Written in 2024 Oct

Transporation

• Uber is limited but works in Istanbul
• Uber does not work in Cappadocia
  • shuttles are recommended - they take you straight to the hotel for 300 Lira, whereas a taxi would cost 1,700

Tipping

• touristy restaurants ask for it, most do not
• 10% is acceptable
• doesn’t seem to be a nation-wide thing

Cash

• you will need a decent amount of cash. Say 50% card and 50% cash
• they use Lira
• markets where you haggle for prices will give you a better discount if you use Euro
• you will probably get a better conversion rate if you buy Turkish Lira in Turkey, than outside of Turkey

Scams

• some tourist traps somehow manipulated Google reviews
  • if you want a good restaurant, don’t rely on reviews. Go and see if there are locals eating there
• people will try to cheat you whenever possible, in small and big ways
  • if the price is displayed in Euros but they charge you Lira, it’s possible they are upcharging you without you knowing it. Do your own math

Hot air balloon

• did it in Cappadocia
• there are many many companies that do this. We chose Discovery
• you will most likely get a discount if paying with cash on-site. We paid a 25% deposit online, and paid the rest in cash and got a 6.6% discount
• at least in early October, it doesn’t get that cold when you are up in the air because of the fire

Cats

• Yes