Istanbul: Transportation, Travel Agencies, City areas, Communication, Insurance Companies, Relocation and Moving Companies
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Airports in Istanbul:
Istanbul airport: (IST) European side. Tel: 444 1 442
Sabiha Gökçen: (SAW) Asian side. Tel: (0216) 588 8888
All mayor international Companies fly to the New Istanbul Airport. It is also the main Hub for Turkish Airlines.
Sabiha Gökcen Airport is mainly used for charter flights and local flights with Local companies.
Many Foreigners will need a visa to enter Turkey. Check the following webpages of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see if you need a visa and the fee for it:
a) Visa Information for Foreigners b) Visa Fee at Border Gates
c) To purchase an e-visa online
The main Turkish Airline Companies are:
- Turkish Airlines: Tel: 444 0849
- Sun Express: Tel: 444 0797
- AJet: Tel: 444 2538
- Pegasus: Tel: 444 0737
>> To see all the price options of all flight carriers: Aerobilet, Priceline, Skyscanner, Expedia, Darjeelin.
Airport services:
Havaist and IETT Bus Services go to the New Istanbul Airport
Havatas: Tel: 444 2656. Bus service between the Sabiha Gökcen airport and the city center.
BiTaksi App: You can download this App, then order the Taxi and see the cost
TAXI: The ride will start at 12,65 TL, and the rate is 8,51 TL per kilometer (January 2023).
Metro: The metro to the new Istanbul Airport is planned to start working by the end of 2019
- Airport Istanbul Transfer: They offer all kind of transfers to different places in the city. Tel: (212) 526 7272.
- HC Limousine Ultra VIP Luxury Car rental: Tel: (0212) 369 3935. very proffessional.
- Istanbul Transfer: +90 (532) 777 02 64. They offer Chauffeur driven cars, airport service transfers, yacht rentals, helicopter tours, Istanbul tours.
- Inter Limousine: +90 212 4449977. Luxury cars with drivers, for airport service or city tours. They also provide rental of helicopter, yacht and private jet.
- Alan Transfer: Tel: 444 1411. They do private, groups or VIP transfers
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NOTE: There are NO Visa kiosks at the IST Airport, so please remember to buy your visa online in advance through the official website: www.evisa.gov.tr.
Information to know:
> 2023: When the second phase is completed, it is projected that the number of passengers would rise to 150 million a year > 2028: When the fourth and final phase is completed, it will be one of the biggest and busiest international airports in the world and will lay claim to the largest duty free zone in the world The airport will have six runways, flights to 350 destinations and an eventual annual capacity of 200 million passengers. |
Hotels in and close to the New Istanbul airport:
Travel Agents & Tour operators:
Public Transport:
>Journey Planner: This website will help you to find out what transport you need to take, live timetable and maps
>TRAFI: This website will help you to find out what transport you need to take, live timetable and maps (Also exists in App Form)
- Yotel: Airport Hotel inside the Istanbul Airport. This Hotel has a Landside, that is situated just before the security check and Passport control and there is the Yotel Airside, that is located after passport control (In the Duty free area) and can only be booked for people with international flights to or from Istanbul Airport.
Travel Agents & Tour operators:
- Plan Tours: +90 212 234 77 77. They offer Chauffeur driven cars, yacht rentals, helicopter tours, Istanbul tours and tours around Turkey.
- 1001 Istanbul: Emekli Subaylar Sitesi 39/10 Esentepe. Tel: (0212) 272 7772. They organize very interesting Tours through Istanbul in Turkish, but all guides speak also French.
- Zoe Yacht Cruises: Tel: (0212) 225 7670. They organize private cruises in the Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn, Princes’ Islands, Marmara or Black Sea.
- Istanbul Sightseeing Tours: Tel: +90 212 638 66 01. They can organize city tours, Bosphorus tours and much more.
- BTO Travel: Etiler Kültür Mahallesi Adnan Saygun Caddesi Gündeş Apartmanı No:4/2 Beşiktaş. Talk to the Owner, Osman: (0532) 323 6180 They organize tours all over Turkey, plane and train tickets, hotel reservations, rent-a-car, airport transfers and much more. very well known. They also have agencies in Ankara and Izmir.
- UTS (United Travel Services): Cumhuriyet Street. No: 137 /6 Harbiye. Tel: (0212) 230 4909. They organize Tours in Istanbul, but also in other cities and special Tours.
Public Transport:
>Journey Planner: This website will help you to find out what transport you need to take, live timetable and maps
>TRAFI: This website will help you to find out what transport you need to take, live timetable and maps (Also exists in App Form)
Train :
Check the Official Website of the Turkish State Railways.
NOTE: The new High-Speed train between Istanbul and Ankara has been opened ! There are 5 trains a day and the journey takes 3 ½ hours.
- The Sirkeci Station, officially Istanbul Gar, is the station for all trains coming and going from/to Edirne or Europe/European Countries.
Check the Official Website of the Turkish State Railways.
- The Sirkeci Station is also the heart of the Marmaray line—the tunnel that runs beneath the Bosphorus, joining the stations at Yenikapı and Sirkeci in Europe with the stations at Üskudar and Ayrılık Çeşmesi in Asia. Since its opening on October 29th, 2013, you will be able now to cross from Old Istanbul in Europe to Üsküdar in Asia in a matter of minutes.
- Haydarpasa Station: Haydarpaşa Istasyon Caddesi, Kadıköy . Asian Side.Tel: (0216) 336 4470. All trains that leave inside Turkey on the Asian side, but for the moment this station is closed to to the construction of high speed limit trains.
NOTE: The new High-Speed train between Istanbul and Ankara has been opened ! There are 5 trains a day and the journey takes 3 ½ hours.
Buses:
Esenler Bus terminal (Uluslararası Istanbul Otogarı). Büyük Istanbul Otogarı, Bayrampaşa (0212) 658 0505. Main Istanbul Station. There are minibuses/shuttle service from here to Taksim and Sultanahmet.
Bus companies:
OBILET and Govego: They provide brokership for bus companies operating in every direction in Turkey.
When you entered the destinations (from/to) and date, it shows you all buses going from and to those destinations you chose on that day.
In addition, it gives you a brief information such as weather forecast, general information of the city, where to go, where to stay, where to eat, what to do, etc., regarding the place that you are going to visit.
Ferry:
Istanbul Deniz otobüsleri: Tel: 444 4436. They leave from Istanbuls Yenikapi to Bandirma and other destinations. mainly in Summertimes, between 15th of june and 15th of September.
They also rent out boats / Sea Buses for your private group transportation in the Sea of Marmara. Tel: (0212) 455 69 76
Transfer from the Ferry Station, Yenikapi to Taksim Square or to the Airport: The Havatas Buses do this service. 5 TL one way.
Esenler Bus terminal (Uluslararası Istanbul Otogarı). Büyük Istanbul Otogarı, Bayrampaşa (0212) 658 0505. Main Istanbul Station. There are minibuses/shuttle service from here to Taksim and Sultanahmet.
Bus companies:
- Varan: Inönü Caddesi 29/A, Gümüşsuyu (0212) 251 7475-76
- Ulusoy: Inönü Caddesi 59, Gümüşsuyu (0212) 244 6375 and for International destinations (0212) 658 3006
- Kamil Koç: Tel: (0312) 417 39 36
- Metro: Tel: 444 3455
OBILET and Govego: They provide brokership for bus companies operating in every direction in Turkey.
When you entered the destinations (from/to) and date, it shows you all buses going from and to those destinations you chose on that day.
In addition, it gives you a brief information such as weather forecast, general information of the city, where to go, where to stay, where to eat, what to do, etc., regarding the place that you are going to visit.
Ferry:
Istanbul Deniz otobüsleri: Tel: 444 4436. They leave from Istanbuls Yenikapi to Bandirma and other destinations. mainly in Summertimes, between 15th of june and 15th of September.
They also rent out boats / Sea Buses for your private group transportation in the Sea of Marmara. Tel: (0212) 455 69 76
Transfer from the Ferry Station, Yenikapi to Taksim Square or to the Airport: The Havatas Buses do this service. 5 TL one way.
Istanbul Public Transport:
Istanbul kart: The card can be purchased at any private vendor/kiosk, at IETT Counters, Ticketmatics and the Automatic vending machines. You can buy a card for 6 TL, then charge it with credit. Each time you use the card at any metro, bus, ferry etc, it will show you the balance left in the card. You can recharge the card as often as you wish. It is valid for two years.
If you are a student, teacher, ask for the reduced- fare cards at any IETT point or check the Istanbulkart website.
Istanbul kart: The card can be purchased at any private vendor/kiosk, at IETT Counters, Ticketmatics and the Automatic vending machines. You can buy a card for 6 TL, then charge it with credit. Each time you use the card at any metro, bus, ferry etc, it will show you the balance left in the card. You can recharge the card as often as you wish. It is valid for two years.
If you are a student, teacher, ask for the reduced- fare cards at any IETT point or check the Istanbulkart website.
Driving yourself:
New Terms Regarding City Traffic Speed Control/ Radar Usage:
Please check the 2016 Trafik Cezalari (Traffic Charges) for the latest updates (in Turkish only)
> Foreign license: You are allowed to drive in Turkey with a foreign driving license up to 6 months from your last entry stamp into Turkey. You will need to carry your passport always with you to have the proof of last entry stamp.
>>NEW>> A new speed detection system has become active as of 1 July 2017 on all highways.
If the detected average speed between the Entry toll gate (HGS/OGS) and the Exit gate is higher than the allowed speed limit (120 km/h on Highways), you will get a fine.
Highways: The roads are generally very good and the highways quite empty. On the Highways, there is a toll. You cannot pay the toll in cash, you only can use the highway if you have :
1- “OGS"=Otomatik Geçiş Sistemi, (Automatic Passage System) toll transponder only (you must have a toll transponder in your car to pay the toll). Transponders are issued by banks to their account holders.” or
2-The "HGS"=Hizli Geçiş Sistemi: Can only be bought at the Post office (PTT). You can buy it in form of a sticker or as a card. Both systems you have to recharge at the post office.
To buy the HGS sticker or card you need to present a photocopy of your passport and a copy of the car papers. Each sticker or card is individually linked to ONE vehicle and not transferable.
>On public holidays, the highways are mainly free of charge.
The speed limits in Turkey are:
- Residential area: 50 Km/h
- Two-way intercity roads: 90 Km/h
- Divided roads: 110 Km/h
- Highways: 120 Km/h
>> Don't forget: A new Speed detection system has become active on July 1st, 2017 on all highways. if the detected average speed between the Entry toll gate (HGS/OGS) and exit gate is higher than the allowed speed limit (120km/h on highways), you will get a fine.
New Terms Regarding City Traffic Speed Control/ Radar Usage:
Please check the 2016 Trafik Cezalari (Traffic Charges) for the latest updates (in Turkish only)
> Foreign license: You are allowed to drive in Turkey with a foreign driving license up to 6 months from your last entry stamp into Turkey. You will need to carry your passport always with you to have the proof of last entry stamp.
>>NEW>> A new speed detection system has become active as of 1 July 2017 on all highways.
If the detected average speed between the Entry toll gate (HGS/OGS) and the Exit gate is higher than the allowed speed limit (120 km/h on Highways), you will get a fine.
Highways: The roads are generally very good and the highways quite empty. On the Highways, there is a toll. You cannot pay the toll in cash, you only can use the highway if you have :
1- “OGS"=Otomatik Geçiş Sistemi, (Automatic Passage System) toll transponder only (you must have a toll transponder in your car to pay the toll). Transponders are issued by banks to their account holders.” or
2-The "HGS"=Hizli Geçiş Sistemi: Can only be bought at the Post office (PTT). You can buy it in form of a sticker or as a card. Both systems you have to recharge at the post office.
To buy the HGS sticker or card you need to present a photocopy of your passport and a copy of the car papers. Each sticker or card is individually linked to ONE vehicle and not transferable.
>On public holidays, the highways are mainly free of charge.
The speed limits in Turkey are:
- Residential area: 50 Km/h
- Two-way intercity roads: 90 Km/h
- Divided roads: 110 Km/h
- Highways: 120 Km/h
>> Don't forget: A new Speed detection system has become active on July 1st, 2017 on all highways. if the detected average speed between the Entry toll gate (HGS/OGS) and exit gate is higher than the allowed speed limit (120km/h on highways), you will get a fine.
Areas in Istanbul:
Sultanahmet Area:
Sultanahmet- Eminönü : Start walking from the Galata Bridge into Sultanahmet, the historical center of Istanbul. The area was named after the Sultan Ahmet 1. He was a Sultan during the ottoman Empire and mainly remembered for the construction of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (better known as Blue Mosque).
The area of Sultanahmet today is like a peninsula that runs from the Kücük Ayasofya on the Sea of Marmara to the eastern side of Eminönü. In this part of Istanbul, you will find the most cultural and historical sights: Click here to see more info.
At the Galata Bridge, there are several Boat tours that start from here:
If you want to do a regular boat tour, dining while doing a boat tour or rent a private boat to cruise the Bosphorus, have a look at this website: Cruising the Bosphorus:
Beyoğlu Area:
Beyoğlu goes from the shores of the Golden Horn all the way up to Taksim Square.The most famous Street there is the Istiklal Avenue, a 2km long pedestrian Street. It starts at Taksim Square and leads up to Galata Tower.
It is one of the most famous Streets in Istanbul and it is visited by approximately 3 million people on a single day!
On this street you will find lots of Shops, Bars, Restaurants, Bookstores, Galleries, Consulates and many many more things. Don’t miss entering the Flower Passage (Çiçek Pasajı) and the Fish market (Balık Pazarı)
Nişantaşı Area:Nişantaşı is the most 'Europeanised' Areas of Istanbul. Many foreigner live there. It has large Avenues, all the upper-scale restaurants and night-live and all the high-end brand stores
Levent Area:
Levent has become the central business district in Istanbul. Very modern district full of skyscrapers and more. The Sapphire, Turkey's tallest skyscraper is also in this area.
Ortaköy Area:
Ortaköy: Just at the bottom of the first bridge, European side. Ortaköy is a great area that is now full with restaurants& night-live.
During the day you can have a nice coffee, see the Ortaköy mosque or go on a boat tour down the Bosphorus. The Tour takes one hour, cost in October 2017: 15 TL. For more information call: Ortur: Tel: (0212) 327 2495.
On the week-ends you will experience a nice bazaar there. Have a 'Kumpir' (oven backed potato filled with whatever you want) or have a nice Fish overlooking the Bosphorus.
An absolutely must-place to visit while in Istanbul.
Bebek Area:
Bebek is on the shores of the Bosphorus and the area where many upscale Restaurants and coffee houses are.
Eyüp:
The district of Eyüp extends from the Golden Horn all the way to the shore of the Black Sea. You will find there the Tomb of Eyüp Sultan, that became a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Eyüp Sultan Tomb draws huge crowds here on religious and public holidays. It is also a popular place to visit for newly-weds and little boys before their circumcision parties.
On a hilltop just above the cemeteries and overlooking the Golden Horn, there is the Cafe Pier Loti is another popular place in Eyüp. You can reach it by taking the teleferik (take your 'istanbulkart'). Great views from the top.
On the Asian Side:
Bağdat Avenue : This Avenue is in an upper-scale residential area. Bagdat is a 14 km long Avenue that runs from east to west in the Maltepe and Kadıköy districts, nearly parallel to the coastline. You will find all the mayor Brand shops, restaurants, Coffee houses and much much more. It is a very popular Avenue among the youth
Sultanahmet- Eminönü : Start walking from the Galata Bridge into Sultanahmet, the historical center of Istanbul. The area was named after the Sultan Ahmet 1. He was a Sultan during the ottoman Empire and mainly remembered for the construction of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (better known as Blue Mosque).
The area of Sultanahmet today is like a peninsula that runs from the Kücük Ayasofya on the Sea of Marmara to the eastern side of Eminönü. In this part of Istanbul, you will find the most cultural and historical sights: Click here to see more info.
At the Galata Bridge, there are several Boat tours that start from here:
If you want to do a regular boat tour, dining while doing a boat tour or rent a private boat to cruise the Bosphorus, have a look at this website: Cruising the Bosphorus:
Beyoğlu Area:
Beyoğlu goes from the shores of the Golden Horn all the way up to Taksim Square.The most famous Street there is the Istiklal Avenue, a 2km long pedestrian Street. It starts at Taksim Square and leads up to Galata Tower.
It is one of the most famous Streets in Istanbul and it is visited by approximately 3 million people on a single day!
On this street you will find lots of Shops, Bars, Restaurants, Bookstores, Galleries, Consulates and many many more things. Don’t miss entering the Flower Passage (Çiçek Pasajı) and the Fish market (Balık Pazarı)
Nişantaşı Area:Nişantaşı is the most 'Europeanised' Areas of Istanbul. Many foreigner live there. It has large Avenues, all the upper-scale restaurants and night-live and all the high-end brand stores
Levent Area:
Levent has become the central business district in Istanbul. Very modern district full of skyscrapers and more. The Sapphire, Turkey's tallest skyscraper is also in this area.
Ortaköy Area:
Ortaköy: Just at the bottom of the first bridge, European side. Ortaköy is a great area that is now full with restaurants& night-live.
During the day you can have a nice coffee, see the Ortaköy mosque or go on a boat tour down the Bosphorus. The Tour takes one hour, cost in October 2017: 15 TL. For more information call: Ortur: Tel: (0212) 327 2495.
On the week-ends you will experience a nice bazaar there. Have a 'Kumpir' (oven backed potato filled with whatever you want) or have a nice Fish overlooking the Bosphorus.
An absolutely must-place to visit while in Istanbul.
Bebek Area:
Bebek is on the shores of the Bosphorus and the area where many upscale Restaurants and coffee houses are.
Eyüp:
The district of Eyüp extends from the Golden Horn all the way to the shore of the Black Sea. You will find there the Tomb of Eyüp Sultan, that became a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Eyüp Sultan Tomb draws huge crowds here on religious and public holidays. It is also a popular place to visit for newly-weds and little boys before their circumcision parties.
On a hilltop just above the cemeteries and overlooking the Golden Horn, there is the Cafe Pier Loti is another popular place in Eyüp. You can reach it by taking the teleferik (take your 'istanbulkart'). Great views from the top.
On the Asian Side:
Bağdat Avenue : This Avenue is in an upper-scale residential area. Bagdat is a 14 km long Avenue that runs from east to west in the Maltepe and Kadıköy districts, nearly parallel to the coastline. You will find all the mayor Brand shops, restaurants, Coffee houses and much much more. It is a very popular Avenue among the youth
Communication
Cellular phones:
The network system in Turkey is GSM and there are three local providers:
Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telecom
If you buy your phone outside Turkey and want to use it with a local SIM card here, you have to register it in the first 120 days. The Registration process requirements are as follows:
1) You will need to pay a Tax at a Bank (All "Iş Banks" can do it or ask the nearest one to you)
2) Then you have to register your phone (there are two ways)
a) You do it online (recommended)
b) You go to your provider and they do it for you
Documents you will need (after January 2023): (Diplomats are exempted from this regulation)
1) For the Bank: Your original passport, your original residence Permit, your TC Kimlik N*, your phones IMEI number and 31.692 TL (October 2024).
As of Januar 2025 the price will increase to 45.955 TL
2) For the actual phone registration you can do it in two different ways:
A) Online (recommended):
- First you have to go to the PTT (Post office) and get a code that has a small fee. Ask for "E-Devlet Şifresi" (**).
- Then you register yourself the phone online at: https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/btk-imei-kaydet . (Website is only in Turkish) Click on the icon that says: "Kimliğimi Şimdi Doğrula" and enter your TC Number, your passport N* and country of passport, password that you got at the Post office "PTT", the IMEI N* of the phone and your last entry date to Turkey.
Make sure, that all must be with the same TC number/person done, the payment of the tax at the Bank and the registration.
Once the registration is done online, you can check 3-4 days later at this website (click HERE) if the phone is registered. You will just need to enter your IMEI Number to see the situation of the phone
or
B) At the Service provider (Turkcell, Türk Telekom or Vodafone): Your original passport, your original residence Permit, your TC Kimlik N*, your NEW phone to check the IMEI number and the bank receipt that you paid the tax. At the provider, you will have to pay a small registration fee. it can vary between 60 and 120 TL, depending on the provider and branch
> Make sure, all documents are written on the same person/passport and that they are written the correct way. Also, the entry stamp in your passport must be less than 120 days old.
NOTE >>
(**) = The PTT will send you first a code to your phone via SMS, then with that code, they will be able to give you your final e-devlet code send via SMS to your phone (all together it can take about 3-5 minutes. If you get for the first time an "e-devlet" password from the PTT, you can then go to the official website of it, Turkiye.gov.tr , click on the top right part where is written "Giriş Yap", enter your TC N* and the password from the PTT and you will be able to change the password to the one of your choice.
Please be aware that you can only register one foreign purchased phone every 2 years (per passport)
If you loose your phone, call your provider giving them your IMEI Number. They will block the SIM card and reissue you a new one against a small fee.
You will be then able to have your lost number again.
How to find out:
Your phone's IMEI: type: *#06#
Your credit left: type: *123#
Your package: type: *159#
Main Turk Telecom:
Main area code numbers:
Ankara: 0312
Adana: 0322 Istanbul (Europe): 0212
Antalya: 0242 Istanbul (Asia): 0216
Bursa: 0224 Izmir: 0232
To find all the area codes of Turkey: click here
TV & Internet:
There are several companies that offer Internet connection. Some of them are:
Cell Phone companies also offer portable USB stick with 1 to 4GB per month without the need of signing a permanent contract. Vodafone and Turkcell are the main providers.
Press (in English)
Main area code numbers:
Ankara: 0312 Bodrum: 0252
Adana: 0322 Istanbul (Europe): 0212
Antalya: 0242 Istanbul (Asia): 0216
Bursa: 0224 Izmir: 0232
To find all the area codes of Turkey: click here
TV & Internet: Television:
Turkish television is good only if your Turkish-language skills are good. for foreign channels, the main supplier is Digitürk.
Digitürk offers hundreds of channels in several languages, including English, German, Italian, French and Russian.
Channels include: CNN International, BBC World, Euronews, CNBC, Moviemax, National Geographic, Eurosport and many many more..
Please check their Website for their latest packages/offers.
To access Digitürk you will need to buy a black box (Digibox) and a decoder card (Digitürk karti) as well as a satellite dish (çanak anten). Digitürk technicians do it. PLease check first with your neighbors/Apartment block if they already have a dish and how good it works..
In Ankara and istanbul Türk Telecom provides cable television services ( CNN, BBC, TV5, RTL)
Internet:There are several companies that offer Internet connection. Some of them are:
TT Net, Digitürk and Kablonet (cable). Cell Phone companies also offer portable USB stick with 1 to 4GB per month without the need of signing a permanent contract. Vodafone and Turkcell are the main providers.
Courier:
The Post in Turkey is called PTT. There is a big main PTT on Cumhurriyet Place.. You can send letters & parcels in normal service or express mail (EMS). To send items international via private courier service, use TNT, Tel.: 444 08 68 or DHL, Tel.: 444 00 40.
To send items inside Turkey, use Yurtiçi Kargo, Tel.: 444 06 06
The network system in Turkey is GSM and there are three local providers:
Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telecom
If you buy your phone outside Turkey and want to use it with a local SIM card here, you have to register it in the first 120 days. The Registration process requirements are as follows:
1) You will need to pay a Tax at a Bank (All "Iş Banks" can do it or ask the nearest one to you)
2) Then you have to register your phone (there are two ways)
a) You do it online (recommended)
b) You go to your provider and they do it for you
Documents you will need (after January 2023): (Diplomats are exempted from this regulation)
1) For the Bank: Your original passport, your original residence Permit, your TC Kimlik N*, your phones IMEI number and 31.692 TL (October 2024).
As of Januar 2025 the price will increase to 45.955 TL
- Turkish Kimlik number for foreigners: Each foreigner with a resident Permit has also a Turkish ID Number. It is composed of 11 numbers, starting by 99. To know your TC Number, CLICK HERE
- To find the serial number of your phone (IMEI), type: * # 06 # (The IMEI is composed of 15 digits)
2) For the actual phone registration you can do it in two different ways:
A) Online (recommended):
- First you have to go to the PTT (Post office) and get a code that has a small fee. Ask for "E-Devlet Şifresi" (**).
- Then you register yourself the phone online at: https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/btk-imei-kaydet . (Website is only in Turkish) Click on the icon that says: "Kimliğimi Şimdi Doğrula" and enter your TC Number, your passport N* and country of passport, password that you got at the Post office "PTT", the IMEI N* of the phone and your last entry date to Turkey.
Make sure, that all must be with the same TC number/person done, the payment of the tax at the Bank and the registration.
Once the registration is done online, you can check 3-4 days later at this website (click HERE) if the phone is registered. You will just need to enter your IMEI Number to see the situation of the phone
or
B) At the Service provider (Turkcell, Türk Telekom or Vodafone): Your original passport, your original residence Permit, your TC Kimlik N*, your NEW phone to check the IMEI number and the bank receipt that you paid the tax. At the provider, you will have to pay a small registration fee. it can vary between 60 and 120 TL, depending on the provider and branch
> Make sure, all documents are written on the same person/passport and that they are written the correct way. Also, the entry stamp in your passport must be less than 120 days old.
NOTE >>
(**) = The PTT will send you first a code to your phone via SMS, then with that code, they will be able to give you your final e-devlet code send via SMS to your phone (all together it can take about 3-5 minutes. If you get for the first time an "e-devlet" password from the PTT, you can then go to the official website of it, Turkiye.gov.tr , click on the top right part where is written "Giriş Yap", enter your TC N* and the password from the PTT and you will be able to change the password to the one of your choice.
Please be aware that you can only register one foreign purchased phone every 2 years (per passport)
If you loose your phone, call your provider giving them your IMEI Number. They will block the SIM card and reissue you a new one against a small fee.
You will be then able to have your lost number again.
How to find out:
Your phone's IMEI: type: *#06#
Your credit left: type: *123#
Your package: type: *159#
Main Turk Telecom:
Main area code numbers:
Ankara: 0312
Adana: 0322 Istanbul (Europe): 0212
Antalya: 0242 Istanbul (Asia): 0216
Bursa: 0224 Izmir: 0232
To find all the area codes of Turkey: click here
TV & Internet:
There are several companies that offer Internet connection. Some of them are:
- Turkcell Superonline: They provide Internet at home, as well as cell phone service.
- TT Net - Türk Telecom. They are the largest provider in Turkey
- Digitürk: Turkish Television Satellite provider
- Kablonet: Television cable provider.
Cell Phone companies also offer portable USB stick with 1 to 4GB per month without the need of signing a permanent contract. Vodafone and Turkcell are the main providers.
Press (in English)
- Hürriyet Daily News (Daily News)
- Daily Sabah (Daily News)
- Sphere (Online Magazine)
Main area code numbers:
Ankara: 0312 Bodrum: 0252
Adana: 0322 Istanbul (Europe): 0212
Antalya: 0242 Istanbul (Asia): 0216
Bursa: 0224 Izmir: 0232
To find all the area codes of Turkey: click here
TV & Internet: Television:
Turkish television is good only if your Turkish-language skills are good. for foreign channels, the main supplier is Digitürk.
Digitürk offers hundreds of channels in several languages, including English, German, Italian, French and Russian.
Channels include: CNN International, BBC World, Euronews, CNBC, Moviemax, National Geographic, Eurosport and many many more..
Please check their Website for their latest packages/offers.
To access Digitürk you will need to buy a black box (Digibox) and a decoder card (Digitürk karti) as well as a satellite dish (çanak anten). Digitürk technicians do it. PLease check first with your neighbors/Apartment block if they already have a dish and how good it works..
In Ankara and istanbul Türk Telecom provides cable television services ( CNN, BBC, TV5, RTL)
Internet:There are several companies that offer Internet connection. Some of them are:
TT Net, Digitürk and Kablonet (cable). Cell Phone companies also offer portable USB stick with 1 to 4GB per month without the need of signing a permanent contract. Vodafone and Turkcell are the main providers.
Courier:
The Post in Turkey is called PTT. There is a big main PTT on Cumhurriyet Place.. You can send letters & parcels in normal service or express mail (EMS). To send items international via private courier service, use TNT, Tel.: 444 08 68 or DHL, Tel.: 444 00 40.
To send items inside Turkey, use Yurtiçi Kargo, Tel.: 444 06 06
Insurance Companies:
- Groupama Sigorta & Emeklilik: They insure for Health / Home / Vehicle
- ERGO Sigorta: They insure for Health / Home / Vehicle / Travel
- Anadolu Sigorta: They insure for Health / Home / Vehicle / Travel
- Allianz : Tel: 444 4546
- Acıbadem Sigorta: They insure for Health / Life / personal accident
- Ak Sigorta: They insure for Health / Home / Vehicle
- AXA Sigorta: They insure for Health / Vehicle
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Relocation Services:
Moving Companies:
Googlegroup: There is a Googlegroup for all Expats in Istanbul. Anybody can join. Once inscribed, you can receive info or post with questions you need. Very helpful. http://groups.google.com/group/istanbul-expat-connection |
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