Useful Tips for Visitors
ATMs
ATMs are available throughout the country. They all offer foreign language options and dispense Turkish Lira. Cash withdrawal limits vary by bank, typically between $/€500 and $/€1000 in Turkish Lira equivalent.
Antiques
Please note that exporting antiques or historical artifacts from Türkiye is strictly prohibited and subject to heavy penalties. To legally export such items, you must obtain a certificate from a museum directorate.
Bargaining
Nowadays, most retail outlets in the city use fixed prices, and bargaining is becoming a fading art. The main exceptions are places like carpet shops and the Grand Bazaar, where bargaining is still proudly practiced.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange offices are available nationwide. Their usual hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00. However, 24-hour exchange offices are available at the arrival terminals of Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Exchange offices in malls and tourist areas often stay open later and on Saturdays. USD and Euro are accepted in tourist areas like Sultanahmet and Taksim, but rates may be less favorable.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely used and accepted. Most hotels, car rental agencies, shops, pharmacies, entertainment venues, and restaurants accept Visa and MasterCard. Amex is less commonly accepted and Diner’s Club is rarely accepted. Budget restaurants often only accept cash.
Currency
The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 TRY
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 kuruş and 1 TRY
Customs Regulations
Entry: The following goods may be brought into Türkiye duty-free: wines, tobacco and other luxury items, valuables, electronic devices, sports equipment, medical supplies. Exit: For valuable gifts and souvenirs like carpets, a receipt and proof that the currency used for purchase was legally exchanged are required. Exporting antiques is strictly prohibited. Minerals can only be exported with a special certificate.
Traffic
In Türkiye, vehicles drive on the right-hand side as in continental Europe. Traffic signs comply with the International Road Sign Protocol.
Drugs
Importing, exporting, or consuming cannabis and other drugs is strictly forbidden and severely punished. If you need prescription medication during your trip, bring a doctor's note and a translated prescription that can be submitted to the Turkish Tourism Office in your country.
Electricity
Electricity in Istanbul is 220 volts (as in most of Europe). The standard plug type is two-pin Type F. Four- and five-star hotels usually provide North American-style 120V sockets.
Emergency Numbers
112 – All Emergencies (24/7)
Medical Care
You must pay for all medical treatments in Türkiye. Travel health insurance is recommended. In emergencies, foreigners without insurance may receive free treatment at hospitals.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are open Monday to Saturday, 09:00–19:30. Most are closed on Sundays, but one 24-hour pharmacy is always available in each area.
Business Hours
Offices and banks are generally open Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00, and closed for lunch between 12:00 and 13:30.
Passports
Foreigners are expected to carry their passports at all times. Many travelers prefer to carry a photocopy and leave the original in the hotel safe.
Pedestrian Safety
As a pedestrian, always yield to vehicles. Though pedestrian right-of-way is legally recognized, it’s not always respected. Watch your step — sidewalks and curbs can be uneven or poorly maintained.
Police
Türkiye has two types of police: civil and military. You may only see one type depending on the area. Tourist police are also available in some locations. To report a crime, go to the nearest police station.
Post Office
Post offices are marked by yellow and black PTT signs. They sell stamps, phone tokens/cards, and also offer money transfer and postal services. An ID or passport is required for collection.
Smoking
Smoking is officially prohibited in all hotel rooms and enclosed restaurant/bar areas.
Phone
If you're in European Istanbul calling Asian Istanbul, dial 0216 before the number. If calling from Asian Istanbul to the European side, use 0212.
Country Code: +90
European Side: 0212
Asian Side: 0216
Mobile Phones
Most European and Australasian phones work in Türkiye; some North American phones may not. Check with your provider. Prepaid SIM cards must be registered.
Theft and Robbery
Theft is generally not a major issue and robbery is rare, but don't let Istanbul’s relative safety make you careless. Exercise standard precautions. Be particularly cautious in Aksaray/Laleli, the Grand Bazaar (pickpockets), and the side streets off Istiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu.
Time Zone
Türkiye operates year-round on UTC+03:00, known as Türkiye Time (TRT). It is three hours ahead of London and seven hours ahead of New York (GMT/UTC).
Tipping
• Restaurants & Bars: ~10% in restaurants, not required in fast food or casual eateries
• Taxis: Round up to the nearest lira
• Turkish Baths: ~10% for masseur/masseuse, if satisfied
• Tavern Musicians: At least 10 TRY per person
Women Travelers
Traveling as a woman in Istanbul can be safe and enjoyable if you follow a few simple guidelines. Dress appropriately for your surroundings — tight outfits are fine in Beyoğlu or along the Bosphorus but not in conservative districts like Üsküdar. Sit in the back seat of taxis. Hygiene products are widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets. Bring a scarf to cover your head when visiting mosques.
