voraczech;

Being in Istanbul, Türkiye (Turkey) 2026

• 3 min read •
Istanbul view in the morning

Water is not drinkable potable (unless otherwise stated)

The best water you can buy is from Bim shop. There is also a service providing water delivery to your doors.

Turkish toilets are not a thing

At the airport there are present but newly (in 2026) there are pictograms on the doors. No need to discover it the hard way anymore. The "normal" toilets are the standard, sometimes there is a toilets shower as well.

ATMs can be both your friend and an enemy

Many banks charge a huge fee (even 8% surcharge is common) and/or offer DCC (dynamic currency conversion) - you should always decline it (Decline is mostly on the left).

You can check the fees at Wikivoyage. Ziraat Bankası is a PRETTY safe choice, no added fees, you can decline DCC. Except the fact it sometimes swallows a card. Use Halkbank - no fees, decline DCC (select Other options and you declined).

How to have your card safe

It it more common than I thought that an ATM swallows your card. The ways how it happens are different, so here comes the list of tips:

  • go to the ATMs at the bank since it is easier for them to help you (but they can take a card from any of their ATMs).
  • if the ATM switches to Turkish, start pressing Cancel (physical red button) or hayır (means no) on the screen - this cancels the process and a card is returned
  • if the card is stuck inside, calling ATM's customer support won't help, just freeze your card (do not block it permanently)
  • go to the bank's branch - the bigger the better since there is a chance they will be competent and English speaking
    • this branch works for Ziraat Bankası (for any of their ATM), go to the teller
    • you should have your passport and most importantly card details
    • they can request for a return - they have 15 days to process it, in my case they did it in 10

Hafiz Mustafa is expensive but worth it

Anything with pistachio (fıstık) will be worth your money. Either baklava or The story of Istanbul (a cake).

Istanbulkart is the biggest unknown

You never know how much your ride will cost. You may be unsure whether you should buy the blue one or the red one (I have the red one and I think it is a good choice).

I am not sure what's the most cost-efficient option how to top up money Top up with a 200 lira bill with a fix 2 lira fee at the vending machines for cash payments. For some reason you can always top up with only one bill.

You can top up for free in Migros shop - use cash and go to a cashier, self-service does not have this option.

Itinerary

  • Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern (can be done in half a day)
  • Asian side (another half day)
  • Grand Bazaar (half a day, but take your time—it’s better to spend a full day, including breaks)
  • Dolmabahçe, Galata, Taksim (half a day, or a full day if you take your time)
  • Grand Çamlıca Mosque
  • hammam