Bursa Digital Nomad Guide - Tips & Local Information

Bursa, Turkey 🇹🇷
#291 40.182737, 29.067548

Nomad Score: 64%

Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City	Bursa is the fourth-largest city in Turkey, known for its historical significance, thermal springs, and proximity to Istanbul.
👥 Population	Approximate population is about 3 million.
💻 Internet Speed	Average internet speed is around 35 Mbps.
💸 Currency & Banking	1 Turkish Lira (TRY) ≈ 0.037 USD; Credit cards are widely accepted.
🚰 Tap Water	Tap water is generally safe to drink but may have a different taste; bottled water is recommended.
🔌 Power	230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets.
📶 SIM Card	Major providers include Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom.
💳 Banking for Expats	International banks such as HSBC and local banks like Ziraat Bankası offer services for expats.
🛌 Accommodation	Options range from hotels to Airbnb; average cost for a one-bedroom apartment downtown is around 3,500 TRY.
💳 Cashless Friendly	Yes, cards accepted widely in most shops and restaurants.
🏠 Short Term Rentals	Airbnb, HomeAway, and local real estate websites offer short-term rental options.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation	Hostel options like Bude Hotel starting at 150 TRY per night.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space	Workinton Bursa offers reliable internet and a great working environment.
☕ Best Cafe for Work	Mado Cafe is popular among remote workers for its ambiance and Wi-Fi.
💼 Networking Events	Meetup groups and tech events can often be found on platforms like Eventbrite.
🥂 Social Events for Expats	Facebook groups like 'Bursa Expats' organize regular meet-ups.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App	BiTaksi is a popular app for getting taxis in Bursa.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental	Bursa does not have extensive bike rental services, consider local scooter services.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby	Mudanya Beach is approximately 30 minutes away by car.
✈️ Top Regional Airline	Turkish Airlines operates flights to major cities.
✈️ Top International Airline	Pegasus Airlines connects Bursa to several European cities.
🛣️ Highway Access	The O-5 highway connects Bursa directly to Istanbul.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub	Bursa's main bus terminal is located in the city center.
🚍 Public Transport Passes	BursaCard is available for use on public transportation with recharge options.
✈️ Regional Travel	Bus services like Kamil Koç provide access to nearby cities.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital	Bursa State Hospital is a well-known healthcare facility.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers	Yoga Studio Bursa offers classes and wellness activities.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers	Basic-Fit offers a range of equipment and classes.
🧺 Laundry Services	Local laundromats are available, such as Omo Laundry.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App	Getir delivers meals and groceries across Bursa.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try	Iskender Kebab, a local specialty served with tomato sauce and yogurt.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options	Vegan Life Cafe offers a range of plant-based dishes.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots	Kafkas Kebab Pide & Baklava is known for its delicious baklava.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots	Bursa's major bazaars, including the Grand Bazaar, offer inexpensive local delights.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store	Trendyol and Hepsiburada are popular e-commerce platforms in Turkey.
🛒 Grocery Delivery	Grocery delivery options include CarrefourSA and Migros.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area	Kültürpark is known for its parks and evening cafes.
🍻 Local Brewery	Kozza Brewery provides tours and tastings of their local beer.
🍷 Wine Bars	Tuscany Wine Bar offers a great selection of local wines.
🍲 Street Food Stalls	Stalls offering Simit (Turkish bagel) and other street snacks can be found in various parts of the city.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine	Italian restaurants like Pizza Dilara offer international food options.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks	The Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) and the Green Tomb are top attractions.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues	The Bursa City Museum is notable for its local history.
🏰 Historical Sites	The historical Silk Market, Koza Han, is a must-visit.
🕍 Religious Sites	Orhangazi Mosque is a historical site worth visiting.
🎉 Annual Events	The Bursa International Silk and Textile Fair occurs annually.
🎨 Cultural Districts	Cumalıkızık is a charming village showcasing traditional Ottoman architecture.
🎭 Theater Venues	The Bursa State Theater offers various performances throughout the year.
🛍️ Local Markets	The Covered Bazaar is bustling with vendors and local crafts.
🎼 Music Scene	Cultural events are common at the Atatürk Cultural Center.
🎨 Street Art	Discover urban art in local neighborhoods like Osmangazi.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes	Turkish Home Cooking offers classes to learn local recipes.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries	Bursa Art Gallery highlights works from local artists.
🕰️ Historic Buildings	Historic Bursa houses and marble mansions can be explored.
🏴 Local Heritage	Bursa is known for its rich Ottoman heritage and silk production.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes	Gemlik Bay offers stunning coastal views and nature walks.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby	Uludağ National Park is great for hiking and winter sports.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths	The coast of Mudanya offers beautiful cycling routes.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints	Korupark provides picturesque views of the city.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations	Lake Manyas is a known spot for birdwatching.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots	Uludağ's designated areas are perfect for bonfires and camping.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service	DHL and UPS provide reliable delivery services in Bursa.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services	Tech repair services are available at major malls.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots	Local community centers often have table tennis facilities.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes	Bursa Language School offers Turkish language courses.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots	The Bursa City Library is a good place for study and research.
🏘️ Community Centers	The Bursa Culture and Art Center hosts various community events.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges	Local internet cafes often have gaming facilities.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls	Lüleburgaz Casino is popular among locals for entertainment.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center)	Approx. 1,500 TRY per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 60,000 TRY).
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)	Approx. 1,200 TRY per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 48,000 TRY).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)	Approx. 1,800 TRY per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 108,000 TRY).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)	Approx. 1,500 TRY per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 90,000 TRY).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)	Approx. 2,000 TRY per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 160,000 TRY).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)	Approx. 1,700 TRY per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 136,000 TRY).
💼 Corporate Tax	Corporate tax rate is 20%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax	Dividend withholding tax is 15%.
🏦 Tax System	Progressive tax system based on worldwide income.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket	Maximum personal income tax rate is 40%.
🧾 VAT	Standard VAT rate is 18%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules	Yes, rules apply to subsidiaries.
🏠 Property Tax	Yes, based on property valuation.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax	Standard tax rate is 4%.