TedofChume
Well-Known Member
I thought I'd start a thread of useful info.
NB: Please read what Manchester33 from 1894 has to say on Page 5 of this thread.
1 UEFA Portal - FAQ Regarding Tickets
2
Stadium Category Plan - UPDATE
Stadium Block Plan
3 STADIUM GUIDE
www.uefa.com
3a
What props am I allowed to bring inside?
You can bring flagpoles that are a maximum of 1m long and 1cm in diameter and banners or flags that are a maximum of 2m x 1.5m. Check out the stadium rules for the full details.
3b
Besides my match ticket, what else do I need to enter the stadium?
Make sure carry a valid form of ID with you at all times. Check out the Prepping and packing page for more details.
3c
Is there something to do at the Stadium for non-ticket holders?
No. It’s a very long way to get to Atatürk Olympic Stadium from the city centre, and once you get there, you won’t be able to get close to the stadium or any of the facilities in the area. The Fan Zones are for ticketed fans only, and there will be nowhere to watch the match.
3d. # NO COINS #
Do I need to have cash? Are there cash machines around the stadium?
Keep in mind local rules don’t allow coins inside the stadium. You can pay with banknotes, but only in lira. You can pay by card or contactless payment at the Fan Shops and at the food and beverage concessions, so no need to carry cash with you
3e
How early should I get to the stadium before the match?
Gates will open at 18:00 for a 22:00 kick-off, and we recommend you get there at least 4 hours before the start of the match. The Club Fan Zones for ticket holders will open at 14:00, so there’s plenty of reason to come early!
3f
Bag policy
You can only enter the stadium with bags no bigger than A4, so if you’re coming directly to the stadium, it’s best not to bring a bag at all if possible.
According to Manchester33 on Page 5 of this thread, there will be a drop off point for bags.
3g
Power banks
You can bring a small power bank, no larger than your phone.
4 TRAVEL
www.uefa.com
Travel Pass - Apple
Travel Pass - Android
Use on public transport and shuttle buses.
4a
Arrival flights
Matchday, before 13:00: Arriving in the morning means you can comfortably check in to your hotel, before heading to the stadium to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere at the stadium.
Matchday after 13:00: We recommend you head straight to the stadium so you won’t miss a minute of the action. The Fan Zones for ticket holders open at 14:00. ️
4b
Key distances and travel times:
IST Airport to city centre: 35km / 22 miles
1.5 hours via Shuttle Bus; 40 mins by metro
IST Airport to stadium: 33km / 20 miles
1 hour by Shuttle Bus
City centre to stadium: 24km / 15 miles
1 hour by Shuttle Bus
IST Airport to Champions Festival: 50 km / 31 miles
1 hour via Shuttle Bus
SAW Airport to stadium: 66km / 41 miles
2.5 hours by Shuttle Bus
SAW airport to city centre: 40km / 25 miles
1.5 hours by Shuttle Bus, 1.5 hours by metro
Free Shuttle Bus service on matchday
Make use of the free Shuttle Bus services between the airports, the city centre, and Atatürk Olympic Stadium, both before and after the match!
A detailed schedule will be published closer to the Final.
By public transport
Public transport in Istanbul is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around the city and you’ve got plenty of options.
For travel across the city, the official electronic ‘smart card’ for the entire public transport network in Istanbul is the Istanbulkart.
By taxi
Travel tip
Taxis may seem like a convenient option, but traffic is unpredictable and it will take longer than you expect. We do not recommend taking a taxi on matchday due to extensive road closures around the stadium.
On any other day, taxis in Istanbul or ‘Taksis’ are widely available, and require charging with a taximeter. You’ll find the standard yellow taxi but there are also turquoise (usually around 15% more expensive) or black (usually twice as expensive) also available as more comfortable options. You will most likely need cash for payments.
The base fare is around €0.51 with a price per km of €0.32, although if you plan to take one from the airport, it will be more expensive.
5 MOBILE PHONES
O2
If you are on O2, you can add on a bolt on for £6 per day which gives you unlimited calls, texts and data.
Takes 24 hours to activate so do before travelling.
Automatically begins when you first use your phone in Turkey.
Don't need to switch it off when back home as will know you're not in Turkey.
Vodafone
They charge £6:85 a day if you use your phone in Turkey.
SimCorner
If you are staying for 4 or 5 days.
£24 for 15 days worth of data, just stick it in the phone when you land. Use code TRAVEL5 to get it for ££22.80.
You don't get calls and texts but don't have to worry about being connected to WiFi for your full holiday, good for using WhatsApp, Google Maps etc.
uk.simcorner.com
6 Card Payments Abroad - Best Rates
In the ticket thread, people have paid between £156.75-£161.43 for a €180 ticket depending on which card they used. If you want your money to go further....
Chase
(recommended by Martin Lewis)
You can download the App, add the card to your wallet, transfer some £s and start using it the same day.
HSBC Global Money
www.hsbc.co.uk
Starling
"
If anyone wants to avoid paying transaction fees for using their card abroad try setting up an account with Starling Bank.
Me and the Mrs set up a joint account for holiday spends a few years back.
Dead easy to pay contactless using your phone or watch. Also you can use their bank card to withdraw cash abroad with no charges."
https://www.starlingbank.com
NB: Please read what Manchester33 from 1894 has to say on Page 5 of this thread.
1 UEFA Portal - FAQ Regarding Tickets
2
Stadium Category Plan - UPDATE
Stadium Block Plan
3 STADIUM GUIDE
Event Guide: Istanbul | UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Europe's football website, UEFA.com, is the official site of UEFA, the Union of European Football Associations, and the governing body of football in Europe. UEFA organises some of the most famous and prestigious football competitions on the European continent including the UEFA Champions...
www.uefa.com
3a
What props am I allowed to bring inside?
You can bring flagpoles that are a maximum of 1m long and 1cm in diameter and banners or flags that are a maximum of 2m x 1.5m. Check out the stadium rules for the full details.
3b
Besides my match ticket, what else do I need to enter the stadium?
Make sure carry a valid form of ID with you at all times. Check out the Prepping and packing page for more details.
3c
Is there something to do at the Stadium for non-ticket holders?
No. It’s a very long way to get to Atatürk Olympic Stadium from the city centre, and once you get there, you won’t be able to get close to the stadium or any of the facilities in the area. The Fan Zones are for ticketed fans only, and there will be nowhere to watch the match.
3d. # NO COINS #
Do I need to have cash? Are there cash machines around the stadium?
Keep in mind local rules don’t allow coins inside the stadium. You can pay with banknotes, but only in lira. You can pay by card or contactless payment at the Fan Shops and at the food and beverage concessions, so no need to carry cash with you
3e
How early should I get to the stadium before the match?
Gates will open at 18:00 for a 22:00 kick-off, and we recommend you get there at least 4 hours before the start of the match. The Club Fan Zones for ticket holders will open at 14:00, so there’s plenty of reason to come early!
3f
Bag policy
You can only enter the stadium with bags no bigger than A4, so if you’re coming directly to the stadium, it’s best not to bring a bag at all if possible.
According to Manchester33 on Page 5 of this thread, there will be a drop off point for bags.
3g
Power banks
You can bring a small power bank, no larger than your phone.
4 TRAVEL
Event Guide: Istanbul | UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Europe's football website, UEFA.com, is the official site of UEFA, the Union of European Football Associations, and the governing body of football in Europe. UEFA organises some of the most famous and prestigious football competitions on the European continent including the UEFA Champions...
www.uefa.com
Travel Pass - Apple
Champions League Official
Get unrivalled coverage of Europe's ultimate club football competition. The official UEFA Champions League app brings you the latest soccer news, scores, draws, live coverage, next-day video highlights and our free Fantasy Football game. FOLLOW THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Get live...
apps.apple.com
Travel Pass - Android
Use on public transport and shuttle buses.
4a
Arrival flights
Matchday, before 13:00: Arriving in the morning means you can comfortably check in to your hotel, before heading to the stadium to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere at the stadium.
Matchday after 13:00: We recommend you head straight to the stadium so you won’t miss a minute of the action. The Fan Zones for ticket holders open at 14:00. ️
4b
Key distances and travel times:
IST Airport to city centre: 35km / 22 miles
1.5 hours via Shuttle Bus; 40 mins by metro
IST Airport to stadium: 33km / 20 miles
1 hour by Shuttle Bus
City centre to stadium: 24km / 15 miles
1 hour by Shuttle Bus
IST Airport to Champions Festival: 50 km / 31 miles
1 hour via Shuttle Bus
SAW Airport to stadium: 66km / 41 miles
2.5 hours by Shuttle Bus
SAW airport to city centre: 40km / 25 miles
1.5 hours by Shuttle Bus, 1.5 hours by metro
Free Shuttle Bus service on matchday
Make use of the free Shuttle Bus services between the airports, the city centre, and Atatürk Olympic Stadium, both before and after the match!
A detailed schedule will be published closer to the Final.
By public transport
Public transport in Istanbul is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around the city and you’ve got plenty of options.
For travel across the city, the official electronic ‘smart card’ for the entire public transport network in Istanbul is the Istanbulkart.
By taxi
Travel tip
Taxis may seem like a convenient option, but traffic is unpredictable and it will take longer than you expect. We do not recommend taking a taxi on matchday due to extensive road closures around the stadium.
On any other day, taxis in Istanbul or ‘Taksis’ are widely available, and require charging with a taximeter. You’ll find the standard yellow taxi but there are also turquoise (usually around 15% more expensive) or black (usually twice as expensive) also available as more comfortable options. You will most likely need cash for payments.
The base fare is around €0.51 with a price per km of €0.32, although if you plan to take one from the airport, it will be more expensive.
5 MOBILE PHONES
O2
If you are on O2, you can add on a bolt on for £6 per day which gives you unlimited calls, texts and data.
Takes 24 hours to activate so do before travelling.
Automatically begins when you first use your phone in Turkey.
Don't need to switch it off when back home as will know you're not in Turkey.
Vodafone
They charge £6:85 a day if you use your phone in Turkey.
SimCorner
If you are staying for 4 or 5 days.
£24 for 15 days worth of data, just stick it in the phone when you land. Use code TRAVEL5 to get it for ££22.80.
You don't get calls and texts but don't have to worry about being connected to WiFi for your full holiday, good for using WhatsApp, Google Maps etc.
Turkey Data SIM Card (15 Day - 6GB)
Turkey Data SIM Card Planning a trip to Turkey? Stay connected with family and friends during your travel with our 15 Day Turkey - SimCorner UK
uk.simcorner.com
6 Card Payments Abroad - Best Rates
In the ticket thread, people have paid between £156.75-£161.43 for a €180 ticket depending on which card they used. If you want your money to go further....
Chase
(recommended by Martin Lewis)
You can download the App, add the card to your wallet, transfer some £s and start using it the same day.
HSBC Global Money
Using Debit Card Abroad | Spending Money Abroad - HSBC UK
Going somewhere nice this year? Read our quick tips on how you can spend your money abroad and what fees you can avoid. Discover more today at HSBC.
www.hsbc.co.uk
Starling
"
If anyone wants to avoid paying transaction fees for using their card abroad try setting up an account with Starling Bank.
Me and the Mrs set up a joint account for holiday spends a few years back.
Dead easy to pay contactless using your phone or watch. Also you can use their bank card to withdraw cash abroad with no charges."
https://www.starlingbank.com
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