Istanbul, the bustling metropolis of Türkiye, is a city full of charm, where the past goes hand in hand with the present and every step brings to light a relic of times gone by. At the crossroads of two continents – Europe and Asia – this spectacular city has absorbed the best of both worlds. With its beautiful historic landmarks, quintessential cuisine, vibrant nightlife, festivals of art and music, celebration of faith, labyrinths of marketplaces and shopping arcades, the beating heart of Istanbul, and the soul of Bosphorus under the watchful eye of the Maiden’s Tower is a traveller’s dream.
Entitled as one of the most dynamic cities in the world, Istanbul is literally a metropolis. It is a transcontinental city straddling two continents by its inland sea, Marmara. One of the world’s busiest waterways, the Bosphorus, is situated in northwestern Türkiye between the Black Sea and the Marmara sea. Connecting the two seas, Bosphorus also separates Istanbul to two sides known as European side and Asian side. Istanbul is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also became a hub for contemporary artistic developments and creative industries. Istanbul’s cosmopolitan spirit –diverse and intercultural- is proved by the fact that nearly 75,000 companies dealing with international trade, which makes the city also a financial capital.
Useful Tips
The official language is Turkish. English is usually spoken in touristic areas.
Time zone
Türkiye time (TRT) zone varies within UTC/GMT+3h according to the region. In June CET+1, GMT+2.
Voltage
Electrical system in Türkiye operates on 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type F, thus you will need a voltage converter and plug adapter to use U.S. appliances.
Telephone Calls
The dialing code of Türkiye is 90. Each city has a different code. To make international calls, you need to dial country code, city code, and the remaining numbers.
Currency
Local currency is Turkish lira (TRY). Dollars and Euros can be easily exchanged in hotels, authorized banks, and exchange offices. International debt and credit cards (Visa and Master Card) are accepted in most places.
Tax
Taxes are included in the labels.
