Renting a car in Turkey is an excellent way to explore this diverse country at your own pace. This guide will provide you with essential information and helpful tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable car rental experience in Turkey.

Requirements for Renting a Car

  • Age: Most rental agencies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some requiring a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle categories.
  • Driving License: A valid driver's license from your home country is necessary. International visitors may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on their country of origin.
  • Credit Card: A major credit card is usually required for the security deposit.

Car Rental Insurance

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): This insurance covers damage to the rental car in case of an accident. It may be included in the rental price or available as an optional extra.
  • Theft Protection: This insurance covers the vehicle in case of theft. It is often included with CDW.
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): This covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers in the event of an accident. It may be optional or included in your rental agreement.

Fuel Policy

  • Full-to-Full: The most common fuel policy in Turkey requires you to return the car with a full tank of fuel. Ensure you understand your rental agency's fuel policy to avoid additional charges.

Driving in Turkey

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Observe speed limits (50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, and 120 km/h on highways).
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
  • Do not drink and drive; the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.

Road Tolls

Turkey has a network of toll roads, with payments made electronically via the HGS (Hızlı Geçiş Sistemi) or OGS (Otomatik Geçiş Sistemi) systems. Ensure your rental car is equipped with the necessary transponder, and check with your rental agency about topping up the account.

Parking in Turkey

  • Paid parking is common in cities, with street parking, parking lots, and parking garages available.
  • In smaller towns and rural areas, free parking is often available.