Driving abroad can be a confusing experience the first few times, so it’s best to be prepared, especially when planning to buy property abroad.
Turkey is a modern country, with well developed transport links, so there’s no need to drive at all if you are travelling within or between major cities. Buses are probably the best way to move between towns, and are preferable to Turkey’s train system. However, many of the more rural villages are not so well connected, and these hidden havens may well be the best part of your journey, especially for those looking to buy property in Turkey. In the event that you wish to travel off the beaten track, it is wise to rent a vehicle.
When renting a car in Turkey, you will need your full drivers’ license. The Turkish rental agency will need to see it, as will the police if you are stopped for any reason. It’s also wise to ensure that you have sufficient insurance (both vehicle and medical) in the, hopefully unlikely, event of accidents. There won’t usually be any need to obtain an international license, although if you wish to have one, you can apply at your country’s automobile club.
The minimum age for car-rental in Turkey is 19, although for the more expensive vehicles, you may be required to be at least 27. When renting a car in Turkey, you will need a major credit card, as well as a large cash deposit. You should also pay attention to whether you are required to pay for mileage, and this will add up, and could end up costing you most than the initial rental fee.
There are a few things to be wary of when driving in Turkey. Some motorways have only two lanes, which can be a daunting experience for those unused to it. Some roads are also prone to potholes, which you should watch out for. There are larger, better developed motorways between major cities, but these are often in use by large trucks.
Driving in Turkey takes place on the right side of the road, and the right of way will, according to the law, always belong to traffic coming from the right. In practice, this law isn’t always followed. It’s best to observe other drivers and get a feel for what’s acceptable. The speed limit for driving on highways in Turkey is 90 kmph, or 55 mph while the speed limit in towns is 50 kmph, or 31 mph. Locals in Turkey do not always follow these laws, and it’s common for drivers to travel as fast as they can, so, again, observing other drivers is a sensible precaution.