More and more Romanians are planning their holidays in Turkey alone, attracted by the charm of destinations such as Istanbul and not only, but also by the (still) competitive and freedom of movement. However, between enthusiasm and reality, there is a portion of road sprinkled with administrative details, taxes, radars and … small traps for tourists.
More and more Romanian tourists attracted by the charm of Istanbul Turkey’s jewelry photo Grasshopperyatra
Thousands of drivers start annually to Turkey, with the thought of the beach, shopping and urban explorations, without taking into account the fact that the route can hide unexpected taxes, automatic fines, well -camouflaged radars and administrative or financial traps that, if not known, can turn enthusiasm into frustration and can break the start or end of the vacation.
A lived experience “Warm” In August 2025, just before the latest earthquake, he reveals the complete reality of a path that, although spectacular, can be full of obstacles if you are not prepared.
The story, posted on a Facebook group dedicated to travelers, offers a clear x -ray, being a true guide by car through Bulgaria to the heart of Turkey.
In the following lines you will discover how to quickly go through the Bulgarian and Turkish customs, what costs the new HGS cards involve and the taxes up to Istanbul, how the Turkish radar system works and the payment of fines at the border, where you have to be careful not to lose unnecessary money, what are the current prices for fuel and parking, but also your parks.
How to quickly pass the Dereköy customs and enter the Turkish highways
Last year, for example, over 1 million Romanians chose Turkey as a holiday destination, some of them preferring to travel on their own, by car. For them and for many others who will follow their example, the road proves to be more than just a crossing of two or more borders.
At 4:00 in the morning, Vama Dereköy is already animated. The PTT point operates non-stop, and to travel on Turkish highways you need the new HGS card-vignette (vignette) Turkish for highways and bridges, a tax system per distance traveled and not in time, as in the case of the classic vignette. The card, the size of a bank card, costs 160 TL (the equivalent of 17.14 lei, at the exchange rate of August 11, 2025) and is delivered with support and double adhesive tape.
For a road to Istanbul, add about 440 TL (47.12 lei). Attention: there are no stickers, only cards, and the payment in pounds brought from Romania can save time and nerves – advice confirmed by experienced Romanian tourists.
Regarding the mandatory documents that the Romanian tourists must have on them, do not forget about the identity card or passport, the valid RCA insurance for Turkey, the HGS card and the entrance visa received at the customs. It is advisable to have both digital and printed copies of these documents – they can save for a long time in unforeseen situations.
With the electronic identity card, the formalities are simple: you will receive a paper with the name and input visa. This document is mandatory at the exit from Turkey and is obtained at the last counter, upon arrival. Without it, the output procedure cannot be completed. Keep it carefully!
Radars, fines and surprises on the border
From the experience of Romanian tourists, it appears that the O-3 and O-7 highways are sprinkled with radars-some fixed, others on the tripods, all connected to a system that does not stop the drivers on the spot. Some radars appear on Waze, but not all. The photos with the car reach the database directly, and on the return, at customs, the payment is made on the spot, with the card.
A recent episode perfectly illustrates the situation: a Romanian paid, without initially understanding the reason, the equivalent of 1,600 lei, while the official showed on the monitor the images captured by the radar. The dialogue in the Turkish and the insistence of asking for explanations blocked the tail of the customs for over an hour and a half.
The example is not singular. Attention, Romanian drivers-on Turkish roads, speed can cost expensive and can turn the holiday into an experience with … extracts.
Useful applications for a stress -free trip
In addition, to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is good to install before you go on the road, if you do not already, Waze or Google Maps applications, useful for real -time navigation and radar monitoring. For the payment of taxes and HGS card management, there are Turkish applications that can be activated simply, with an account available in English. Also, an offline translation application, such as Google Translate, can facilitate fast customs communication or unforeseen situations.
Bulgaria may surprise pleasantly
On the Bulgarian side, at customs, four counters and two physical control areas provide a rapid flow, even during the night, as many Romanian tourists noted. Although the checks are careful, each car being controlled in detail, the formalities are carried out quickly, and the customs are noted by kindness.
Paradoxically, the agglomeration is usually formed at Turkish customs – especially because of fines.
Total time spent in customs: about two hours.
False fuel and hidden fees – what you need to know before you arrive in Turkey
On August 10, 2025, when the story was posted, the realities on the ground looked like this:
- Currency course: 100 € = 4,700 TL (about 500 lei).
- Diesel: 53 TL/l (approx. 5.67 lei/l).
- Parks in tourist areas: about140 TL/hour (approx. 15 lei/h).
- HGS card: 160 TL + 440 TL for the road to Istanbul (approx. 65 lei).
Last moment warning: A Romanian driver fuel fuel at the Shell station in Kırklari (sense to Bulgaria) and, a few kilometers, the engine lost its power, the injectors began to make suspicious noises. At the first food in Romania, the problem disappeared. Suspicion? Counterfeit fuel. The experience is confirmed by other Romanian tourists.
The last trusted gas station before the border remains a mystery. On the forums, some swear on the offspring, others indicate Aygaz, where you can find a market near the pump where you can quickly buy the Electronic HGS card.
The road can be expensive if you are not careful. And in Turkey, mistakes are paid directly … at customs.
Tips for a surprise trip
Before you start on the road to Turkey, it is important to be well prepared for travel conditions and challenges on the route. Here are some essential tips that will help you protect yourself and avoid the inconvenience along the way.
- Protect yourself from the sun: hat or cap, with UV protection, sunglasses, constant hydration. The heat is intense, and in the crowded areas there were fainting cases.
- Attention to goods: In public transport, wallets and purses should be kept safe. In a past edition I detailed the theft methods found by the Romanian tourists who arrived in Istanbul.
- Check the prices: In the tourist areas, the temptation of traders to increase the rates is high. The good part is that you can negotiate.
- Plan the power supply: Avoid stations that have created problems in the past or you know that you raise question marks.
This account “Warm” It is a practical guide to anyone who leaves for Turkey on their own. The road can be a pleasant and lacking experience – if you know what to pay attention to and how to avoid bureaucratic and financial traps. The information is the key!
