Careful packing and budgeting can save you a lot of stress in Trabzon, a city known for its changeable weather and varied terrain spanning coast and mountain.

What to pack. The golden rule in Trabzon: expect rain at any time of year. Even at the height of summer (June–August), when temperatures are relatively mild (around 26°C) and humidity is high, a light raincoat or waterproof jacket remains an essential item in your bag, along with comfortable, slip-resistant shoes — many attractions, like Sümela Monastery, require walking up stairs and inclines that can be damp. If you're visiting in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November), pack extra warm layers, since both seasons, despite mild temperatures, are wetter than summer. Winter visitors (December–February) need a genuinely heavy coat, especially if planning to visit highlands like Uzungöl or the mountain plateaus, where snow falls. Don't forget a multi-voltage charger and a European (Type C/F) plug adapter, since Turkey uses different sockets than Saudi Arabia.

Estimating your daily budget. The currency is the Turkish lira, and the dollar exchange rate surpassed 47 lira in July 2026 amid an ongoing historical decline in the lira's value — which in practice means the purchasing power of the Saudi riyal or UAE dirham is relatively strong in Turkey compared to other destinations. But remember: any approximate figure quickly goes stale given the ongoing volatility, so the most important step is checking the live exchange rate through a trusted app right before and during your trip, rather than relying on outdated numbers read anywhere. For general planning: hotels in central Trabzon vary widely by category and season (summer is pricier due to peak tourist demand), meals at local restaurants are typically cheaper than at major tourist-oriented establishments, and organized day tours to Sümela, Uzungöl, or the mountain plateaus often represent better value for money than renting a private car for a single day.

Cash or card? Bank cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and malls in the city center, but it's strongly advisable to carry a reasonable amount of cash in Turkish lira, especially when heading to Sümela Monastery, Uzungöl lake, or any of the mountain plateaus, where card machines aren't always available and small vendors may prefer cash. Avoid exchanging money inside the airport if possible, as rates there tend to be less competitive than city-center exchange offices.

Tipping. Not mandatory, but common and expected at restaurants (around 10% of the bill) and for tour guides and private tour drivers, especially on organized day trips to natural sites.

Useful apps before you travel. Download a currency converter app to track the lira's exchange rate in real time, an offline maps app for remote mountain areas where network coverage can weaken, and a translation app that supports Turkish, since English isn't widespread everywhere outside the main tourist trail.

With a suitcase prepared for changeable weather and a budget updated with live exchange rates, you'll be ready to enjoy Trabzon without unaccounted-for surprises.