Where Europe meets Asia, the sea gently caresses the city’s shores, diversity brings out the best of the culture, and history holds the young hands of modernity.
Istanbul is a city without proper introductions, because we usually do not know where to start. This stunning city is full of surprises: you can find the liveliest night on one street and, on the next, the soothing serenity of the whirling dervishes.
Why Istanbul is a trade centre
Istanbul is the trade centre of the country, with two big airports, its docks, the natural wonder of the Bosphorus uniting the European and Asian continents, and its ever-lively market. It is no surprise that the greatest start-ups of Turkey were founded in Istanbul.
Turkey has one of the youngest populations in the world, and that is where the energy of Istanbul’s roughly 16 million people comes from.
Currency and banking
Turkey’s official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Many hotels quote rates in Euro or Dollar but will charge you in Turkish Lira on your bill. ATMs are common and usually offer instructions in English, German and French.
Changing money
There are 24-hour exchange offices (döviz bürosu) in the arrival halls at Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, offering rates comparable to those in the city.
Credit cards
Most hotels, car rental agencies, shops, pharmacies and restaurants accept Visa and MasterCard. American Express is less widely accepted and Diners is rarely accepted.
Local taxis and basic eateries such as pide, kebap and börek restaurants usually only accept cash, so keeping some cash with you is recommended. Contactless and QR payments are now widespread.
Electricity
Turkey uses standard continental round two-pin plugs, both earthed and unearthed. The domestic supply is 220V AC, 50Hz.
Tipping
Leaving around 10% of the bill is common practice in restaurants. In taxis, rounding up the fare is sufficient.
Getting around
From the airport you can reach the city centre by metro, airport shuttle buses (HAVAİST) or taxi. For metro, tram, metrobus and ferry lines within the city, an İstanbulkart is used; it can be bought from machines at the airport and metro stations.
Our office is in Beylikdüzü, roughly 40 minutes from Istanbul Airport. If you write to us before your visit, we will gladly help with transport and accommodation.