Izmir: Transportation, Public transport, Real Estate, driving yourself, Travel Agencies, Insurance Companies, Relocation services, Communication
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Arriving in Izmir:

Izmir Airport: The airport in Izmir is called: Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), It is named after former Turkish prime minister Adnan Menderes. It is a very modern airport, having a new big domestic Terminal opened in September 2014.

Adnan Menderes Airport: Tel: (0232) 455 0000. The airport is located in the south of the city, approximately 30 min drive to the city center. 
There is a 4-storey car park close to the domestic terminal with a capacity of over 2500 cars



Airline companies (flying into Izmir):


To see all the price options of all flight carriers: Aerobilet, Priceline, Skyscanner, Expedia, Darjeelin.
Main office of Turkish Airlines (THY) is: Halit Ziya Bulvari No:65, Alsancak. Next to Migros.


Here you can see the up-to-date departures and take-offs:

From the airport into town you can use the following ways of transportation:

A) Havaş” Buses: 
The ticket to and from the airport to the city costs 100TL one way (in June 2024). (Between 00:00 and 06:00 am there is a  25% surcharge)
They stop at Gaziosmanpasa Bulvarı, Alsancak, in front of the Renaissance Hotel and next to the Swissôtel. They leave every hour, always at half past, starting from 03:30 am until 23:30 pm.

To have more information on specific hours and drop off points check:
Havaş Airport Transport: Tel:(0232) 274 2084 / 274 2276 or the Call center: (0850) 222 0487

The Havaş Buses have several routes & prices (June 2024): 

  1. From the airport to Alsancak (Renaissance Hotel, Swissôtel, Moevenpick) - 100 TL one way.
  2. From the airport to Karşiaka & Mavişehir  (EGE park Shopping mall in Mavişehir) - 120 TL one way.
  3. From the airport to Urla  (Urla Terminal) - 200 TL one way.
  4. From the airport to Çeşme & Alacati  (main Çeşme Bus station) - 310 TL one way.
  5. From the airport to Kuşadası (Kuşadası Bus Terminal) - 310 TL one way.
  6. From the airport to Söke (Söke bus terminal-in front of Didim Travel Agency) -
  7. From the airport to Manisa (Manisa Bus Station 39 No'lu Peron) - 230 TL one way
  8. From the airport to Nazilli City Center (main Bus Station) - 450 TL one way
  9. From the airport to Aydın (Main Bus Station- in front of the Shell petrol station) - 

B) Metro/Izban: Very clean and modern. The Metro takes you to Alsancak where you can change or continue up to Karşiaka-Çiğli-Menemen. They leave approximately every 10 minutes.

C) Public Buses: The ESHOT Buses have 3 routs: (Route nos. 200 to Mavisehir, the 202 to Alsancak and the 204 to Bornova)

D) Taxi: From the airport to the city center (eg: Swissôtel) it will cost you about 800 TL ( May.2024) by taxi for the 30 min drive

E) Rent a car: All the rent a car offices are at the domestic terminal. you will find all international brands as well as national ones

Rent a car companies in Izmir:
F) Private Transfer companies:
  • Ölmezler Grup: They do also VIP transportation and fleet leasing
  • MyTransfer: Tel: 0850 840 33 11. They do transfer service to/from the airport. They also do transfers to Çeşme, Kuşadası, Didim and Bodrum

Public Transport in Izmir:

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If you want to use the public transports in Izmir, the easiest way is to buy a IZMIRIM KART.
With the Kart (you will pay a deposit, then you top up with money) you can use the following transports:

PLEASE NOTE, That you will need to register your HES code also on the card.
> 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)
> IZUM: official Izmir Website for Traffic information and it exist also as an App for public transport information
> Moovit: This website and App will help you to find out what transport you need to take, live timetable and maps 

You can buy at any kiosk the Izmirim Kart.
The cost of the transport is:
Basic fare on the Metro is 3.46 TL for adult passengers and 1.64 TL for student passengers and 3.00 TL for teachers if the İzmirimkart is used. (stand: September 2020). To double check the latest fares, click HERE
Once you punch/use the card for a trip, the cost is valid for a 90 min trip. Using the metro and Tram, you also need to punch out when you finish your trip.

>> See at the bottom the map of the Metro

Taxis:
There are two different kind of taxis: 

a) the classic yellow ones: The ride starts at 6.00 TL (Jan. 2023)
b) the white taxis: They drive always the same routes. You can get in and out where you want, pay 9 TL for the ride. This taxis work like a bus, as you share it with other people whoever wants to get in as long as there is a space free in a seat.

Bicycle:
  • Bisim: Since January 2014, 'Bisim': All around the Izmir Bay you can find Bicycles to rent. 29 stations between Mavişehir and Inciraltı.
    Easy to use, easy to ride. You can get a card (5 TL) at the iskele in Konak Pier. You will need to be 18+ years, show I.D. minimum card filling is 10 TL. Usage is 2,60 Tl/hour. 3 Bikes can be rented at the same time with one card. (info: Oct. 2017)
Driving yourself:
If you want to drive with a foreign driving license, you are only allowed to do so up to 6 months after your last entry stamp in your passport. You are also required to carry your passport all the time with you or you risk to get a big 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)

>>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.

Turing: If you need an International driveres liscence, vehicle registration, International Traffic insurance and more. Atatürk Caddesi No: 386 /201. Tel: (0232) 421 7149
Highways: The roads are generally very good and the highways quite empty. On the Highways (specially the Izmir- Çesme), 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 (5 TL) or as a card (15TL). 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

Others

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Travel Agencies & Guides:
  • Daniel tours: Alagil Apt, Cumhuriyet Bulv. No:141, Kat:6, D:11, Alsancak. Tel: (0532) 425 4347. Talk to Mrs. Nesrin Ricketts, she speaks perfect English and is very helpful..
  • Aysatur: Gaziosman Pasa Bulv. No:2/E. Alsancak. Tel: (0232) 441 3500. Travel agency, they sell tickets, tours, travel insurance etc
  • BTO Travel: 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. 
 

Traveling by Bus:
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.

Insurance Companies:
Moving & Relocation Companies:

To see all the areas of Izmir, please click HERE.
Moving Companies:
  • Asya Nakliyat: very well known professionals. They have offices in Izmir, Ankara, Istanbul and Adana. They come, pack or un-pack. very quick, very professional. Many companies use them
  • Istanbul Express: They have offices in İstanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Bursa. Very professional. Tel: 444 6502

Relocation & Real Estate companies:
  • Metis Relocation: Gaziosmanpaşa Blv. No:3/109, Alsancak, next to the Renaissance Hotel. Tel:(0232) 483 5931. Contact Zeynep Beyter, she speaks, English and Italian.  Mrs. Beyter can help you in finding Houses, help you to show you Izmir and the important places and things to see. They also can organise the work permits and resident permits. Very professional
  • Ismira Emlak : Contact Erol Özdağ Tel:(0232) 239 7784 or cell:(0532) 453 3503
  • Turyap Balçova : Contact Seçkin Demirtaş. Tel:(0232) 277 9656 or cell:(0532) 620 0992 
  • Remax Real Estate: Cengiz Topel Cad. No:36, Kat:1, D:1, Bostanlı. Tel: (0232) 362 1818 or cell: (0535) 395 3515. Contact Zeynep Özçevik, she speaks English and German.
  • Koyuncu Emlak: Kazımdirik Mah. 156 Sok. No:5/A Bornova. Tel: (0232) 339 8949

> You can also check at this websites for renting and buying: www.sahibinden.com and www.hurriyetemlak.com

Communication

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Cellular phones: (July 2023)
The network system in Turkey is GSM and there are three local providers: 
Turkcell:    Tel: 444 0532
Vodafone:  Tel: 444 0542
Türk Telecom:   Tel: 444 1444

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
2) Then you have to register your phone (there are two ways)
   a) You do it online
   b) You go to your provider and they do it for you


Documents you will need: (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)
>> Once you have paid the tax, you need to wait 24 hours before you proceed with the registration. (It needs that time to register the payment in the system)
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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)
Courier:
The Post in Turkey is called PTT. There is a big main PTT on Cumhurriyet Place, Alsancak, open Monday to Friday 08:30-17:00. Other smaller branches open also on Saturdays 08:30-12:00. You can send letters & parcels in normal service or express mail (EMS). They also have the option of recommended letters and parcels and they also do kargo of bigger parcels.

To see where the closest PTT office is from you, click HERE

To send items international via private courier service, use TNT, Tel: 444 0868 or DHL, Tel: 444 0040.
To send items inside Turkey, use Yurtiçi Kargo, Tel.: 444 0606  

Other important numbers and Webpages to have:

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  • Turkish Maritime Lines: Tel:(0232) 441 4646, 
  • Turkish Railways: Reservation: Tel:(0232) 4845353, 464 3131
  • State Railways Basmane Train Station: Tel:(0232) 484 8638
  • State Railways Alsancak Train Station: Tel:(0232) 464 7795
  • Irmir Municipality
  • Izmir Harbor: Tel:(0232) 463 1600
  • Konak Ferry Pier: Tel:(0232) 484 9856
  • Karsiyaka Ferry Pier: Tel:(0232) 368 0042
  • Izmir Metro: works from  06:00am to 00:20. there are approximately every 4-5 minutes a metro passing.
  • Touring and Automobil club of Turkey: Ali Çetinkaya Bulv. Akkaya Apt No:31/2, Alsancak. Tel: (0232) 421 7149 
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