1. Cash Is Still King 💸
Forget what the internet told you about “everywhere takes cards.” Nope. Small cafés, local shops, even some taxis don’t accept plastic. Always carry some Turkish Lira. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck bargaining with a street vendor over baklava and not have cash. Been there. Regretted it.
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2. Istanbul Traffic Will Test Your Faith 🧠
Imagine Addis Ababa rush hour, but with European road rules and Ottoman drama. Trams, buses, scooters, taxis—chaos in harmony. Plan extra time for every move. Or better yet, just walk. You’ll discover more side streets and less headache.
3. The Turkish People? Super Warm. But Learn Merhaba First 🧕🏽👳♂️
The hospitality is unmatched. But don’t walk in silent like a ghost. A simple "Merhaba" (hello) or "Tesekkür ederim" (thank you) gets you smiles, better deals, and maybe even tea. Learn a few basics. Show respect.
4. Every Building Has a Story — Ask Locals 🕌
Sure, you can Google Hagia Sophia facts. But asking your Airbnb host or a waiter why it matters? That’s where the real culture comes out. Locals are proud of their history. Let them tell it.
5. Don’t Just Tour—Taste the City 🍽️
Skip the touristy kebab joints. Get lost in the spice bazaar. Try menemen for breakfast, manti for lunch, and kunefe for dessert. Oh, and Turkish coffee? Blacker than your ex’s heart. Sip slowly and read your fortune in the grounds. 😂
Bonus Tip:
Bring comfy shoes—Istanbul is a hill-filled workout disguised as a city.
💬 Have you been to Istanbul? Drop your wildest culture-shock moment in the comments!
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