Where can I pay with an Istanbul card?

An Istanbulkart is used for all public transport (metro, bus, tram, ferry, funicular, and Metrobus) in Istanbul and is accepted for payments at over 100,000 locations, including select markets, cafes, restaurants, museums, and vending machines. It is a contactless, pre-paid card often providing cheaper, discounted fares for transfers.

Where can I use my Istanbul card?

You can use Istanbulkart in all public transportation vehicles (Bus, Subway, Tram, Cable Car, Marmaray, Metrobus, Ferry, etc.). It is also valid for more than 100 thousands points from markets to restaurant, cafes, from cinemas to museums, from clothing to cosmetics and gas stations.

Is it possible to pay by card in Istanbul?

Most Places Accept Cards

Cafes, hotels, malls, restaurants, and museums accept Visa and Mastercard. You can also pay by phone with contactless systems. Some private tours like Private Istanbul Layover Tour or Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour also accept card payments online.

Is Istanbulkart worth it?

The main advantages of getting the Istanbulkart are: Cheaper Transfers: with the Istanbulkart you can make up to 5 transfers in the different means of transport with a discount. 1 transfer costs 16.67 TL ( US$ 0.38), 2 transfers costs 9.62 TL ( US$ 0.22), and 3 transfers costs 6.08 TL ( US$ 0.14).

Do most places accept cards in Turkey?

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.

How to buy an Istanbul Kart - The key to public transportation in Istanbul

Is 200 lira a good tip in Turkey for tourists?

Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants. In small and casual eateries, rounding up the bill is enough. For example, if the bill is 190 TL, leaving 200 TL is polite. In mid-range restaurants, leaving 5–10% is common.

Is Uber cheaper than a taxi in Istanbul?

Cost of an Uber in Istanbul

Uber prices in Istanbul are calculated according to local taximeter rates, so don't expect significantly cheaper prices. However, the Uber Istanbul app still has its benefits, allowing you to see an estimate of the final fare before you request your ride in the app.

Can I use GBP in Turkey?

Can I use British Pounds in Turkey? No, Turkey uses the Turkish Lira. You'll need to exchange your Pounds for Turkish Lira before or during your trip.

What is the difference between Istanbulkart and Istanbul City Card?

Unlike the Istanbulkart, which caters to both locals and long-term visitors, the Istanbul City Card is exclusively designed for tourists, making it the ideal choice for visitors looking to explore Istanbul's iconic attractions.

Should I buy lira in the UK or Turkey?

It's generally better to exchange money in Turkey for larger amounts, seeking out local exchange offices (Döviz) or using ATMs with a good travel card for better rates, while exchanging only a small sum in the UK for immediate expenses upon arrival. Airport exchanges and hotels offer poor rates, so avoid them, and use a travel-friendly card to minimize ATM fees when withdrawing cash in Turkey. 

What to beware of in Turkey?

Terrorism

• public buildings.
• places of worship.
• airports.
• large public gatherings, including major events, public holidays, religious occasions.

Can I kiss my girlfriend in Turkey?

Yes, it is fine to kiss your girlfriend in Turkey. Public displays of affection, including hugs and short kisses, are generally tolerated in Istanbul, Izmir, or Ankara.

Is pickpocket common in Istanbul?

The most popular areas for pickpocketing in Istanbul are along Istiklal Caddesi, the Grand Bazaar (thanks to the crowds), and the T1 tram that passes through Beyoglu and Sultanahmet. How to avoid this: Always be aware of your surroundings and don't carry too much money.

Is 7000 lira enough for a week?

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.

How much money do I need for 10 days in Istanbul?

Budget Trip: $50–$70 per day (Hostel dorm, street food, public transit) Mid-Range Trip: $100–$150 per day (3-star hotel, cafés, some tours) Luxury Trip: $200–$300+ per day (5-star hotel, fine dining, private guides)

Do I need a visa for Turkey if I have a British passport?

No, British citizens usually don't need a visa for tourism or business in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but your passport must be valid for at least 150 days (about 5 months) from your arrival date and have a blank page. For other purposes like work or study, or if you have a different type of British passport, you will need a visa, so check the official Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or GOV.UK's Turkey page before traveling. 

What are common Turkey cooking mistakes?

6 Common Turkey Mistakes and How to Avoid Them on Thanksgiving

• Buying the Wrong Size Turkey. You never want to run out of turkey. ...
• Not Giving the Turkey Enough Time to Defrost. ...
• Washing the Turkey. ...
• Not Patting the Turkey Dry. ...
• Skipping the Seasoning. ...
• Avoiding a Meat Thermometer.

Should I cancel my holiday to Turkey?

The Foreign Office doesn't currently advise against travelling to most parts of Turkey (more below), so any request to cancel a holiday would be considered a “disinclination to travel” and would be ineligible for a refund under normal booking conditions.