The essentials for a stay in Nişantaşı (Nisantasi): get mobile data with a travel eSIM before you fly, buy an Istanbulkart for the metro, trams, buses and ferries, pay by card in lira and keep a little cash for taxis and tips, and call 112 in an emergency. Turkey uses European two-pin plugs at 230 volts, and many nationalities can enter without a visa; check the rules for your passport.
Mobile data
You will want maps and messaging the moment you land, whether to meet your driver or find the metro. The easiest way is a travel eSIM installed before you fly: you scan a QR code at home and it activates on arrival. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is not locked to your home network.
How much data you need and how to set it up: eSIM for Turkey.
Getting around
- Istanbulkart is the rechargeable card for metro, tram, buses, ferries, funiculars and the Maçka cable car. Buy and top it up at the machines in stations, including at the airports; one card can pay for several people. Hold on to it and top it up as you go rather than buying single tickets, which cost more.
- The M2 metro at Osmanbey is Nişantaşı’s link to Taksim, the old city and the business districts in the north. See getting to the old city for the routes to Sultanahmet.
- Taxis are plentiful. Make sure the meter is running, or use an app that calls licensed taxis and shows the route in advance. For your arrival, see from the airport to Nişantaşı.
- On foot, Nişantaşı is compact but hilly. Comfortable shoes matter more than you think.
Not sure how to tell a driver where you are going? Our taxi card has the main addresses and phrases written in Turkish.
Money and tipping
- The currency is the Turkish lira. Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Nişantaşı; carry some cash for taxis and small cafés.
- When a card terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, choose lira. The exchange rate is usually better.
- In restaurants, leaving around 10 percent is common when service is not included. For taxis, rounding up is enough.
Visiting mosques
Everyone is welcome outside prayer times. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered; women cover their hair with a scarf. Shoes come off at the entrance, and loud conversation and photos of people praying are best avoided.
Health and emergencies
- 112 is the single emergency number in Turkey for ambulance, police and fire. Calls are free from any phone.
- Pharmacies (eczane, marked with a red “E”) are everywhere and pharmacists are a good first stop for minor problems. At night and on Sundays, one pharmacy in each area stays open as the nöbetçi eczane (duty pharmacy); every pharmacy displays the address of the nearest one on its door.
- Hospitals: Şişli and the surrounding districts have several large private hospitals, many with international patient services and English-speaking staff. Travel insurance that covers private treatment is worth having.
Safety
Nişantaşı is one of the city’s more comfortable areas to walk around, day and night. As in any big city, keep an eye on your phone and bag in crowded places, and be wary of strangers who invite you for a drink in tourist areas.
When to visit
- Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the most comfortable months for walking, with mild days and cool evenings.
- Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, and the busiest time for tourism. Plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and evening.
- Winter (December to February) is cool and often rainy, with the occasional snowfall. It is quieter, and a good time for shopping and long lunches.
Shops usually hold their big sales in January and again in summer, which is worth knowing if you are coming to shop. If your dates fall during Ramadan or one of the Eid holidays, read our Ramadan and Eid guide: hotels fill up and the city’s rhythm changes.
For weather, events and crowds month by month, see when to visit Istanbul.
Useful Turkish phrases
Many people in Nişantaşı speak English, but a few words of Turkish are always appreciated.
| Turkish | Say it like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Merhaba | mer-ha-ba | Hello |
| Teşekkür ederim | te-shek-kyur e-de-rim | Thank you |
| Lütfen | lyut-fen | Please |
| Ne kadar? | ne ka-dar | How much? |
| Hesap, lütfen | he-sap lyut-fen | The bill, please |
| Afiyet olsun | a-fi-yet ol-sun | Enjoy your meal |
More on cards, cash and exchange offices: money and payments. What things cost, from a coffee to a taxi: Istanbul trip costs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Turkey?
It depends on your passport. Many nationalities can enter visa-free or with an e-visa, but the rules change. Check the official Republic of Türkiye e-Visa website or your nearest Turkish consulate before you book. See visa and entry rules.
Which plug sockets are used?
Turkey uses the European two-pin plugs (types C and F) at 230 volts. Bring an adapter if your devices use a different plug.
What number do I call in an emergency?
112, for ambulance, police and fire. It works from any phone, including a foreign SIM or eSIM.
Is it easy to pay by card?
Yes. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere in Nişantaşı. Keep a little cash for taxis, small cafés and tips.