How To Spot and Avoid Common Istanbul Tourist Scams?

 

Istanbul, just like every world city, has to cope with its typical tourist scams. Although most Turks are unbelievably honest and would go the extra mile to help you rather than rip you off, in a city with well over 12 million inhabitants, you’ll always find a few people with different intentions. This shouldn’t scare you, on the contrary. Compared to other world cities, Istanbul has fewer tourist traps, and thanks to this post you will be able to spot and avoid these scams easily.

The Setting

Before I dive into the details of each different Istanbul tourist scam, keep the following in mind:

• most of these rip-offs occur in Istanbul’s very touristic, crowded and/or busy places, e.g. Sultanhamet Square, Istiklal Caddesi, Cumhurriyet Caddesi, Taksim Square and its surrounding streets.
• their preferred targets are tourists travelling alone (Let’s Have a Drink) or in very small groups
• if you suspect a scam coming up and don’t accept their invitation right from the start, they will never get rude or insult you, and just move on

Let’s Have a Drink

Goal — Get you to enter one of their bars with overpriced drinks and underdressed women. The result is always the same: you end up with a huge bill, often into hundreds of Euros.

Target — Single white men

Set-up — A well-dressed man, fluent in English, approaches you and tries to start a conversation. If you’re a smoker he’ll ask you for a lighter (and if you pay close attention, you may even notice him throwing away a burning sigarette seconds earlier). If you’re not, then he may just walk up to you. And even if you’re sitting alone at a terrace table, he may sit down at the table next to you and start a conversation this way.
Regardless of his approach, the conversation will always lead in the same direction: whether you would like to join him for some after work drinks in a great place (of a friend of his) that he knows.

How to Avoid — Never take advice from complete strangers about establishments worth trying out. You’ll find a nice selection of the best cafés, bars and nightclubs on this site. Just tell him you’re waiting/meeting with two or three other friends and are not interested. Right from the start decline his invitation and move on. Don’t promise ‘tomorrow’, because he may keep on trying his chance for days to come.

Shoe Shine

Goal — Talk you into getting a shoe shine (for free) and overcharge you afterwards.

Target — Singles, couples, small families or groups

Set-up — They have mainly two tricks up their sleeve to get them to polish your shoes. Either they walk past you and drop their brush on one of your shoes, or they walk in front of you and drop their brush hoping you would pick it up and hand it to him. The result for both cases is the same: to apologize or as a token of gratitude, they start shining your shoes. While you think it’s for free, he’ll demand you to pay much more than the price of a regular shoe shine. If you start arguing, more of his ‘colleagues’ will show up to back him up.

How to Avoid — Don’t pick up the brush and just keep on walking. In case the brush fell on your shoe, tell him that it’s ok and move on. Having said this, there are plenty of legitimate shoe shines in Istanbul doing a great job. They normally don’t move around and ask between 5 and 10 TL. Agree on the price beforehand — for both shoes! (another trick)

Carpet or Leather Shop

Goal — Get you to buy goods in shops he works for, and where you with near certainty won’t get the best bargain.

Target — Anybody wandering around in Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar

Set-up — A very friendly guy, fluent in several languages, will ask if you are lost and need some help in locating some of the sightseeing spots and/or Grand Bazaar shops. And as he ‘guides’ you, he’ll pass some of his shops and remember he had to drop something off. He will of course invite you in to meet his family member(s).
Before you know it, you’ll be drinking tea, listening to how only they still make quality leather or carpets, and why you should buy something there. If you manage to keep your wallets closed, he promises to take you to the place you were actually looking for … and the whole procedure starts again.

How to Avoid — When people offer to guide you around, be aware. Instead, if you’re really lost, you take the initiative by asking someone.

Pickpocketing

Goal — Steal your wallet or other valuables.

Target — Careless tourists.

Set-up — None! Any crowded steert or place will do.

How to Avoid — Just like any Turk, keep your wallet in the front pockets of your pants, wear your handbags within eyesight and carry back-packs on the front of your body. Make sure all the zippers are properly closed. Also, never leave bags or other valuables such as mobile phones, iPods, etc. unattended on (terrace) tables or easy to grab for bypassers.

Taxi Scams

Goal — Overcharge you for the ride.

Target — Anybody

Set-up — Traffic jams, short cuts, etc.

by ERLEND GEERTS

Consulates List in Istanbul

A Consulate General of AUSTRIA Address : Koybasi Caddesi 46, 80870 Yenikoy Istanbul Phone : (212) 262 93 15, 262 49 84, 262 49 88 Fax : (212) 262 26 22 E-Mail : Consulate General of AUSTRALIA Address : Tepecik Yolu No: 58 , Etiler 80630 Istanbul Phone : (212) 257 70 50-53 Fax : (212) 257 70 54 E-Mail : Consulate General of The REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN Address : Alt Zeren Sokak No: 13 Besiktas Istanbul Phone : (212) 279 54 00, 325 80 45 Fax : (212) 284 95 79 E-Mail : arzist@superonline.com B Honorary Consulate of The REPUBLIC OF BELARUS in Izmir Address : Merkez Hal No:4 Buca, Kaynaklar izmir Phone : (232) 435 79 90, 443 00 83, 441 04 51 Fax : (232) 441 25 84 E-Mail : Consulate General of BELGIUM Address : Siraselviler Caddesi No: 73, 80060 Taksim Istanbul Phone : (212) 243 33 00-01 Fax : (212) 243 50 74 E-Mail : Consulate General of The REPUBLIC OF BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA Address : Miralay Şefik Bey Sok. No: 19/6  80090 Gumussuyu Taksim Istanbul Phone : (212) 245 1616, 245 1619 Fax : (212) 245 1620 E-Mail : Consulate General of The REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA Address : Ahmet Adnan Saygun Cd. No:44 80600 2. Levent Istanbul Phone : (212) 281 01 15 Fax : (212) 264 10 11 E-Mail : Consulate General of Brazil Address : Elmadag Askerocagi Caddesi Nº 9 Suzer Plaza, Kat: 4 Sisli 34367 Istanbul Turkey Phone : (212) 252 00 13 - (212) 252 06 63 - (212) 252 06 70 Phone : (554) 834 59 52 (Consular assistance emergencies for Brazilian nationals only) Fax : (212) 252 1057 E-Mail : email: cg.istambul@itamaraty.gov.br C Consulate General of The CZECH REPUBLIC Address : Abdi Ipekci Caddesi No:71 Macka Istanbul Phone : (212) 230 95 97, 232 90 46 Fax : (212) 231 94 93 E-Mail : Consulate General of The PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA Address : Memduhpasa Yalisi, Misirli Caddesi, Kirecburnu Mahallesi Sariyer Istanbul Phone : (212) 299 21 87 Fax : (212) 299 28 55 E-Mail : Consulate General of The REPUBLIC OF CROATIA Address : Mesrutiyet Caddesi No: 163/2 Tepebasi Beyoglu Istanbul Phone : (212) 293 54 67, 293 54 68 Fax : (212) 293 54 76 E-Mail : croconis@netone.com.tr Consulate General of The TURKISH REPUBLIC OF NORTHERN CYPRUS Address : Yeni Gelin Sokak No:24/1 Balmumcu Besiktas Istanbul Phone : (212) 227 34 90 Fax : (212) 227 34 93 E-Mail : D Consulate General of Denmark in Istanbul Address : Meygede Sok. No:2 80810 Bebek İSTANBUL Phone : (212) 359 19 00 Fax : (212) 359 19 02 E-Mail : E Consulate General of The ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT Address : Cevdet Pasa Caddesi No:173 Bebek Istanbul Phone : (212) 263 60 38, 265 24 40 Fax : (212) 257 44 28 E-Mail : F Consulate General of FRANCE Address : Istiklal Caddesi No:8 Taksim Istanbul Phone : (212) 334 87 30 Fax : (212) 334 87 31 E-Mail : mail@consulfrance-istanbul.org Honorary Consulate General of FINLAND in Istanbul Address : Yeni Çamlık Caddesi Ayaz Sokak No : 5 4.Levent 80660 Istanbul Phone : (0212) 283 57 37, 283 57 38 Faks : (0212) 283 57 39 E-Mail : G Consulate General of The FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY Address : Inonu Caddesi 16-18 , Gumusuyu Istanbul Phone : (212) 251 54 04-08 Fax : (212) 249 99 20 , 245 26 24 Vize E-Mail : gk.istanbul@sim.net.tr Consulate General of The REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA Address : Inonu Caddesi No. 55 Marmara Apt. Da.2 Gumusuyu Taksim Istanbul Phone : (212) 292 8110 Fax : (212) 292 8112 E-Mail : Consulate General of The REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA Address : Gazipasa Caddesi No:20 Trabzon Phone : 0462 326 22 26 Fax : 0462 326 22 96 E-Mail : Consul General of GREECE Address : Turnacibasi Sokak No:32, Beyoglu Istanbul Phone : (212) 245 05 96-97 Fax : (212) 252 13 65 E-Mail : grcons@ibm.net H Consulate General of The REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY Address : Poyracik Sokak No: 35 Tesvikiye Istanbul Phone : (212) 225 55 01 , 225 55 19 Fax : (212) 296 82 48 E-Mail : huconsist@domi.net.tr I Consulate General of INDIA Address : Cumhuriyet Caddesi No:18 Dortler Apt. 7.Kat Taksim Istanbul Phone : (212) 296 21 31 , 296 21 32 Fax : (212) 296 21 30 Consulate General of The ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN Address : Ankara Caddesi No:1 Cagaloglu Istanbul. Phone : (212) 513 82 30 Fax : (212) 511 52 19 E-Mail : Consulate General of ISRAEL Address : Buyukdere Cad. Yapı Kredi Plaza C Blok 7. Kat 80620 4. Levent Istanbul Phone : (212) 317 65 00 Fax : (212) 317 65 55 E-Mail : Consulate General of ITALY Address : Tom Kaptan Sokak No:15 Beyoglu 80072 Istanbul Phone : (212) 243 10 24-25 Fax : (212) 252 58 79 E-Mail : Top J Consulate General of JAPAN Address :Inonu Caddesi No:24, Taksim 80090 Istanbul Phone : (212) 393 20 10-13 Fax : (212) 393 20 08 E-Mail : K Consulate General of The REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN Address : Florya Cad.No:62,Yeşilkoy,Bakırkoy Istanbul Phone : (212) 662 53 47-48 Fax : (212) 662 53 49 E-Mail : consulkzist@superonline.com Consulate General of The REPUBLIC OF KYRGYZSTAN Address : Lamartin Caddesi Altinay Apt. No:7 Kat 3 Taksim Istanbul Phone : (212) 235 67 67 Fax : (212) 235 92 93 E-Mail : genkon@tr.net L Consulate General of LEBANON Address : Tesvikiye Caddesi No:134/1 80200 Tesvikiye Istanbul Phone : (212) 236 13 65-66 Fax : (212) 227 33 73 E-Mail : Consulate General of LIBYA Address : Miralay Sefik Bey Sokak No:13 Gumussuyu Istanbul Phone : (212) 251 81 00 Fax : (212) 252 55 15 E-Mail : M Consulate General of The REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA Address : Inonu Cad. No: 20/3, Gumuşsuyu, Taksim Istanbul Phone : (212) 249 99 77, 251 22 33 Fax : (212) 293 77 65 E-Mail : N Consulate General of The ROYAL NETHERLANDS Address : Istiklal Caddesi No:393 80072 Beyoglu Istanbul Phone : (212) 251 50 30-33 Fax : (212) 292 50 31 E-Mail : nlgovist@domi.net.tr P Consulate General of PAKISTAN Address : Gullu Sokak No. 20, 3-Levent, Istanbul Phone : (212) 324 58 27 Fax : (212) 324 71 50 E-Mail : pakcom.tur@tdap.gov.pk Consulate General of The REPUBLIC OF POLAND Address : Buyuk Ciftlik Sokak 5/7 Nisantasi Istanbul Phone : (212) 291 03 00-1 Fax : (212) 233 06 18 E-Mail : R Consulate General of The REPUBLIC OF ROMANIA Address : Siraselviler Caddesi No:5 Beyoglu Taksim Istanbul Phone : (212) 292 41 25-26-27 Fax : (212) 293 82 61 E-Mail : Consulate General of The RUSSIAN FEDERATION Address :Istiklal Caddesi No: 443 Beyoglu Istanbul Phone : (212) 292 5 0 Fax : (212) 293 23 58 E-Mail : S Consulate General of The KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA Address : Akinci Bayiri Sokak No : 8 Mecidiyekoy 80220 Istanbul Phone : (212) 281 91 40 Fax : (212) 281 91 41 E-Mail : Consulate General of SPAIN Address : Cumhuriyet Caddesi No.233 K.4 Ferah Apt. 80230 Harbiye Istanbul Phone : (212) 225 20 99, 225 21 53, 219 31 86 Fax : (212) 225 20 88 Consulate General of SWEDEN Address :Istiklal Caddesi no: 497 Beyoglu, 80072 Istanbul Phone : (212) 243 57 70 Fax : (212) 252 41 14 E-Mail : gkistanbul@turk.net Consulate General of SWITZERLAND Address : Husrev Gerede Caddesi 75/3 Tesvikiye 80200 Istanbul Phone : (212) 259 11 15-1 7 Fax : (212) 259 11 1 8 E-Mail : Consulate General of SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC Address : Macka Caddesi Ralli Apt. 59/3 Tesvikiye Istanbul Phone : (212) 232 67 21 , 232 71 10 Fax : (212) 230 22 15 E-Mail : T Consulate of TUNISIA Address : Mesrutiyet Cad. No:99/1, Tarhan Han, Tepebasi, Istanbul Phone : (212) 293 95 78-86 Fax : (212) 293 95 76 E-Mail : Consulate General of The REPUBLIC OF TURKMENISTAN Address : Gazi Evrenos Caddesi Baharistan Sokak No: 1 3 Yesilkoy Istanbul Phone : (212) 662 02 22-23 Fax : (212) 662 02 24 E-Mail : U Consulate General of UKRAINE Address : Adakale Sokak No:13 Senlikkoy Florya Bakirkoy Istanbul Phone : (212) 662 25 41 , 662 27 35 Fax : (212) 662 18 76 E-Mail : Consulate of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA in ANKARA Address : 110 Ataturk Blvd. Kavaklidere, 06100 Ankara - TURKEY Phone : (90-312) 455 55 55 Fax: (90-312) 466 56 84 E-Mail : Web :   Consulate of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA in ISTANBUL Address : Kaplicalar Mevkii Sokak No 2  Istinye 34460 ISTANBUL Phone : (212) 335-9000 Fax : (212) 251 36 32 E-Mail : http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov/contact.html Web : http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov/  Consulate of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA in IZMIR Address : Kazim Dirik Caddesi, Atabay Is Merkezi, No. 13, Kat 8, Daire 805, Pasaport, IZMIR Phone : (232) 464 87 55 Fax     : (232) 464 89 16 E-Mail : Web :   Consulate of The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA in ADANA Address : Girne Bulvari No:212 Guzelevler Mah. Yüregir, Adana - TURKEY Phone : 0322 346 62 62 Fax : 0322 346 79 16 E-Mail : Web : http://adana.usconsulate.gov/  Consulate General of The UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Address : Altzeren Sokak No:7 I. Levent Istanbul Phone : (212) 279 63 48, 279 63 49 Fax : (212) 278 0570 E-Mail :  Web : http://ukinturkey.fco.gov.uk/en/ Consulate General of The UNITED KINGDOM Address : Mesrutiyet Caddesi, No:34 Tepebasi, Beyoglu Istanbul Phone : (212) 293 75 40, 45-49, 252 64 36 Fax : (212) 245 49 89, 252 64 4 E-Mail : istanbul-consular.istanbul@fco.gov.uk  Consulate General of The REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN Address : Sehit Halil Ibrahim Cad. 23, Istinye, Istanbul Phone : (212) 323 20 37, 229 00 75 Fax : (212) 323 20 40 E-Mail : Y Consulate General of The FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA Address : Valikonagi Caddesi 96/A Nisantasi Istanbul Phone : (212) 248 10 04, 248 11 33 Fax : (212) 248 35 34 E-Mail :yugkist@mail.Koc.net

Medical Information

Medical Information

No vaccinations are required for a visit to Turkey, although a typhoid vaccine is recommended for longer stays. There is a minimal risk of malaria in the south eastern region of Turkey.

Tap water, though chlorinated in larger centres such as Istanbul, is not recommended for drinking. However, bottled water is cheap and readily available.

Private health insurance is recommended for travel to Turkey.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies in Turkey can easily be recognized by the neon red ‘E’ (for the Turkish word ‘eczane’ ) sign outside shops. Istanbul has a plethora of pharmacies stocking a wide range of medicines, equipment and aids as well as toiletry items such as dental floss, band aids and bandages.

Most medicines in Turkey do not require a prescription. Prices are controlled by the government and are generally low.

Note that basic medicines such as paracaetamol (‘Panadol’) and ibuprofen (‘Nurofen’) are not sold at supermarkets, but only at pharmacies.

Pharmacies in Istanbul are usually open until around 7pm and there are duty stores available on Sundays and public holidays.

Dentists

Dentists are usually of a high standard in Istanbul, and the city has become a popular ‘medical tourism’ destination due to the relatively low costs of elective procedures.

Despite this, make sure to agree to the fee you’ll pay in advance for dental work in Turkey as there are no fixed fees.

Hospitals

Public/state hospitals are generally of a lower sanitary condition and care than in private hospitals, with patients often suffering long queues and lack of attending staff.

It’s recommended that you take out private health insurance prior to a visit to Istanbul as the private hospitals in Istanbul are generally of a higher standard and staff can usually speak English or other foreign languages.

Safety Issues in Istanbul

Most travellers comment on the exceptional friendliness and hospitality of the Turkish people. Turkey is not only welcoming, it's also as safe as Europe and North America and in particular violent crime against foreigners is rare.

Even though Turkey is relatively safe there are a few things to watch out for:

Like in any crowded place, beware of pickpockets who may attempt to take your belongings when you are distracted.

    * Keep a close eye on your bag or wallet, and try to keep it in front of you, especially in crowded places such as busy streets, metro or buses as bag snatching and bag slashing does occur.
    * Muggings, though not common, are on the rise in Istanbul, so be aware of where you are, at what time of day, and what you’re carrying on you.

Scams in Istanbul

Although not frequent, there are a few scams in Istanbul aimed at westerners, as outlined below:

    * There is a common scam in Istanbul aimed at single young foreign men. While walking on the street, a man is approached by other young, seemingly friendly locals, who offer to show him some ‘real’ Istanbul nightlife. When he arrives at the bar, young, attractive ladies are there and order drinks, which happen to total hundreds of dollars. The poor young man is landed with a whopping bill at the end of the night and forced to pay it. The moral of the story: ask for prices before you order, wherever you are.
    * Another scam is carried out by shoe shiners. As you walk past, they ‘accidently’ drop their brush in front of you. As you bend down to pick it up, they look very grateful and start to polish your shoes in gratitude. When you go to leave, however, they start demanding that you pay for the shine. Moral of the story: don’t pick up the brush!

Many travellers are surprised at the large number of policemen in Istanbul, especially in the Taksim/Beyoğlu area. There are also CCTV cameras in many places in the city.

Should you experience trouble while in Istanbul, don’t hesitate to contact the Tourist Police or regular police force- though the latter’s English skills tend to be limited.

Istanbul’s Tourism Police Department has an office in Sultanahmet across from the Basilica Cistern entrance, where travellers can go to report a stolen/lost passport or any other crime. They claim to be able to speak French, German and Arabic as well as English.

Tourism Police (Turizm Polisi)
Address:     Yerebatan Caddesi 6, Sultanahmet
    Tel: +90 212 527 45 03 


By www.mydestination.com

Museum Pass İstanbul

The gates of history are wide open with the Museum Pass İstanbul.

With this card, you will be able to visit the Chora, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace Museum and Harem Apartments, İstanbul Archaeological Museums, İstanbul Mosaic Museum,the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Galata Mevlevi House Museum, Yıldız Palace Museum, Museum for the History of Science and Technology in Islam, free of charge and without having to queue.

The Museum Pass İstanbul costs 85 TL and is valid for three days, beginning with your first museum visit.

The advantages offered to holders of the Museum Pass İstanbul aren’t just limited to this; attractive discounts await at the city’s elite private museums, together with arts and entertainment venues.

Special Offers:

BKG Museum Shops and Cafés, Blueshuttle, City Windows Bosphorus Sightseeing  Tour by Gök Global, GES Shops, İstanbul Archaeological Museums Shop and Café, İstanbul Cooking School, İstanbul Sightseeing Tours By Plan Tours, İstanbul Walks Jurassic Land, Maiden Tower, Rahmi M. Koç Museum, Sadberk Hanim Museum, Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Sapphire Observation Desk, Torium Snowpark and 5D Fun Time, Play Bowling – bowling game, Lazer Arena, Starpark Entrance, Touring Club Publications and İstanbul Handicrafts Center, Turvak Cinema -Theater Museum.

    

For more info please visit http://www.muzekart.com/en/museum-pass

Istanbul Traffic

The traffic in Istanbul is quite heavy. You would do well to avoid taxis and use the tramway or walk, especially in the Sultanahmet area. Not only are the places situation nearby, it is interesting to walk around. The places such as the Topkapi palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar -- can all be covered by foot.

Do not drive! Yes.. Do not drive unless you are experienced at driving in Istanbul or similar places. If you desperately need to drive, please check the following 10 rules!

1. Many people don’t use signals, so, be prepared to see drivers changing lanes frequently to get one car further.
2. Do not expect cars to signal before leaving parking place.
3. When driving on the rightmost lane, continue checking your right mirror. Emergency lanes are also frequently used by fast drivers.
4. Buses, taxis, and minibuses are also have no sense of traffic rules. They are usually good in driving skills but do not obey rules also.
5. Do not cross at red light, never
6. When crossing in green light, check the road. A driver may dive in to the road.
7. Do not argue with anyone, even if you are right. Many people can be aggressive in traffic in Istanbul.
8. If you have accident, no panic. Try to find someone who knows your language.
9. Since walkways are limited, pedestrians tend to walk in roads. They can even try to cross highways so be careful.
10. Horns and flashes are mainly used to swear, not to warn. So be selective when using it..

Some Infos

Smoking

As of July 2009, smoking in public places including restaurants, bars and public transport was forbidden in Turkey. In Istanbul, as well as in the rest of the country, this law is generally adhered to. However, a large proportion of bars in Istanbul have roof terraces with adequate heating where it’s possible to smoke year round and many establishments are adept at bending the rules.

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Drinking

Alcohol is readily available in Istanbul and generally less restricted than in parts of Western Europe and North America. Beer, wine and hard liquor can be bought at supermarkets and small stores called ‘Tekel’, which are often open late into the night. The legal drinking age in Turkey is 18.

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Laundromats

There are many laundromats (‘camasirhane’) across Istanbul. Some offer fixed prices while others will charge based on weight; be sure to ask before handing your clothes over. A wash and dry of a normal sized load will usually set you back around 10TL.

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Electricity

Turkey uses a 220 volts, 50Hz, European style rounded tip two-prong plug.
It’s recommended that you check what you will need for your appliances before leaving home, as you may require a plug adaptor or transformer/voltage converter.

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Mail Services

Turkish post offices can be recognized by their yellow and blue PTT signs. Click here for post office listings.
Istanbul’s central post office is located in Sirkeci, a short walk from Sultanahmet near to Eminönü. There are also large branches in Taksim and Beyoglu as well as smaller booths.
Note that stamps can only be purchased at post offices and booths.
If you are sending a package, you will need to provide your own packaging or purchase this from nearby stores. Parcel contents will usually be checked before sending, so avoid sealing the parcel until this has been done.
There is a ‘poste restante’ service in Istanbul where the central post office will hold mail. There is a small fee for collection; bring your passport for proof of identity.

Money And Credit Cards

Money

Turkish Lira is the official currency of Turkey. Following a period of ramped inflation, the Turkish Central Bank decided to knock off six zeros from the currency to make the money easier to handle. This has made it much easier, especially for visitors to Turkey, as they no longer have to deal in ‘millions’ of Turkish currency.

Bank notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100TL, while coins, called the Kurus (kr), come in 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 kurus pieces. There is also a 1TL coin.

Following the currency changes, the currency acronym was written as YTL (New Turkish Lira). This has been changed back to TL (Turkish Lira), though some may still write it as YTL. In Turkey, the currency acronym comes after the amount, e.g. 5TL.

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ATM’s, Credit Cards, Exchange Bureaus

ATMs are abundant and ATMs of different local banks are usually clustered together around centres, including at the Arrivals terminal at Atatürk Airport, Taksim Square, and Sultanahmet district.
The most reliable local banks in Istanbul include: Garanti Bankasi, Akbank, Is Bankasi and Yapi Kredi Bankasi.

Most Turkish bank machines are on the Cirrus and PLUS Networks. If you are planning to use your cards in Turkey and Istanbul, check the back of your card to make sure that your credit card is on these networks.

Credit cards are also widely used and accepted in Turkey and Istanbul. Please remember that purchases on credit card accounts are now also subject to a percentage fee, usually around 5%.
If you prefer to carry your own currency with you to Istanbul, you can also exchange it at Turkish currency exchange offices called ‘Döviz Bürosu’. There are exchange offices in the airport Arrivals terminal, Sultanahmet, Taksim and Istiklal Street and other areas.

Restaurants and hotel in highly touristic areas like Sultanahmet and Taksim also accept US Dollars or Euros but rates are often not competitive.

Climate Of Istanbul

The inhabitants of Istanbul enjoy all four seasons. The characteristic weather here is a somewhat cooler version of the Mediterranean climate: a short spring, ideal summer temperatures, a long autumn with blue skies,and a rainy winter... The Bosphorus dons the purple of the Judas-tree groves in the spring.

The parks and gardens are decorated with tulips and other flowers. March is a cool, rainy month, but April and May are exactly what one expects of the spring. June is half spring, half summer. An old saying advises one "not to bathe in the sea before you see the rind of a watermelon". It is possible to bathe in the seas of Istanbul until the end of September.

In July and August, except for perhaps two or three hot weeks, there are sometimes even cloudy or cool days. The weather can be undependable in a region with such a blending of lands and seas. Morning clouds may clear toward noon and invite the sun. Autumn is the longest season, and during the larger part of the year the morning haze makes the skies as bright as mother-of-pearl. During the winter months from December to March one needs a raincoat, a thick coat, and sometimes even a fur. There are few days of frost or snow. The main winds throughout the year are the cool and rainy "poyraz" from the south, and the warm "lodos" from the south. The last severe winter within the city boundaries was experienced in 1978 when the airport had to be closed partially for three days. For those who long for the snow, the winter sports center in Uludag, Bursa is not far away.

Average annual temperature: 13.7°C (56.6 °F)
Coldest month: February 5°C (41°F)
Hottest months: July-August 32-33°C (72-74°F)
Average annual precipitation: 691mm (27 inches)
Average snowy days: 7

Alongside the efforts involving wastewater infrastructure, the seawaters are in the process of being cleaned and Istanbul is returning to its pre-pollution times of rich bathing opportunities. The beaches on the coast of the Black Sea, the Marmara, and the Princes' Islands are all less than one hour away from the center, and swimming is possible throughout the summer months.

Only experienced swimmers should attempt the currents of the cool Bosphorus. On windy days, the Black Sea is like the ocean. No other city in the world has beaches that are so safe and so close to the city, and seawaters with salt levels to suit every taste. Older inhabitants remember the days when they bathed in the Golden Horn; maybe it will be possible to do so again before the year 2004.


When To Visit Istanbul for a City Trip or Holiday?

by Erlend Geerts in Practical Information

My favorite times to visit Istanbul are in spring and fall. During those months, the climate is ideal. Does this mean that you shouldn’t plan an Istanbul city trip or holiday during summer or winter? Of course not! Istanbul is nice throughout the year, but every season has its pros and cons. Let me give you an overview, so you can pick the season that best suits your needs or expectations.

Spring

While the astrological spring starts on March 21, in Istanbul spring generally starts somewhere mid-April. The weather becomes warm during the day and pleasantly cool at night, while rain showers are getting rare. You can expect average high temperatures between 17C (62F) and 26C (79F) degrees.

Another advantage of visiting Istanbul during spring is that you can witness the awakening of the city and Mother Nature. The city becomes more vivid (with the reopening of the terraces) and colorful (with the blossoms of the flowers in general, and the famous tulips in particular).

Summer

Summer, from mid-July to mid-September, is hot and often humid. Average daily highs are around 28C (80F), with especially in August peaks over 30C (82F).

While most Istanbulites escape the summer heat and head for the islands or the coasts, the summer months see a huge influx of tourists. Expect longer queues and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from the sun (and air-conditioners). The biggest advantage this season has to offer is the ideal Bosphorus cruise conditions.

Fall (Autumn)

Fall or autumn lasts until the end of October, sometimes even mid-November. Temperatures are most of the time back to human levels (23C or 70F), but be prepared for surprises! One day can be hot and dry, while the next can be much cooler (15C or 60F) with short but intense rain showers.

All in all, together with spring it’s my favorite season to visit Istanbul.

Winter

Generally speaking winters are cold, with average day temperatures between 6C (43F) and 9C (52). Snow showers are rare, but it rains frequently.

“So, what are the advantages then?” I can hear you think. Well, you can experience the year-end celebrations and decorations, enjoy reduced hotel prices and visit all the tourist attractions much more relaxed.

Useful Telephone Numbers

International Dialling Code
The international dialling code to dial a number in Turkey is (+90) followed by the area code and the relevant number.

Mobiles
Turkey uses the GSM900 mobile phone network which is compatible with the rest of Europe. There are currently three GSM operators: Turkcell, Vodafone and Avea. Local SIM cards and prepaid vouchers are widely available from stores; passport identification is needed to buy a SIM card in Turkey.

It is estimated that approximately 98% of the population of Turkey lives within the coverage areas of Turkey’s three cell phone line providers. Line providers from most countries have roaming agreements with one or more of these companies. Pre-paid mobile phone SIM cards can be purchased for approximately TRY20-50. These can be purchased at the airport on arrival or from the many outlets in Istanbul and other large cities. Providers include Vodaphone


Useful Telephone Numbers
Note that the inter-city codes for Istanbul differ depending on whether you are on the European or Asian side of the city. The codes are 212 (European side) and 216 (Asian side). To call a number on the other side of the Bosphorus, first dial 0, followed by the code. To phone abroad, dial 00, then the country code.

Tourist Police (in Istanbul only):	0212 5274503
Tourism Information(all over Turkey):	170
Ataturk Airport Tourism Office:	0212 465 3151 3547
Beyazit Tourism Office:	0212 522 4905
Hilton Hotel Tourism Office:	0212 522 4902 4902
Karakoy Seaport Tourism Office:	0212 249 5776
Sirkeci Station Tourism Office:	0212 511 5888 5888
Sultanahmet Square:	0212 518 1802
Police:	155
Fire:	110
Telephone enquiries	118 80
Medical Assistance
Air Ambulance Tel:	0(212) 592 88 27
Night Ambulance Tel:	0(212) 240 39 14
International Hospital Ambulance Tel:	0(212) 663 30 00
International SOS Assistance Tel:	0(212) 230 96 38