Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore, and in a country as vast as Turkey, it’s the ideal mode of transportation. If you’re considering renting a car in Turkey, you might be wondering about the safety of driving there or the approximate cost of renting a car. Here, we’ll answer all the questions you have when it comes to renting a car in Turkey. With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared and able to start your journey around Turkey with peace of mind.
Is Renting a Car in Turkey Safe?
Driving in Turkey is different from driving elsewhere, and you’ll notice this as soon as you hit the road with your rental car. It’s not that everyone drives recklessly, but traffic rules in Turkey are generally less strictly followed. Advisory speed limits, lanes, and solid lines are present but often ignored by most people. We’ve experienced aggressive driving behavior in many Asian countries, but we didn’t encounter this in Turkey. Instead, it’s more about people not paying much attention to other road users and sometimes doing unexpected things. Drivers can suddenly slow down, make unplanned turns without signaling, or stop in the middle of the road. Renting a car in Turkey is a bit different, but we wouldn’t describe it as dangerous. Just stay alert and expect the unexpected, and you’ll be fine.
Tip: In Turkey, the safest place on the road is often the middle lane. In some countries, the right lane is the safest, but in Turkey, the right lane tends to have more unexpected events like slow-moving cars, scooters, or someone reversing a short distance.
Traffic Rules in Turkey
Most of the traffic rules and right-of-way rules are similar to those elsewhere, and the road signs are also quite similar. Stop signs are labeled “DUR” instead of “STOP” in Turkey. Another sign to remember when renting a car in Turkey is “Tek Yön,” which indicates a one-way road. Parking is allowed only on the right side of the road and is prohibited at signs that say “Park Yapilmaz” (no parking). Speed limits are well marked with signs, but in case you don’t see any, you can assume the following maximum speeds for passenger cars:
- 50 km/h (31 mph) Within urban areas
- 90 km/h (56 mph) Outside urban areas
- 110 km/h (68 mph) Roads with separated lanes
- 120 km/h (75 mph) Highways
International Driver’s License: Check if you need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Turkey before you go. You can check this online.
What Are the Roads Like in Turkey?
If you’re planning to rent a car in Turkey, you’re probably curious about the road conditions. Unfortunately, it’s challenging to give a straightforward answer because Turkey is a vast country with significant regional differences. Throughout the country, you’ll find highways that are generally in good condition. Even the roads in most cities are modern and well-maintained. However, Turkey also has many mountain roads, small villages, and remote areas. In these areas, you may encounter roads full of potholes or unpaved roads. If you plan to explore the mountains, having a 4×4 vehicle might be handy, but for most road trips in Turkey, a regular passenger car will do just fine.
Tip: When picking up your rental car in Turkey, always take photos of the rental car and carefully check if all existing damage is indicated on the form. This way, you can avoid disputes when returning your rental car.
Important: Don’t forget your credit card
It’s important to bring a credit card that is in the name of the primary driver, as this is necessary for the deposit. A credit card in a different name will not be accepted. If you cannot show a credit card in the name of the primary driver or if this credit card does not have sufficient balance for the deposit, you will not be able to receive the rental car. Don’t have a credit card yet? We recommend this credit card.
Additional tips for renting a car in Turkey
Here are some useful things to keep in mind when renting a car.
Bring cash for toll roads
Make sure you always have cash with you for toll roads, as not all places in Turkey accept your debit card.
Download the map in Google Maps
When renting a car in Turkey, you don’t need to reserve a separate navigation system. Google Maps works perfectly in Turkey, and you can download the map in the app before your trip. Then, you can navigate offline in Turkey. Your co-pilot can assist with navigation, or if you prefer to navigate yourself, you can bring a phone holder.
From what age can you rent a car in Turkey?
You can rent a car in Turkey from the age of 18, provided you have held your driver’s license for at least 1 year. However, this age requirement may vary by rental provider, and some may require a minimum age of 21. These conditions are always clearly described during the booking process under the heading specific rental car terms.
What does it cost to rent a car in Turkey?
When renting a car in Turkey, prices can vary depending on the season and how early you book. Booking a rental car through Rentalcars.com is highly recommended for Turkey. With a rental car, you always have a chance of damage and problems along the way, which is why it’s smart to book with a reliable party. At Rentalcars, you can always take out a Full Protection Insurance, you can change your booking for free and all conditions are clearly indicated. So you don’t have to worry about snags and if something goes wrong on your trip, everything is always reimbursed and taken care of. This is totally worth it as far as we are concerned, especially on holiday.
Note: Sometimes the local rental company will try to sell you extra insurances. These are absolutely unnecessary as everything is covered with Rentalcars’ Full Protection Insurance. So don’t be fooled because you are 100% covered, even your excess will be refunded in case of damage.
Price hikes due to shortage of cars: There is currently a huge shortage of rental cars worldwide. To survive the corona crisis, car rental companies have had to sell a large portion of their cars. Since demand is rising fast, there are not enough chips for new cars and prices are skyrocketing due to the shortage. As a result, many rental cars are double the price or even fully booked. It’s best to book as early as possible to be sure of a rental car that is still somewhat affordable. At Rentalcars.com, you can currently cancel or change your booking free of charge up to 48 hours in advance, so you are not stuck with anything but still be sure of a rental car.
