 World History/Constantinople Global Seminar in Istanbul University of California San Diego Matthew T. Herbst
I. Basic Travel Tips a. Give yourself plenty of time and bring material to pass the time productively (reading course material or other information about Istanbul) or leisurely (novels, magazines, music, etc.) b. Leave copies of your flight and travel information with someone back home as well as copies of your passport and other important financial account information (credit/bank) in case you need their assistance if, for example, your documents are lost or stolen. c. Bring cash (in local currency) for travel, snacks, drinks, and emergency issues. d. While in-transit, keep your most important items securely on you at all times (computer, passport, wallet, etc.) and not easily accessible to pick-pocketers or in your checked-in luggage.
e. Turkish Visa: You will need to purchase a Turkish Visa in US Dollars upon arrival in Istanbul. This costs $20 for American citizens. For others, please check with your state department. If you need assistance, contact Prof. Herbst or the Programs Abroad Office. Visa Details are found at:
http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/details/BorderFormalities/visa_tips.html f. Info about the Istanbul International Airport: http://www.ataturkairport.com/eng/1.php II. Communication with Home a. There are a number of options, including email and social networking tools. Internet cafés are located all around the city, and are equipped with the modern software and hardware necessities for chatting, emailing, blogging, sharing photos online, etc. b. To make phone calls: SKYPE is a cheap and easy way to stay connected back home via your laptop computer. See: http://www.skype.com/
III. Finance a. ATMs are everywhere in Istanbul so I do not recommend traveling with lots of Turkish Lira (just as you would not likely walk around in the US with an enormous amount of cash). The pressing issue will be cost of transaction charges issued by your bank and credit card companies for withdrawals or for purchases as well as the charges/fees set by the Turkish institutions. Find out what your bank charges. You may find it convenient to open an account with another institution (Charles Schwab, for example) with better international services. b. Let your bank and credit card companies know that you are traveling abroad, otherwise they may determine that your card has been stolen when charges appear in Istanbul rather than San Diego and then freeze your account. c. Bring a back-up credit card and/or ATM card.
IV. Packing: What to bring? a. Comfortable shoes for walking. Many streets are cobblestoned and hilly, and there will be long days walking around the city. b. Modest attire. Be prepared for warm days and occasional light rain. For entering mosques, arms and legs should be totally covered (male and female), and women should bring a scarf to cover their heads. c. Basic needs and personal items. Don’t forget to bring anything that you need on a day-to-day basis (medication, contact lenses, glasses, etc). Also, keep in mind travel needs such as camera and computer chargers, electricity converters, memory cards, etc. d. Bring an electrical converter. Turkey uses higher voltage (220 volts) than we use in the US (110V) and you will need a converter for your electrical devices (computers, cameras, etc.): http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/details/Electricity.html e. Do not over pack! You will have access to laundry facilities in Istanbul. Grocery stores and drug stores have all the general items you can buy once you’re there (shampoo, lotion, and other hygiene products).
V. Issues of Etiquette a. It will be very sunny and hot in Istanbul. Consider sunscreen and hats. b. For mosques: out of respect for the culture, arms and legs should be totally covered, and women should cover their heads with scarves. Women: bring a long sleeve shirt and long skirt. Be aware that you will be expected to take off your shoes and leave them at the entrance of the mosque. Therefore, don’t wear expensive shoes that could be lost or stolen. It’s a good idea to have socks, rather than being barefooted. c. Be careful and be assertive. It’s good to be curious and keep your eyes open to take in the city and its people, but be careful about whom smile at, especially for women. In the Grand Bazaar, if you take interest in something or someone’s wares, they might follow you and pester you to buy it. d. Bargaining: In the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar, bargaining is typical. The merchants even know how to bargain with tourists in Japanese! The starting price is ALWAYS much higher than they expect to settle for. This “game” will take time to get used to. One tip for buying things is to compare prices at different stands. Then you’ll know how low they REALLY go. In other shops, boutiques, bakeries or grocery stores with prices marked, it’s less up for discussion. e. Always be polite. If you can pick up simple words of Turkish (“Merhaba” is hello, “Pardon” is excuse me, pronounced like the French “Pardon”) you will be received with warmth and charm by the locals. Remember to say thank you or goodbye when leaving.
f. Do not feel pressured to buy anything or use any service! From street shoe-shiners to carpet salesmen, you will be bombarded with men trying to pressure you to separate you from your money. If you do not want a service or an item, simply ignore them and walk away!
VI. Health and Safety a. Drink only bottled water which is available everywhere in Istanbul. b. Travel together. It’s a good idea to stay in groups or with several friends when walking around the city or going out to eat. It is safe at night in populated, well-lit places, but avoid wandering alone into unknown areas, and looking like a “target” tourist. c. Keep a copy of the hotel address (and remember that you are close to major landmarks, like Hagia Sophia) with you in case you get lost and need to ask a local how to get back to it. People are very friendly in Istanbul, and are willing to help offer directions and answer questions. d. Ferry rides and sea shuttles can be difficult for people who suffer from motion sickness. Consider options to deal with this challenge: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/motion-sickness-topic-overview
VII. Other Suggestions a. Use a journal to keep track of events, sites, observations, and general experiences. This will help you keep the global seminar experience clear, fresh, and alive after it is over, when there is a risk that days and events all get blurred together. Likewise, you may find it useful to keep track of pictures (that is, you may forget which mosque or neighborhood you were in without some kind of journal or notation to help you). |
