Istanbul Travel Tips and Istanbul Airport and Port Transfer Bookings

A city of mosques and domes with narrow streets lined with a very beautiful old city part, Istanbul preserves its historical and cultural characteristics. Although no longer Turkey's capital, it is still very much the cultural, commercial and tourist centre of the country. Despite its ancient heritage, there are plenty of elements that define the modern aspect of Istanbul and the sometimes slightly tired exterior reveals a vibrant life mixed with an intriguing combination of east and west.

Customs and Cultural habits

What to avoid in Turkey:

Do not pose in front of the statues of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, or defacing the currency bearing his picture. Kemal Ataturk is considered to be the founding father of modern Turkey and his statues are everywhere plus there are laws against defaming or insulting him since he is greatly respected in Turkey.

Do not visit Mosques especially those that are not museums with light clothes such as shorts, mini skirts and try to keep covered wearing long sleeves and not revealing outfits, since they are the place of God and need to be treated with respect.

Greeting people:
Handshakes are common way to greed when introduced to Turkish men. For the women though it is different since Muslim women are not often encountered in business circles, and they should not be addressed even with handshake unless you have been formally introduced. Still, when being introduced, it is wise to wait to see if a Turkish woman extends her hand.

Always rise to greet elderly people, and in a group, greet them first as a sign of respect.

Eating tips:

Eating out is something that you should definitely do. Turkish cuisine offers some wonderful dishes in very reasonable prices. There is a large choice of vegetarian dishes as well as an immense variety of meat and fresh fish dishes.
The desserts are quite heavy due to large amounts of sugar that is a staple part for some of these dishes

Restaurants
Check the menu prices before sitting down in the restaurant. There are some well known dishes that worth a try. Doner and Sish-kebap KarniYarik, (Aubergines filled with ground beef). Drink yogurt, traditional Turkish tea and Turkish coffee. Also try restaurants that serve home made dishes.

Tipping
Check your bill to see if the service charge is included or not. A 10% is the standard tip.

Shopping

Turkey is the shopper’s paradise. Bargains are common especially for leather goods or carpets and the minute you become accustomed to it and it's lots of fun. Only in big shopping centers you do pay the displayed price. In other places you must bargain. Visit Istanbul Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi Bazaar). There you can find more than 4000 stores. Visit Akmerkez shopping center (north side Istanbul in Etiler) that is one of the best-maintained malls throughout Europe.

Public W.C.
It is recommended not to use public toilets since most of them do not comply the hygienic standards.

Star Ratings of Hotels in Turkey:

5 Stars - Luxury:
These hotels offer the best amenities, with the highest levels of quality and services.
4 Stars - Superior:
These hotels offer premium level service and amenities.
S Class - Special:
These are mostly old mansions renovated and converted to hotels. The service quality and the rates may vary.
3 Stars - Quality:
These hotels are among the finest in accommodations and services.
2 Stars - Economy:
These hotels offer a good level of quality and some amenities.
1 Star - Budget:
These hotels provide comfort but no extras.