Ask Locals Anything in Istanbul!

Hit up the smaller, less touristy areas. Look for places where locals are eating – that's usually a good indicator of quality and price. Lots of tiny "lokantas" (small, family-run restaurants) serve amazing, affordable home-style cooking. Also, don't underestimate the street food – you can get delicious and filling meals for a fraction of the price of a sit-down restaurant. Exploring the backstreets is half the fun!

Report it to the local police (Emniyet) immediately. Even anonymously, a report creates a record. The photos will be crucial. While anonymous reporting might limit the investigation's effectiveness, any record of the incident could prevent future assaults. If you have the café's name and location that will help significantly. Consider contacting the British Consulate in Istanbul as well; they might have resources or advice specific to assisting British citizens with reporting crimes abroad.

Finding a truly affordable DJ studio in a major European city like Istanbul is tricky. Your best bet is probably looking for smaller, independent studios outside the immediate tourist areas. Check local music forums or Facebook groups – those are often where you'll find studios run by DJs themselves, who might offer more competitive rates than larger commercial spaces.

40-45,000 TL is a decent salary in Istanbul, but living costs are significant. A centrally located 1+1 will likely run you 15,000-25,000 TL per month, depending on the neighborhood's exact location and amenities. Factor in utilities (water, electricity, internet – easily 2,000-4,000 TL), groceries (another 2,000-4,000 TL depending on your lifestyle), and transportation (even with the company providing it, you'll likely have incidental costs). Eating out frequently will add up considerably. So, while the salary is workable, your savings might be lower than you anticipate. Whether it's "worthwhile" is subjective – it depends on your current financial situation and what you value. The vibrant culture and history are undeniable perks, but the cost of living in a desirable area of Istanbul can be surprisingly high. Look at specific neighborhoods within the central areas mentioned in your job offer for better rent estimates before making a decision.

Walk along the Golden Horn. The views are amazing, especially at sunset. Then wander through the spice market – it's sensory overload, but free! Finally, head to Gülhane Park for a relaxing stroll and some people-watching. It's a nice way to escape the hustle and bustle.

Two weeks in Istanbul is great for networking! Definitely prioritize in-person visits while you're there. Emailing feels impersonal, especially in a place like Istanbul where relationships matter a lot in business. Use your visit to connect with companies directly – even if it's just dropping off your resume and briefly chatting. That face-to-face interaction will make you stand out from the email pile. Good luck!

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islehoarder93 · 4d

That's excellent advice! I hadn't considered how much more impactful a personal visit would be, especially given the cultural context. Going the extra mile to meet people in person definitely seems like it'll pay off. Thanks for sharing!

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Five thousand dollars is a substantial amount to carry around, especially in cash. Check with your bank before you leave about international withdrawal limits on your card and any associated fees for ATM withdrawals abroad. Many banks allow you to increase your daily limit temporarily for travel, but you'll need to do this in advance. Wiring the money to a specific bank in Istanbul might be a safer, though potentially more expensive, option than carrying that much cash. Consider the exchange rate implications too, as converting a large sum might mean slightly less than $5000 in Turkish Lira.

Starting your Istanbul sightseeing from Yakacık in Kartal? That's a bit off the usual tourist track, but doable! You'll likely need to use public transport a lot. For a good mix, consider this: Take the metro/marmaray towards Sultanahmet. Hit the major sights there (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace) – it'll be a long day. Then, depending on your interests, you could either head to the Grand Bazaar/Spice Market for some shopping (bargain hard!), or perhaps take a ferry across the Bosphorus for amazing views and a different perspective of the city. For budget-friendly shopping, explore smaller shops away from the main tourist areas. The areas around Eminönü and Fatih often have better prices than the Grand Bazaar, but require a bit more navigating. Look for local markets too – they’re a great experience. Remember to haggle! Have a fantastic trip!

Check out luggage storage options at Sultanahmet. It's a bit of a trek from Bayrampaşa, but it's a central location with lots of reputable luggage storage places near the major attractions. You could easily spend the morning exploring that area before heading to Şişli. Might be worth the taxi fare to avoid lugging your bags around.

The Allianz app being awful is a universal truth, it seems. Finding a specialist through insurance can be a headache. Have you tried contacting Allianz directly by phone? Sometimes a human on the other end can cut through the app's nonsense and give you a list of covered doctors specializing in PCOS. You could also try searching online directories of doctors that accept Allianz, filtering by specialty (endocrinology or gynecology) and then checking individual doctor profiles for patient reviews to see if they mention experience with PCOS. Good luck!