Istanbul Guide

17

Bargaining The non-negotiable price tag reigns supreme in most of the city’s retail outlets these days, and bargaining is becoming a dying art. Most exceptions to this rule can be found in the Grand Bazaar, especially in its carpet shops, where shopkeepers continue to take pride in practising the ancient art of bargain ing (p44). Tipping ¨ ¨ Hamams Around 10% for the masseuse/masseur in a hamam, but only if you are happy with their service. ¨ ¨ Meyhanes At least ₺10 per person for musicians in meyhanes . ¨ ¨ Restaurants & bars Usually 10% in restaurants, meyhanes (taverns) and upmarket bars; not usually necessary in lokantas (eateries serving ready-made food) or fast-food joints. ¨ ¨ Taxis Round taxi fares up to the nearest lira. Etiquette ¨ ¨ Be punctual for all appointments. ¨ ¨ If you invite someone to dine, it is assumed that you will pay the bill. ¨ ¨ Avoid eating and drinking on the street during daylight hours in Ramazan (Ramadan). ¨ ¨ Don’t blow your nose in public. ¨ ¨ Never point the soles of your feet towards a person. ¨ ¨ Don’t use the OK sign as here it is sign language for calling someone homosexual.

BORIS STROUJKO/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

PLAN YOUR TRIP First Time İstanbul

Tram on İstiklal Caddesi (p 125)

City Geography İstanbul is the world’s only city to straddle two conti nents, separated by the Sea of Marmara. You’ll spend most of your time on the European side exploring Sul tanahmet’s sights and Beyoğlu’s restaurants and bars, but a trip to the city’s Asian side is highly recommended for the scenic ferry ride between the two shores and for the fascinating glimpse into local life that a visit to suburbs such as Kadıköy and Üsküdar imparts. Language The vast majority of people working in İstanbul’s tourist sector speak English. However, it goes almost without saying that locals appreciate visitors making the effort to master a few Turkish phrases. See p218 for our language section.