İstanbulFamily GuideAll guides

First things first

Practical basics

The small stuff that quietly makes the trip work.

  • Summer heat

    Expect 82°F to 86°F and bright sun. Plan outdoor sights for before 12pm or after 5pm. Carry a small fan and a wide-brimmed hat — shade is gold.

  • Stay hydrated

    Buy big bottles of water at any market (a few liras). Tap water is safe to wash with but locals don't drink it. Ayran (salty yogurt drink) helps with the heat.

  • Taxis & getting around

    Use the BiTaksi or Uber app — it forces metered fares and a paper trail. Always ask for 'taksimetre, lütfen'. Beware Sultanahmet-area taxis that refuse the meter; walk a block and re-hail.

  • Money

    Currency is the Turkish lira (₺). Cards work nearly everywhere, but keep ~500₺ cash for small cafés, markets, and tips. Withdraw from a bank ATM (Garanti, İş Bankası, Yapı Kredi) — skip Euronet.

  • Phone & data

    Get an eSIM before you fly. Coverage is excellent across the city. Google Maps is reliable; download an offline map of the Old City just in case.

  • Etiquette

    Modest dress at mosques: shoulders + knees covered; women bring a light scarf. Remove shoes at mosque entrances. A small 'teşekkürler' (thank you) goes a long way.

  • Plugs & power

    Type F European plugs, 220V. Bring a simple EU adapter; most US electronics handle the voltage.