| It
is a frequently asked question, estimated daily expenses while
you are traveling. Here is a few guidelines; |
| •
Sites
and museum entrance fees vary between USD 2.- to 15.- per ticket.
There may be a discount for students (international student
identification required) and local citizens. Istanbul museums
and popular sites, such as Ephesus, are at the higher end of
the spectrum. Fees are re-adjusted every year in April, due
to changes in exchange rates and inflation, but remain pretty
much stable on USD basis. A seperate admission fee may be required
for certain sections in a museums, although not very often.
In Topkapi Palace, for instance, you will need to get separate
tickets for the museum entrance, Harem, and the Treasury department. |
| •
Average
cost per meal is somewhere between USD 20.- to 35.- without
the drinks in an above average restaurant in Istanbul, and other
popular destinations. On the other hand, there are several fast
food, self service and city restaurants that serve good food
for considerably less, and are worth checking out if you are
traveling on a limited budget. In city restaurants, USD 10.-
to 20.- is what you will pay for a decent meal. These restaurants
may not serve alcohol, it is not easy to get a licence and it
is costly. Always keep in mind that the sea food restaurants
tend to be more expensive, especially in Istanbul. |
|
An average %10 tip is customary (there may be a service charge
included in the bill, this is not for the personnel), but only
if you are satisfied with the service. |
| •
In
larger towns and cities, taxicabs are comparetively inexpensive.
The price is per cab, and a cab will take up to four passengers.
Airport to hotel taxi ride in European Istanbul costs around
USD 15.- to 30.-, depending on the precise location of the hotel
in the old and new districts. Let us remind you that there are
shuttle services outside the terminals to central locations
in the cities. Taximeters shift to night time (%50 higher) after
midnight. Drivers do not expect tips, but it is customary to
round up the bill. |
| In
resort towns cost per taxi ride will be much higher, and if
you are going out of town, the price is usually negotiable although
taxi stations have fixed rates to particular destinations. |
| •
Value
added tax (VAT) is usually included in the services or items
you purchase. Non residents of Turkey may claim a rebate on
the tax, only when the item is purchased from dealers authorized
to give the rebate. Please note that the system works on major
purchases, value added tax for services as well as food, drinks,
and tobacco products are not rebatable. Service charge is not
very common other then in upscale restaurants and hotel services. |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
