean Coast Road Trip: Start from Izmir and head south along the Aegean coast to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean region. Continue to the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, and then to the resort town of Bodrum, known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife.
- Mediterranean Coast Road Trip: Begin in Antalya, a major city on the Mediterranean coast, and drive along the Turquoise Coast. Visit the ancient Lycian cities like Xanthos and Patara, enjoy the stunning beach at Ölüdeniz, and explore the charming town of Kaş. End your trip at the seaside town of Fethiye.
- Black Sea Coast Road Trip: Start from the vibrant city of Istanbul and head towards the Black Sea coast to the city of Sinop. Follow the coastal road eastward through the lush green landscapes and traditional villages. Key stops include the historic cities of Trabzon and Rize, famous for their tea plantations and unique wooden architecture.
- Anatolian Heartland Road Trip: Start in Ankara, Türkiye's capital, and head to Cappadocia, renowned for its fairy-tale landscape of rock formations and cave dwellings. Continue to the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusa and then to the city of Konya, which is famous for its Sufi heritage and the whirling dervishes.
- Eastern Türkiye Road Trip: Begin in Erzurum and drive through the rugged landscapes of Eastern Anatolia. Visit the medieval Armenian city of Ani near Kars, and then head to Lake Van to explore the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island. Continue to the city of Mardin for its unique architecture and panoramic views.
- Istanbul to Gallipoli Peninsula: Starting from Istanbul, head west to the Gallipoli Peninsula. This region is steeped in history due to the World War I battlefields and memorials. Continue your journey to the ancient city of Troy and explore the legendary site of the Trojan War.
Good to know:
The countryside provides beautiful routes perfect for road excursions, yet driving in the city may present difficulties, including aggressive driving behaviors and traffic congestion.
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