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Istanbul, Turkey πΉπ·
#289
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, serves as a cultural and economic hub, historically bridging Europe and Asia. |
| π₯ Population | Approximately 15 million. |
| π» Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 35-50 Mbps. |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 27 TRY, 1 USD β 24 TRY. Widely accepted credit cards. |
| π° Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to buy bottled water. |
| π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/F sockets. |
| πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include Turkcell, Vodafone, and TΓΌrk Telekom; prepaid plans are common. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Banks like YapΔ± Kredi, Garanti, and Δ°Ε BankasΔ± accept foreign accounts. |
| π Accommodation | Options are abundant, from hotels to hostels, Airbnb, and local rentals. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in major places. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local real estate sites are popular. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel recommendations include Cheers Hostel in Sultanahmet. |
| ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Sultanahmet for historical sites, Taksim for nightlife. |
| ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | KadΔ±kΓΆy and BeΕiktaΕ are popular with young expats for cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | Impact Hub, located in the bustling area of BeyoΔlu. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Department in KadΔ±kΓΆy offers great coffee and a cozy atmosphere. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Events organized by Meetup and various coworking spaces in the city. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | Istanbul Expats Facebook group for community activities. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | BiTaksi and Uber are widely used taxi apps. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Δ°stanbul's bicycle-sharing system includes stations across the city. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Kilyos Beach, approximately 60 minutes by car. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Pegasus Airlines offers numerous regional flights. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines is the main carrier with global reach. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | E-5 and TEM highways provide major connectivity. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | HaydarpaΕa Railway Station, connecting to various regional routes. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Istanbulkart provides access to buses, trains, and ferries. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and trains facilitate travel to nearby cities like Bursa and Δ°zmir. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | AcΔ±badem Hospitals Group is among the top private healthcare providers. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Δ°stanbul provides classes suitable for all levels. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and MacFit chains are popular choices. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Lavanderia is a known chain with multiple locations. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | Getir and Yemeksepeti are top food delivery services. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | ΓiΔ kΓΆfte (raw meatball) is a must-try Turkish delicacy. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Istanbul and Kalamata in KadΔ±kΓΆy offer great plant-based menus. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | Mendel's Bakery has a great variety of Turkish desserts. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | ΓarΕΔ± Market in KadΔ±kΓΆy has a range of affordable food options. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | Trendyol and Hepsiburada are popular local e-commerce platforms. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Migros and Carrefour offer online grocery shopping. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | KadΔ±kΓΆy and BeyoΔlu are thriving nightlife districts. |
| π» Local Brewery | Beer District in BeyoΔlu serves local craft beers. |
| π· Wine Bars | La Cave offers a carefully curated selection of wines. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Simit and dΓΆner stalls can be found throughout the city. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Many international restaurants in the Taksim area, featuring Italian, Asian, and Mexican cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque are must-visit historical sites. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Istanbul Modern Art Museum exhibits local contemporary art. |
| π° Historical Sites | Topkapi Palace showcases the history of the Ottoman Empire. |
| π Religious Sites | The Suleymaniye Mosque is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. |
| π Annual Events | Istanbul Film Festival held annually in April. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | Balat is known for its colorful houses and artsy vibe. |
| π Theater Venues | The Istanbul State Theater puts on various performances throughout the year. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are iconic shopping destinations. |
| πΌ Music Scene | Babylon hosts live music events across genres. |
| π¨ Street Art | KarakΓΆy features vibrant street art and murals. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cooking Alaturka offers hands-on Turkish cooking classes. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Pera Museum showcases local and international art. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Galata Tower provides stunning views of the city skyline. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | The city's diverse heritage reflects Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkish influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | PolonezkΓΆy, a serene retreat 30 km from the city is perfect for hiking. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Belgrad Forest offers trails and natural beauty close to Istanbul. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Bosphorus waterfront has scenic paths for walking and cycling. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | Pierre Loti CafΓ© provides excellent panoramic views of the Golden Horn. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Lake KüçükΓ§ekmece is a popular spot for birdwatching. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | PoyrazkΓΆy Beach allows bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | PTT and YurtiΓ§i Kargo offer reliable parcel services. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops in Taksim are available for tech repairs. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong Club in KadΔ±kΓΆy hosts regular matches. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | Dilmer Language School offers Turkish language courses for foreigners. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | The Istanbul Research Institute provides study spaces and resources. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | Δ°stanbul Modern actively organizes community art projects. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Lords of the Game in ΕiΕli offers a great gaming atmosphere. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino oyna in Taksim provides gaming options. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬120,000). |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬72,000). |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬210,000). |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬132,000). |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬4,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬320,000). |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬216,000). |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 23% standard corporate tax rate. |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend distributions. |
| π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% for incomes above certain thresholds. |
| π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18%. |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, active regulations exist on CFC rules. |
| π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | 4% standard rate on property purchases. |
| π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Certain conditions allow for tax benefits for digital nomads. |