The fact that Istanbul is one of the prime destinations for business travel is evident by the growing number of financial investments in its economy, with institutions like J.P Morgan and Citibank being ever present in its business districts. Furthermore, the retail sector is so large here that it can even be considered big business. The Istanbul Cevahir remains the biggest shopping centre in the continent, embodying the importance this sector has on the global economy.
The availability of these business opportunities in Istanbul is made even more appealing by the optimistic forecasts of the business travel conducted in this city. According to most analysts, Turkey is primed to return to its pre-pandemic rates of foreign travel by 2022, and as of right now, this observation is proving to be true. Consequently, regardless of whether you are looking for start-up opportunities or are looking to schedule corporate travel, it is essential to be prepared before you make a trip to the city of Istanbul.
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Turkey is a secular country with one of the largest Muslim populations in the world, but it’s also a nation characterized by diversity and political differences. For this reason, you should prioritize having some surface-level understanding of the country’s dynamics and history before you go into casual conversations that involve these topics. First-time travellers to the city should have some knowledge of figures such as the Moguls or the Seljuks since that is a matter of national pride for the Turks.
One thing you should try to steer clear of– especially during business trips- is politics. Since there is an avalanche of hot-air issues surrounding government and culture, it is better to be mindful before entering into that realm of conversation.
It is better to keep discussion topics light and friendly. The Turkish people are amiable and hospitable in every realm of public life, which is embodied by their business etiquette. It would help if you tried to replicate that by being conscious that your actions do not disrupt the light and breezy tone of the conversation.
It’s essential to have proper behaviour embodying appropriate business travel etiquette. One such instance of this is awareness of the tipping custom in Istanbul. While good service is the norm in Turkey, waiting for staff- especially in restaurants- is underpaid. Additionally, tips are generally not present in the bill, but there is an expectation that a tip will be paid. For this reason, customers are expected to pay at least 10% in tips in high-end restaurants and supermarkets.
Since you’ll probably be staying at a hotel during your business trip, it’s highly recommended that you set aside additional fare from your travel budget for hotel workers. They’re some of the least-paid workers in the business, and the payment of tips is an enormously appreciated gesture in that context. In general, while tipping isn’t a significant part of Turkish culture, it’s seen as a highly appreciated and customary gesture.
English isn’t widely understood in Turkey and learning basic Turkish phrases won’t just be practical but is also seen positively by the locals. While you can manage your way through the high-end and tourist-heavy areas without knowing Turkish, the language loses its functionality as you travel further afield.
You should know phrases such as Thank You (teşekkür ederim, teşekkürler, or more simply, sağol), Hello (merhaba), yes (evet), no (hayir). The locals will view their usage with respect and allow you to show your appreciation for Turkish culture. Knowing some essential Turkish non-verbal communication can come a long way too. For instance, the Turks are usually very open to offering more food than you need. In such cases, it’s considered proper etiquette to decline respectfully by putting your hand on your chest.
When travelling to Istanbul, you can be assured that your business travel will involve a lot of walking. Most popular cities are like open museums, with historical monuments and tourist attractions everywhere; the city wears its culture and soul on its sleeves. If you plan on doing some daytime exploring, it’s highly advised that you do so wearing some light and informal shoes. They’ll go a long way since you can experience the city’s walkability. Whether you want to travel the islands of Istanbul or are looking to traverse through the walls of Constantinople, you need to come prepared to experience Istanbul’s culture.
As mentioned before, Turkey is a Muslim-majority population. This has an impact on the cultural values of the country and the etiquette that has to be followed by these values. While you aren’t expected to cover yourself from head to toe, using scarves to cover your head lightly is considered as following a modest dress code. You can also drape it around your shoulders or use it in other ways but having one on you would be a good option.
While the metro isn’t very extensive, it’s still the most cost-effective way to travel from one part of the city to the other, especially over long distances. Taxis over long distances are not advisable since they charge inflated trip prices. While Uber is illegal in the city, you can still use it or local ride-sharing apps such as BiTaksi as alternatives to traditional taxis.
Istanbul isn’t just a historically significant city that resembles an open museum but also a place bustling with business and investment opportunities. To make the best out of your business travel trip, the tips given above will significantly help. By opting for the services of travel management companies like TruTrip, your business trip will account for all these factors, providing you with all the convenience you could hope for. You can opt for these services by signing up for a free trial or booking a demo now!
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