Local Laws & Etiquette in Turkey for Brits: Simple Rules to Avoid Awkward Moments

Quick answer: Turkey is secular and modern, especially in tourist areas. You don’t need to cover up everywhere. The main rules are: dress modestly when visiting mosques (cover shoulders/knees), don’t insult Ataturk or the flag, and be polite. Alcohol is legal and widely available. Turkish people are generally very forgiving of tourists, but making an effort goes a long way.

Note: You are a guest in a country famously hospitable to guests. The rules are simple.

1) Dress Code: Beach vs Town vs Mosque

Beach/Pool: Bikinis, shorts, anything goes. It’s like Spain.

Town/Resort Centre: It’s polite to cover up slightly when leaving the beach. Guys, put a t-shirt on. Ladies, a sarong or dress is perfect in shops.

Mosques: Strict rules apply here.

• Women: Headscarf (often provided), shoulders and knees covered.
• Men: No vest tops, shorts should cover knees (long trousers preferred).

2) Respect for Ataturk and the Flag

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is the founder of modern Turkey. His face is on money, statues, and pictures everywhere.

The Law: It is illegal to insult Ataturk or deface the Turkish flag.

• Don’t make jokes about him.
• Treat the currency (Lira) with respect (don’t rip it up).
• The flag is sacred to locals. Don’t step on it or treat it as a toy.

3) Public Displays of Affection (PDA)

Turkey is more conservative than the UK.

• Fine: Holding hands, quick kiss.
• Avoid: Heavy making out in public streets. It draws stares and is seen as disrespectful.

4) Alcohol and Smoking

Alcohol: Legal and available. Raki is the national drink. Being drunk is tolerated in resorts, but being famously aggressive or overly loud is frowned upon.

Smoking: Turks smoke a lot. Smoking is banned indoors, but widely accepted on terraces and outdoors.

5) Tipping Culture (Bahşiş)

Tipping is expected but not aggressive.

• Restaurants: 10% is standard.
• Bellboys: Small note (e.g. 50-100 TL or £1/£2/€2 coins).
• Taxis: Round up the fare.

Money guide: Money in Turkey

6) Bargaining (Haggling)

Where to do it: Bazaars, markets, souvenir shops.

Where NOT to do it: Supermarkets, pharmacies, brand name stores, restaurants.

How to do it: Keep it fun. Offer 60% of the price, meet in the middle. If you don’t like the price, walk away politely. They might call you back with a better offer.

7) Bathroom Etiquette

The "Bidet" Nozzle: Most Turkish toilets have a small water nozzle built into the bowl for washing. It’s a hygiene thing—try it if you like!

Toilet Paper: In some older places or rural areas, pipes are narrow, and signs may ask you to put paper in the bin. In modern hotels, flushing paper is fine.

8) Meal Times and Invites

Dinner is often late (8pm onwards) in summer.

If a shopkeeper offers you tea (çay), it’s usually hospitality, not just a sales trick. Accepting a small glass is polite and doesn’t obligate you to buy anything.

9) Taking Photos

• Landscapes/Sites: Fine.
• People: Always ask permission, especially with older people or women.
• Military/Police: Never photograph military bases or police checkpoints.

10) Sensitive Topics

Avoid discussing politics (Erdogan, elections, etc.) or religion casually with strangers unless you know them well. People have strong opinions, and it’s best to keep holiday talk light.

Summary: The Golden Rule

Be polite, smile, and say "Merhaba" (Hello) and "Teşekkür ederim" (Thank you). If you do that, Turkey will welcome you with open arms.

Last updated: 02/03/2026