Getting to Istanbul
Istanbul has two major airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. Most international flights land at IST, one of the world's newest and largest airports, on the same side of the city as the clinic.
Flights from the US
- Nonstop: Turkish Airlines flies nonstop from several US cities, including New York (JFK), Washington (IAD), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Houston (IAH), Miami (MIA) and San Francisco (SFO). Flight time is about 10 hours from the East Coast and up to 13 from the West Coast.
- One stop: via European hubs (London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam) on British Airways, Lufthansa or KLM, sometimes cheaper than nonstop.
- Typical cost: about $700–1,300 round trip from the East Coast (estimate). From Raleigh it's usually one stop, via JFK, IAD or ATL. Booking 4–8 weeks ahead usually helps.
Visa
US citizens don't need a visa for Turkey for stays up to 90 days. Bring your US passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date. Other passports: check Turkey's official e-visa site.
Time zone
Istanbul is 7 hours ahead of Eastern time (8 in winter). I'm in Raleigh, so you get answers in your evening, not Istanbul's.
Money
Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TRY). For everyday spending in the city, cards are widely accepted and ATMs dispense lira. Your package is quoted in US dollars; the clinic's payment details come with your written quote.
Weather
| Season | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 15–22°C / 59–72°F | Pleasant; tulip season |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 25–35°C / 77–95°F | Hot and humid; after a transplant, the usual guidance is no direct sun on the treated area |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 15–25°C / 59–77°F | Pleasant; fewer crowds |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 5–12°C / 41–54°F | Cold, some rain; fewer tourists |
Hair transplants are done all year; spring and fall are the busiest seasons because of the weather. My package prices are the same all year.
Safety
Istanbul is generally safe for visitors. The usual precautions apply: watch for pickpockets in crowded areas (Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet), use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps (BiTaksi, Uber), and keep valuables secure. The medical districts (Bakırköy, Şişli, Ataşehir) are modern and generally safe.
Between appointments
A 3-night hair trip has some free time: your arrival day and the hours after the check-up. With the Plus upgrade you get a 4th night. Ideas:
- Hagia Sophia: UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 1,500 years of history
- Blue Mosque: Ottoman architecture, free entry
- Grand Bazaar: one of the world's oldest covered markets
- Bosphorus cruise: the city from the water, 1–2 hour tours
- Turkish food: kebabs, baklava, Turkish breakfast, fresh seafood
- Spice Bazaar: spices, Turkish delight, dried fruit
After the procedure, the usual guidance is to avoid strenuous activity, direct sun and dusty places; light walking and sightseeing from a car or boat are usually fine. The clinic's written instructions come first.
Practical tips
- Bring button-up shirts: nothing pulled over the head for the first days after a hair transplant
- Have WhatsApp on your phone before you fly; it's how I stay in touch with you
- I handle the logistics with the clinic; you book your flight
- Pack light: 3–4 days of clothes, comfortable shoes and a loose hat for sun protection
- Turkey uses European plugs (type C/F); bring an adapter
- Tipping: 10–15% at restaurants, round up for taxis; not expected at the clinic
Want a written plan for your case?
Send 3 photos (front, top and back, in daylight). I reply in the evenings, Eastern time, always within 24 hours.
- Sapphire FUE
- $2,900
- DHI, no-shave option
- $3,400
Both include 3 nights at Hilton or Hampton by Hilton, VIP transfers, an interpreter, medications and kit, and 12 months of follow-up with me.
- Deposit to book
- $0
Not ready yet? Get my checklist: 10 questions to ask any clinic in Turkey, mine included.