Hi, <BR> <BR>Can anyone please give me an indication of the cost of a taxi to go from Ataturk airport to the sultanahmet area in istanbul? <BR> <BR>We are arriving around 1am and was just wondering if I should get the hotel to pick us up or to come on our own. One hotel quoted US$45 to pick us up from the airport which to me sounds excessive. <BR> <BR>Thanks. <BR>

I did that last week. <BR> <BR>I arrived to Ataturk by 2:30 a.m. <BR>In Ataturk, you have 2 options (change money in the official exchange office or then withdraw money in the ATM with a VISA with 4 digits pin). Exchange rate in ATM is more convenient. <BR> <BR>1$USD is equivalent to aprox. 1 million Turk Liras. <BR> <BR>The ride from Airport to Topkapi area was aproximatelly 11 to 12 million. To Sultanahmet I guess it's no more then 15 million. <BR> <BR>There will be plenty taxis in the airport and everywhere in Istanbul. <BR> <BR>Don't forget to tip. 1 or 2 USD is nothing for you, but it means a lot for them. <BR> <BR>Have fun and enjoy a wonderful city and culture.

At that hour, if you wave $15 U.S. in any cabby's face, you've got a ride.

J- <BR>We are suppose to go to Istanbul in September or October,,,, this may sound naive,,, but there are travel advisories for US citizens going to Turkey, do I need to worry,,, I am very blond and fair skinned so I tend to stick out, I love to travel and try to do a lot of home work first, and try very hard not to look or act like an ugly American.

Cy: your attitude is admirable but your fears are misplaced. My wife and I have traveled all over Turkey, from north to south, from east to west. It's one of our favorite destinations because the people are so friendly, accommodating, and interested. One aspect for the newcomer to Turkey is a little troublesome: Turks tend to stare. But they stare at everyone. After nightfall, you will see few if any women on the street. Stick with the crowds, don't wander off on side streets alone (good advice in the USA, too), and walk as if you know where you are going. You will have a marvelous time.

Cy <BR> <BR>I was is Turkey only 48 hours and only in Istanbul, so I can't tell about Turkey. <BR> <BR>But I noticed (as in the above post) the tendency of Turks to stare and I think this should be regarded as curiosity and not an aggressive behaviour.

Cy, <BR>I got back from a two week tour of Turkey on Easter Sunday. The riots broke out while I was there. I never felt in any danger. <BR>I have a penpal in Istanbul, an American ex-pat teaching english. Met her and enjoyed her company while I was in Istanbul. She has been there for over two years now. Received an e-mail from her just yesterday and she wrote that things have settled down and not to worry about what the media is saying. Another good thing was that the plunge in the exchange rate had bounced back a little. Good for her because she's paid in Turkish Lira. <BR>Claye