Resting in hospitable Turkey, some vacationers sometimes relax so much that they forget not only about problems and worries but also about elementary politeness, decency, and local customs. Tourism experts have named 5 simple rules that will help you avoid embarrassing situations in Turkish hotels.
Leave a tip
Tipping in Turkey is an unshakable tradition and the key to a successful solution to everyday issues; in hotels at the check-in counters they even install special boxes with the inscription tip box or just tips.
For a couple of dollars, the administrator will allow you to check into the hotel early or check out later than the deadline, and for a larger fee, you can exchange a not-too-comfortable room for a more decent one. It is customary for porters to leave 1-2 dollars, for a maid – 2-5 dollars, in restaurants – 10-15 percent of the order.
The staff accepts tips in local currency, but they will be much more happy with dollars, so it is better to stock up on small American bills in advance.
Do not walk around the hotel in a bathing suit
Swimwear and swimming trunks – only for the beach or pool, you should not walk around in this form around the territory or come to a restaurant: they may simply not let you in. Those who are too lazy to change clothes can at least put on a pareo or a T-shirt.
Bathrobes for hammams are also not intended to appear in public places.
Keep quiet
Many Turkish hotels do not have good sound insulation: the walls in the rooms are thin, and the audibility is excellent. You should not turn on the TV at full volume, sing your favorite songs at the top of your voice and sort things out with relatives and friends if you do not want to dedicate your neighbors to all the details of your personal life.
Be friendly
It is not customary to smile at strangers on city streets and especially in the Turkish outback, but hotel and restaurant staff always demonstrate cordiality and hospitality. It is easy to answer a greeting and a polite smile with the same – say hello to the administrator, with the concierge a good day, and thank the maid for her work.
And having learned at least “hello”, “goodbye”, “thank you”, “please” and a couple of friendly phrases in Turkish, you can count not only on sincere amazement but also on a good discount.
Don’t fight over kids
Child-loving Turks do not hesitate to show sympathy towards children: even strangers can come up to your baby, stroke his head, take him in his arms and treat him with something sweet. Do not worry too much – they know the measure and will not go too far. But if you don’t like such frank attention, you shouldn’t be indignant and scandalous: you can just pick up the child – they will understand you and will not be offended.