What to Bring

 

Peanut butter – You won’t find the PB in the PB & J as it is quite rare to find them at regular markets.  In fact, I never found it.  Luckily I met an American that was living in Turkey who happened got a care package from her family and gave me a jar for my peanut butter fix.

Waterproof boots – If you are going in the winter, you will encounter a lot of rain and snow.  A good pair of weatherproof walking shoes or hiking boots will be perfect. Of course you can always get it when you get to Turkey, but it'll be expensive and poor quality.

Travel Adapter Plug – The outlets are the two round pin a 230 V. So make sure you get the right adapter and that your electronics would work with the 230 V.

 

ladies

Tampons – You could find them in Turkey, but there are not a lot of choices.  The only brand I saw was OBs.

Cosmetics – Although a lot of thing are cheaper in Turkey, cosmetic is not one of them.  Mid-range cosmetic brands like Maybelline and Cover-girl are almost double the price in Turkey.  On a side note, while the Californian look is all about natural make-up, Turkish make-up trend is a little heavier with dark black eyeliners, bright eye shadow and prominent blush.   You may want to start practicing.

 

What NOT to bring

8.5" X 11" – Don’t even bother lugging folders, notebooks, and school supply from U.S.  because not only is it cheap in Turkey, but like most of Europe and Asia, they use A4 which is 8.27" x 11.69".