I just arrived
Get in from the airport, then a working phone, a transport card and a way to pay — the first-week essentials.
Written by the Smileys team, 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.
Getting Around
Arriving in Istanbul: Getting from IST and Sabiha Gökçen into the City
Istanbul has two major airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side, and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. The best way into town depends on where you are staying, how much luggage you have and when your flight lands.
Links official sources Last reviewed 24 September 2026
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.
Links official sources Last reviewed 17 October 2026
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 (₺165 for the anonymous card), load travel credit, and it’s the cheapest, simplest way to get around the city.
Links official sources Last reviewed 23 October 2026
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. Residents usually open with their residence permit and Foreigner Identification Number (YKN); some banks also take non-residents with a passport, a tax number and proof of address. Requirements differ by bank and branch, so check the bank's own list and, if you're refused, ask what was missing.
Links official sources Last reviewed 17 October 2026
Getting Around
Taxi Trouble in Istanbul? Here's Where to Complain
Overcharged, refused or no meter? How to report an Istanbul taxi to ALO 153 (English available), claim a refund through the Consumer Arbitration Committee, and when to call 112.
Links official sources Last reviewed 18 October 2026
Getting Around
Driving in Türkiye: A Practical Guide for Expats and Foreign Residents
Planning to drive in Türkiye? Understand foreign driving licenses, car rental, vehicle ownership, insurance, foreign-plated cars, HGS tolls and traffic rules.
Links official sources Last reviewed 5 November 2026
Money & Banking
20-Year Tax Exemption in Turkey: Who Really Qualifies
Turkey's new 20-year tax exemption on foreign income explained: who qualifies, what's covered, why remote work usually isn't, and how to apply.
Links official sources Last reviewed 2 November 2026
Mobile & Digital
e-Devlet for Foreigners: Getting Your Password and What You Can Do With It
e-Devlet is Türkiye's government services portal. Who can use it as a foreigner, how to get your password at PTT, and what it's useful for once you're in.
Links official sources Last reviewed 17 October 2026
Money & Banking
Getting a Turkish Tax Number as a Foreigner (Vergi Kimlik Numarası)
Why you need a Turkish tax number, how to apply for one online with your passport, and why you won't need one once you have a foreign ID number (YKN).
Links official sources Last reviewed 23 October 2026