- In the restaurants, keep track of what you ordered and notice the prices. Make your own bill (on a paper or with a pocket calculator). Do it obviously, so the waiters can see it. You will have no surprise when you ask for their "real" bill. Sometimes (often ?) there is a mistake in the addition ... Turkish language is not easy to read, even on a bill.

- Drink bottled water, and in restaurants make sure the bottle is unopened when it is brought to the table. Refuse it if it isn't.

- To really experience the Turkish eating/drinking 'behaviors' go to a restaurant (with a Turk, if possible) and drink Raki while eating mezze, small appetizers. This process should last a number of hours, while you talk about everything.

- Food, glorious food. Eat in tiny places, fancy places, huge places. The food is so superb that one can almost not miss.

- Don't drink the tap water. You can purchase water for about $1 a liter at any market. If you're on a budget, then purchase water like the natives do at the “SU” store. Su means water, and they use a hose and meter like a petrol or gas station. Three liters of water is about 10 cents.