Daily Life in Istanbul: The little things that make a big difference

Finding an Apartment

Most expats rent rather than buy.

The biggest rental websites are:

• Sahibinden

• Hepsiemlak

• Emlakjet

Many landlords prefer long-term tenants and may ask for:

• A deposit (usually one or two months’ rent)

• One month’s rent in advance

• Proof of income or employment

• Sometimes a Turkish guarantor

Before signing anything:

• Check the apartment during daylight.

• Test the hot water.

• Ask about monthly building maintenance fees (Aidat).

• Confirm whether the apartment is furnished.

• Make sure internet service is already available in the building.

Utilities

Most apartments require separate accounts for:

• Electricity

• Natural gas

• Water

• Internet

Some furnished rentals include utilities, while others don’t.

Setting up new utility accounts usually requires:

• Passport or residence permit

• Tax Number or Turkish ID Number

• Rental contract

• Sometimes a deposit

Most bills can be paid through your Turkish banking app.

Internet

Fiber internet is widely available across Istanbul.

Major providers include:

• Türk Telekom

• Turkcell Superonline

• Vodafone Net

Installation usually takes a few days.

Many apartments already have existing infrastructure, making activation much quicker.

Mobile Phones

Türkiye requires foreign phones to be registered if used beyond the permitted temporary period.

If you’re staying long-term, you’ll usually choose between:

• Registering your existing phone

• Buying a phone in Türkiye

The three main mobile operators are:

• Turkcell

• Vodafone Türkiye

• Türk Telekom

Prepaid plans are easy to purchase with a passport.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Istanbul is excellent and generally affordable.

You can choose between:

Public hospitals

Lower cost but often busier.

Private hospitals

Shorter waiting times.

English-speaking doctors are common at larger private hospitals.

Many private hospitals work directly with international insurance providers.

Pharmacies (Eczane)

Pharmacies are everywhere.

Most are open:

• Monday to Saturday

• During normal business hours

Outside those hours, one pharmacy in each neighbourhood stays open as the Nöbetçi Eczane (duty pharmacy).

Google Maps usually shows the nearest one.

Groceries

The biggest supermarket chains include:

• Migros

• CarrefourSA

• ŞOK

• A101

• BİM

For fresh fruit and vegetables, visit your weekly neighbourhood market (Pazar).

Prices are often lower than supermarkets.

Drinking Water

Tap water is generally safe for washing, showering and cooking.

Most residents prefer bottled drinking water or large refillable water bottles delivered directly to their homes.

Water delivery can usually be ordered through mobile apps.

Food Delivery

Food delivery is part of daily life.

Popular apps include:

• Yemeksepeti

• Getir

• Trendyol Go

Most restaurants deliver within 30–45 minutes.

Shopping

For everyday shopping you’ll find:

• Shopping malls

• Local markets

• Small neighbourhood convenience stores (Bakkal)

Most shops accept contactless card payments.

Cash is still useful for smaller purchases.

Banking

Opening a Turkish bank account makes life much easier.

You’ll use it for:

• Paying rent

• Utility bills

• Online shopping

• Receiving transfers

• Mobile banking

Most payments in Türkiye are now made digitally.

Transportation

An İstanbulkart is the easiest way to travel.

One card works on:

• Metro

• Tram

• Bus

• Metrobus

• Marmaray

• Ferries

• Funiculars

If you use public transport regularly, it’s one of the best investments you’ll make.

Taxis

Apps such as BiTaksi and Uber (which dispatch licensed yellow taxis in Istanbul) are generally the easiest way to book a ride.

Always check that the meter is running before the journey begins.

Learning Basic Turkish

You don’t need to speak fluent Turkish.

Learning a few phrases makes everyday life much easier.

Simple greetings and polite expressions go a long way.

Most younger people speak at least some English, but this becomes less common outside tourist areas.

Deliveries

Courier deliveries are fast and inexpensive.

Most online orders arrive within one or two days.

If you’re not home, the courier may:

• Leave the package with building security.

• Leave it at a nearby collection point.

• Attempt delivery again.

Neighbours

Turkish neighbours are generally friendly and helpful.

It’s common to:

• Say hello in lifts.

• Exchange small favours.

• Accept tea if invited.

Respecting quiet hours, especially late at night, goes a long way.

Pets

Istanbul is famous for its cats—and increasingly dog-friendly too.

Many apartments allow pets, although some landlords may refuse them.

Veterinary care is widely available and generally affordable.

The Small Things

Life in Istanbul often feels wonderfully chaotic.

Traffic will test your patience.

Paperwork may take longer than expected.

Someone will almost certainly offer you tea while you’re waiting.

After a few weeks, you’ll know which bakery opens earliest, which supermarket has the best fruit, which ferry has the best sunset, and which café feels like your second home.

That’s when Istanbul stops feeling like a city you’re visiting and starts feeling like a city you’re living in.

Final Tip

Nobody figures everything out in their first week.

Ask questions. Meet people. Accept invitations. Join local communities.

Most expats discover that life becomes much easier once they build a network.

That’s exactly why Smileys Community exists—to help newcomers make friends, discover the city, and feel at home in Istanbul a little sooner.