Shopping
Hundreds of years ago, Istanbul was the last stop on the notorious Silk Route. Today, bazaars, street markets and arastas are commonplace. Shopping is a ritual in Turkey. And haggling is a large part of that ritual.

Some of the most popular items which visitors buy while in Turkey include copperware, jewelry, ceramics, leather goods and, of course, the coveted Turkish carpet.

Depending on the materials used and the tightness of the weave, carpets can range anywhere from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of dollars in price. Silk carpets are the most expensive, with often ornate Oriental designs and a vibrant range of colors. Kilims, which are flat woven rugs without any pile are extremely popular because of their traditional Turkish design, deep colors and affordable prices. Before setting forth on a rug purchase, however, it's best to do some homework on what to look for in a quality carpet before making any major purchase. Like anywhere, it is best for the buyer to beware. In the covered bazaars in major cities such as Istanbul, Bursa and Kayseri, shoppers can experience the trading practices which date back to medieval Ottoman times, where mall-like rows of stalls offer a wealth of souvenirs and keepsake items. Bargaining is one of the main aspects of shopping throughout Turkey, but most particularly in the bazaars, and visitors need to understand that shop-owners who are assertive in peddling their goods is just part of the experience.
Shoppers interested in international fashion may start with the many leather goods available, from Italian-designed jackets, vests and trousers to the chic handbags, belts, shoes and other leather crafts. Labels such as Benetton, Escada, Louis Vutton, Kenzo, Ralph Lauren, Pierre Cardin and Marks & Spenser are just a few. For true Turkish fashion, one only has to look to the world-renowned couture clothing of designer Rifat Ozbek.

Turkish ceramic, much like the famous Iznik tiles that adorn the country's many fabulously decorative mosques, also attract shoppers who seek traditional items. Handmade tiles, trivets, plates, cups and bowls are widely available, with colorful designs that have been replicated from 17th and 18th century works. Excellent values can be found throughout Turkey on ceramic goods, but in the town of Avanos, in the Cappadocia region, one can take advantage of both value and a wide-range of designs and colors in pottery made from the nearby Red River.

Tax
As a foreign visitor to Turkey you are entitled to claim back the tax (VAT/KDV) you pay on your purchases when you take them home. The simplest and safest way to reclaim your tax is through the services offered by major retailers world wide, Global Refund Tax Free Shopping. The only thing you have to do is to look for the Global Refund TAX FREE SHOPPING stickers on the shops' window and of course spend a minimum amount of money in each store you visit. The VAT, which is KDV in Turkish, rates are 8%, 17% and 25%.

Purchasing above the minimum amount in the tax free shops please ask for the Global Refund Cheque. When leaving Turkey, latest in 3 months, you must declare your purchases at the Turkish customs office and get an export stamp for validating your Global Refund Cheques.

You can receive your cash refund by cashing your Global Refund Cheques at nearby Turkish Cash Refund Office after you have obtained the customs stamp. Alternatively, latest in 30 days following your departure you can mail your validated Global Refund Cheques in the special envelope provided, to the Global Refund Office in Turkey. Your credit card account will automatically be credited.