Local currency is Turkish lira (TRY). Dollars and Euros can be easily exchanged in hotels, authorized banks, and exchange offices according to daily announced rates. The most recent exchange values can be accessed on the website of the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye: http://www.tcmb.gov.tr Internationally-recognized credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.) are generally accepted at most restaurants, stores, travel agencies, and hotels. Most ATMs accept international credit/bank cards. Banks are generally open on weekdays from around 08:30/09:00 until 17:00/17:30; opening and lunch hours may vary by bank.

Local time in Istanbul is GMT +3 hours.

Public institutions and private businesses are generally open on weekdays between 08:30 and 18:00. A lunch break occurs between 12:00 and 13:30. Stores, restaurants, and markets often have different hours of business. Shops and bazaars are normally open from Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 20:00 and closed on Sundays. However, stores on crowded streets remain open seven days a week. The Grand Bazaar in Eminönü is open six days a week from 08:30 until 19:00 and is closed on Sundays. Large shopping centers remain open until 22:00. You can find restaurants or cafes open virtually at any time of the day and night.

Value-added tax (VAT), known locally as KDV, is generally 20% and is usually included in the displayed prices. Some goods and services may be subject to reduced VAT rates. For hotel accommodation services, a reduced VAT rate of 8% applies. In addition, hotels charge a 2% accommodation tax, which is calculated separately from VAT. In restaurants, service charges are not compulsory. Some establishments may add a discretionary service charge (typically around 10–15%). Value-added tax is nearly always included in quoted prices. Certain shops are authorized to refund the tax (please ask).

Visitors who do not reside in Türkiye are able to reclaim VAT on goods purchased in tax-free shops. Look for the tax-free sign and remember to ask for the VAT or reclaim form at the time of purchase. The shop assistant will ask to see your passport.

Postal service: The post office is called “Postane” in Turkish and its sign is “PTT”. Postal services are efficient and very cheap. Post offices are open between 08:30-17:00 from Monday to Friday.
Telephone: Istanbul is divided into two parts. The area code for the European side is 212 and the Asian side area code is 216. If you are on the Asian side and wish to call a number on the European side, you must dial 0 followed by 212. If you are in European Istanbul and wish to call a number in Asian Istanbul, use 0 216. You should not use the 0 or the area code if you are calling a number on the same shore. If you are in another city in Türkiye wishing to call Istanbul, dial 0 and the area code before the number. To make an international call, dial “00” followed by the international country code: “00” + “country code” + “telephone number” (minus the area code’s first “0”). If you wish to use your home mobile phone in Istanbul, most mobiles can connect with Turkcell, Vodafone, or Türk Telekom networks. If you wish to buy a prepaid SIM card when you are in Istanbul, you should choose one of these three major networks. You must show your passport to the dealer and fill out an application form to buy and activate a SIM card. The international country code for Türkiye is +90.

Istanbul is a shopper’s paradise with beautiful handwoven carpets, leather goods, gold bargains, and fashion products. The fascinating Grand Bazaar and Spice Market make shopping an irresistible pleasure. Many people come to Istanbul just for shopping. The Grand Bazaar is the most logical place to start, as the variety is immense with a vast selection of carpets, souvenir clothes, shoes, jewelry, and handicrafts made from ceramic, copper, and brass. The Spice Market is excellent for picking up spices, Turkish delight, flavored teas, and small souvenirs. The sophisticated shops in the Taksim and Nişantaşı districts contrast with the chaos of the bazaars. İstiklal Street and Galata have shops selling fashion items, as well as finely designed handbags and shoes. Nişantaşı is the main area for clothes by top Turkish designers. For an even more modern, European shopping experience, you can visit the huge malls featuring Istanbul’s most elegant fashion shops, restaurants, and cinemas. Upscale malls include Kanyon, Zorlu Center, İstinye Park, Vadi İstanbul, City’s Nişantaşı, and Galataport on the European side, and Akasya, Buyaka, and Emaar on the Asian side.

Most museums in Istanbul are open six days a week, generally from 09:00 to 18:00 or 18:30, with last admission about 30–60 minutes before closing. Many state-run museums are closed on Mondays, although some sites have different closing days. The Istanbul Museum Pass is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul. With MuseumPass Istanbul, you can visit 13 museums that belong to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye. MuseumPass Istanbul is valid for 5 days starting from your first museum visit. Important Note: Due to high visitor volumes at historical sites, we highly recommend purchasing your MuseumPass or individual entry tickets online in advance to skip the ticket lines. You can safely purchase the official pass here: https://muze.gen.tr/MuseumPasses

In case of emergency, contact the registration or information desk or dial 112 for police, ambulance, and fire. There are a number of pharmacies throughout the city. Look for the sign “E” which stands for “Eczane”. They are usually open from Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 19:00, and pharmacists in each district take turns to provide 24-hour service. The names of the pharmacies on duty at night and on weekends are listed on the windows of other pharmacies.