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.
Safety & Emergencies
Emergency Numbers in Türkiye: Call 112 and Other Numbers Worth Saving
In an emergency anywhere in Türkiye, call 112. It covers ambulance, police, fire, gendarmerie, coast guard, forest fires and disaster response. Calls are free, including from a mobile without a SIM card. English-language support is available. Below: what to say, other useful numbers, finding an on-duty pharmacy, replacing a lost passport, and locating your earthquake assembly area.
Links official sources Last reviewed 23 October 2026
Safety & Emergencies
Scams & Tourist Traps in Türkiye: How to stay safe without becoming paranoid
Many trips to Türkiye are trouble-free, but scams and theft do happen. The warning signs worth knowing — taxis, bills, street approaches, online scams — and what to do if something goes wrong.
Links official sources Last reviewed 17 October 2026
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
Safety & Emergencies
Earthquake Preparedness in Istanbul: Before, During and After
Istanbul sits near an active fault. What to check before you rent, how compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) works, your assembly area, an emergency bag, and what to do during and after a quake.
Links official sources Last reviewed 23 October 2026
Safety & Emergencies
Lost or Stolen Passport, Residence Permit or Phone in Türkiye: What to Do
Step by step: the police loss report, your embassy, replacing a lost residence permit card, telling the migration office about a new passport, and blocking a lost phone and bank cards.
Links official sources Last reviewed 23 October 2026