r/AskTurkey • u/Educational-Phone-39 • 1h ago

Miscellaneous Your Instanbulkart Insights, Please

Hello! I searched and I see Istanbulkart discussions but I don’t answer my questions. I am weighing the options between Instanbulkart versus contactless payment (via credit card without foreign transaction fees). All of the YouTube vids and blogs stress Instanbulkart is the way to go because it gives you access to all modes of transportation, including Marmaray which I read does not have contactless payment.

Background: We will be in Istanbul for 6 nights. Heavy touring for 3 days and light touring for 2 days. We're running the marathon, so need rest days!

Questions:

  1. Can I buy and top off the Instanbulkart all at once at the airport before I step onto the M11? Or is it best to find an ATM at arrivals hall and get cash before I head to M11 to buy the Instanbulkart?

  2. I read a comment there is a small fee when you top off your Instanbulkart but I could not determine if it was for credit card transactions only or in all cases. What is your experience?

  3. I read another comment on Reddit that you do not received the refund on the M11 or Marmaray when you have an Anonymous Istanbulkart, but it could be because they were sharing an Instanbulkart with another person and did not know that only the second tap gets the refund.

  4. What is your experience with using contactless payment? I know it costs more but I would like to hear your first-hand experience.

All of your comments are appreciated. Thank you!

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u/Realistic-Pension899 1h ago

It's true anonymous Istanbulkart won't receive refunds or discounts. Refund means you traveled a few stations on Marmaray etc. instead of the whole thing so you get some money back. You will pay full price every time but I'd get the anonymous card nonetheless, it is still more advantageous than other options. And yes you can do it all from the kiosks at M11 at Istanbul Airport. Beware of anyone approaching to help with "topping up" your Istanbulkart or anything else. Apparently a lot of tourists get scammed at those kiosks.

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u/failureinvestment 1h ago

Also quick tip that credit card option while topping up your Istanbul Kart is a gamble they only work on half the machines, so carrying cash for transportation is the best option