Veni Vidi Eye (Istanbul Bakırköy)

Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are accepted at most private hospitals and upscale restaurants, but you should carry cash in lira for taxis, small shops, and tipping. Avoid exchanging money at airport kiosks where rates are poor; instead use ATMs from major banks like Garanti, İşbank, or Yapı Kredi for better rates. Tipping 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated but not obligatory — always leave tips in lira cash even if you pay the bill by card.

Tap water in major Turkish cities is treated and technically meets safety standards, but most locals and hospitals recommend drinking bottled or filtered water due to aging pipe infrastructure in some buildings. Bottled water is very affordable at 1-5 TRY and available everywhere, including hospital cafeterias. It is safe to brush your teeth with tap water and to eat salads and fresh produce at reputable restaurants.

BiTaksi is Turkey's most popular ride-hailing app and works like Uber, letting you book metered taxis with in-app payment to avoid fare disputes. Uber also operates in Istanbul but is limited to licensed taxis rather than private cars. Istanbul's metro, tram, and ferry system is extensive and affordable using an Istanbulkart transit card, which you can buy at any metro station. Many private hospitals also offer complimentary shuttle services from major hotels — ask your clinic coordinator in advance.

Purchase an eSIM before you arrive in Turkey, as Turkish authorities have blocked access to several international eSIM provider websites from within the country since mid-2025. Tourist SIM cards from Turkcell, Vodafone, or Türk Telekom are available at the airport for 25-45 USD, though city stores offer better prices. Foreign phones can be used without IMEI registration for stays under 120 days, which covers most medical tourism trips.

Turkish private hospitals catering to medical tourists typically assign an international patient coordinator who handles paperwork, translation, and scheduling. Visiting hours are generally 10:00-22:00, with one companion permitted to stay overnight in the patient room. Most hospitals accept credit card payment and can provide itemized invoices in English for insurance reimbursement. Pharmacies (eczane) near hospitals stock common over-the-counter medications, and your hospital will provide prescriptions for anything requiring one.