Prices in Istanbul
In general you could say that prices in Istanbul are lower than those in Europe.
Some Examples
Here are some examples of prices in Istanbul so you can budget for your trip:
- Tram Ticket: 2,769 TL (US$ 85.50)
- Half-liter bottle of water: 30 TL (US$ 0.90)
- Tea: Between 10 TL (US$ 0.30) and 20 TL (US$ 0.60) (depending on the area you're in)
- Soft Drink: Between 20 TL (US$ 0.60) and 30 TL (US$ 0.90)
- Lamb Kebab: Between 100 TL (US$ 3.10) and 200 TL (US$ 6.20)
- Pint of beer: Around 100 TL (US$ 3.10) (Beer is expensive in Istanbul)
- Dinner for two in a standard restaurant: 1,000 TL (US$ 30.90) without wine
- Double room in a central hotel: Starting at 2,000 TL (US$ 61.80) per night
- Taxi from the airport: 500 TL (US$ 15.50)
- Monuments: From 100 TL (US$ 3.10) a 500 TL (US$ 15.50)
Pay in the local currency
Although in many places you can pay in euros or dollars without any problem, the best option is to pay in the local currency. Otherwise, the exchange rate is usually not especially good.