There has been an increase of 20-25% in valet service charges in Istanbul. Accordingly, the valet service fee at airports has risen to 600 lira, at shopping malls to 375 lira, and at restaurants to 500 lira, excluding parking fees. The valet service fee at the airport has approached the discounted plane ticket prices during certain periods.

The high valet service costs, one of the most debated topics in Istanbul, have prompted the Istanbul Governorship to introduce new regulations.

The escalating valet service charges exceeding a thousand liras in areas like Bebek, Etiler, Nişantaşı, and Levent have sparked public outrage. In November, the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) decided to impose a 20-25% increase in valet service charges based on the maximum price tariff set.

Although the second increased tariff caused debates during the ITO’s March council meeting, it was ultimately accepted by a majority vote.

Excluding parking fees

According to the new regulations, the maximum valet service fee will vary between 250-375 lira in shopping malls, 190-250 lira in hospitals, and 310-500 lira in hotels, restaurants, and entertainment centers, excluding parking fees. The fee at airports has been raised from 500 to 600 lira.

Under the new tariff, Istanbul’s districts have been divided into three regions for differentiated pricing.

In the 1st region encompassing Bakırköy, Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Fatih, Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Sarıyer, and Şişli, the maximum valet service fee will be 375 lira for shopping malls, 250 lira for hospitals, and 500 lira for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment centers.

The 2nd region covering Adalar, Ataşehir, Avcılar, Bahçelievler, Başakşehir, Bağcılar, Bayrampaşa, Beykoz, Beylikdüzü, Büyükçekmece, Esenyurt, Eyüpsultan, Güngören, Kağıthane, Kartal, Küçükçekmece, Maltepe, Pendik, Ümraniye, Tuzla, and Zeytinburnu will have a maximum valet service fee of 310 lira in shopping malls, 190 lira in hospitals, and 375 lira in hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

And the 3rd region, including Arnavutköy, Çatalca, Çekmeköy, Esenler, Gaziosmanpaşa, Sancaktepe, Silivri, Sultanbeyli, Sultangazi, and Şile, will see a maximum valet service fee of 250 lira for shopping malls, 190 lira for hospitals, and 310 lira for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment centers.

600 lira at airports

These prices will be applicable to institutions under the ITO. Additionally, the maximum fee tariff of 500 lira set in November at Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport has been increased to 600 lira.

Valet service numbers exceed 20,000

According to recent data across Turkey, more than 20,000 people are employed in this field. With this new regulation, the Istanbul Governorship aims to protect consumers and eliminate the lack of supervision in the sector. Valet service was recognized as a profession in 2020 and standards were set. Until 2023, all workers in the sector are required to obtain a professional qualification certificate, for which the Ministry of National Education’s Vocational Qualifications Authority has been assigned. Those aspiring to be valets apply to these institutions, receive training, and attain professional competence through subsequent examinations.