Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Smileys — membership, events, clubs, and more.
Getting Started
What is Smileys Community?
Smileys is an application-based social community, live in several cities across Türkiye and growing city by city — see smileyscommunity.com/app/cities for where we are today. We bring together expats, locals, and globally-minded people through curated events, interest-based clubs, and genuine connections — one account, every Smileys city.
Who can join?
Anyone living in or frequently visiting a Smileys city who is open-minded, social, and looking to build real connections. We welcome all nationalities, backgrounds, and lifestyles. The one requirement is that you apply and are approved by our team. If your city hasn't opened yet, you can still apply and be one of its founding members.
Is Smileys free to join?
Applying is completely free. Some events have a ticket price to cover venue or activity costs, but membership itself has no monthly fee.
How long does approval take?
Most applications are reviewed within 24–48 hours. You will receive an email once a decision has been made. During busy periods it may take a little longer.
Applications
How do I apply?
Fill in the application form at smileyscommunity.com/app/apply. It takes about 5 minutes. Tell us about yourself, what brought you to your city, and what you're looking for in a community.
What happens after I apply?
We email you a link to confirm your address — tap it so we know the application is really yours. Our team then reviews every application personally. If you're approved, you'll receive an email with a link to activate your account. If we need more information, we may reach out before making a decision.
Why was my application declined?
We review each application holistically. Common reasons include incomplete answers, a profile that does not seem like a good fit for the current community dynamic, or capacity limits. We do not share specific reasons to protect the integrity of the process.
Can I reapply after being declined?
Yes. You are welcome to reapply after 3 months. If your circumstances have changed or you would like to provide more context, a stronger application will always be considered.
My account was suspended. How do I appeal?
Submit an appeal at smileyscommunity.com/app/appeal. Explain your situation and our team will review it personally. If we restore your account, you'll get an email.
Events
How do I RSVP to an event?
Browse upcoming events at smileyscommunity.com/app/events and click Join on any event that interests you. If the event requires approval, your request will be reviewed by the host.
What does "approval required" mean?
Some events are curated and require your request to be manually approved before your spot is confirmed. You will receive a notification once the host reviews your request. Your spot is only confirmed when you see "Approved" status.
What is the waitlist?
When an event is full, tapping Join puts you on its waitlist. If a spot opens up, everyone on the waitlist gets a notification and the first person to claim it gets the spot. Some events keep a balance of who attends, so an open spot may be held for that balance rather than going to the next person who taps.
How do I cancel my RSVP?
Go to the event page and click Cancel. Please cancel as early as possible so your spot can go to someone on the waitlist. Repeated last-minute cancellations may affect your standing.
Are events gender-balanced?
Some are — the host decides for each event. On a gender-balanced event, when the spots for one gender are full, further requests from that gender go to the waitlist while spots for others may still be open.
Can I bring a guest?
Smileys events are for members only unless the event listing specifically states that guests are welcome. This keeps the community feel intact and ensures every attendee has been vetted.
Do I need to pay to attend events?
Some events are free, others have a ticket price to cover the venue, food, or activity. The price is always shown clearly on the event page before you RSVP.
How does check-in work?
At the door, open your member card in the app (smileyscommunity.com/app/card) and the host scans its QR code to check you in. It only works for events you've joined.
What happens if I can't make it?
Cancel on the event page as soon as you know — your spot goes to someone on the waitlist. A spot you hold and don't use is one someone else could have had, and repeated no-shows may affect your standing.
What are hangouts?
Hangouts are small, spontaneous plans members post themselves — a coffee, a walk, a match on TV. Find them, or start your own, at smileyscommunity.com/app/hangouts.
Clubs
What are clubs?
Clubs are ongoing interest groups within Smileys — think hiking, photography, dining, language exchange, and more. Each club has its own wall for discussion, a host who organises activities, and a dedicated group of members.
How do I join a club?
Browse clubs at smileyscommunity.com/app/clubs and click Join. Some clubs are open, others require host approval.
Can I start my own club?
Yes. Propose it through our contact form — choose "Propose a club" at smileyscommunity.com/app/contact?topic=club-proposal. We'll look at the idea with you and set you up as its host if it's a good fit for the community.
What can I post on a club wall?
Club walls are for sharing updates, organising meetups, asking questions, and keeping the conversation going between events. Polls, pinned announcements, and reactions are all supported.
Hosting
How do I become a host?
Hosts run a club and its events — pick a place, set a time, welcome whoever comes. Tell us what you'd like to run through the contact form ("Offer to host", smileyscommunity.com/app/contact?topic=host). You can see who hosts today at smileyscommunity.com/app/hosts.
What is a City Lead?
Hosts who keep a city's calendar alive are asked to lead it: run city-wide events, help new hosts start, and shape what the city becomes. New cities open with a City Lead; if yours doesn't have one yet, that seat is open.
Cities & Travel
Can I be part of more than one city?
Yes. One account works in every Smileys city. Open a city's page and tap Join to add it to your account — your home city stays the same.
I'm visiting another city. Can I join its events?
Yes. On smileyscommunity.com/app/visiting, tap "Tell us you're coming" and post your visit so members there know you're around, then RSVP to that city's events just like at home.
My city isn't open yet. What can I do?
You can still apply and choose it on the application form — you'll be among its founding members. If you're already a member, open the city's page and tap Notify me to hear when it opens.
Account & Profile
How do I update my profile?
Go to smileyscommunity.com/app/profile to update your photo, bio, neighbourhood, interests, and who can see your profile.
How do I change my password?
Go to Settings (smileyscommunity.com/app/settings) and find Change password. You'll need your current password, and the code from your authenticator app if you've turned on two-step verification.
How do I change my email address?
Go to Settings, find Email address, enter your new email and confirm with your current password. We'll send a confirmation link to the new address; the change takes effect once you click it.
I forgot my password. What do I do?
Go to smileyscommunity.com/app/forgot-password and enter your email. We will send you a reset link that works for 1 hour.
How do I control notifications?
In Settings you choose which emails and push notifications you get, and you can set quiet hours when push notifications stay silent.
How do I delete my account?
Go to Settings and use Delete account at the bottom of the page. Deletion is permanent and removes your profile, event history, and club memberships.
Community & Safety
What are the community rules?
Smileys is built on respect, inclusivity, and genuine connection. We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, spamming, or any behaviour that makes others feel unsafe or unwelcome. Violation of these principles can result in removal from the community.
How do I report a member?
You can report a member from their profile page. Select the reason, add any relevant context, and our moderation team will review it promptly. All reports are confidential.
Can I limit who sees my profile?
Yes. On your Profile page you can choose Connections only — other members then see just your first name until you connect. Hosts' profiles always stay visible so members can find them. You can also block a member from the menu on their profile: you won't see each other's profiles, and they can no longer message you.
Is my personal information safe?
Yes. We never sell your data to third parties. Your profile is only visible to other verified Smileys members. Read our full Privacy Policy at smileyscommunity.com/app/privacy for details.