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Turkey: Doing business & staying in touch
Doing business in Turkey
Business culture in Turkey values personal relationships, courtesy and respect. Meetings often begin with informal conversation, and it is common for people to take time to build trust before moving to detailed negotiations. Direct confrontation is usually avoided, and discussions tend to be calm and diplomatic.
A firm handshake is the standard greeting in professional settings. Titles and surnames are used unless invited to switch to first names. Business cards are exchanged frequently; offering and receiving them with one hand is acceptable, though taking a moment to look at the card before putting it away is appreciated.
Hierarchy is respected, and decisions may take time as proposals are reviewed by senior figures. Patience is important, and pressing for immediate conclusions can be counterproductive. Meetings may not always start precisely on time, though punctuality from visitors is still expected.
Business attire is generally smart, especially in cities such as Istanbul and Ankara. Men typically wear suits or formal shirts, while women tend to choose conservative professional clothing. Standards may be more relaxed in creative sectors or coastal regions, but neat presentation is always valued.
Hospitality plays a significant role in business culture. Offers of tea or coffee are common, and declining them may be seen as abrupt. Business meals are often used to strengthen relationships rather than to discuss detailed agreements. Alcohol may or may not be served depending on the company and region, so following the host's lead is advisable.
Turkey has a diverse and regionally varied economy shaped by a blend of modern industry, traditional agriculture and a large services sector. Manufacturing is a significant driver of growth, with the country producing everything from textiles and household goods to cars and electronics. Tourism plays a major role, especially along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, and supports millions of jobs in hospitality, transport and local crafts.
Agriculture remains important in many regions, with olives, hazelnuts, fruit, vegetables and cotton forming key exports. At the same time, major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and İzmir have developed strong financial, commercial and technology sectors. Visitors generally find prices reasonable compared with Western Europe, particularly for food, domestic transport and local services, although costs can be higher in major tourist centres.
For travellers, this mix of traditional and modern industries is visible everywhere — from bustling bazaars selling handmade goods to sleek shopping districts and well-developed coastal resorts. Economic activity varies across the country, but the result is a wide range of experiences and products that reflect Turkey's position as a bridge between regions and cultures.
Keeping in Touch in Turkey
Mobile phone coverage in Turkey is generally good, with strong signals in cities, towns and most tourist areas. Coverage can be weaker in remote mountain regions and parts of eastern Anatolia, but major roads and populated areas are well served. Turkey uses GSM networks, so most international phones will work as long as they are unlocked.
Travellers can buy prepaid SIM cards from the main operators — Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey and Türk Telekom — at airports, malls and mobile phone shops. Registration is required, and a passport must be shown when purchasing a SIM.
e-SIM availability is limited. Turkey does not block the technology itself, but access to many foreign e-SIM providers has been restricted, meaning international e-SIMs often cannot be purchased or activated after arrival. Local operators do offer e-SIMs, but they are typically issued only in person and require full passport registration. For short visits, most travellers find a physical SIM easier and more reliable.
Visitors should also be aware that foreign phones used with a local SIM may be subject to Turkey's device registration rules after a certain period, though this does not affect short-term stays.
Internet access in Turkey is widely available, especially in cities and major tourist destinations. Most hotels, cafés, restaurants and shopping centres offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds and reliability can vary depending on the location and time of day. Airports and intercity bus terminals also provide public Wi-Fi, usually requiring simple login details.
In Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir and larger coastal towns, internet speeds are generally good, and many cafés and coworking spaces provide fast connections suitable for remote work. Smaller towns and rural areas may have slower or less consistent Wi-Fi, but most guesthouses and hotels still offer basic access.
Some foreign websites and online services may be restricted or load more slowly in Turkey, especially without a VPN. Travellers who need continuous connectivity often prefer using a local SIM card with a data package, as mobile data coverage is usually reliable across populated areas.
Turkey has a varied media landscape that includes television, radio, newspapers and a strong digital presence. Most television channels broadcast in Turkish, offering news, dramas and entertainment, though international news channels are available in many hotels. Major newspapers such as Hürriyet, Sabah and Sözcü publish in Turkish, while the English-language Daily Sabah and Hürriyet Daily News provide accessible updates for visitors.
Digital media is widely used, especially in cities. Many people get their news through online portals, social media and mobile apps. Travellers will find that restaurant reviews, transport updates and local event listings are easy to access online. Some international websites or social platforms may load more slowly or experience temporary restrictions.
Streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube and Spotify are available and work normally. Internet cafés, once common, have largely been replaced by widespread Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés and coworking spaces, making it easy for visitors to stay connected and informed.
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