I'm settling in
Healthcare, a longer-term home, family life and the everyday systems that make a city work.
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.
Healthcare
How Healthcare Actually Works in Istanbul
Istanbul healthcare for expats: when to use a pharmacy instead of a doctor, how to book a public hospital slot through MHRS, what private care actually costs, and who to call in an emergency.
Links official sources Last reviewed 23 October 2026
Healthcare
Health Insurance for Your Residence Permit: What Is Accepted in Türkiye
Which health insurance the migration authority accepts for a residence permit — Turkish private policies, social security agreements, SGK — the circular a private policy must meet, and who is exempt.
Links official sources Last reviewed 23 October 2026
Everyday Life
Daily Life in Istanbul: The little things that make a big difference
Moving to Istanbul isn’t difficult—it just takes a little getting used to. Finding an apartment, setting up utilities, buying groceries, paying bills, ordering food, dealing with deliveries… none of these are especially complicated on their own. It’s the hundreds of little things that slowly wear you down until they become second nature. This guide covers the practical side of everyday life so you can spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying Istanbul.
Links official sources Last reviewed 17 October 2026
Everyday Life
Family Life in Istanbul: Raising children with confidence
Moving to Istanbul with children brings a new set of questions. How do you choose a school? What’s the difference between a kreş and an anaokulu? The good news is that thousands of Turkish and international families successfully raise children in Istanbul. The city offers excellent healthcare, a wide choice of schools, plenty of parks, and countless family-friendly activities. This guide explains what you need to know to help your family settle into everyday life.
Links official sources Last reviewed 23 October 2026
Everyday Life
Istanbul Pet Resources Directory
Find veterinary clinics, emergency animal hospitals, pet sitters, boarding services and municipal animal-care resources in Istanbul.
Links official sources
Everyday Life
Pet Ownership in Istanbul: A Practical Guide for Expats
Moving to Istanbul with a pet? Learn about import rules, PETVET registration, veterinarians, pet-friendly housing, transport, adoption and emergency care.
Links official sources Last reviewed 5 November 2026
Home & Housing
Moving Into a Flat in Istanbul: Electricity, Water, Gas and the Building Fee (Aidat)
What to do, in order: earthquake insurance (DASK), your registered address, water, electricity and gas in your name, and who pays the aidat — plus internet and moving out.
Links official sources Last reviewed 26 September 2026
Home & Housing
Renting an Apartment in Istanbul: What Foreigners Should Know
Renting an apartment in Istanbul as a foreigner is not just about finding a nice flat at the right price. The neighborhood you choose can affect your daily life far more than the apartment itself. You need to understand deposits, agent fees, aidat, heating, the contract, address registration and, importantly, the questions that reveal problems before you sign.
Links official sources Last reviewed 17 October 2026
Language & Culture
Turkish Basics and Etiquette: Words, Customs and the Rules Worth Knowing
How to pronounce Turkish, the words you'll use every day, everyday courtesies, visiting mosques, Ramadan, public holidays — and the few rules (alcohol hours, smoking, tipping) that are law, not custom.
Links official sources Last reviewed 17 October 2026