Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Useful websites include the following:
IstanbulGay.com
Handy guide to the gay, lesbian and transgendered scenes in the city. It
includes plenty of information about gay-friendly clubs, bars and hotels.
Turkish branch of the international Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Liberation
Group. It's based in Beyoğlu.
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Well-regarded gay-owned and gay-run travel agency specialising in booking accom-
modation and tours for gay travellers.
Health
Food & Water
Standards of food hygiene are generally high in İstanbul, and visitors experience few
food-related illnesses. To be safe, treat street food with caution and if you dine in a
lokanta
(restaurant serving ready-made food) make sure you choose dishes that look hot
and freshly prepared.
Tap water in İstanbul is chlorinated, but is still not guaranteed to be safe (many locals
don't drink it). Spring water is cheap and sold everywhere in 0.33L, 1.5L and 3L plastic
bottles.
Vaccinations
You won't need special inoculations before entering Turkey unless you're coming from an
endemic or epidemic area. However, do discuss your requirements with a doctor. Consider
typhoid fever and hepatitis A and B vaccinations if you plan to travel off the beaten track
in Turkey; also make sure that your tetanus/diphtheria and polio vaccinations are up to
date (boosters are necessary every 10 years).
Internet Access
As is the case elsewhere in Europe, the proliferation of personal communications devices
has led to internet cafes becoming a dying breed. Wi-fi connections are ubiquitous in ho-
tels and hostels, and common in chain cafes and fast-food joints.
