I just arrived
Get a working phone, a transport card and a way to pay — the first-week essentials.
Member-written, not professional advice. These guides explain how things work in practice; they are not legal, immigration, tax or medical advice. Where a guide links official sources, those set the current requirements.
Money & Banking
Opening a Bank Account in Istanbul
How to open a Turkish bank account as a foreigner in Istanbul: the tax number you need first, which documents actually get accepted, and why the branch you walk into matters more than the bank you choose.
Member-written guideLinks official sources
Getting Around
Istanbulkart Mastery: The only ticket that matters
İstanbul’s all-in-one transport card: one tap covers the metro, tram, bus, ferries, Marmaray, Metrobüs, funiculars, and more. Buy it once for 200 TRY, load travel credit, and it’s the cheapest, simplest way to get around the city.
Member-written guideLinks official sources
Mobile & Digital
Getting a SIM Card and Home Internet in Türkiye
Getting connected in Türkiye is relatively easy — but there are a couple of Turkish-specific rules that can catch newcomers by surprise. The big one is the 120-day limit on foreign phones. You also need to understand how Turkish mobile lines are registered, what documents you need, and why checking the internet infrastructure in your actual apartment matters more than the provider's headline speed.
Member-written guideLinks official sources
Money & Banking
Opening a Turkish bank account as a foreigner
You can open a Turkish bank account as a foreigner, but the required documents depend on whether you’re a resident or a visitor. Some banks still accept non-residents with a passport, a Turkish tax number, and proof of address, while most private banks now require a residence permit and Foreigner Identification Number (YKN). Branch policies vary, so if one branch says no, another may say yes.
Member-written guideLinks official sources