Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

Smoking Officially forbidden in all hotels and enclosed restaurant and bar spaces.

Telephone If you are in European İstanbul and wish to call a number in Asian İstanbul, you must dial % 0216 before the number. If you are in Asian İstanbul and wish to call a number in European İstanbul, use % 0212. Do not use a prefix (that is, don’t use the % 0212/6) if you are calling a number on the same shore.

% 90

Country code

% 0212 % 0216

European İstanbul

Asian İstanbul

% 0 + local code

Code to make an intercity call

% 00

International access code

% 118 % 115

Directory inquiries

International operator

Mobile Phones A Mobile phone reception is excellent in İstanbul.

A All mobile phone numbers start with a four-figure code beginning with % 05. A There are three major networks: Turkcell (www.turkcell.com.tr) , Vodafone (www.vodafone.com.tr) and Avea (www.avea.com.tr). Each has shops throughout the city selling prepaid SIM cards (kontürlü SIM karts) that can be used in foreign phones. The cards operate for up to 120 days and cost around ₺ 85 (including ₺ 30 in local call credit). An internet data pack with the SIM will cost around ₺ 25/30/40/60 for 1/2/4/8 GB and a pack for international calls will cost an extra ₺ 30/60 or so for one/two hours credit. Ask the staff in the shop to suggest the most cost-effective solution for your needs. Once you have the SIM, it can be recharged with kontürs in amounts of ₺ 20 upwards. A When you purchase the SIM, ask the staff to organise the activation for you (you’ll need to show your passport). The account should activate almost immediately.