Paying for a taxi in Istanbul is best done with Turkish Lira (cash) or via apps like BiTaksi or Uber, which offer in-app card payments to avoid scams. While some taxis accept cards, cash is more reliable, and drivers rarely expect tips, though rounding up is appreciated. Always ensure the meter is running.
All taxis in Istanbul are equipped with meters. The meter starts at 5 Turkish Lira (just over US$1), going up 3.10 lira (US$0.57) for every kilometer traveled.
Credit cards and debit cards are accepted all over Türkiye, but it's also a good idea to have some lira with you. If you're visiting a market like the Grand Bazaar, you may find that cash is preferred.
It is important to check the meter to find out how much you have to pay. Payment Methods: Taxis in Turkey generally accept cash payments. However, some taxis also allow payment by credit card. Therefore, it is worth asking the taxi driver about the payment method before you go.
Taxis are one of the quickest and cheapest ways of getting around Istanbul. A normal journey should cost between 8 TL ( US$ 0.18) and 12 TL ( US$ 0.27). Some taxi drivers in Istanbul are a little wild with their driving, and if you've only travelled around Europe it might be a little worrying.
Istanbul's Taxi Transformation with Uber & Bitaksi - Taking Taxi's in Istanbul (2024)
Do I tip taxi drivers in Istanbul?
Taxi drivers in Istanbul typically do not expect tips. However, rounding up the fare to the nearest whole number can be a nice gesture, especially if the driver assisted you with your luggage. This small act can express your thanks for their help.
Bellboys usually receive 20–50 Turkish Lira depending on the number of bags. Housekeeping staff should get 20–30 TL per night. You can also give one larger tip at the end of your stay. For concierge services such as booking tickets or arranging a car, 50–100 TL is suitable.
The 2/3/4 rule for credit cards is a guideline, notably used by Bank of America, that limits how many new cards you can get approved for: no more than two in 30 days, three in 12 months, and four in 24 months, helping manage hard inquiries and credit risk. It's a strategy to space out applications, preventing too many hard pulls on your credit report and helping maintain financial health by avoiding over-extending yourself.
Generally it's enough when you don't overspend yourself and don't want to do all at once. Just my advice here is, don't come now and wait at least beyond September. Either make your plans for end of September or October, when the weather is still Okey and the crowd is a bit less.
What is the difference between yellow and blue taxis in Istanbul?
What Is the Difference Between Yellow, Blue, and Black Taxis in Istanbul? Yellow Taxis: Cheapest and most common option. Blue Taxis: More comfortable, slightly higher fares. Black Taxis: Premium, luxury option with the highest fares.
It is possible to use contactless credit or debit cards for fare payments across Istanbul's public transportation system, including buses, trams, metros, and ferries. By simply tapping a contactless bank card at the fare reader, the fare is deducted, much like with the Istanbulkart.
Street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Be aware of your personal belongings and make sure they are always secure.
When calling a taxi, state clearly, "I'd like a taxi, please," give your pickup location (address or landmark) and destination, and ask about the estimated time/cost; be ready to provide your name and phone number for dispatch, and confirm if it's a pre-booked or immediate pickup.
Don't buy perfumes and postcards from people on the street. Don't go to bars or clubs with strangers that say they are coming from another country and feeling lonely. Don't go into restaurants that don't have prices written down; confirm the prices are correct.
Do dress modestly; women may be asked to cover their heads and shoulders. Don't visit a mosque during prayer times, especially the main Friday noon Jumu'ah prayer. Don't talk or laugh loudly in a mosque. Don't obstruct or walk in front of a person who is praying.
So it's worth getting to know what each Turkish lira note equates to in pounds, so you have a rough idea of costs. While 100 Turkish lira sounds like a lot, for example, bear in mind that it generally equates to a few pounds – or less – depending on the exchange rate.
Pointing at someone is considered rude. People do not French kiss in public. When visiting homes, removing your shoes is commonly expected. When you sit down and cross your legs by putting your ankle of one leg on the knee of the other, make sure that the bottom of your foot is not pointing towards another person.
How to Get From the Istanbul Atatürk Airport to Your Hotel
General Guidelines. Get Turkish Liras – If you don't have Turkish liras on you, use one of the many ATMs in the airport to withdraw some cash money. ...
