Istanbul

In Turkey, 10 to 20% KDV (value added tax) is applied to products. There is also a special an ÖTV tax (special consumption tax) applied to luxury goods like jewelry and items that negatively impact the human body or environment (e.g. alcoholic beverages, tobacco, fossil fuels). The government also frequently changes the tax rate. When you purchase more than the specified value, have the clerk create a form for you that you can submit at customs at the Istanbul airport or other departure location to receive a refund.
The refund rate varies with the value of purchase and number of items purchased. Note that you cannot receive a refund for local services received, for example at a hotel or restaurant.
For details, seethe Global Blue website

Tipping customs are the same as the rest of Europe. Tip smartly using the following tip rates as a guide. Gratuities are generally provided in the same way as other countries. Major hotels often have a separate service charge and KDV (value added tax).

Not required at self-serve eateries or fast food restaurants. It is also not required when a service charge is added to your receipt. When paying at the table, leave a tip of around 5 to 10% of the total. When paying at a cash register, there is often a tip box that you can put your change in.

When having your luggage carried by a bellhop, give them about 1USD worth of Turkish lira (about 30 to 50 TL with the current rate). When ordering room service, tip in bills rounded off to 10% or less of the total. If a service charge is included on the room service menu, it is sufficient to tip about 50 TL to the person who brings your order. When joining a local tour, you must tip the guide and driver as well (the amount varies with the number of participants and type of tour).

Tip the change.

Public restrooms in the city and restrooms in mosques, bus terminals, and roadside restaurants often require a fee. The amount is generally written at the entrance, and is 25 to 50 TL.

The region code for Blu-ray software is A in Japan and B in Turkey. Region-free software that has ‘ABC’ written in the place for region code can be played on Japanese devices.

There are fixed-date holidays based on the Gregorian calendar and movable holidays (marked with a *) based on the Islamic calendar. Holidays are at least three consecutive days for events like Seker Bayrami (Ramazan Bayrami) after Ramazan (the month of fasting) and Kurban Bayrami (feast of the sacrifice). Also, the day before long holidays and Republic Day are a half-day holiday.

Below is a guide for general business hours. Many places close at sunset during Ramazan.

9:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:00 (some private banks stay open until 17:30). They close on weekends and holidays

Although hours vary by the museum, national museums are generally open from 9:00 to 17:30 or 18:00. Some stay open until 19:00 in summer. For many museums, tickets are only available up to one hour before closing.

Department stores and shopping centers are generally open from 10:00 to 22:00. Some stay open until midnight. Regular shops are generally open from around 10:00 to 20:00. Supermarkets are generally open from 9:00 to 20:00.

Restaurants that serve breakfast generally open around 7:00 or even earlier. Coffeehouse chains like Starbucks and Caffè Nero are generally open from 7:00 to 22:00, with some open until 23:00.Cafés generally open from 8:00. For those starting at lunchtime, restaurants downtown open from noon to midnight and restaurants that do not serve alcohol and eateries near residential areas open from lunchtime to between around 20:00 and 22:00.

You cannot buy alcohol or tobacco in Turkey if you are under 18.

At hotels, smoking is prohibited in lobbies and other indoor common spaces as well as guest rooms that are not designated as smoking rooms. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor places outside of the home such as restaurants, offices, and schools. All public transportation, taxis, and tour buses are also non-smoking. Fines are given for violations.