Practical A–Z

German Citizens

German, Austrian, and Swiss citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days within 180 days. A valid passport or ID card is sufficient. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date (recommendation, not always checked).

Currency & Money

The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). The exchange rate fluctuates significantly — check the current rate before traveling. It's best to withdraw money from an ATM at the airport (not at exchange offices!). Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. In the bazaars, small eateries, and with street vendors: Cash. Some luxury hotels and restaurants also accept euros or dollars — but you will always get a worse rate.

Time Zone

Turkey is in the TRT (UTC+3) time zone — 2 hours ahead of Germany in winter, 1 hour in summer. No time change in Turkey — since 2016, UTC+3 applies year-round.

Istanbul is a generally safe city for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare. The main risks are petty crime and scams — both avoidable with common sense.

What to watch out for

• Pickpocketing: On tram line T1 (Sultanahmet line), in the Grand Bazaar, and on İstiklal Street. Keep valuables close to your body.
• Taxi scams: Manipulated meters, detours, fake bills (the driver swaps your 200-note for a 20-note). Use the BiTaksi app.
• Shoe shine trick: A shoe shiner "drops" his brush, you pick it up, he thanks you and shines your shoes — then demands an inflated price.
• Friendly strangers: "Hey my friend, where are you from?" — men who lead you to bars or restaurants where you receive inflated bills. Politely decline.
• Counterfeit goods: Fakes (bags, watches, perfumes) are openly sold in the bazaars. Quality varies — customs at the German border can confiscate counterfeits.

Visiting Mosques

Most mosques in Istanbul are open to visitors — free of charge and also for non-Muslims. Some rules:

• Remove shoes: Always. Bring a plastic bag or use the ones provided.
• Clothing: Cover shoulders and knees (men and women). Women: headscarf (often distributed at the entrance).
• Prayer times: During the 5 daily prayer times (approx. 20–30 minutes), no tourist access is possible. Check the times — they change daily.
• Behavior: Speak quietly, do not stand in front of those praying, photograph discreetly (no flash). Do not enter the prayer area (Mihrab direction).
• Best time: Mornings between prayer times — quiet and empty.

Ramadan

During Ramadan (Ramazan in Turkish), devout Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. For tourists, little changes — restaurants are open, and no one expects you to fast. However:

• In conservative districts, do not eat demonstratively on the street out of respect.
• Iftar (breaking the fast at sunset) is a special experience: Many restaurants offer special Iftar menus. The atmosphere in mosques and squares is magical.
• The nights during Ramadan are particularly lively — after sunset, people flock to restaurants and streets.

What to pack?

• Comfortable shoes: Istanbul is hilly, and the cobblestone streets in Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu are uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
• Headscarf/Scarf: For mosque visits — women need a headscarf, a light scarf is sufficient (also distributed at the entrance, but having your own is more hygienic).
• Light layers: Istanbul has changeable weather — cool in the morning, hot at noon, windy by the Bosporus in the evening. A sweater or light jacket is always a good idea.
• Umbrella: Especially in autumn and winter — rain can come suddenly.
• Water bottle: Not for tap water (not recommended), but for refilling with purchased water. Many mosques have free drinking water dispensers.
• Swimwear: For the hamam (bikini/swim trunks) and the Princes' Islands.
• Adapter: Not needed — Type C/F (German plugs) fit.

Important Notes

• Tipping: In restaurants: 10–15%. In the hamam: 15–20% for the tellak. Taxi drivers: round up to the next full amount.
• Alcohol: Turkey is a Muslim country, but alcohol is legal and widespread — available in bars, restaurants, and supermarkets. Taxes on alcohol are high (beer from €3, raki from €5 in restaurants).
• Bargaining: In bazaars: yes. In restaurants, supermarkets, hotels: no. In the bazaar: start at half price, settle at 60–70%. Stay friendly, drink Çay.
• Toilets: In mosques and public toilets: squat toilets (Alaturka) alongside Western toilets (Alafranga). Public toilets often cost 0.50–1€. Bring toilet paper — not always available.
• Hospitality: Turkish hospitality is legendary and genuine. If someone invites you for Çay or a meal, it is usually sincere. In shops, Çay is part of the sales culture — you don't have to buy anything, but the tea is a sign of respect.