PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Practical Information for Visitors

Language

The official language is Turkish.

English is commonly spoken in hotels, restaurants, airports, and tourist areas.
Basic knowledge of Turkish greetings or using a translation app may be helpful for more local areas.

Currency & Payments

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY).

Major international credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
ATMs are available throughout the city and typically offer English-language options.
Currency exchange offices can be found at airports, shopping malls, and city centers.
Carrying a small amount of cash is recommended for taxis or smaller shops.

Banks & ATMs

ATMs are widely available in Istanbul, especially in shopping centers, airports, and near hotels. Most international cards are accepted. Banking hours are typically Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00.

Internet & SIM Cards

Free Wi‑Fi is available at the airport, hotels, some cafés, and shopping centers.
Tourist SIM cards with data packages are available from major providers like Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom at the airport or authorized stores.

Weather

In June, Istanbul typically experiences mild to warm weather, with temperatures ranging between 22–30 °C (72–86 °F). A light jacket for evenings is recommended.

Water

Tap water is safe for basic hygiene, but bottled water is recommended for drinking and is easily accessible everywhere.

Pharmacies & Hospitals

Pharmacies operate Monday–Saturday, 09:00–19:00.
Night and weekend duty pharmacies are available in each neighborhood.
Numerous private and public hospitals offer 24/7 emergency services, many with English-speaking staff.

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance): 112
Police: 155
Fire Department: 110

Emergency services are available 24/7 and most operators speak English.

Shopping Centers

Istanbul offers many large and modern shopping malls near the venue, including:

MetroCity (directly connected to the hotel)
Kanyon
Zorlu Center

Shops are generally open 10:00–22:00, seven days a week.

Transportation Apps

Istanbulkart Mobile App: For metro, buses, trams, and ferries
BiTaksi / iTaksi: Apps for calling licensed taxis
Moovit / Google Maps: For real-time public transport navigation
Contactless credit cards are also accepted on most public transportation lines.

Electricity

Voltage: 220V / 50Hz
Plug type: European standard (Type C and F)
Travelers from the UK or US may need plug adapters

Time Zone

Turkey Time (TRT) is UTC +3.
Daylight saving time is not observed.