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HomeTopicsFirst 7 Days Checklist

Istanbul

First 7 Days Checklist

The minimum setup tasks newcomers should complete in week one.

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AI summary · assistance only

You'll find that setting up a Turkish phone number is essential in your first week, as it's required to open bank accounts, register apps, and receive government OTPs. Most newcomers don't expect the long waiting times in Turkey's public health system, so consider investing in private health insurance. Watch out for the requirement to register your address at the local Muhtarlk within 20 working days, and apply for your Foreigner ID (YKN) as soon as possible. You can get an Istanbulkart from the airport before leaving arrivals, which costs around 10-20 TRY and is necessary for public transportation. To get started, head to the Directorate of Migration Management to apply for your YKN, which will cost around 160 TRY and is a crucial step in settling into Istanbul. Today, take a trip to the nearest Turkcell or Vodafone store to set up your Turkish phone number, which will cost around 100-200 TRY, depending on the plan.

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Don't skip private health insurance — public system has waiting times

Trust L4Updated Apr 16, 2026

City-wide · Experience date Mar 28, 2026

Turkey's SGK public health system is good but requires employer registration and has long waits for non-emergency appointments. If you're a freelancer or arriving before your employer registers you, get private insurance immediately. Acibadem, Memorial, and Florence Nightingale hospitals have English-speaking doctors and accept international and private Turkish policies. Basic private plans start around 4,000–6,000 TL/year.

Contributor: Omar

Set up a Turkish phone number in week one to unlock everything

Trust L3Updated Apr 16, 2026

City-wide · Experience date Apr 1, 2026

You need a Turkish number with your YKN to open bank accounts, register apps, and receive government OTPs. Turkcell, Vodafone TR, and Türk Telekom all have foreigner-friendly SIM setups at airport stores or shopping centres. Bring your passport and YKN — some operators accept passport only for the first 3 months. Without a local number many services won't work.

Contributor: Sara

Apply for your Foreigner ID (YKN) as soon as possible

Trust L3Updated Apr 16, 2026

Directorate of Migration Management (various districts) · Experience date Apr 5, 2026

The Yabancı Kimlik Numarası (YKN) is your 11-digit foreigner ID — you need it for SIM cards, bank accounts, tax registration, and health insurance. Apply at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (PDMM). Bring your passport, rental contract, address registration, and 2 photos. Appointments fill up weeks in advance — book online at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr on your first or second day.

Contributor: Amira

Latest from the community

First grocery run — understanding Turkish supermarkets

Nov 14, 2025

Beyoğlu · Experience date Apr 25, 2026

Turkish supermarket tiers: BİM and A101 (cheapest, Turkish brands, no frills), Şok (slightly wider range), Migros (mid-range, good quality, some imported goods), Carrefour SA (imported brands, more expensive). For specific expat items: iMiGROS (online Migros) delivers imported goods. For fresh produce: neighborhood wet markets (pazar) are held weekly in every district — cheapest and freshest food, usually on specific days. Check your district's pazar day (e.g., Kadıköy pazar is Tuesday and Saturday).

Contributor: Ling Wei

Emergency numbers in Istanbul

Nov 12, 2025

Beyoğlu · Experience date Dec 18, 2025

Save these numbers immediately: police 155, ambulance 112, fire 110. For expats: the nearest consulate/embassy emergency number for your nationality. American Citizens Services in Istanbul: +90 212 335 9000. British Consulate Istanbul: +90 212 334 6400. Most emergency operators speak some English. Private hospital emergency numbers worth saving: Acıbadem Fulya: +90 212 444 5544, American Hospital Istanbul: +90 212 444 3777. Download the AFAD app for earthquake and emergency alerts — Istanbul is in a seismically active zone.

Contributor: Nadia Dubois
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