First time to Istanbul. Understand I can obtain stamp visa at the airport upon arrival. Details please? Other than my passport and $$, what other documents will I need? Heard it was a quick and easy process.

It is quick and easy. You just get in line with your passport and $20 or 15 Euro.....nothing else required.

It's $20 if the OP has a US passport. Mary doesn't say what nationality she is or what passport she holds.

A snap...20$ US with US pass pot, 60$ with Canadian. Can check this pout on internet.Google Turkish visas..So easy. Just got back and hope you love Istanbul as much as we did.

Just to clarify the procedure:
You submit your passport with visa fee, which for US passport is US$20. You can only pay in dollar bills (no change given)or in euro (15 euro). You cannot pay in Turkish lira, TC or credit/debit card. Sticker visa is affixed and passport returned. You than go to passport control and obtain an entry stamp.

"First time to Istanbul. Understand I can obtain stamp visa at the airport upon arrival. Details please? Other than my passport and $$, what other documents will I need? Heard it was a quick and easy process."

No other documents needed. Have your passport and $20 (if you're a U.S. citizen) in hand when you step up to the window; you'll get your visa and then move on to the passport control (immigration) line.

Have a great time in Turkey.

Thanks so much. I am a US passport holder. I heard that women traveling without men can encounter problems such as hailing a taxi, help with luggage, etc. Is this still true. Also, any good recomendations for restaurants and "must-sees" in IST? We have a couple days on our own before meeting up with tour group. Neither of us speaks any Turkish.
Does anyone know how to say (phonetically, pls) hello, please and thankyou in Turkish??
Mary 21074

mary, you heard very wrong.

women, children and elder people get much more respect and help in turkey than in america or Europe. And this has been so for at least 80 years. However, if you are staying in the Sultanahmet (touristic are) you may be hassled by shopkeepers and their touts. Just disregard them, or say no thank uou in English.

You can use the French word "Merci" also and everyone will understand it (the turkish word is tough to pronounce, 'tesheccure aedereem' is the way it is said)

Please is also easy : Lootfen (written Lutfen)

hello is : Maerhaba (merhaba)
with slight emphasis on the ba.

On the Bosphorus coast restaurants and bars, in Nisantasi area my daughters wear mini sirts. (actually my wife does also because she is so fit at 51) My daughters have been going out to meet their dates or friends at about 9-11PM and coming back 3-5PM by taxis since they were 17 ( 1997 for the older one) and have never had any problems. (check photo on my Fodor's profile and on my blogs)

In the touristic areas and on Istiklal, i think, it is better to wear knee length skirts, jeans, and slacks. I always vote against capri pants that American woman like to wear so much, because i think that even the shapeliest legs and but look very ugly in them.

If you are visiting any mosques or churches, you should not wear tank tops or straps and have a scarf to cover your head. (t-shirts and short sleeve shirts are fine)

Oh, and many people will speak English, but it will help to have the name and address of your hotel written to show the taxi driver.

Make sure of the denomination of the bill you give to cabs and also that they turn the meter on. (there is only one rate and no extra for number of people, luggage, etc.)

For touristic restaurants in the Sultanahmet area check the Trip Advisor Istanbul Forums. They are the tourists' choices since most do not know any better.

I gave some names of restaurants on earlier threads and also recommended some Turkish dishes, and if you wish you can find them from my profile.

<<I heard that women traveling without men can encounter problems such as hailing a taxi, help with luggage, etc. Is this still true.>>

My experince was the opposite. I don't know where you could have heard that.

For "must see's" check any guide book and see what appeals to you. I love seeing churches and mosques, but maybe you don't.

Keep an open mind and you'll have a wonderful trip.

Mary, i do not know why you said you are an american passport holder. No one will ask you because Turkey is not Arizona, although it is always a good idea to crry an ID with you. i suggest you have your drivers license and leave the passport in the reception safe of the hotel. That is usually what we do wherever we travel.

However, there is a relevance that you caught unintentionally.

US passport holders, as opposed to EU passport holders can get VAT refunds, if they shop at the major non-touristic shops and malls. So, if you shop forexample at the formost designer department store, VAKKO on abdi Ipekci street at Nisantasi, you can ask for a VAT refund and get 18% less some charges back when you leave at the airport.

mary,

the three words you asked about are the only three words of Turkish I speak, but it doesn't matter. Most Turkish people we encountered speak English, especially in hotels and the tourist areas. Turkish people are among the friendliest we've ever met; you will love them.

otherchelebi, I think mary was saying she has a US passport because some posters commented that the visa fee depends on what nationality one is.

As far as what to see in two days, it really depends on what interests you; mosques, shopping, museums, cruise on the Bosphorus.

Sorry, accidentally hit submit...to continue...

There are a number of trip reports on this site which will help you narrow down your choices. There are also a lot of good guidebooks that will help. Istanbul is such a wonderful city, you'll love it!

Ellen

I went through Ataturk from Abu Dhabi airport a few weeks ago - visa for Australians is AU$25. Because the money exchange was closed at Abu Dhabi airport wasn't able to change currency before arrival so only had dirhams, they were accepted, but not too enthusiastically. Apart from that, a very quick and easy process.

Even though tourists mightn't know any better we found the food at Sultan Kosesi, No 6 D:Zemin Kat Sultanahmet, Istanbul exceptionally good and kept returning there, its right next to a carpet shop (nearly everything there is) named Emanis. Delightful owner and staff.

Thanks again to everyone. Traveling is such a wonderful adventure and with this forum first-hand experience is just a click away. We go in July, counting down the days!

Merci