Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For minor problems, it's customary to ask at a
eczane (
chemist/pharmacy) for advice.
Many pharmacists speak English and will prescribe treatment on the spot. Drugs requiring
a prescription in Western countries are often sold over the counter (except for the most
dangerous or addictive ones) and will often be cheaper too. Make sure that you know the
generic name of your medicine; the commercial name may not be the same in Turkey.
Most doctors in Turkey speak English and half of all the physicians in İstanbul are wo-
men. If a woman visits a male doctor, it's customary for her to have a companion present
during any physical examination or treatment.
Though they are expensive, it's probably easiest to visit one of the private hospitals lis-
ted here if you need medical care when in İstanbul. Their standard of care is generally
quite high and you will have no trouble finding staff who speak English. Both accept
credit-card payments and charge around 200 for a standard consultation.
Universal Taksim Alman Hastanesi
(Universal German Hospital;
212-293 2150;
8.30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm Sat)
Emergency,
www.uhg.com.tr
;
Sıraselviler Caddesi 119;
eye, dental and paediatric clinics.
Vehbi Koç American Hospital
(Amerikan Hastenesi; 212-444 3777 ext 9, 212-311 2000;
www.americanhospitalistanbul.org/ENG
;
Güzelbahçe Sokak 20, Nişantaşı;
24hr emergency depart-
ment)
Money
We have cited prices for most hotels and organised tours in euros to reflect the reality on
the ground; similarly in rare instances we've cited prices in US dollars. All other prices
given are in .
ATMs
ATMs (cashpoints) are everywhere in İstanbul. Virtually all of them offer instructions in
English, French and German and will pay out Turkish liras when you insert your bank
debit (cash) card. They will also pay cash advances on Visa and MasterCard. The limit on
cash withdrawals is generally 600 to 800 per day, though this varies from bank to bank.
Changing Money
The 24-hour
döviz bürosu
s (exchange bureaux) in the arrivals halls of the international
airports usually offer competitive rates.
