Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₺400–1,000 | ₺1,500–3,500 |
| Food | ₺200–400 | ₺500–1,000 |
| Transport | ₺50–100 | ₺150–300 |
| Activities | ₺0–500 | ₺800–2,000 |
| Drinks | ₺100–200 | ₺300–600 |
| Daily Total | ₺750–2,200 | ₺3,250–7,400 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- US citizens need an e-Visa ($50 USD, apply at evisa.gov.tr). EU/UK citizens get 90 days visa-free. Apply for the e-Visa before arrival
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months beyond your stay
- IST airport to Sultanahmet: Havaist bus (₺140) to Taksim, then metro/tram. Uber: ₺600–1,000 (45 min without traffic)
Health & Safety
- Tap water is treated but most locals drink bottled or filtered. No vaccinations required for entry
- Istanbul is safe for tourists — standard precautions in crowded areas (metro, Grand Bazaar). Taxi scams are the biggest risk
- Emergency: 112. Private hospitals (American Hospital, Florence Nightingale) are excellent. Travel insurance recommended
Getting Around
- Metro, tram, bus, and ferries all use İstanbulkart (₺70 card + ₺17.50/ride). The T1 tram connects Sultanahmet to Eminönü, Karaköy, and Kabataş
- MetroBüs is Istanbul's express bus on dedicated lanes — useful for airport transfers and cross-city travel
- Taxis are cheap but scams exist — always insist on the meter. BiTaksi and Uber apps show the fare upfront. The meter should start at ₺28
Connectivity
- Free WiFi in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants. The metro and mosques sometimes have WiFi. İBB WiFi is the city's free network
- Turkcell, Vodafone, or Türk Telekom SIM cards from airport or city shops — ₺500–800 for 10–20GB tourist package
- Download Uber/BiTaksi, İstanbul Şehir Hatları (ferry schedules), Google Maps offline, and Trafi (transit app)
Money
- Cards accepted at restaurants, hotels, and shops. Cash essential at the Grand Bazaar, street food vendors, and small lokantas
- ATMs everywhere — Garanti, İş Bankası, and Yapı Kredi have the lowest fees. Withdraw ₺2,000–5,000 at a time
- Tip 10% at sit-down restaurants (check if servis ücreti is included). Round up taxi fares. No tipping at lokantas or cafes
Packing Tips
- A headscarf for women visiting mosques (carry one in your bag at all times). Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for mosque visits
- Comfortable walking shoes — Istanbul is hilly, cobblestoned, and involves a lot of walking. Waterproof jacket for autumn/winter rain
- Layers — Istanbul weather changes quickly, especially in spring and autumn. A light jacket year-round for ferry breezes
Cultural tips
Mosque Etiquette
Remove shoes, cover shoulders and knees. Women must cover their hair (free scarves available at major mosques). Do not walk in front of people praying. Silence your phone. Mosques are open to all visitors outside prayer times.
Çay Culture
Tea (çay) is the backbone of Turkish social life — offered everywhere for free as hospitality. Accept it graciously. Drinking çay at a waterfront çay bahçesi (tea garden) is an essential Istanbul experience. A glass costs ₺15–30.
Haggling
Haggling is expected at bazaars and with street vendors. Start at 40–50% of the asking price and negotiate warmly. Accept tea, chat, and enjoy the process. Fixed-price shops will tell you — do not haggle at restaurants or modern shops.
Taxi Awareness
Some taxis run scams — taking long routes, "broken" meters, or switching bills. Always insist on the meter. Use BiTaksi or Uber for fair pricing. Note the licence plate. The fare from Sultanahmet to Taksim should be ₺100–150.
Meyhane Culture
Meyhanes are Turkish taverns built around slow meze dining and rakı (anise spirit). Order meze first, then fish. Rakı is mixed with water (turning it white). The evening is meant to last hours — never rush a meyhane meal.
Turkish Hospitality
Turkish people are famously hospitable — offers of tea, directions, and help are genuine. Accept graciously. A simple "teşekkürler" (thank you) and "merhaba" (hello) earn enormous warmth.
