What is the Istanbul Card? What is the purchasing guide like, how to charge and use it? The Istanbul Card is an affordable, time-saving public transport card. People living and working in Istanbul always have an Istanbul map in their pocket. This is a contactless card to use. In this article, we will tell you detailed and useful information about where to buy Istanbul Card and how to buy Istanbul Card, as well as how to top up your Istanbul Card account.
Buy Istanbul card
The Istanbul Card is essentially a universal electronic public transport card. If you plan to use public transport several times during your stay in Istanbul, you should buy the Istanbul Card. Unless you prefer to do everything on foot or take a taxi. Introduced in 2009, this card is the same size as a regular credit card, so it fits perfectly in your wallet and is easy to charge.
Shopping guide in Istanbul
Where, when and what to buy in Istanbul? Read our article about Istanbul’s most interesting shopping streets, historical bazaars and shopping centers.
Shopping in the big shopping market in Istanbul
It is the largest shopping center in the world with more than 4,000 stores. This large market, built in 1461 and covering an area of approximately 45,000 square meters, is the most visited tourist attraction in the world, with more than 91 million visitors.
Shopping on Taksim Istiklal Street Shopping guide
Istiklal Street is the most famous shopping street in Istanbul. But it is also known for its vibrant street life, street food, nightlife, bars and restaurants. Istiklal Street starts from Tunel Meydani, the second oldest metro in the world, and ends at Taksim Square. I recommend starting from both points and exploring Istiklal Street on foot for about 1.5 km from one end to the other.
On Istiklal Street you will find international chain stores as well as local textile giants such as FLO and LC Waikiki. You will also find famous brands H&M, Mango, Nike, Adidas, Levis, Mavi Jeans. Feel free to combine shopping with sightseeing: on Istiklal Street you will find attractions such as the Galata Tower and the Molvi Dervish Museum, as well as churches, synagogues and mosques with a rich history.
Arasta Bazaar Shopping guide in Istanbul
The Arasta Bazaar is located behind the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmad Mosque), in the heart of the old city. Initially, these shops were part of the mosque complex and brought income to the mosque. Today, all the shops here are tourist businesses and specialize in ceramics and textiles. Arasta Bazaar is much more convenient, smaller and less crowded than the Grand Bazaar, and is also an open-air option for shopping for Turkish handicrafts. Like the Grand Bazaar, this is one of the best places to visit to shop and see what handicrafts are on offer.
Buy Istanbul Card at Istanbul New Airport
Where can I buy an Istanbul Card at Istanbul New Airport? If you plan to use Havaist Shuttles or public buses from Istanbul New Airport to the city center, you should definitely buy the Istanbul Card. You can use the Istanbul Card on buses, metro, ferries, trams, cable cars and almost any public transport in Istanbul.
You can easily get your Istanbul Card on the second floor of the lobby from one of the 24 ticket machines. You can also buy the Istanbul Card on domestic and international flights at Havaist Shuttle offices.
Charging Istanbul card
One way to top up your card is to use ATMs. With these devices you can easily top up your Istanbul card at metro stops. To activate the Istanbul Map, you must first place the Istanbul Map in the designated area on your device (which also contains an image of the map). You can then insert the desired equivalent amount into the device to top up your account.
You will then see the calculated value on the screen and allow the process to continue. Finally, you top up your Istanbul card and it is ready to use. Another way to buy an Istanbul map is to go to newsstands. Buying or topping up an Istanbul card is not a difficult task because you can easily do it by paying Turkish Lira and showing your card to the newsagent.
How to use the Istanbul Card.
To be able to use the Istanbul Card, do the following:
- You must place the card next to the device.
- Wait while the device scans your card.
- Enter the amount you are paying for the card.
You can also check the balance inside the card after each use by placing your card on the transparent part on the right side. Wait a second for the machine to scan the card.
Frequently asked questions about Istanbul card and a guide to buying, charging and using it
Where can you use Istanbul Card?
For the convenience of passengers, all public transport vehicles in Istanbul are eligible to use the Istanbul Card. These include the metro, tram, metrobus, bus, boat, TCDD, HAVABUS Shuttle, airport bus, as well as various cruises.
Can you use your travel card as a group?
Yes, you don’t need to buy multiple cards because five people can travel with one Istanbul Tourist Card. After paying for the first passenger’s fare with this card, you need to wait a few seconds, after which the next person will be able to use this card again. Of course, we recommend that no more than three people use this card.
Does the Istanbul Card have an expiration date?
Yes, if you use the Istanbul card, it must be said that this card is only valid for 3 years.
How to access the Internet at Istanbul Airport?
All passengers are offered 1 hour of free Internet at Istanbul Airport. Free wireless Internet access can be requested from wireless Internet kiosks provided by Turk Telekom. You can receive the code online in 2 ways: via SMS to your mobile phone or by entering your passport number in any Wi-Fi terminal at the airport.
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