Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷
#289
41.006381, 28.975871
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, known for its historical significance and cultural diversity. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 15 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Download speed of around 35 Mbps; fiber optic connections available in certain areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 30 TRY, 1 USD ≈ 27 TRY. Major banks include Garanti Bank, Ziraat Bankasi. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Credit/debit cards accepted widely; apps like Wise and Revolut popular among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb and local real estate services. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate sites offer numerous options in neighborhoods like Kadikoy and Bebek. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Cheers Hostel and Bunk Hostel are popular among travelers. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Workinton, located in Şişli; offers a vibrant community and excellent facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Petra Roasting Co., known for its good coffee and work-friendly environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Startup Istanbul events and various tech meetups are frequently held. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups on Facebook like 'Istanbul Expats' frequently host meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | BiTaksi and Uber are the most widely used taxi services in Istanbul. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented through platforms like Binbike; e-scooters available via Martı. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Florya Beach is about 45 minutes away by public transport. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Turkish Airlines offers good connectivity to domestic locations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines are major carriers for international travel. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include the O-1 and O-2, facilitating easier travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Halkalı Train Station serves as one of the main hubs for rail travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Istanbulkart provides access to all modes of public transport; can be charged at kiosks. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Inter-city buses (e.g., Flixbus) connect Istanbul with other major Turkish cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Acıbadem Healthcare Group has several renowned hospitals across the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | A Yoga Studio in Beşiktaş offers various classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Les Mills gyms are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats like Laundry Day are available in most neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Yemeksepeti is the most popular food delivery service in Istanbul. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kebabs and mezes are a must; try locations like Şehzade Cağ Kebap in Fatih. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Zencefil in Taksim offers a great vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mendel's offers an excellent range of tortes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kadıköy market offers fresh produce and local delicacies at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Trendyol is a leading online marketplace in Turkey. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Getir and GittiGidiyor offer quick grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kadıköy is known for its vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewstagram is a popular local brewery worth a visit. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Mendel’s also doubles as an elegant wine bar with extensive selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Simit vendors are ubiquitous; try them at Taksim Square. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Neyyir in Taksim offers excellent fusion cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are iconic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Istanbul Modern Art Museum features contemporary works. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Topkapi Palace is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Süleymaniye Mosque is a grand example of Ottoman architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Istanbul Film Festival and various art fairs take place annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Balat is known for its vibrant culture and colorful houses. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Istanbul State Theaters host regular performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Grand Bazaar is a historic marketplace with numerous shops. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | İKSV and Babylon host live music events regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Karaköy is known for its vibrant street art scene. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary Backstreets offers authentic Turkish cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Pera Museum showcases remarkable collections and exhibits. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Basilica Cistern offers a peek into Istanbul's rich history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage is celebrated through numerous festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Belgrad Forest is a serene escape, about an hour from the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Polonezköy National Park offers beautiful nature trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path from Bebek to Arnavutköy is popular for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Chora Church offers stunning views over the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The shores of the Bosphorus are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Kilyos Beach has designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | PTS and DHL offer reliable parcel delivery services within the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Bimeks and TeknoSA are well-known for electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers in districts like Beşiktaş often have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like English Track provide Turkish language courses for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Istanbul Library is a quiet place for study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The DOCUMENTA Community Center in Galata hosts various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Apex Gaming Lounge in Kadıköy is popular among gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Swissôtel's Casino in Maslak is among the few in the city. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on cadastral income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% standard rate. |