Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, serves as a cultural and economic hub, historically bridging Europe and Asia. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 15 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 35-50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 27 TRY, 1 USD ≈ 24 TRY. Widely accepted credit cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom; prepaid plans are common. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Yapı Kredi, Garanti, and İş Bankası accept foreign accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options are abundant, from hotels to hostels, Airbnb, and local rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in major places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local real estate sites are popular. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel recommendations include Cheers Hostel in Sultanahmet. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Sultanahmet for historical sites, Taksim for nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kadıköy and Beşiktaş are popular with young expats for cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Impact Hub, located in the bustling area of Beyoğlu. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Department in Kadıköy offers great coffee and a cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events organized by Meetup and various coworking spaces in the city. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Istanbul Expats Facebook group for community activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | BiTaksi and Uber are widely used taxi apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | İstanbul's bicycle-sharing system includes stations across the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kilyos Beach, approximately 60 minutes by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pegasus Airlines offers numerous regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines is the main carrier with global reach. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E-5 and TEM highways provide major connectivity. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Haydarpaşa Railway Station, connecting to various regional routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Istanbulkart provides access to buses, trains, and ferries. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains facilitate travel to nearby cities like Bursa and İzmir. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Acıbadem Hospitals Group is among the top private healthcare providers. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga İstanbul provides classes suitable for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and MacFit chains are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavanderia is a known chain with multiple locations. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Getir and Yemeksepeti are top food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Çiğ köfte (raw meatball) is a must-try Turkish delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Istanbul and Kalamata in Kadıköy offer great plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mendel's Bakery has a great variety of Turkish desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Çarşı Market in Kadıköy has a range of affordable food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Trendyol and Hepsiburada are popular local e-commerce platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Migros and Carrefour offer online grocery shopping. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kadıköy and Beyoğlu are thriving nightlife districts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Beer District in Beyoğlu serves local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Cave offers a carefully curated selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Simit and döner stalls can be found throughout the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many international restaurants in the Taksim area, featuring Italian, Asian, and Mexican cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque are must-visit historical sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Istanbul Modern Art Museum exhibits local contemporary art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Topkapi Palace showcases the history of the Ottoman Empire. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Suleymaniye Mosque is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Istanbul Film Festival held annually in April. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Balat is known for its colorful houses and artsy vibe. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Istanbul State Theater puts on various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are iconic shopping destinations. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Babylon hosts live music events across genres. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Karaköy features vibrant street art and murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking Alaturka offers hands-on Turkish cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Pera Museum showcases local and international art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Galata Tower provides stunning views of the city skyline. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's diverse heritage reflects Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkish influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Polonezköy, a serene retreat 30 km from the city is perfect for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Belgrad Forest offers trails and natural beauty close to Istanbul. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Bosphorus waterfront has scenic paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Pierre Loti Café provides excellent panoramic views of the Golden Horn. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Küçükçekmece is a popular spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Poyrazköy Beach allows bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | PTT and Yurtiçi Kargo offer reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops in Taksim are available for tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong Club in Kadıköy hosts regular matches. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Dilmer Language School offers Turkish language courses for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Istanbul Research Institute provides study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | İstanbul Modern actively organizes community art projects. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Lords of the Game in Şişli offers a great gaming atmosphere. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino oyna in Taksim provides gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €210,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €320,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €216,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% for incomes above certain thresholds. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, active regulations exist on CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% standard rate on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Certain conditions allow for tax benefits for digital nomads. |