This document provides information about shopping in Istanbul, Turkey. It discusses the best areas to shop, including the Grand Bazaar which offers carpets, leather goods, and souvenirs. It also mentions the Spice Bazaar for buying Turkish delight and other sweets. The document provides tips for shopping at markets, what popular items to buy include (such as clothing, textiles, leather goods, copperware), store hours, and how to get tax refunds on purchases. Safety tips are also provided.

1. TURKEY
Linking Europe and the Middle East, suspended between the new and the long-established,
Turkey retains a disconcerted balance of both east and west, representing a cultural mix with
many discrepancies and contradictions. Modern city boutiques and exotic bazaars clamour for
customers, the weekly tolling of church bells interrupts the daily call of the muezzin, and Roman
ruins and the beginnings of Christianity compete for attention with the history of the Ottoman
Empire and modern secularity.
The different regions of Turkey offer an assortment of landscapes, activities and characters, and
whether one is a history or archaeology enthusiast, a sun-worshipper, sailor, or city-lover keen
on shopping, there is something on offer for everyone. Istanbul, with one part in Europe and the
other in Oriental Asia, is a fascinating city with its frenzied market places, imperial residences
and minarets, and sporting a lively ambience of contemporary art and musical entertainment.
Cappadocia in Central Turkey offers an astounding landscape of eroded volcanic rock cones
and fairy chimneys, remarkable subterranean cities and rock-hewn houses that merge
harmoniously with the ochre-colored landscape; while further south the 'Turquoise Coast' is a
haven for boat cruises. One can enjoy a variety of water sports, sunbathe on golden sands, or
explore the wonderful ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus on the shores of the Aegean Sea.
Most visitors concentrate on Western Turkey, with its picturesque seaside resorts along the
Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, scenic and recreational attractions, well-preserved
archaeological sites and fascinating museums that bring its rich history to life. Wherever one
ventures in Turkey there is certain to be a warm welcome and traditional hospitality, making this
a deeply satisfying corner of the world in which to travel.

2. GEOGRAPHY AND MAP
ISTANBUL
The splendid city of Istanbul has many unique and fascinating features. It is the only city in the
world reaching across two continents, with its old city in Europe and modern Istanbul situated in
Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. It is also unique in having had capital status during two
successive empires, Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman, and the legacy from both is
visible in the modern city today. Istanbul's location on the water made it a much coveted site as
a commercial shipping port and military lookout, and as capital of the Roman Empire,
Constantinople, as it was known, became extremely desirable as a centre of world trade, until
Mehmet the Conqueror claimed it for the Ottoman Empire in 1453 and it became the imperial
seat of the sultans. After the War of Independence the capital was moved to Ankara, but
Istanbul still remains the commercial, historical and cultural heart of Turkey today. The charm
and character of Istanbul lies in its endless variety and jumble of contradictions. Its fascinating
history has bequeathed the city a vivid inheritance of Byzantine ruins, splendid palaces, ancient
mosques and churches, hamams (bath-houses) and exotic bazaars. Modern Istanbul exudes
trendy bars and nightclubs, western boutiques, office blocks, and elegant suburbs. The call to
prayer heralds the start of each day and the city comes to life with over 12,000 residents
forming a chaotic social and cultural mix of unscrupulous carpet merchants, wealthy shoppers,
religiously veiled women and destitute beggars. Joining the noisy throng are over-awed tourists
and those capitalizing on the tourist trade.

3. CLIMATE AND CLOTHING
Turkey's climate is characterised by extremes, with temperatures varying greatly from season to
season in the country's different regions. The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Turkey have
very dry, hot summers, and the mild, though wet, winters occur between October and April,
when the coastal towns tend to more or less shut down. Istanbul and Cappadocia can
experience very cold winters, with light snow. High summer, usually between July and
September, is the peak tourist season, though from June mosquitoes can be a problem. The
best time to visit Turkey is usually between spring and autumn as the climate is still hot, but not
unbearable. Eastern Turkey experiences bitterly cold winters, and so it is best that travellers
wait until summer, because although hot, roads and mountain passes are less likely to be
closed due to ice or snow.
Istanbul Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Rainfall
(mm)
95 71 58 43 30 23 19 16 29 53 90 102
Rainfall
(inches)
3.7 2.8 2.3 1.7 1.2 0.9 0.7 0.6 1.1 2.1 3.5 4.0
Min Temp
(°C)
3 3 4 8 12 16 18 19 15 12 8 5
Max Temp
(°C)
9 9 11 16 21 26 28 28 25 20 15 11
Min Temp
(°F)
37 37 39 46 54 61 65 66 60 54 47 41
Max Temp
(°F)
48 48 52 62 70 79 83 83 77 68 59 52
TIME DIFFERENCE - Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last
Sunday in October).
ELECTRICITY - 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard.
LANGUAGE - Turkish is the official language, but English is widely understood in the main
tourist areas.
COMMUNICATION - The international country dialling code for Turkey is +90. The outgoing
code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area
codes are in use, e.g. Istanbul Asya (Asia side) is (0)216 and Istanbul Avrupa (Europe side) is

4. (0)212. GSM 900 and 1800 networks cover most of the country. Internet cafes are available in
the main towns and resorts.
AIRPORT - Istanbul Ataturk International Airport (IST) is located 15 miles (23km) west of
Istanbul.
DUTY FREE - Travellers to Turkey do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200
cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 200g tobacco, or 200 cigarette papers, or 50g chewing tobacco, or
200g pipe tobacco, or 200g snuff tobacco. Alcohol allowance includes 1 litre or 700ml wine or
spirits. Other allowances include 5 bottles perfume up to 120ml each; gifts to the value of
€255.65; electronic articles to the value of €255.65; tea and coffee for personal consumption;
jewellery and guns for sporting purposes permitted by foreign travellers. Tape recorders, record
players and transistor radios have to be declared on arrival. Restricted items include playing
cards limited to one pack.
MONEY EXCHANGE
Currency: New Turkish Lira (TRY). TRY1 =100 new kurus.
Eurocheques and traveller's cheques can be cashed immediately. You will need proof of identity.
Currency and Traveller's Cheques can also be exchanged at post offices, exchange offices and
some banks.
Credit or debit cards can be used to withdraw cash from ATM machines, which can be found in
all tourism centres.
Banks are generally open from 08h30-12h00/12h30 and from 13h30-17h00 Mon-Fri, depending
on the bank. Banks close on Saturday and Sunday.
APPROXIMATE COSTS OF ITEMS
Below are approximate costs for the following items:
Half pint of beer TRY1.5
Bottle of wine (supermarket) TRY4.50
Cup of coffee TRY2.25
Can of Coke TRY0.7
Ten minute taxi journey TRY5
Loaf of bread TRY0.3
Packet of cigarettes TRY2.25

5. SAFETY IN ISTANBUL
Tap water is heavily chlorinated yet generally safe to drink in cities and resorts.
You are strongly advised to take out travel insurance to cover medical costs before you travel.
Medical care can be expensive. The quality of medical care in Istanbul is high but be aware that
medical provision may be more limited in rural areas.
Turkey is a generally safe destination to travel to and the crime rate is low. However,
pickpockets commonly operate in major cities and tourist areas. If possible secure passports
and other important documents in a hotel safe. Carry a photocopy of your passport if needed for
ID purposes. Recent scams have involved fake police asking to inspect your wallet so take care
if approached, even by someone in uniform.
Keep your bags and wallets secure and fastened at all times and be on your guard if
approached by "friendly" strangers offering food or drink. Cases of drugging food prior to
robbery have been reported. Never follow anyone to a "good" hotel, bar, café or club they are
recommending to you - many people end up the victims of scams in exactly this manner.
Female travellers have been known to complain of harassment from the locals. Be aware that
the local males can regard bare shoulders and even minimal eye contact as an invitation. Some
single women choose to wear a fake wedding ring in order to minimise the risk of attracting
unwanted attention when on the street.
Watch out when visiting any bazaar or market. Do your bargaining in public and don't agree to
go into a building or back room to discuss the deal. You could feel intimidated into buying
something you don't want at a price you don't wish to pay. In the worse case scenario you may
be robbed, especially if you have shown your wallet beforehand. Although offers of hospitality
may be genuine it really isn't worth the risk.
SHOPPING IN ISTANBUL
Turkey is justifiably famous for its hand made carpets and leather goods, but few people realise
it is also one of the world's largest textile producers, responsible for manufacturing clothes for
innumerable "brand names" and Western high street chain stores.
Istanbul itself is a massive conurbation and has the shops to go with its status as one of
Europe's premier cities. There are shopping areas all over the city - many thankfully
pedestrianised, as well as a few modern style malls, and many first time visitors are surprised
by the range of international goods and stores on offer.

6. But the city has retained its traditional souk style markets as well and being able to go from
international high street to street bazaar is a unique experience. Most shops stay open late and
in quieter areas close on Sundays.
Where to buy
Best Areas
Shopping in the city is divided into a few main areas, all of which are worth exploring to gain the
full flavour of Istanbul's varied shopping experience.
The 400-year-old Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) is the best place in town for carpets, leather
goods, smaller antiques and all kinds of "ethnic" souvenirs from pointed toe slippers to
copperware and lacquered boxes. When buying carpets you are expected to bargain hard, while
for less expensive items it's best to shop around and get an idea of prices before making a
purchase.
The Grand Bazaar is no amiable Saturday market but a serious place of business. You'll get the
hard sell if you show the slightest interest in anything and you'll get short shrift if you waste
anyone's time.
The 1km long pedestrianised main street of Istiklal Caddesi Beyoglu is home to innumerable
clothing shops ranging from expensive luxury stores like Vakko at 123-5 to the market stalls in
the Terkoz Cikmaz alley, which sell seconds of Western branded goods for a few dollars or less.
Nisantasi is a middle-class district to the north of the centre and the place to head for serious
clothes shopping. Most big Turkish and Western brands can be found here - some like DKNY
and Armani even have their own stores. Further up the metro line in Levent, is the city's most
up-market shopping mall, "Akmerkez" where big Turkish clothing brands like Beymen have their
flagship stores. Get there by the Taksim-Levent metro line, alighting at Osmanbey.
Eminönü, the area downhill from Sultanahmet on the Golden Horn, is the place for food
shopping. The huge Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) has a huge range of Turkish delight and other
sweets, many of which are touted as aphrodisiacs. In the surrounding streets you'll find plenty of
stores selling local cheeses, olives and sucuk - a kind of Turkish sausage. Two co-operative
shops set into next door's New Mosque (Yeni Camii) are the cheapest places in town for olives
and olive oil.
Markets
The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar have a colourful atmosphere and the stall holders are
lively and garrulous personalities who enjoy the banter of the barter as much as getting one
over on tourists. They will give you the hard sell though and quite often you have to be firm in
your resolve or you may find yourself haggling over something you don't even want.
The main advice is to browse casually to get an idea of what you should be paying, and,
although bartering is a private transaction, you should try to discreetly observe the rudiments

7. before trying it yourself. When engaged in a bartering transaction don't lose your temper, and
stick to your guns. Start low and don't go above the price threshold you've set yourself. It's quite
acceptable to walk away if you don't get the deal you want. If the dealer agrees to sell you know
you're paying enough so don't buy into any emotional blackmail to elicit more cash from you.
What to buy
Since the Turkish Lira devalued by 150% in February 2001, virtually everything produced in the
country is good value. This means practically anything you can lay your hands on, even
international goods, are likely to be a bargain, and you should keep an eye out no matter what
kind of store you're in.
Clothing, textiles and leather goods offer especially good value but you'll find prices
considerably lower if you shop away from the main tourist areas. More authentically Turkish
goods include carpets and kilims but these range from the merely dear to the vastly expensive.
For larger items you may also have to pay shipping costs, so bear them in mind if you've got
your heart set on a genuine Turkish rug.
If you are looking for something very special, take note that - as with all antiquities - it is illegal to
take antique carpets out of the country. The shop should be able to advise you on whether your
chosen item is allowed to be exported. Items under 100 years old but which are evidently not
modern should have an accompanying certificate to prove their exact age.
Also popular is copperware - pots, pans and jugs - which can be found anywhere in the Grand
Bazaar. Local craftsmen make many items by hand and it is often possible to barter the price
down greatly, an experience that makes the item all the more special. Also look out for
earthenware and traditional Turkish gold jewellery, often available at extremely low prices.
No tourist's shopping list in Istanbul is complete without the addition of a box of Turkish delight.
There are myriad varieties of the distinctive sweet available from stores in the Spice Bazaar.
Finally if you're thinking of taking back some Turkish Raki (aniseed spirit similar to Greek ouzo)
or wine it's worth bearing in mind that prices in Istanbul Airport's "Duty Free" shops are way
above those in town. It is the same story with tobacco and ideally you should stock up before
you leave town.
Opening hours
Most shops are open from 08h00 or 09h00 to late evening - typically 20h00 or 21h00. More
religious shopkeepers will close for an hour on Friday lunchtime for Friday prayers at the
Mosque. In some areas many shops are closed on Sundays.

8. Tax Refund
Value-added tax is nearly always included in quoted prices. When returning from Turkey,
tourists can apply for a tax refund depending on the type of goods bought. Please note that not
all shops participate in taxback schemes, so you are advised to ask before you purchase.
In Turkey, the minimum purchase to qualify for a refund is TRY118. To reclaim tax you need to
request a VAT refund request form when you make a purchase, which states the amount of
refund due. Customs officials must stamp these documents as you leave the country and the
refund will be processed and sent to you.
Alternatively, you can purchase goods from shops participating in the Tax-free Shopping
programme (look out for the Tax-free Shopping logo displayed in the window). Simply show
your passport when you make a purchase and you will be given a Tax-free Shopping Cheque to
the refund you are owed. As you leave the country, customs officials will stamp your cheques.
You can claim your refund from the Tax-free Shopping desk or have the refund sent to you.
BASIC DO’S AND DON’TS
Be patient. Turkey can be a confusing and frustrating country, especially when dealing with
bureaucracy. A smile and phlegmatic attitude will get you a long way.
When meeting Turkish people it is normal to kiss both cheeks or shake hands, many religious
Turks however prefer not to make bodily contact.
Accept Turkish hospitality when and where you feel comfortable doing so. It is more often than
not genuine and offers of a coffee and a chat in a public café are well meant. Conversely going
into a private house is something you may not be comfortable with and you should refuse at risk
of causing offence if this is the case.
Tipping is established practice in up-market restaurants and more down market bars and
Meyhanes, many of which will have a tip box next to the till. An extra 10% is considered normal,
and in tourist areas you should resist any pressure to give more. If a service charge has been
added to the bill, you shouldn't feel obliged to leave anything.
Football, family and work are good conversation topics although. It's probably better to steer
clear of religion or politics unless you're asked directly, and in which case tact should be
exercised.
Don't assume just because you're on holiday that revealing clothing is appropriate everywhere.
When visiting mosques and other active religious sites dress modestly - no shorts, or you will be
turned away or handed something to cover yourself.

9. Turkish translated into English sometimes sounds unintentionally rude. Don't take offence. It is
normal in Turkey to enquire about someone's salary, although questions of a more personal
nature (especially man to woman) certainly aren't.
Don't pay for drinks at the bar. The majority of bars have waiter service and you'll pay when you
leave. However if you are in the bar for a long time or in a large group, it's best to keep a tally
and check the bill. In such situations overcharging is almost standard practice.
NIGHT LIFE IN ISTANBUL
Although not renowned as an entertainment city you'll soon find that there's more going on in
Istanbul than you might think. The nightlife is ever growing and stays vibrant until very late,
while culture vultures are treated to a full programme of arts festivals throughout the year.
Added to that you have international standard music venues, both classical and modern, and
countless theatres offering ethnic or classical performances.
Istanbul's club scene is ever expanding and offers something for most tastes. The past few
years has seen a number of new venues offering a mix of live local music and/or foreign DJs.
Entrance prices and drinks tariffs can vary alarmingly depending on what's on.
Watch out for "helpful" locals eager to guide you to clubs or bars, tourists are often duped into
entering seedy (but expensive) establishments in this way. Stick to the tourist drags and you
should be okay. The streets around Beyoglu are the prime hunting ground for casual clubbers,
or head for the glamour of Ortaköy and the upmarket clubs round there. Be aware that groups of
males are often turned away by doormen.
Babylon
Seyhbender Sok 3
Asmalimescit
Beyoglu
Tel: +90 (0)212-292-7368
High-tech music venue with regular live acts and DJs, both local and imported, catering for
Istanbul's "Wired" generation. Probably the best music venue in town. Entrance price varies
according to what's on.
Harry's Jazz Bar
Hyatt RegencyHotel
Taskisla Cad
Taksim
Tel: +90 (0)212-225-7000
Avant garde, up-market jazz/rock bar with a slight expat kind of feel to it. Live acts are mostly
local bands playing Western style music. Also has karaoke on the massive video screens. More
tourist venue than anything else but good for cocktails and light entertainment.

10. Laila
Muallim Naci Cad 141-142
Kurucesme
Ortaköy
Tel: +90 (0)212-327-2621
Summer-only outdoor restaurant-cum-dance club, and second home to Istanbul's "beautiful" rich,
as evidenced by the limousines and bodyguards lined up outside. Boasts a changing selection
of in-club restaurants offering (typically) Chinese, Japanese or Italian cuisine all of which require
reservations. Multi-level dance floors pack to a selection of predictable dance tunes. The
location right on the Bosphorus is breathtaking - as are the prices.
Roxy
Arslan Yatagi Sok 3
Beyoglu
Industrial chic live music venue with regular slate of DJs, local groups and occasional visiting
stars. The music is varied as is the clientele and there is a bohemian, relaxed air to the place.
Admission free on weekday evenings before 11h30, and TRL7,000,000 thereafter. Weekend
TRY10 before 11h30 and TRY15 after.
MISCELLANEOUS
Kindly note airlines do not allow the carrying of liquids, perfume, aerosol can deodorants,
medication (unless totally necessary with a doctor’s prescription), lenses solution, syringes for
diabetic patients, sharp objects, matches, nail cutter and files, etc. These need to be in your
check in luggage to avoid confiscation by airport security. The above is for your own safety.
Kindly adhere to the suggestions and guidelines offered by the tour managers for a smooth flow
of activity and your benefit.
Wish you all a great fun filled trip.