Istanbul: essential traveler guide

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SIMCARDS

Airalo
Affordable esimcards that you can install straight away with the app, without going to any shop.
https://ref.airalo.com/gaEN
Use code LUCA0584 when you sign up or apply it at checkout to get a discount.

MONEY

Exchanging euros or dollars will be easy.
Most of the time, you get the official exchange rate.
This is the best place to exchange money:
Çetin Döviz
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6bDrvdHVuyQSeFnE9

WITHDRAWING

  • HSBC Bank does not charge you any commission for withdrawing from ATM.
  • IS TTurkiye Bankasi charged me one euro for a withdrawal.

Revolut is the best online bank to withdraw without commissions and for travelers´ insurance.

TRANSPORTATION

Istanbul card automat. On the left it accepts credit cards too.

Istanbul card is the best way to commute in Istanbul.
It will be accepted on all transportation in the city (bus, trains, metro, tram, ferry)
You may need cash to charge it. Just a few recharging kiosks accept cards.
Unfortunately, the mobile app does not work.

Google Maps works perfectly for public transportation in Istanbul.

In the night, there are some night buses that you can see on Google Maps.

There are also cheap little buses that go from one area to the other, mostly near transportation hubs. For example, from Taksim Square to Kadıköy ferry terminal. You can pay those only with cash.

NIGHT TRAIN ISTANBUL – SOFIA

Did you know that there is a night train from Istanbul to Sofia?
It goes every day, with departures at 20:45 from Istanbul Halkali train station.
It arrives in Sofia at 9:00AM.
It has only the option for beds and it costs 37 euros (2023).

TURKISH FOOD/DRINKS TO TRY

  • Sahlep, kind of Turkish cappuccino
  • Pide with mushrooms, the Turkish version of pizza
  • Lentil soup
  • Turkish delights, typical sweets
  • Patlayan (pop) chocolate (with bomba)
  • Menengic coffee (alternative to coffee)
  • Çiğ köfte (vegan bulgur wrap)

AFFORDABLE CITY-RUN RESTAURANTS AND CAFES

Want to eat like in a Wedding for about 10 euros? Look for a “İBB Sosyal” restaurant or “Beltur” Cafés on Google Maps. Sometimes they are also above ferry terminals with astonishing views.

DANGERS

There are no particular dangers in Istanbul except for the traffic and the not-so-well-maintained sidewalks.
Avoid shopping in the bazaar; it’s extremely expensive, and they often overcharge tourists.