Hi Paulsen

No worries about kidnapping or any other danger. Don't even think about them. Just enjoy the beautiful nature of Turkiye, lovely Turkish people and the passion of riding. Rather them kidnap or hurt you, the local people supply you food for free if you need, place to stay is you desperate, if you have an accident or broken bike, you don't need AA or ADAC, they'l always be there.

If you be good, everyone be good to you. If you respect, everyone respects you.

Enjoy Turkiye!!!

I agree with the comments above, Paulsen. Only in Iran have I found people as freindly and helpful as the Turks. One of the great pleasures of riding out East in Turkey is the regular invitations to a glass of tea you get when you stop for petrol. It's a great opportunity for a rest and a chance to converse (even if it is sometimes by sign language!) with the locals. Being American should present no problems. We are fed such bullsh*t by the media about what the East thinks of us. I saw a locals motorcycle in Iran that, amongst other stickers, had a Stars and Stripes with 'USA' printed on it, on its petrol tank. Hardly the action of a hate filled 'Mad-Mullah' in a country where we have been told the very whisper of 'USA' has people out burning flags and screaming 'Death to the West' in the streets. And this was sitting parked in the street, ignored by the locals, in ultra-conservative Qom.
Matt

real?
 

the best is to experience yourself like Matt did.
It is true there is dangereous places we should avoid in the world but generlayy Eastern world is much more humanity oriented (I speak for each human being, not politicians), especiallay Iran, Pakistan, Afganistan, Türkiye, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, (also Vietnam), Laos, whole Middle East, North Africa.

Can we say Western world is more material oriented and the East is Soul.
Politicians spends huge amounts for psychological issues to obtain everybody share their opinions; means die when they order.

This kind of sites and forums are very helpful for this purposes.

I have been only once in Turkey but my impression was of a very safe place, even in a big city like Istambul, and full of friendly people. I felt safer there than in any european city I have been.

Western media give most of the time a very biased image of non-western countries. I don't know if turkish media do the same.

From experience i would say do not carry Israeli shekels... I once had some left over and it was seen when i paid for something..
you can take local money from cash points in most towns...so no need for anything else.

Of course there might be some crminal events as every contries. But in general, you'll feel safe in Turkey.

Be carefull for your wallet or try to not to forget strictly zipped your bags as you must do in every country..

You may see some people who hates US Government but that hate is not againist white Americans ;-)

One more thing.. You do not need to hide your shekels in Turkey ;-) while I'm writing these, one of my friend just next to me and he is smiling now... Because he is a Jewish ;-) He enjoyed hiding shekels in Turkey ;-)

Keep well and regards...

Through Turkey
 

I rode through Turkey a month ago. In fact, I'm back in Turkey after having escaped from Syria the other day. My route and details are on my website, with the locations, pictures and drawn-in map.

www.nohorizons.net

Gas prices in Turkey are the highest in the world, just so you know.

hi kberetta

nice to hear from both of you. can jan give more info about lebanon and bombing?

thanks

Hi all of you out there, Kathy and I are planning a ride down to Turkey 21 Sept to 8 Oct, I know it is not that long but I know we will enjoy it. We have got lots of information from OMM, and also this website. You can see our rough route at www.rtrider.co.uk

Our route will also be dictated by the weather, hopefully it will not be too hot in land, and we would also like to do a bit of the north coast. We have booked no accomodation yet, but I am hoping the hotels will be getting quiet then, so they will be after some trade.

We have got a map of Turkey, and a street plan of Istanbul, so I suppose we will do a lot of the tourist areas, however we want to get out and meet the real people, not having everyone to try and sell us a carpet:biggrin: The GPS only shows the major roads in Turkey, but I am sure we will be fine.

We are really looking forward to visiting Turkey, we have heard how nice and welcoming the people are:clap: :clap: and I can't wait to taste that tea again...

Our bike, a BMW R1200RT is covered by BMW assurance, however we have to get the bike insurance at the border, has anyone an idea of the cost??
I have aslo read that the speed limit is different than cars, is this also correct??

Many thanks, George and Kathy

İ'm travelling now in Turkey, from west to east. Until the moment I'm having a really wonderful experience. People is very, very friendly and the place is really ıncredıble, really. Food is also excelent.

Heat has not been a problem for now in the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and also in Anatolia (Konya, Cappadoccia). Ok, it is hot but you can stand it. Only remember to drink a lot. Local drink 'ayran' is perfect for keeping you hidrated.

No problems with hotels for now. I always find a room in the fist place İ try.

Roads can be dangerous because of gravel and some speedy drivers but ıf you pay a lot of attention you should have no problems. Gasoline is very expensive. After some days I decided to ride at 90 km/h at most. It's safer and I spend less money.

My spanish insurance covers me in Turkey but at the arrival İ could see a place to get insurance 5 meters from the passport control office. Sorry İ did not look at the prices.

Good ride in Turkey!

I forgot: traffic in big cities is complicated. Try to get maps of the ones you are going to visit. Otherwise, you can make lots of turns until you find the place yo are looking for.