Things to know before travelling to Istanbul

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Finally the time for your desirable trip to amazing Istanbul, has come! Read these useful tips before your departure, so you can be fully prepared for your unforgettable trip...

1. There are 2 airports in Istanbul. Ataturk airport, on the European side and Sabiha airport, on the Asian side of the city 

2. From both airports, you can take the Havatas buses to the city center (Taksim). The buses are situated right outside the airport and the ticket costs 11TL from Ataturk and 14TL from Sabiha

3. Buy an Istanbul Card, load it with TL and use it for all trasportation means. Each route costs 2.15TL

4. At the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, bargain! Don’t buy impulsively

5. To enter the mosques you should first take off your shoes and if you are woman, wear a scarf to cover your head and neck

6. Exchange offices are all over the city. You can find the best rates near Grand Bazaar and behind Spice Bazaar

7. There are dozens of public toilets, which you can use fearless, by giving only 1 TL or by using your Istanbul Card

8. Statistically, Istanbul is one of the safest major cities in Europe with a relatively low incidence of violent crimes

9. Before you enter a taxi, ask for the driver to use the meter or prearrange the amount to be paid

10. For the museums, buy the Museum Pass, with which you will save money and time by waiting the line

11. Solo woman traveller or group of women travellers, will feel absolutely safe in Istanbul, using common sense during their stay. No need to walk around deserted alleys or side streets at late night hours or follow men they don’t know

12. Street food in the city is very famous and common fact. The majority of the stalls, selling either food or beverages, are absolutely safe

13. Most of the stores in Istanbul accept Euro, but you should better use TL

14. Visitors can wear anything they want, as if they were to visit a European city

15. Beware of the common scams, such as the shoe shiner who ‘accidentally’ drops his brush, the friendly man who approaches you in order to help you find your way and the man who invites solo male travellers for drinks

16. Do not misunderstand the warm behavior of the Turks to your children. They love all kids and they will do anything to please them

17. Turks are very warm-blooded men, so you should be prepared! They like to state their admiration to the opposite sex by all means! Do not feel any fear. In case you feel offended or awkward, let them know you are not intrested or remain aloof

18. Public transport extends to many parts of the city, covering the main sights, the most touristic places, the Asian side and many more

19. The best month to visit Istanbul is May

20. There are 3 telecommunication stores in the city, Vodafone, Turkcell and Turk Telekom, from where you can buy a Turkish Sim card or Internet. All you need is your passport

21. Be careful on the streets! In Istanbul, all drivers think they have priority. So check twice before you cross the road, even if the light is green for you. If you use public buses or dolmus, prepare for an insane ride!

22. The best places to stay in Istanbul are near Taksim (city center) and Sultanahmet (historical site)

23. Most of the museums are open until 17:00 during the winter months and until 18:00 during summer months

24. There are no areas you should avoid, in Istanbul. Just use common sense wherever you go! 

25. You can get an e-Visa before your arrival in Istanbul. Check here the details: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

26. Istanbul is full of cats! Turks love them and they treat them like part of their family

27. At touristic areas, there are men outside each coffee shops, restaurants and gift stores, trying to convince you to get inside. If you don't want to go, kindly let them know and continue on your way

28. On the roads, you will come across with many women or children, begging for money. If you want to help them, either give them money or buy them food

29. In case you sit at a bar for drinks, either don't accept the nuts/fruits or ask them their price, because usually they are not free of charge

30. There are ferries every 20 minutes, which connect the European with the Asian side of the city

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