Discover Istanbul

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY, symbol: ₺). Turkey uses coins (5, 10, 25, 50 kuruş; 1 lira) and banknotes (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 lira).

Exchange: The lira has experienced significant volatility in recent years. Change major currencies at exchange offices (döviz bürosu) rather than airport kiosks for better rates. ATMs widely available and generally offer the best exchange rates, though your bank may charge foreign transaction fees. Notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.

Payment Methods: Cash remains king, especially in bazaars, street food stalls, and small restaurants. Many establishments now accept credit cards, but always carry cash. Contactless payment is increasingly common in modern shops and restaurants.

Budget Guidelines (per person, per day):

Budget: 800-1,500 TRY

• •Hostel dorm or budget hotel: 400-600 TRY
• •Street food, lokanta meals, market snacks: 250-400 TRY
• •Public transportation (Istanbulkart): 100-150 TRY
• •One major attraction: 0-300 TRY
• •Budget experience (hamam, Bosphorus ferry): 100-200 TRY

Mid-Range: 2,000-4,000 TRY

• •Comfortable hotel: 1,000-1,800 TRY
• •Sit-down restaurants, cafes: 600-1,000 TRY
• •Transport mix (public + occasional taxi): 200-300 TRY
• •Multiple attractions: 400-800 TRY
• •Mid-range experiences: 300-500 TRY

Luxury: 5,000+ TRY

• •Four/five-star hotel: 2,500+ TRY
• •Fine dining, rooftop restaurants: 1,500+ TRY
• •Private tours, taxis: 500+ TRY
• •Premium experiences: 1,000+ TRY

Tipping: Round up taxi fares. Leave 10-15% at restaurants (check if service charge included). Tip hotel porters 20-50 TRY, housekeeping 20-30 TRY daily. Hamam attendants expect 50-100 TRY. Tour guides appreciate 100-200 TRY per day.

Official Language: Turkish

English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and upscale restaurants, but limited elsewhere. Learning basic Turkish phrases greatly enhances your experience and earns genuine appreciation from locals.

Essential Turkish Phrases:

• •Merhaba (mehr-hah-BAH) - Hello
• •Günaydın (goon-eye-DUN) - Good morning
• •İyi akşamlar (ee-yee ahk-shahm-LAHR) - Good evening
• •Teşekkür ederim (teh-shek-KOOR eh-deh-REEM) - Thank you
• •Lütfen (LEWT-fen) - Please
• •Evet / Hayır (eh-VET / high-UHR) - Yes / No
• •Affedersiniz (ahf-feh-der-see-NEEZ) - Excuse me
• •Ne kadar? (neh kah-DAHR) - How much?
• •Hesap, lütfen (heh-SAHP LEWT-fen) - Bill, please
• •Çok güzel (choke gew-ZEL) - Very beautiful/nice
• •Anlamıyorum (ahn-lah-muh-YOR-um) - I don't understand
• •İngilizce biliyor musunuz? (een-gee-LEEZ-jeh bee-lee-YOR moo-soo-NOOZ) - Do you speak English?

Pronunciation Tips: "Ç" sounds like "ch"; "Ş" sounds like "sh"; "Ğ" is silent, lengthening the previous vowel; "İ" (dotted) is like English "ee"; "I" (undotted) sounds like "uh"; "Ü" like German "ü" or French "u".

Communication Tools: Download Google Translate with Turkish language pack for offline use. Many restaurants have picture menus. Point and smile goes far.

Getting to Istanbul:

Istanbul Airport (IST): Main international hub, located 40 km northwest of city center on the European side. Ultramodern facility opened in 2019.

• •Havaist airport buses to key destinations (60-100 TRY, 60-90 minutes depending on traffic)
• •Taxi to Sultanahmet: approximately 500-700 TRY (insist on meter/"taksimetre")
• •Private transfer/Uber: 400-600 TRY (book in advance)
• •Future metro connection under construction

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): Secondary airport on Asian side, 45 km from city center. Used by budget carriers.

• •Havabus to Taksim: 70-90 TRY, 90-120 minutes
• •Taxi: 600-800 TRY to European side destinations
• •More budget-friendly if staying on Asian side

Getting Around Istanbul:

Istanbulkart: Essential rechargeable transit card (50 TRY initial cost including credit) used on metro, tram, funicular, ferry, and bus. Saves 50% compared to single tickets and enables free transfers within 2 hours. Purchase at airport, major transit stations, or kiosks marked "Istanbulkart." Can be shared but requires tapping separately for each person.

Metro (M1-M11): Modern, efficient system expanding rapidly. Key lines:

• •M1: Airport to metro hub
• •M2: Yenikapı to Hacıosman (via Taksim)
• •M4: Kadıköy on Asian side

Runs 6am-midnight, every 5-10 minutes. Air-conditioned and clean.

Tram (T1): Essential line connecting Kabataş-Sultanahmet-Grand Bazaar-Eminönü. Often crowded. Watch for pickpockets. Runs every 5-10 minutes.

Funiculars:

• •F1: Kabataş to Taksim (connects tram to metro/Istiklal)
• •Tünel: Karaköy to Beyoğlu (historic 1875 funicular, world's second-oldest underground)

Ferries: Magical way to travel. Major terminals at Eminönü, Karaköy, Kabataş, Beşiktaş (European); Kadıköy, Üsküdar (Asian). Ferry with Istanbulkart: 15-20 TRY. Grab a simit (sesame bread) and çay (tea) on board. Routes include:

• •Eminönü-Kadıköy: Classic 20-minute Bosphorus crossing
• •Bosphorus tours: Short (15-20 TRY) or long (25 TRY) routes passing palaces and fortresses
• •Princes' Islands: From Eminönü or Kabataş (multiple daily departures)

Buses: Extensive but confusing for visitors. Useful for reaching specific neighborhoods. Pay with Istanbulkart.

Taxis: Yellow cabs everywhere. Most drivers honest, but some exploit tourists. Insist on meter ("taksimetre lütfen"). Short trips: 80-150 TRY. Have destination written in Turkish. Uber and BiTaksi apps ensure transparency and often cheaper rates.

Dolmuş: Shared minibuses following set routes, departing when full. Economical but requires local knowledge. Say "İnecek var" when you want to get off.

Walking: Best way to explore neighborhoods, but challenging due to hills, cobblestones, and chaotic traffic. Drivers rarely yield to pedestrians—cross assertively but carefully.

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