Cash or card in Istanbul — what do locals actually use?

Locals use a mix, but you'll move faster with cash in Turkish lira for anything outside a mall or mid-range restaurant. Markets like the Grand Bazaar and Kapalıçarşı's surrounding streets, neighborhood bakeries, street food vendors, and most dolmuş minibuses are cash-only or strongly cash-preferred. The Istanbul metro and tram system runs on the Istanbulkart, a reloadable transit card you pick up at any major station for around 100 lira, and it's non-negotiable for smooth commuting. Cards are widely accepted at chain restaurants, hotel bars, and larger shops in Beyoğlu, Nişantaşı, and Kadıköy's café strips, though some smaller spots add a quiet surcharge. ATMs are genuinely everywhere, the major bank machines (Garanti, İş Bankası, Yapı Kredi) are reliable, and withdrawing lira locally beats airport exchange rates handily. Carry a few hundred lira in small denominations at all times and you'll never get stuck.

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• Where do locals actually go for aperitivo in Istanbul?
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• How do I get from the airport to the city in Istanbul?