By far the most convenient (but not always the quickest) way to get around in Istanbul is by taxi. They are plentiful, operate day and night, take up to four persons, are compared to the US or Europe fairly cheap, and they can be easily hailed on the street or found at taxi ranks. Unfortunately, a small percentage of the taxi drivers are either lunatics or con-artists. Luckily most are neither. But just in case, you may want to keep on reading and be well prepared before you get into a taxi in Istanbul.

• 

  Official taxi in Istanbul, Turkey.

  Official Taxis – Only take official taxis. They are bright yellow and have a sign on the roof with the word taksi on it. Furthermore, their taxi plate number (and sometimes company logo) should be clearly visible on the front doors and the roof. And most importantly, all official taxis have digital meters!

• No Meter, No Go – Always insist to switch on the meter! Some of the previously mentioned con-artists may come up with an excuse that the meter is broken or offer to drive for a flat fee. Accept neither, get out of the taxi and look for another one. Even if the taxi driver suddenly changes his mind. Also, if at any point during the ride the meter isn’t running, get out. If the driver protests, muttering the word polis may do wonders.

• Find The Taxi Meter – Whereas in Europe or the US taxi meters are mounted in such a way that they are clearly visible for the passengers, in Istanbul they are more often than not well hidden behind the gearshift. This makes it virtually impossible to see it from the backseat. Locals use the reflection in the front door window to monitor it. Since you’re probably not experienced in reading mirror images, lean over to check the meter at the start of the ride and at certain intervals. This is not considered rude. On the contrary, you’ll gain the taxi driver’s respect for knowing the ropes.

• 

  An Istanbul taxi meter showing the daytime (gündüz) fare.

  Day & Night Rates – Upon entering the taxi, a flat or starting rate will appear. After that, the rate will increment every 400 meters. Check out the current cab rates and taxi fares between popular Istanbul tourist destinations here. When the taxi is not moving (at traffic lights or while being stuck in traffic), the fare should remain more or less the same! During the day, the word gündüz should appear onscreen at regular intervals. At night (between midnight and 6 am), the word gece will appear. Since the night-rate is 50% higher than the day-rate, make sure the gündüz rate is applied when appropriate! This too is a popular tourist scam.

• Bridge or Highway Toll – In case you take a taxi to cross either of the Bosphorus bridges or drive on the TEM highway, toll (not more than TL 4) has to be paid. The taxi driver will pay that for you, but will add this to the fare.

• No Tipping – Unless the taxi driver helped you load and unload your luggage, he won’t expect a tip. If you’re happy with his performance, you can roundup the fare to the nearest convenient figure. Some taxi drivers may claim to be out of small money, hence try to make a few extra liras. Just stand your ground and make him go change the money somewhere if you feel he’s deceitful.

• Say What? – Most taxi drivers speak very little to no English at all. Having said that, chances are that your knowledge of Turkish is similar to his English skills. It’s therefore not a bad idea to have the exact name and street of your destination written down on a piece of paper.

• Seemingly Lost – Taxi drivers are not too streetwise. And in their defense, Istanbul is a giant city and expecting taxi drivers to know every single street by heart is unfair. It is therefore not unusual that taxi drivers are unfamiliar with the exact location of lesser known places. You may find him ask you, other drivers or pedestrians along the way. If you have a phone number on your destination, he’ll be glad to call them for precise directions.

• 

  Istanbul taxis may take alternative roads to avoid traffic jams.

  Unsafe Driving – Time is money. It’s a cliché, but it’s still very true for Istanbul’s taxi drivers. They may take alternative (and a tad longer and more expensive) roads when the main roads are congested. That’s perfectly fine and will benefit both parties. What they shouldn’t do though is race through the narrow streets. If at any time you feel unsafe, you tell the driver yavaş gidin (’yavash gidin’ pronounced) or just daha yavaş lütfen. Both mean more or less the same and order him to slow down. If he doesn’t obey your wishes, just get out at the first occasion that arises.

Now don’t get me wrong! I’ve been using taxis in Istanbul for over four years now, and I can count the times I felt unsafe or was hustled on both hands. Taxis in Istanbul are a cheap, reliable and more comfortable than most of the public transportation available.

Of course, if you had any good or bad experiences with Istanbul’s taxis, I’d love to hear your stories!

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The best way to absorb a city is of course by exploring it on foot. In addition, some of Istanbul’s ancient streets are so small a car barely fits in it. And with Istanbul’s huge traffic jams in the city center, it is often even a time-saver.
But before you rush out of your hotel to hit the streets, go over my pedestrian safety tips – they may save your life!

Car Is King in Istanbul

Car-free zones are rather scarce – the Princes’ Islands being a huge exception to the rule. In recent years efforts have been made to create semi-pedestrian zones in the city center as well. The most famous ones are undoubtedly Sultanahmet Square and the area surrounding the Spice Bazaar in the historical part of Istanbul; and Istiklal Caddesi, Taksim Square and Ortaköy in the modern part of Istanbul. Nevertheless, keep in mind that the car still rules in Istanbul.

Istanbul Pedestrian Safety Tips

• unless you’re on a pavement or pedestrian crossing, you have little to no traffic rights as a pedestrian
• unless a pedestrian crossings is controlled by traffic lights, it is considered street decoration and traffic won’t stop for it
• even if the pedestrian traffic light shows a green light, don’t cross until you’re sure traffic has come to a complete standstill
• don’t start crossing the road when the pedestrian light is about to turn red as drivers often jump lights
• always use pedestrian overpasses and underpasses on main roads – no matter what you see the locals doing
• a one-way street is no guarantee vehicles will only come from one direction – always look for traffic coming from both sides
• public transportation (with the exception of metros and trams) doesn’t always halt at special designed stops and sometimes even let people get off in the middle of the street. Double-check for traffic (especially motorcycles) while getting off
• although Istanbul is among the safer world cities, ask local advice before exploring streets outside the usual tourist areas
• in crowded streets, beware of pick pocketing
• never walk in unfamiliar streets or backstreets after dark – Istanbul taxis come rather cheap after all

Bear these rules in mind, and you’ll be doing just fine. And don’t let this list scare you either, walking Istanbul’s crowded streets is very pleasant – especially in spring and autumn, when the weather isn’t too hot.

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In this post – the second article of the Diplomatic Missions in Istanbul and Turkey series – we’ll cover all the countries that have a Consulate or Consulate-General in Istanbul. The consulates are listed in a chronological order.
If you’re not in Istanbul and need consular assistance, check out whether your country is in the list of countries that have embassies in Turkey.

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Afghanistan In Istanbul
Chancery: Cumhuriyet Caddesi Umaç Apt. No.141-147 Kat.5, Elmadağ, Şişli, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 343 87 22
Fax: +90 (0)212 343 87 23
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-14:00

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Albania In Istanbul
Chancery: İsmet İnönü Cad. Deniz apt. No: 22/6, Gümüşsuyu, Taksim, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 244 32 56-57
Fax: +90 (0)212 244 23 38
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-14:00

Consulate General Of The People’s Democratic Republic Of Algeria In Istanbul
Chancery: Süleyman Seba Cad. No.80, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 327 89 80-81
Fax: +90 (0)212 327 89 83
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00

Consulate General Of Australia In Istanbul
Chancery: Süzer Plaza Askerocağı Cad. No.15 Kat.16, Elmadağ, Şişli, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 243 13 33
Fax: +90 (0)212 243 13 32
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30–17:00

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Austria In Istanbul
Chancery: Köybaşı Cad. 44-34464 P.K.13, Yeniköy, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 363 84 10-14
Fax: +90 (0)212 262 26 22
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00 – 16:00

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Azerbaijan In Istanbul
Chancery: Sümbül Sokak, No:17, 1. Levent, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 325 80 42,43,44,45
Fax: +90 (0)212 284 95 79

Consulate General Of The Kingdom Of Belgium In Istanbul
Chancery: Sıraselviler cad. No.39, Taksim, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 243 33 00-01
Fax: +90 (0)212 243 50 74
Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 09:00-12:30 / 13:15-16:30

Consulate General Of Bosnia And Herzegovina In Istanbul
Chancery: Dikilitaş mah. Yeni Gelin Sok. No.24 Kat.3, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 236 69 34 – +90 (0)212 236 68 92
Fax: +90 (0)212 236 28 31
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Bulgaria In Istanbul
Chancery: Ahmet Adnan Saygun Cd. No.44, 2.Levent, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 281 01 15 – +90 (0)212 279 58 37
Fax: +90 (0)212 264 10 11

Consulate General Of The People’s Republic Of China In Istanbul
Chancery: Memduhpaşa Yalısı Mısırlı Caddesi 6/8 Kireçburnu Mah., Sarıyer, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 299 26 34 – +90 (0)212 299 21 87-88
Fax: +90 (0)212 299 28 55

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Croatia In Istanbul
Chancery: Asmalı Mescit Mah. Oteller Sok. No.1/2, Tepebaşı, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 293 54 67-68
Fax: +90 (0)212 293 54 76
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-16:00

Consulate General Of The Czech Republic In Istanbul
Chancery: Abdi İpekçi Caddesi 71, P.O. 35, Maçka, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 230 95 97 – +90 (0)212 232 90 46
Fax: (212)-231 94 93
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–14:00

Consulate General Of The Kingdom Of Denmark In Istanbul
Chancery: Meygede Sokak No.2, Bebek, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 359 19 00
Fax: +90 (0)212 359 19 02

Consulate General Of The Arab Republic Of Egypt In Istanbul
Chancery: Konaklar Mah. Akasyalı sokak No.26, 4.Levent, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 324 21 60 – +90 (0)212 324 21 33
Fax: +90 (0)212 324 22 04
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00–16:00

Consulate General Of The French Republic In Istanbul
Chancery: İstiklal Caddesi No.8, Taksim, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 334 87 30
Fax: +90 (0)212 334 87 31

Consulate General Of Georgia In Istanbul
Chancery: Cumhuriyet Cad. Belvü apt. No.169, Elmadağ, Şişli, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 343 92 57 – +90 (0)212 296 90 06
Fax: +90 (0)212 343 90 58
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–18:00

Consulate General Of The Federal Republic Of Germany In Istanbul
Chancery: İnönü Cad. No.16-18, Gümüşsuyu, Istanbul
Telephone: (0212) 33 46 100
Fax: +90 (0)212 249 99 20 – +90 (0)212 245 26 24
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 07:30–12:00 / 12:30–16:45, Friday 07:30–13:30

Consulate General Of The Hellenic Republic In Istanbul
Chancery: Turnacıbacı Sokak 32, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 393 82 90-4
Fax: +90 (0)212 252 13 65

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Hungary In Istanbul
Chancery: Metrocity Millennium A Blok Büyükdere Cad. No.171, 1. Levent, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 344 12 65 – +90 (0)212 344 12 66
Fax: +90 (0)212 344 12 69
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 09:00–16:30 / Friday 09:00–14:00

Consulate General Of The Republic Of India In Istanbul
Chancery: Cumhuriyet Cad. No.18/7 Dörtler Apt., Elmadağ, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 296 21 31–32
Fax: +90 (0)212 296 21 30
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–17.30

Consulate General Of The Islamic Republic Of Iran In Istanbul
Chancery: Ankara Cad. No.1, Cağaloğlu, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 513 82 30
Fax: +90 (0)212 511 52 19
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00–16:00

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Iraq In Istanbul
Chancery: Köybaşı Caddesi No.3, Yeniköy, Sarıyer, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 299 01 20
Fax: +90 (0)212 299 74 42
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–15:00

Consulate General Of The State Of Israel In Istanbul
Chancery: Büyükdere cad. Yapı Kredi Plaza C Blok 7.Kat, 4.Levent, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 317 65 00
Fax: +90 (0)212 317 65 55

Consulate General Of Italian Republic In Istanbul
Chancery: Boğazkesen Caddesi Tom Tom Kaptan Sokak No.15, Tophane, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 243 10 24 – +90 (0)212 243 10 25
Fax: +90 (0)212 252 58 79
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:30-13:00 / 14:00-16:30, Friday 08:30-14:30

Consulate General Of Japan In Istanbul
Chancery: Büyükdere Caddesi No.209 Tefken Tower Kat.10, 4.Levent, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 317 46 00
Fax: +90 (0)212 317 46 04
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–17:30

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Kazakhstan In Istanbul
Chancery: Germiyan Sok. No.10, Şenliköy, Florya, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 662 53 47-48
Fax: +90 (0)212 662 53 49

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Korea In Istanbul
Chancery: Kaptanpaşa Mah. Piyale Paşa Bulvarı Orta Doğu Plaza Kat.19, Okmeydanı, Şişli, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 368 83 68
Fax: +90 (0)212 320 74 13
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-12:30 / 14:00-17:00

Consulate General Of The State Of Kuwait In Istanbul
Chancery: Cebeci Caddesi No.22 Akatlar, Etiler, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 351 18 88
Fax: +90 (0)212 352 76 60
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–15:00

Consulate General Of The Kyrgyz Republic In Istanbul
Chancery: La Martin Caddesi No.7 Taksim, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 235 67 67 – +90 (0)212 235 37 37
Fax: +90 (0)212 235 92 93
Office Hours: Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-17:30 / 12:30-14:00

Consulate General Of The Lebanese Republic In Istanbul
Chancery: Teşvikiye Cad. Saray Apt. No.134/1, Teşvikiye, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 236 13 65–66
Fax: +90 (0)212 227 33 73
Office Hours: Monday–Friday: 09:00–15:00

Consulate General Of The Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya In Istanbul
Chancery: İnönü Cad. Miralay Şefik Bey Sok. No.3, Gümüşsuyu, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 251 81 00
Fax: +90 (0)212 252 55 15
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30–15:00

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Macedonia In Istanbul
Chancery: İnönü Cad. Üçler Apt. No.20 D.4, Gümüşsuyu, Taksim, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 251 22 33 – +90 (0)212 249 99 77
Fax: +90 (0)212 293 77 65
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-16:30

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Moldova In Istanbul
Chancery: İnönü Cad. No.43 D.6, Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 251 72 64
Fax: +90 (0)212 251 72 84

Consulate General Of The Kingdom Of The Netherlands In Istanbul
Chancery: İstiklal Cad. No.393, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 393 21 21
Fax: +90 (0)212 292 50 31
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00–16:15

Consulate General Of The Islamic Republic Of Pakistan In Istanbul
Chancery: Gullu sokak No.20, 3.Levent, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 324 58 27 – +90 (0)212 324 91 54
Fax: +90 (0)212 324 51 70
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-17:00

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Poland In Istanbul
Chancery: Giz 2000 Plaza Ayazağa Köyü Yolu No.7 Kat.5, Maslak, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 290 66 30, +90 (0)212 290 66 31
Fax: +90 (0)212 290 66 32
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-16:00

Consulate General Of The State Of Qatar In Istanbul
Chancery: Saçı Sok. No.4/D, Florya, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 573 01 11
Fax: +90 (0)212 573 05 45

Consulate General Of Romania In Istanbul
Chancery: Sıraselviler Caddesi No.55, Taksim, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 243 42 86-87
Fax: +90 (0)212 293 82 61
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 09:00-13:00 / 15:00-17:00, Friday 09:00-13:00 / 15:00-17:00

Consulate General Of The Russian Federation In Istanbul
Chancery: İstiklal Caddesi No.443, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 292 51 01-02-03
Fax: +90 (0)212 292 51 01-02-03
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-13:00 / 14:30-18:00

Consulate General Of The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia In Istanbul
Chancery: Konaklar Mah. Çamlık Cad. Akasyalı Sok. No.6, 4.Levent, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 281 91 40
Fax: +90 (0)212 281 91 41
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–15:00

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Serbia In Istanbul
Chancery: 23 Temmuz Sok. No.8, Esentepe, Şişli, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 213 76 86
Fax: +90 (0)212 213 54 03

Consulate General Of The Slovak Republic In Istanbul
Chancery: Güvercin sok. No.8, 1.Levent, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 317 94 30 – +90 (0)212 317 94 31
Fax: +90 (0)212 317 94 29

Consulate General Of The Kingdom Of Spain In Istanbul
Chancery: Karanfil Aralığı Sok. No.16, 1.Levent, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 270 74 10 – +90 (0)212 270 74 14
Fax: +90 (0)212 270 74 84 – +90 (0)212 325 30 31
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30–15:30

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Sudan In Istanbul
Chancery: Menekşeli Sok. No.16, 1.Levent, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 281 74 41-42
Fax: +90 (0)212 269 09 63
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–15:30

Consulate General Of The Kingdom Of Sweden In Istanbul
Chancery: İstiklal Caddesi No.497, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 334 06 00
Fax: +90 (0)212 252 41 14
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00-13:00 / 13:30-16:00, Friday 08:00-13:30

Consulate General Of The Swiss Confederation In Istanbul
Chancery: Büyükdere cad. 173 1.Levent Plaza A Blok Kat.3, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 283 12 82
Fax: +90 (0)212 283 12 98
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-11:00

Consulate General Of The Syrian Arab Republic In Istanbul
Chancery: Maçka Cad. Ralli Apt. No.37 Kat.3, Teşvikiye, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 232 71 10 – +90 (0)212 232 67 21
Fax: +90 (0)212 230 22 15
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 09:30-15:00

Consulate General Of The Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus In Istanbul
Chancery: Yeni Gelin Sokak No.24/1, Balmumcu, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 227 34 90-91-92
Fax: +90 (0)212 227 34 93
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-13:00 / 13.30–17:00

Consulate General Of Turkmenistan In Istanbul
Chancery: Gazi Evrenos Cad. Baharistan Sok. No.13, Yeşilköy, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 662 02 21-23
Fax: +90 (0)212 662 02 24
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–18:00

Consulate General Of Ukraine In Istanbul
Chancery: Adakale Sok. No.13, Florya, Bakırköy, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 662 25 41 – +90 (0)212 663 26 55
Fax: +90 (0)212 662 18 76

Consulate General Of The United Arab Emirates In Istanbul
Chancery: Konaklar mah. Meşeli Sok. No.11, 4.Levent, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 279 63 48
Fax: +90 (0)212 278 05 70

Consulate General Of The United Kingdom In Istanbul
Chancery: Meşrutiyet Caddesi No.34, Beyoğlu, Tepebaşı, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 334 64 00
Fax: +90 (0)212 334 64 01
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30–13:00 / 14:00–16.45

Consulate General Of The United States Of America In Istanbul
Chancery: İstinye Mah. Kaplıcalar Mevkii No.2, İstinye, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 335 90 00
Fax: +90 (0)212 335 90 19 – +90 (0)212 335 91 35
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-16:30

Consulate General Of The Republic Of Uzbekistan In Istanbul
Chancery: Şehit Halil İbrahim Cad. No.23 İstinye, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 229 00 75
Fax: +90 (0)212 323 20 40
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–17:00

Consulate General Of The Bolivarian Republic Of Venezuela In Istanbul
Chancery: Gümüşsuyu Mah. Ongan Apt. İnönü Cad. No.43/4, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Telephone: +90 (0)212 249 30 53-54
Fax: +90 (0)212 249 30 65

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In this post – the first article of the Diplomatic Missions in Istanbul and Turkey series – we’ll cover all the countries that have an embassy in Turkey. The embassies are listed in a chronological order.
If you need consular assistance while residing in Istanbul, you want to check out the list of countries that have Consulates and/or Consulates-General in Istanbul

Embassy Of The Republic Of Afghanistan
Chancery: Cinnah Cad. No. 88, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 442 25 23
Fax: +90 (0)312 442 62 56 – +90 (0)312 442 2269
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–14:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Albania
Chancery: Simon Bolivan Bulvarı, Ebuziya Tevfik Sokağı, No.17, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 441 61 03
Fax: +90 (0)312 441 61 09
Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 09:00-17:00

Embassy Of The People’s Democratic Republic Of Algeria
Chancery: Şehit Ersan Cad., No. 42, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 468 7719 – +90 (0)312 428 80 37
Fax: +90 (0)312 468 75 93
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 09:00-17:00, Friday 09:00-16:00

Embassy Of The Argentine Republic
Chancery: Uğur Mumcu Cad. 60/1, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 20 61-62
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 20 63
Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 09:00-16:00

Embassy Of Australia
Chancery: Uğur Mumcu Caddesi MNG Binası No.88 Kat:7, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 459 95 00
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 48 27
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-17:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Austria
Chancery: Atatürk Bulvarı No.189, Küçükesat, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 405 51 90
Fax: +90 (0)312 418 94 54
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:15-16:30, Friday 09:00–16:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Azerbaijan
Chancery: Diplomatik Site, Baku Sok. No.1, Oran, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 491 16 81-82-83
Fax: +90 (0)312 492 04 30
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-18:00

Embassy Of The Kingdom Of Bahrain
Chancery: İlkbahar Mahallesi 612. Sokak, Oran-Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 491 26 53-58
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-15:00

Embassy Of The People’s Republic Of Bangladesh
Chancery: Birlik Mahallesi 391. Cadd No. 16, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 495 27 19-20
Fax: +90 (0)312 495 27 44
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Belarus
Chancery: Abidin Daver Sokağı, No.17, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 441 67 69
Fax: +90 (0)312 441 66 74
Office Hours: 09:00-13:00 / 14:00-18:00

Embassy Of The Kingdom Of Belgium
Chancery: Mahatma Gandi Cad., No. 55, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 405 61 66 – +90 (0)312 405 61 67
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 82 51
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-13:00 / 14.30-17:00

Embassy Of Bosnia And Herzegovina
Chancery: Turan Emeksiz Sokak, Park Blokları, B-Blok No.3/9-10, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 427 36 02-03
Fax: +90 (0)312 427 36 04
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00

Embassy Of The Federative Republic Of Brazil
Chancery: Reşit Galip Caddesi, İlkadım Sokağı, No.1, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 448 18 40-41-42-43
Fax: +90 (0)312 448 18 38
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–17:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Bulgaria
Chancery: Atatürk Bulvarı No.124, Kavaklıdere, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 467 20 71, +90 (0)312 427 51 42
Fax: +90 (0)312 467 25 74 – +90 (0)312 468 69 56

Embassy Of Canada
Chancery: Cinnah Caddesi No.58, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 409 27 00
Fax: +90 (0)312 409 27 12
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:30-17:45, Friday 08:30-13:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Chile
Chancery: Reşit Galip Cad. Hirfanlı Sok. No:14/1-3, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 447 34 18 – +90 (0)312 447 35 82 – +90 (0)312 447 36 64
Fax: +90 (0)312 447 47 25
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–17:00

Embassy Of The People’s Republic Of China
Chancery: Gölgeli Sok. No.34, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 436 06 28
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 07 48 – +90 (0)312 446 42 48
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30–17:30

Embassy Of The Republic Of Croatia
Chancery: Kelebek Sokak No.15/A, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 08 31 – +90 (0)312 446 94 60 – +90 (0)312 437 95 44
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 47 00
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–17:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Cuba
Chancery: Şölen Sok. No.8, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 442 89 70–71
Fax: +90 (0)312 441 40 07
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–16:00

Embassy Of The Czech Republic
Chancery: Kaptanpaşa Sokak No.15, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 405 61 39 – +90 (0)312 405 61 41 – 3
Fax: +90 (0)312 447 73 95
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 08:30–17:00, Friday 08:30–14:00

Embassy Of The Kingdom Of Denmark
Chancery: Mahatma Gandhi Caddesi No.74, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 61 41 (pbx)
Fax: +90 (0)312 447 24 98
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 09:00–16:30, Friday 09:00–16:00

Embassy Of The Arab Republic Of Egypt
Chancery: Atatürk Bulvarı. No.126, Kavaklıdere, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 426 10 26 – +90 (0)312 468 22 40 – +90 (0)312 426 61 32
Fax: +90 (0)312 427 00 99

Embassy Of The Republic Of Estonia
Chancery: Gölgeli Sok. No.16, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 405 69 70
Fax: +90 (0)312 405 69 76
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00

Embassy Of The Federal Demcratic Republic Of Ethiopia
Chancery: Reşit Galip Cad., Gökçek sok., No.11, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 436 04 00 – +90 (0)312 436 02 12 +90 (0)312 436 02 13
Fax: +90 (0)312 448 19 38
Office Hours: Monday–Friday: 08:30–17:30

Embassy Of The Republic Of Finland
Chancery: Kader Sok. No.44, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 426 19 30 (PBX)
Fax: +90 (0)312 468 00 72
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:30-16:30, Friday 08:30-15:15

Embassy Of The French Republic
Chancery: Paris caddesi, No.70 Kavaklıdere, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 455 45 45
Fax: +90 (0)312 455 45 27
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-18:00

Embassy Of Georgia
Chancery: Diplomatik Site, Kılıç Ali sok. No.12, Oran, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 491 80 30
Fax: +90 (0)312 442 65 07
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–18:00

Embassy Of The Federal Republic Of Germany
Chancery: Atatürk Bulvarı No.114, Kavaklıdere, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 455 51 00
Fax: +90 (0)312 426 69 59
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00-17:00, Friday 08:00-14:00

Embassy Of The Hellenic Republic
Chancery: Zia Ur Rahman Cad., No.9-11, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 448 08 73 – +90 (0)312 448 22 49
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 31 91
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00

Embassy Of The Apostolic Nunciature
Chancery: Birlik Mahallesi, 3. Cadde, No.37 PK 33, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 495 35 14 / +90 (0)312 495 35 05
Fax: +90 (0)312 495 35 40
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-13:00 / 14:00-17:30

Embassy Of The Republic Of Hungary
Chancery: Sancak Mahallesi, Layoş Koşut Cad. No.2, Yıldız, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 442 22 73
Fax: +90 (0)312 441 50 49
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 09:00-17:00, Friday 09:00-15:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of India
Chancery: Cinnah Cad.77 , Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 438 21 95-98
Fax: +90 (0)312 440 34 29 – +90 (0)312 439 93 23
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–17:30

Embassy Of The Republic Of Indonesia
Chancery: Abdullah Cevdet Sokak, No.10, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 438 21 90-92
Fax: +90 (0)312 438 21 93
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 09:00-17:00

Embassy Of The Islamic Republic Of Iran
Chancery: Tahran Cad. No.10, Kavaklıdere, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 468 28 20-21 (pbx)
Fax: +90 (0)312 468 28 23 – +90 (0)312 427 35 41
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00–18:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Iraq
Chancery: Turan Emeksiz Sokak, No.11, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 468 74 21-22 (pbx)
Fax: +90 (0)312 468 48 32
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–15:00

Embassy Of Ireland
Chancery: Uğur Mumcu Cad. No.88 MNG Binası B Blok Kat 3, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 61 72-73-74
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 80 61
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-13:00 / 14:00-17:00

Embassy Ofthe State Of Israel
Chancery: Mahatma Gandi Cad. No.85, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 459 75 00-07
Fax: +90 (0)312 459 75 55

Embassy Of Italian Republic
Chancery: Atatürk Bulvarı No.118, Kavaklıdere, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 457 42 00
Fax: +90 (0)312 457 42 80
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 08:30-13:00 / 15:00-17:45

Embassy Of Japan
Chancery: Reşit Galip Caddesi No.81, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 05 00
Fax: +90 (0)312 437 18 12 – +90 (0)312 437 25 04
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–17:30

Embassy Of Hashemite Kingdom Of Jordan
Chancery:  Mesnevi, Dede Korkut Sokak No.18, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 440 20 54 – +90 (0)312 440 45 94
Fax: +90 (0)312 440 43 27
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–15:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Kazakhstan
Chancery: Kılıç Ali Sokağı No.6, Diplomatik Site, Oran, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 491 91 00
Fax: +90 (0)312 491 44 55
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-12:30 / 14:30-18:30

Embassy Of The Republic Of Korea
Chancery: Alaçam Sok. No.5, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 468 48 21-23 – +90 (0)312 467 74 49
Fax: +90 (0)312 468 22 79
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-12:30 / 14:00-17:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Kosovo
Chancery: 100. Yıl Mah. Hirfanlı Sk. No.14/2, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 70 54
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 70 55
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00

Embassy Of The State Of Kuwait
Chancery: Reşit Galip Caddesi No.110, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 445 05 76
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 68 39 – +90 (0)312 446 28 26
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–15:00

Embassy Of The Kyrgyz Republic
Chancery: Turan Güneş Bulvarı 15 Cadde No.21, Yıldız Oran, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 491 35 06 – +90 (0)312 491 35 07
Fax: +90 (0)312 491 35 13
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-17:30 / 12:30-14:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Latvia
Chancery: Reşit Galip Caddesi No.95, G.O.P., Çankaya
Telephone: +90 (0)312 405 61 36
Fax: +90 (0)312 405 61 37
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 90:00-17:00

Embassy Of The Lebanese Republic
Chancery: Kızkulesi Sok. No.44, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 74 85–8
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 10 23
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-15:00

Embassy Of The Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Chancery: Cinnah Cad. No.60, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 438 11 10–14
Fax: +90 (0)312 440 38 62
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–15:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Lithuania
Chancery: Mahatma Gandi Cad. No.17/8-9, GOP, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 447 07 66
Fax: +90 (0)312 447 06 63
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00-17:00, Friday 08:00-15:30

Embassy Of The Republic Of Macedonia
Chancery: Karaca Sok. No.24/5-6, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 439 92 04 – +90 (0)312 439 92 08
Fax: +90 (0)312 439 92 06
Office Hours: Monday–Friday: 09:00–16:30

Embassy Of Malaysia
Chancery: Mahatma Gandhi Cad. No.58, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 35 47–48
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 41 30
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–17:00

Embassy Of The United Mexican States
Chancery: Kırkpınar Sokak, No.18/6, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 442 30 33, +90 (0)312 442 23 82
Fax: +90 (0)312 442 02 21
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-16:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Moldova
Chancery: Kaptan Paşa Sokağı, No.49, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 56 27
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 58 16
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-17:00

Embassy Of Mongolia
Chancery: Koza Sokak, No.113, G.O.P., Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 79 77
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 77 91
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-18:00

Embassy Of The Kingdom Of Morocco
Chancery: Reşit Galip Cad. Rabat Sok. No.11, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 437 60 20/21
Fax: +90 (0)312 447 14 05, +90 (0)312 446 84 30
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–16:30

Embassy Of The Kingdom Of The Netherlands
Chancery: Hilal Mahallesi, Hollanda Caddesi No.3, Yıldız, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 409 18 00
Fax: +90 (0)312 409 18 98
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 08:30-17:00

Embassy Of New Zealand
Chancery: İran Caddesi, No.13 4.kat, Kavaklıdere, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 467 90 54
Fax: +90 (0)312 467 90 13
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:30-17:30, Friday: 08:30-13:00

Embassy Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria
Chancery: Uğur Mumcu Sokağı No.56, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 448 10 76-79
Fax: +90 (0)312 448 10 82
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00

Embassy Of The Kingdom Of Norway
Chancery: Kırkpınar Sok. No.18/3-4, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 405 80 10
Fax: +90 (0)312 443 05 43
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:30-16:30, Friday 08:30-14:00

Embassy Of The Sultanate Of Oman
Chancery: Mahatma Gandi Caddesi No.63, GOP, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 447 06 30-31
Fax: +90 (0)312 447 06 32
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-15:00

Embassy Of The Islamic Republic Of Pakistan
Chancery: İran Caddesi No.37, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 427 14 10–13
Fax: +90 (0)312 467 10 23
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-17:00

Embassy Of The Palestinian National Authority
Chancery: Filistin Sok, No.45, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 436 08 23 – +90 (0)312 447 02 44
Fax: +90 (0)312 437 78 01
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-15:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of The Philippines
Chancery: Mahatma Gandi Caddesi No.56, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 58 31 – +90 (0)312 447 03 50
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 57 33
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00–12:00 / 13:00-17:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Poland
Chancery: Atatürk Bulvarı No.241, Kavaklıdere, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 457 20 00 – +90 (0)312 457 20 01
Fax: +90 (0)312 467 89 63
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-16:00

Embassy Of Portugal
Chancery: Kuleli Sokağı No.26, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 405 60 28
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 36 70

Embassy Of The State Of Qatar
Chancery: Bakü Sokak No.6, Diplomatik Site, Oran, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 490 72 74 – +90 (0)312 490 45 85
Fax: +90 (0)312 490 67 57 – +90 (0)312 490 41 64
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–15:00

Embassy Of Romania
Chancery: Bükreş Sok. No.4, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 466 37 06 – +90 (0)312 427 12 43
Fax: +90 (0)312 427 15 30
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-18.30

Embassy Of The Russian Federation
Chancery: Karyağdı Sok. No.5, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 439 21 22
Fax: +90 (0)312 438 39 52 – +90 (0)312 442 90 20
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 08:30–13:00 / 15:00–18:30

Embassy Of The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia
Chancery: Turan Emeksiz Sok No.6, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 468 55 40-41-42
Fax: +90 (0)312 427 48 86
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–15:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Senegal
Chancery: Kızkulesi Sok. No.1, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 09 32 – +90 (0)312 446 09 63
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 53 75

Embassy Of The Republic Of Serbia
Chancery: Paris Cad. No.47, P.K. 28, Kavaklıdere, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 426 02 36 – +90 (0)312 426 03 54
Fax: +90 (0)312 427 83 45
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-15:00

Embassy Of The Slovak Republic
Chancery: Atatürk Bulvarı No.245, Kavaklıdere, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 467 50 75–76
Fax: +90 (0)312 468 26 89
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00–16:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Slovenia
Chancery: Kırlangıç Sokak No.36, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 405 42 21-22
Fax: +90 (0)312 426 02 16
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 09:00-17:00, Friday 09:00-16:30

Embassy Of Somali
Chancery: Rabat Sk. No.24/2, GOP, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 436 40 28
Fax: +90 (0)312 436 40 29

Embassy Of The Republic Of South Africa
Chancery: Filistin Sok. No.27, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 40 56
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 64 34
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00-17:15, Friday 08:00-13:00

Embassy Of The Kingdom Of Spain
Chancery: Abdullah Cevdet Sok. No.8, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 438 03 92 – +90 (0)312 440 17 96
Fax: +90 (0)312 439 51 70 – +90 (0)312 442 69 91
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–13.30 / 15:00–18:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of The Sudan
Chancery: Sancak Mahallesi, Tiflis Cad. No.16, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 441 38 84-85
Fax: +90 (0)312 441 38 86
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-15:00

Embassy Of The Kingdom Of Sweden
Chancery: Katip Çelebi Sok. No.7, Kavaklidere, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 455 41 00 (pbx)
Fax: +90 (0)312 455 41 20
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 08:30-16:30, Friday 08:30–14:30

Embassy Of The Swiss Confederation
Chancery: Atatürk Bulvarı No.247, P.K. 25, Kavaklıdere, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 457 31 00
Fax: +90 (0)312 467 11 99
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 08:00-17:15, Friday 08:00-13:00

Embassy Of The Syrian Arab Republic
Chancery: Sedat Simavi Sok. No.40, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 440 96 57–58, +90 (0)312 440 17 21
Fax: +90 (0)312 438 56 09
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-15:00

Embassy Republic Of Tajikistan
Chancery: Diplomatik Site, Ferit Recai Ertuğrul Cad. No.20, Oran, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 491 16 07 – +90 (0)312 491 17 08
Fax: +90 (0)312 491 16 03
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-17:00

Embassy Of The Royal Thai
Chancery: Çankaya Cad. Kader Sok. No.45/3-4, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 467 34 09 – +90 (0)312 467 30 59
Fax: +90 (0)312 427 72 84
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-16:30

Embassy Of The Republic Of Tunisia
Chancery: Ferit Recai Ertuğrul cad. No.19, Diplomatik Site, Oran, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 491 96 35 – +90 (0)312 491 96 36
Fax: +90 (0)312 491 96 34
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-16:00, Saturday 09:00-13:00

Embassy Of The Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus
Chancery: Rabat Sokak No.20, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 01 85 – +90 (0)312 446 10 36
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 52 38
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-13:00 / 13:30-17:00

Embassy Of Turkmenistan
Chancery: Koza Sokak No.28, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 441 71 22-23-24
Fax: +90 (0)312 441 71 25
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00–18:00

Embassy Of Ukraine
Chancery: Sancak Mahallesi, 512. Sokak No.17, Yıldız, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 441 54 99 – +90 (0)312 440 52 89
Fax: +90 (0)312 440 68 15

Embassy Of The United Arab Emirates
Chancery: Turan Güneş Bulvarı, 571. Cad. No.3, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 490 14 14 – +90 (0)312 490 14 68
Fax: +90 (0)312 491 23 33

Embassy Of The United Kingdom
Chancery: Şehit Ersan Cad. No.46/A, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 455 3344
Fax: +90 (0)312 455 3320
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:45-17:00

Embassy Of The United States Of America
Chancery: Atatürk Bulvarı No.110, Kavaklıdere, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 455 55 55
Fax: +90 (0)312 467 00 19
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-17:30

Embassy Of The Republic Of Uzbekistan
Chancery: Sancak Mah., 549. Sok. No.3, Yıldız, Çankaya, Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 441 38 71 – 72
Fax: +90 (0)312 442 70 58
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-12:00 / 14:00-17:00

Embassy Of The Bolivarian Republic Of Venezuela
Chancery: Koza Sokak No.91/3, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 447 81 31 – +90 (0)312 447 85 01
Fax: +90 (0)312 447 07 11
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-16:00

Embassy Of The Socialist Republic Of Vietnam
Chancery: Chancery: Koza Sokak No.109, G.O.P., Çankaya / Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 80 49 – +90 (0)312 448 01 85
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 56 23
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-12:00 / 14:00-17:00

Embassy Of The Republic Of Yemen
Chancery: Fethiye Sokağı No.2, G.O.P., Ankara
Telephone: +90 (0)312 446 26 37 – +90 (0)312 446 31 78
Fax: +90 (0)312 446 17 78
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-15:00

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While travelling to a foreign country, it’s recommended to check whether your country of origin has an embassy, a consulate or maybe both in the country of your destination. And if so, to find out where they are located and/or what their telephone numbers are should an emergency arise. Luckily for you, most nations have one or more diplomatic missions in Turkey. Moreover, many of those are located in Istanbul.

Difference between an Embassy, Consulate-General and Consulate

• Embassy – a permanent diplomatic mission is usually known as a chancery, and the person in charge of the mission is known as an ambassador. The ambassador residence is generally called the embassy. If one country recognizes the sovereignty of another, they generally establish an embassy there. An ambassador – a high-ranking diplomatic representative – is sent and acts as the spokesperson for his national government. An embassy is always located in the capital of the host nation. Except for maintaining diplomatic relationships between the two countries, embassies also provide administrative services. Not only do they issue visas to citizens of the host country; they also assist their fellow countrymen in case they lose their passports or need help in the event of a (serious) crime or (natural) disaster.
• Consulate – this can be considered as a ‘mini embassy’, and is mostly located in busy tourist cities (e.g. Istanbul). The head of the consulate is the consul, who is a diplomat appointed to foster trade and take care of expatriates. In other words, except for the diplomatic relationships between the two countries, a consulate carries out the same duties as the embassy.
• Consulate-General – a consulate-general is the office of a consul-general, who is a consul of a higher rank and has one or more consuls working as deputies under him. Consulates-general offer the same services as the consulates.

List Of Countries With Diplomatic Missions In Turkey and/or Istanbul

In this two-post series, we’ll provide you with a list of the embassies, consulate-generals and consulates per country.

1. List of Countries That Have Embassies in Turkey
2. List of Countries That Have Consulates and/or Consulates-General in Istanbul

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The New Turkish Lira (Yeni Türk Lirası, YTL) – which was introduced on January 1, 2005 – will be replaced by the Turkish Lira (Türk Lirası, TL) as of January 1, 2009. At the same time, the 200 Turkish Lira banknote has been introduced.

Turkey Drops the ’Y’ in Its National Currency

After a 4-year transition period in which Turkey fought its inflation and temporarily switched to the New Turkish Lira (Yeni Türk Lirası), the time has come to drop the ‘Y’ and reintroduce the Turkish Lira (Türk Lirası). At the same time, a new 200 Turkish Lira banknote was introduced, while the 1 Turkish Lira notes have been dropped. The coins follow the same logic and are from now on simply called Kuruş (KR) instead of Yeni Kuruş (YKR) previously.

The now old ‘New Turkish Lira’ banknotes will be withdrawn from circulation as of January 1, 2010. However, the ‘New Turkish Lira’ banknotes will be redeemed for a period of ten years starting from January 1, 2010 till the expiration of working hours on December 31, 2019 at the branches of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey. The New Turkish Lira banknotes will be worthless as of January 1, 2020.

Turkish Lira Is Euro-Lookalike

Although all notes show portraits of Atatürk and have the emblem of the Turkish flag on the right-hand side, the Turkish Lira banknotes are definitely Euro lookalikes. They are more or less the same, in size and in color. Be careful, since the value is most likely not equal.

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It is custom to tip in Turkey. In the majority of Istanbul’s bars and restaurants, service is not included. But tipping is not only expected for table services. So, for what services are tips expected, and how much?
On the other hand, the value-added tax (VAT) is always included in the prices displayed. But as a tourist, you can benefit form Tax Free shopping in over 2.000 retail outlets.

Tipping

In places where service is not included, it is custom to tip for the table services you received. And even in the handful of places where service is included (look for the words servis dahil), just as on mainland Europe the waiters will expect you to tip on top of that.

The rule of thumb is to leave a tip worth 10% of the bill in restaurants, cafés and bars. Bills are always brought to your table on a plate, in a box or in some kind of booklet. Although you can pay the bill with your credit card in 99% of the places, adding an amount to the original bill before paying with your credit card is not (yet) possible. Be prepared to have some cash money on you for tipping.

But restaurants, cafés and bars are not the only places where tips are expected. It is also custom to tip hotel staff, porters, hairdressers and musicians. The amount is at your discretion, but the norm is TL 2 per person. Hamam attendants however expect 25% of the bill. Tipping taxi drivers is not custom, unless he helped you load the luggage.

Tax Free Shopping

On every purchase you make in Turkey, a value-added tax (KDV) of 8 or 18% is included in the price. As a tourist, you can claim that tax back and retrieve a refund of up to 12,5 % of the purchase price. There are however a few rules:

1. you must reside outside of Turkey
2. you must spend TL 100 + VAT or more in one shop in one day
3. the goods need to be exported within three months following the month of purchase
4. you must buy the goods in Tax Free affiliated stores (look for the Tax Free logo)
5. you must ask the shop owner to prepare the Global Refund Cheque when paying for your goods

How to retrieve your money?

Customs Office in the Atatürk International Airport of Istanbul.

Regardless of how you travel back home, you have to locate the Customs Officers. You need to show the custom officials your purchases, Global Refund Cheques, receipts and passport after which they will stamp your Global Refund Cheque.

If you travel by plane, you have to do this before all check-in formalities or have your goods as hand luggage. At the Atatürk International Airport, the customs office (see picture) is located across the hall on the far right side upon entering.

Once you have your stamped Global Refund Cheque, you can retrieve your money in any Cash Refund Office in the world. The one at the Atatürk International Airport is located inside the tax-free zone and is open 24 hours a day.

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This may seem like a strange article, not in the least because of its length. But people who have ever queued the line at the Atatürk Airport passport control for half an hour or more, only to find out that they had to buy their visa somewhere else first and were therefore sent back to the end of the line, will understand why you better read this small post before you take off.

Finding your way to the passport or border control is easy. Just follow the respective signs, even the ones reading Baggage Claim will take you there. It’s only once you arrived there that it gets tricky.

Buy Your Visa First

If you don’t already have a valid visa, and you are a national of the countries that are allowed to buy their visas upon arrival, you need to buy your visa first. Don’t be tempted to queue for the border control without it because it will only result in a huge loss of time, not to mention the humiliation of being refused to enter the country in front of others.
You can find the visa sales point at the left-hand side of the border control gates. Where this used to be an obscure ticket window in the past, it has been modernized in recent years, clearly showing what fees apply.
Don’t forget to bring the exact amount of money in Euros, Dollars or Pound Sterling, and a valid passport of course. Once set, proceed to the border control.

Border Control

As in most airports, there are two separate sections for the passport inspection: one for the Turkish citizens, and one for the rest of the world.

So unless you are holding a Turkish passport, make sure you follow the arrows Other Nationalities. The airport authorities have reduced the chance of confusion by improving signalization, so these days it’s hard to miss the correct entrance.

Entering the country can be time-consuming. Only after the police officer has put in your name, passport or identity card number, birth year, date of entry and nationality into his computer, will he stamp your visa. You should carry your visa on you at all times while exploring the city.
Make also sure you don’t lose it, because you’ll have to present it again upon departure. When overstaying or losing your visa, you will be liable to pay a substantial fine, depending on the duration you have overstayed. From the moment you have overstayed your visa, the minimum fine is TL 98, rising incrementally each day to TL 193 for one month. If you overstay even longer than one month, the fine increases exponentially.

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The Turkish lira (Türk Lirası – TL) was introduced in 1844 and was the currency of Turkey until 2005. That year Turkey switched to the New Turkish Lira (Yeni Türk Lirası – YTL, or more officially TRY). They dropped six zeros of the old banknotes and introduced new banknotes and coins. As you can see further down, they are Euro look-alikes but unfortunately worth a bit less. And in 2009, the currency changed again to the Turkish Lira ( TL).

Chronic inflation from the late 1970s onward, with a whopping 65% in 1999, saw the Turkish Lira sharply depreciate against other currencies. In those days, the Guinness Book of Records ranked the lira even as the world’s least valuable currency. Therefore, starting 1981, almost every two years higher denomination notes were introduced, from the 5.000-lira note in 1981 to the 20.000.000-lira note in 2001.

New Turkish Lira

In December 2003, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey passed a law that allowed for the removal of six zeroes from the currency, and the creation of the New Turkish Lira. It was introduced on January 1st 2005, replacing the previous lira at a rate of 1 new lira = 1.000.000 old lira. The last few years, the Turkish currency stabilized and even rose against the US Dollar and the Euro. But it is still preferred not to change your money to TLs prior to your arrival in Turkey. The old Turkish lira remained in circulation until the end of 2005, but is now no longer valid and thus worthless. Make sure you don’t receive those as change!

The New Turkish Lira banknotes exist in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 YTL. All notes show portraits of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk from different points of his life and images of various historical and/or important buildings and places in Turkey.

At the same time, new coins were introduced in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 New Kuruş (Yeni Kuruş – YKR) and 1 New Turkish Lira. They too are Euro look-alikes, so be careful. One kuruş is worth 1/100 of one lira.

Future Turkish Lira

As of January 1st 2009, the prefix ‘New’ used in the New Turkish Lira and New Kuruş will again be removed and new banknotes, without the prefix ‘New’, will be put into circulation together with the current ones. The New Turkish Lira banknotes will be withdrawn from circulation as of January 1st 2010.

Nevertheless, the New Turkish Lira banknotes will be redeemed for a period of ten years starting from January 1st 2010 till the expiration of working hours on December 31st 2019 at the branches of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey. The New Turkish Lira banknotes will be worthless as of January 1st 2020.

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With some 25 million visitors finding their way to Turkey every year, tourism is a key player in the country’s economy.
Since tourists shouldn’t encounter any difficulties spending their money, all options are open: cash, credit cards and maybe even still traveler’s cheques. But what is the most sensible way to bring your money along?

The Turkish Currency

Turkey is not a member of the European Union (yet?), hence has its own currency. Luckily for you, as recent as 2005, they switched from the Turkish Lira to the New Turkish Lira (Yeni Türk Lirası – YTL, or more officially TRY). They dropped six zeroes of the old banknotes which is great news for the average tourist who is not used to pay millions for just a can of coke. Together with the introduction of the New Turkish Lira came of course new banknotes and coins. The backside is that they are Euro look-alikes and unfortunately worth a bit less.

On January 1st 2009 the New Turkish Lira (YTL) again became the Turkish Lira (TL). Although this was merely a planned return to the original name of the Turkish currency, again new banknotes and coins were introduced. The current versions are a spitting image of the Euro, so be careful!

Cash Money

You can bring as much cash money as you want into the country, regardless whether they are Turkish Liras or any foreign currency. However, the Turkish law states that you may take only up to $5000, or the equivalent in another currency, back out of the country!

If you choose to take cash money with you, bring hard currencies such as Euros or Dollars. For starters, the value of the Turkish Lira fluctuates on a daily basis. Secondly, you get better exchange rates inside Turkey than in your own country.

You can change foreign currencies in banks or exchange offices. You’ll find plenty of both all around the city.

Exchange Offices & Banks

I strongly suggest to change your foreign currencies in exchange offices (Döviz). They don’t have long queues, stay open much longer, are available on Saturdays and offer better rates than banks. The latter is of course only true if you don’t take the ones located in the airport or close to tourist attractions in Sultanahmet. No commission will be charged for cash currency exchanges.

Most banks on the other hand are only open on weekdays and no later than 17:30. They will charge a commission to exchange money, unless you exchange big amounts, in which case they may offer a good rate too. The most important banks are Garanti Bankası, Fortis, Akbank, Yapı Kredi, HSBC and Finansbank.

Traveler’s Cheques

I have personally never used traveller’s cheques and therefore can’t testify how easy or difficult it is to use or exchange them. And let’s be honest, who still needs them these days. I’ve been told that it’s hard to cash them and that pretty steep commission fees are charged.

Credit Cards & ATMs

Sure, it’s always wise to carry some cash as backup, but why hassle with all of the above? All major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels.

On top of that, you’ll find ATMs on virtually every corner of the street to withdraw some cash money for small expenses or tipping. These cash points accept not only all major credit cards, but also your regular bank cards provided they are linked into the Maestro, Cirrus or Plus network. The ATMs have menus in Turkish and English and supply TL’s.

If the ATMs connection line is not reliable, you may come across an error message saying that the transaction was refused by your bank. No need to panic, in most cases this is not the fact. Just move on to another ATM and try again.

Bottom Line

If you plan to buy your visa at the Turkish border, bring that exact amount of cash with you. Add to that a small amount of Euros or Dollars to get by in case of emergency and an even smaller amount to exchange at the airport so you are able to pay the taxi or bus driver who brings you to your hotel. For all other expenses, rely on your credit cards. Make sure you have memorized your PIN code(s) if your credit cards are equipped with a chip!

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