Explore · 2 min read
Shopping in Istanbul: small tips for market days
Take your time in Istanbul’s markets, compare like with like and leave space in your bag for what you love.
Touch and look before you decide
Check fabric, seams and finish rather than buying from the first display. With ceramics, look at the edges and ask what the item is intended for. Compare similar materials so a lower price is actually comparable. A break outside helps if the market feels busy.
Think about the journey home
Ask for the total and currency before paying, and clarify packaging and any returns. Check your own route’s baggage and import rules before buying food, liquids or bulky items. For a fragile piece, ask to see how it will be wrapped before you put it in the bag.
Sources and further reading
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