Q: Do I need a visa to visit Turkey ?

 

A: Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality. The most reliable source of visa information is a consulate of Turkey in your country or the website of Turkish Republic Foreign Affairs Ministry, www.mfa.gov.tr

Q: Is it safe to drink tap water in Turkey?
A: Turkey practices safe sanitation standards and tap water is suitable for drinking, bathing and other regular tasks. However, it is customary in most Mediterranean countries, the majority of visitors drink bottled water. In some cases, the water may be “harder” (contain more minerals) than you’re immune system is used to or it may have an unusual taste, but it’s still safe to drink.

Q: What currency should I use?
A: In Turkey, US Dollars, British Pounds and Euro are very widely accepted, especially for large purchases. Also, you’ll get a much better rate of exchange if you obtain Turkish liras (whether by changing money or from a cash machine) in Turkey itself rather than in another country.

How much does the visit to the Blue mosque cost?

*The entrance to the Blue mosque is free, but you can make donations optionally

May women attend hammam?

*Hammams are available for women as well as for men.

Hello! Please, tell me in which district is it better to stay for wholesale shopping: Merter or Laleli, and in which hotel?

*Laleli is considered the best district for shopping in Istanbul

When is the fish market open, and how do I get to it?

*Istanbul fish market Galatasaray is located in Beyoglu district, this is why you can easily get there from almost any part of the city. It is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm. Sunday is the day off.

What is the price of an entrance ticket to Istanbul Archaeological museum?

 

The price of an entrance ticket to Istanbul Archaeological museum is 10 TRL

Can I drink juices and water, sold on the street in Turkey?

Turkey is one of the countries in which food and drinks, sold on the street are rather safe. However, do not neglect the basic rules of hygiene and safety of alimentation – check the availability of drinks, if possible. The average price of non-alcoholic drinks in Turkey varies from $1 to $2 for a cup of tea or a can of Coca-Cola. In Istanbul it is usually, easy to find a lavatory at the terminal, at the refuellings, in shopping centers, cafe, bars, restaurants, sometimes even in subways. Every mosque always has a lavatory. The cost varies from 50 kurus to 1 lira. In Turkey there are rather a lot of Russian-speaking people, sometimes Turks also speak Russian.

I am going to Istanbul. So I would like to know can i be asked how much money do I have?

You can be asked how much money do you have only at your Tour Operator agency or at the embassy when you will be making your visa. They usually ask to show bank statement to prove that you have money for staying in Istanbul and for travelling back home. If someone asks you to show how much money do you have, do not do it!

Istanbul Shopping Malls

Shops and shopping malls in Istanbul 

Istanbul is a city of trade. But not only in markets and bazaars. There are hundreds of stores and shopping centers in Istanbul where you can buy everything your heart desires at low prices. Some of these centers are described in our review…

 

Cevahir Shopping Mall

 

This is the second largest shopping center in the world. 420 000 square meters, 280 shops, 34 cafes, 14 restaurants, IMAX 3D cinema, theater, attractions. They sell office equipment, footwear, toys, household goods and food.
Address: Buyukdere Cad. No. 22 Sisli – Istanbul

 

Akmerkez Shopping Mall

 

It is considered one of the largest and oldest shopping malls in Istanbul. During 15 years of work it was twice awarded as the best shopping center in Turkey. 246 stores, 4 floors, 14 restaurants. They sell textiles, sports and recreation equipment, technics, toys, shoes.
Address: Nispetiye Cadessi, Etiler – Istanbul

 

Istinye Park

 

This is a new shopping center selling lots of prestigious brands of clothing. Hugo Boss, Dolce & Gabbana and many other firms have their offices here. There are more than three hundred shops, dozens of cafes and restaurants and a large cinema. They sell mainly clothes.
Address: Pinar Mah. Istinye Bayiri Cad., Istinye, Sariyer

 

Vakko Center

 

It is a large network of stores open throughout Turkey. Istanbul shopping center is located on the pedestrian Istiklal Avenue. The center sells the products of one brand (Vakko) which is considered to be very prestigious.
Address: Istiklal Caddesi, 123/125

 

Olivium Outlet Center

 

A large mall selling mainly Turkish goods. It offers low price and large selection of products.
Address: Prof. Dr. Muammer Aksoy Cad. No: 1/1 Zeytinburnu – Istanbul

 

Metrocity Shopping Mall

 

Shopping center in Levent shopping district. It has 4 floors and more than two hundred cafes, restaurants and shops. Here are both Turkish and foreign companies. There’s a large fast food trading network in the mall.
Address: Buyukdere Cad. 1.Levent Levent-Etiler-Ulus

 

Kanyon Shopping Mall

 

This is the most amazing shopping center of Istanbul. It is, in fact, a small town. 30-storeyed office building, 22-storeyed residential building and a shopping center with 200 stores… A movie theater for thousand and a half spectators is particularly impressive.
Address: Buyukdere Caddesi 185, Levent