They say that shopping is Istanbul’s second religion, and one look at the map would confirm that this is true. The city is filled with malls, bazaars and markets. So if shopping is your passion, pack those credit cards and get ready to max them out. What can we say, shopping tours in Istanbul is guaranteed to be great fun!
Before you step into the fray, it’s better to know your prospective hunting grounds. Let’s look at what is in store for you (no pun intended) at the Grand Bazaar, at the chic boutiques at Nisantasi and any other point in between and around. And while we’re at it, let’s also have an overview of what you can buy in the city.
Hmmmm… So let’s see – there are the bazaars. These include the Grand Bazaar, the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar and the Mahmutpasa Bazaar. As for malls, Istanbul is replete with establishments that are recipients of awards such as “World’ Best” or “Europe’s Best”. Istanbul boasts of malls such as the Cevahir Mall, the Kanyon Mall, Istinye Park, Metrocity and Akmerkez (the city’s oldest shopping mall). Most shops are open from Mondays to Saturdays and are closed during Sundays. So, wear your most comfortable shoes and get ready to go on shopping tours around the city.
When you’re buying at a street market or bazaar, it is expected for you to haggle. A good starting point would be half of what the storekeeper quotes. And you can argue and bargain from there. Just make sure that you get a price that is around a quarter less of what you’re willing to pay.
You may be surprised to discover that Istanbul manufactures some of the best leather goods in Europe. The great thing about buying leather goods in Istanbul is that most of these can be custom-made. Have a leather jacket or a pair of pants that fit you to a T. Also, look for quality products, such as white copper utensils, a tribal carpet (called a kilim) and even some antiques. You should keep in mind that anything produced before the 20th century is 
banned for export, according to Turkish law. Other items that are worthy of interest include embroidered cloth products, tea services, hookah pipes (even if it’s just for decoration purposes), coffee grinders, Turkish tea and the delicacy called lokum (also known as Turkish Delight). Also, you should try Carsk cheese, herbs and oils, the Turkish Vodka called raki, natural henna and soap made of natural olive oil.
The good news is that tourists are offered refunds on value-added tax. This is around 18% of the purchase price. This refund is given when you check out of the country. At the customs 
office, they will ask for your invoice to look at the purchase price and that no less than three months has passed starting from the date of purchase. Check your invoice at the point of purchase. Some unscrupulous store owners would include the refund into the invoice and have you sign it, even when they clearly did not give the refund. The rule of thumb is to read everything before you sign. If you can’t understand it, then don’t sign it.
Related posts:
We have made for you a selection of some of the best websites about the city. Visit our selection of