Istanbul questions
 

When using an ATM, do debit cards require a chip or will some use a card swipe?
What about with restaurants and shops - will credit cards be ok with a chip / signature or does it need to be a chip / PIN? Will swipe work?

How easy is it to find restrooms? We'll be traveling with a 7-year-old so I want to make sure we can make pit stops when needed.

What size bags are ok to bring into historical sights? We usually travel with a small backpack with some water & snacks, but if that will create a hassle with security we can limit to a small purse.

Thanks!

ATM's will not require the chip.

We were in Istanbul a few years ago, and had no problems with our credit card--although we usually tried to pay cash.

"How easy is it to find restrooms? We'll be traveling with a 7-year-old so I want to make sure we can make pit stops when needed."

In most of the areas we visited, plentiful and very clean. Usually a 1 lira charge - but you can use your Istanbul card to get into some of them.

I was in Istanbul last year. No CHIP/PIN needed. I used cash mostly because food was very cheap and I wanted to reduce the points of credit card skimming to the minimum such as hotels.

Security environment changes. Go with flexibility to adjust what you need to carry. Don't count on ability to carry a lot of things with you. Why snacks when there sweet shop all around town selling baklavas and other sweets cheaply? I skipped sweets sold in open bins in markets, however.

Pay public restrooms are found all over touristy places. Grand Bazaar has coin operated turn style controlled restrooms. You need to be carrying 1,2 Lira coins all the time if there is no attendant. Restaurants may have one or they point you to a nearby public pay restroom.

Museums have nice restrooms you can use at no additional cost once you pay the museum entrance fee.

If you have not traveled to Europe, one cardinal rule is: use toilet when you have access such as when you are in a paid attraction such as museum, monuments, etc, and not when you need it. This is actually a difficult transition for those who have grown up in a environment they had easy free access to the facilities. Never walk past an easy restroom access even if your children has not indicated a need. You cannot "make pit stops when needed." Make it when "available."

Thank you so much for the incredibly helpful responses. The recent changes in Turkey are keeping us, especially as parents, a bit stressed. We'll see what the next few months hold. On the plus side as our children are aging the constant snacking has lessened - so stepping into a sweet shop is a fantastic idea.

In addition to the very helpful responses :

- All bigger restaurants and petrol stations and of'course hotels have free decent rest rooms.

- I recommend that you get a pin and chip card, in case you lose it or it gets stolen or copied.

- You can also get water in all sizes of plastic bottles everywhere you go, so will not need to carry anymore than half used smaller bottles.

- The less you carry, the less of a hassle due to security precautions.


& just in case you missed planning for it, The Rahmi Koc Museum will be terrific for your 7 year old and possibly for you. The cafeteria inside main building is good and the restaurant on the Golden Horn next to the old ships, tank and submarine has recommendable French cuisine.

Oh, Rahmi Koç!

Another graduate of Robert College.

I think there are portable shitters located in the park between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

I liked to use the toilets in the Four Seasons @ Sultanahmet.

If you are wearing a Rolex or Verdura jewellery, no one will stop you even if you aren't staying there.


Thin