Do you need cash for transport in Istanbul, or can you pay for taxis and top up an Istanbulkart cash-free?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 16 days ago
TL;DR
It’s smart to carry a small amount of cash for transport in Istanbul, especially to top up an Istanbulkart right after arrival. For taxis booked via Uber, the safest approach is app-only payment, and you shouldn’t rely on Istanbulkart for purchases outside public transport.
What the community said
Cash can be useful on arrival, at least for your first Istanbulkart top-up. Travelers report that exchanging too little money can be inconvenient because it may not cover your initial transport needs.
16 days ago Istanbulkart
If you take a taxi through Uber in Istanbul, a practical strategy is to insist that payment will be made only in the app. Travelers say this usually shuts down requests for extra cash for the meter, bridges, or toll roads.
16 days ago Uber
Don’t count on Istanbulkart as a universal payment method outside public transport. Even in tourist areas, such as a café in Yıldız Park, payment with the card may fail despite having balance on it.
16 days ago Yıldız Park