Because the saying goes: “Turkey is simply too middle-eastern for a westerner,
too western for a middle-easterner”. Nowhere does this proverb ring more true than
Istanbul. This proud megalopolis (15 million inhabitants as of
2019), is actually break up in half by the Bosporus strait, with footholds in
each Europe and Asia.
Not many cities can boast such a grandiose previous, such a vibrant avenue life and such a historic openness to all cultures as undisputed queen of the jap Mediterranean. Statistically the town is among the most secure massive cities on the planet, however like all huge metropolis some precautions ought to be taken, not just for common security, but in addition to keep away from common unpleasantries that might stain or spoil an in any other case unforgettable expertise. Maintaining this in thoughts lets begin with the Dont’s.
1.
Concentrate on taxi scams. There are greater than 20.000 licensed taxis in Istanbul, distinguishable by their vibrant yellow color, the taksi insignia on the highest and meters built-in within the dashboard. There’s additionally an virtually actual variety of unlicensed taxis roaming the town so solely take official ones (common taxis even have resort, airport or firm info on the facet).
ONLY take licensed taxis and even then, take some precaution to keep away from scams by retaining actual figures of change, realizing the worth of the Turkish Lira (1 TL – 0,15€) and all the time insisting on meter use as a substitute of a set value. The most typical rip-off is taking massive detours to hike the meter value up.
Most licensed taxi drivers are trustworthy, however it’s nonetheless higher to pay attention to any shenanigans. In any case Istanbul is served by environment friendly public transport. Town’s subway is among the oldest on the planet, and ferries by the Bosporus supply distinctive views of landmarks of each the European and Asian facet. Additionally lots of the central neighborhoods and distinguished landmarks are simply reachable by foot anyway. If it involves needing a trip, name your resort for a taxi. Uber can be very accessible in Istanbul and is quickly turning into the popular mode of transportation.
2.
Domestically caught stuffed mussels served with rice is a well-liked avenue meals in Istanbul. An excellent guess is to keep away from the stands which promote them although, as not solely are lots of the mussels fished illegally, inflicting environmental pressure, however they could be a well being hazard. Most are positive to eat, however it’s nonetheless a lot safer to strive them in a restaurant or any sort of closed venue, meals and different important items are very low-cost in Istanbul so it’s actually not definitely worth the threat (a median meal for one particular person ranges between 10-20 TL or 1.50 to three€).
3.
Narghile or Shisha cafés are appreciated each by locals and foreigners however costs can range significantly even between two institutions on the identical avenue (or facet by facet). At all times ask immediately for the worth earlier than sitting down (a superb rule for any bar or restaurant). In lots of locations haggling for a greater value shouldn’t be solely accepted however inspired so get able to discount. Being the cosmopolitan metropolis that it’s, English is the vacationer lingua franca, though many different fundamental languages are recognized far and vast (Arabic, German, French and Italian are generally spoken by locals). Studying some fundamental Turkish vocabulary will undoubtedly be of use and will definitely assist achieve sympathy with the locals.
4.
A quite common rip-off in Istanbul includes the town’s attribute shoe-shiners. This type of employment continues to be very a lot alive in Turkey, with quite a few shoe-shiners distributed on avenue corners and squares all around the metropolis. The rip-off is easy, and thus avoidable if one is aware of about it. A shoe-shiner will stroll previous a vacationer and “unintentionally” drop his brush. The vacationer brings the comb to the shoe shiner who in appreciation gives his providers. Often they are going to discuss household and financial issues and on the finish of the shoeshine cost a a lot heftier quantity than they might to an area. So, if a shoe shiner drops his brush subsequent to you, proceed strolling, presumably towards a seated shoe-shiner and get these footwear polished and buffed to perfection.
5.
Lastly, now we have the doubtless worst (however very avoidable)
rip-off. Beyoglu is one in all Istanbul’s most infamous nightlife districts. Most
bars and golf equipment are completely positive however be cautious of touts hanging round some
institutions particularly within the central space. Their modus operandi is to
befriend (ideally inebriated) vacationers after which persuade the particular person to
comply with them to sure bars or golf equipment, whereas they’re in cahoots with the
homeowners, proceed to current a really excessive invoice. Keep away from these characters, have your wits
about your self (as you need to have in any massive metropolis) and most significantly set
a vacation spot beforehand and also you’ll be positive.
With this we end our checklist of Istanbul
Dont’s. Tune in for our (extra uplifting) article on Istanbul Do’s. And bear in mind
that is recommendation from an area whose purpose is for guests have the very best
time in some of the awe-inspiring albeit hectic, cities on the planet. PS
Don’t disturb the cats.
