Packing list for Turkey, travel insurance for Turkey, and taking your belongings

What to take with you to Turkey: short

Featured items:

• Documents: at least a passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival and an online and/or offline copy.
• Money: Turkey is a cash country, so it is useful to have a good number of Turkish lira on you. Furthermore, you can find good ATMs, especially in tourist areas.
• Care: sunscreen or sunscreen with a high factor.
• Outdoor and practical items: hat/cap and sunglasses. Raincoat for the period from November to March (more about rainwear and waterproof clothing) and possibly a backpack rain cover.
• Clothing: depending on when you go and where you go. In the summer, light clothing (but nice to cover your shoulders a bit when you do cultural excursions), in the other seasons layers (especially for the evenings and mornings). In spring and autumn a light jacket, in the winter a warmer jacket. Covering clothing for religious places and small villages. Beachwear for the resorts.
• Shoes: comfortable (walking) shoes and slip-on shoes or sandals for visits to mosques. Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, hand sanitizer and ORS (dehydration is a thing) and insect repellent.
• Technique and equipment: world plug with type F.
• Woman: scarf or light shawl for religious and cultural visits.

What are some other options for packing as well?:

• Reusable water bottle with filter, because tap water is technically drinkable, but often tastes strange.
• Quick-drying travel towel for fast swimming adventures.
• International driving permit, when you want to rent a car.

What should you keep in mind when traveling to Turkey with your belongings?

• The varied climate.
• Cultural sensitivity.
• The activities you are going to do.

Are there mosquitoes in Turkey?

• Mosquitoes are widespread in Turkey, especially in coastal areas and near water sources.
• The risk of mosquito bites is highest during the warm months, from May to October.
• The risk is small, but mosquitoes can transmit malaria and West Nile virus.

Are there sandflies in Turkey?

• Sand flies are found throughout Turkey and are particularly active during the warm months (May-October).
• They can carry leishmaniasis, among other things.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Turkey?

• In Turkey, local insect repellents such as 'Sinkov' are available, which are effective against local mosquito populations.
• Local repellents often have lower concentrations or no DEET at all.
• If you don't want to take a chance, and you are attached to your own repellent, bring it with you.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Turkey, or take it with you to Turkey?

• Cannabis is illegal for recreational use in Turkey.
• Possession, use and sale of cannabis can lead to serious penalties, including long prison sentences.
• You also definitely can't take it with you! Let that joint wait until after your vacation.