Best 30 Apps for Living in Turkey: The Ultimate Expat Guide
Moving to or living in Turkey? These 30 essential apps will help you navigate daily life like a local. From banking to food delivery, transportation to healthcare, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need with detailed descriptions of each app's key features.
LIVING IN TURKEY: BEST 30 APPS
1. Navigation & Transportation Apps
Best Apps for Turkey Travel: Your Essential Guide
1. Google Maps (iOS/Android)
The most reliable navigation app in Turkey with accurate directions for driving, walking, and public transport. Particularly useful in big cities like Istanbul where streets can be confusing. Offers offline maps - crucial when you lose signal in historic districts or rural areas. Also shows traffic conditions, business hours, and user reviews for restaurants/shops.
2. BiTaksi (iOS/Android)
Turkey's leading taxi-hailing app that connects you with licensed yellow cabs. Shows estimated fares upfront and lets you pay cash or card. Available in all major cities. Unlike Uber which often redirects to BiTaksi, this app gives direct access to Turkey's official taxi network. Helpful when you need a safe, metered ride late at night.
3. Moovit (iOS/Android)
A must-have for public transport users. Provides real-time bus, metro, tram, and ferry schedules across Turkish cities. Gives step-by-step navigation with accurate arrival times and service alerts. Particularly valuable in Istanbul's complex transport network. Also shows wheelchair-accessible routes and less crowded vehicle options.
4. Uber (iOS/Android)
Works inconsistently in Turkey (mainly Istanbul) as it often redirects to BiTaksi due to local regulations. Still useful for estimating fares and as backup when BiTaksi isn't available. Some users report success booking Uber Comfort rides in tourist areas.
5. obilet / Obilet.com (iOS/Android)
The go-to platform for booking intercity bus tickets across Turkey. Compares schedules and prices from all major operators like Metro Turizm, Kamil Koç, and Pamukkale. Easy online payment and e-ticket system saves you trips to the bus terminal. Also shows bus amenities (WiFi, power outlets etc.).
6. Trafi (iOS/Android)
Alternative public transport app that integrates with municipal transit systems. Offers live vehicle tracking, route planning, and service disruption alerts. Clean interface makes it user-friendly for daily commuters. Particularly strong coverage in Istanbul and Ankara.
2. Banking & Finance Apps
7. Revolut / Wise (iOS/Android)
Essential for expats managing money across currencies. Offers Turkish IBAN accounts, low-cost international transfers, and excellent exchange rates. Revolut's budgeting tools help track spending while Wise is better for large transfers. Both provide debit cards accepted nationwide.
8. EnPara (QNB Finansbank) (iOS/Android)
One of Turkey's most foreigner-friendly digital banks with English language support. Offers full banking services including savings accounts, bill payments, and money transfers. App is well-designed with robust security features like fingerprint login.
9. Ziraat Mobile (iOS/Android)
Official app of Turkey's largest state-owned bank. Reliable for salary deposits, loans, and everyday banking. Interface is available in English. Strong ATM network nationwide makes cash withdrawals convenient.
10. Papara (iOS/Android)
Turkey's leading digital wallet that doesn't require a bank account. Use it for online shopping, bill payments, and peer-to-peer transfers. Popular among freelancers and digital nomads. Offers a physical debit card for ATM withdrawals.
11. Paycell (iOS/Android)
Mobile payment app by Turkcell (Turkey's top telecom). Great for topping up phone credit, paying bills, and online transactions. Integrated with many Turkish e-commerce sites. Also offers cashback rewards at partner stores.
3. Food & Grocery Delivery
12. Yemeksepeti (iOS/Android)
Turkey's dominant food delivery platform with thousands of restaurants. More comprehensive than international apps like Uber Eats. Features user ratings, delivery time estimates, and frequent discounts. Cash payment option available.
13. Getir (iOS/Android)
Revolutionized Turkish shopping with ultra-fast delivery (15-30 minutes). Orders groceries, snacks, and household essentials 24/7. Particularly useful when you need something urgently. Also operates GetirFood for restaurant deliveries.
14. Trendyol Go (iOS/Android)
Multi-service app offering food delivery, grocery shopping, and pharmacy products. Backed by Turkey's e-commerce giant Trendyol. Good for bundled deliveries when you need multiple items from different stores.
15. Migros Sanal Market (iOS/Android)
Online platform of Turkey's largest supermarket chain. Best for scheduled grocery deliveries with fresh produce and quality imported goods. Offers same-day delivery slots and various payment options.
16. The Fork (iOS/Android)
Discover and book tables at Turkey's best restaurants with exclusive discounts (up to 50% off). User reviews help avoid tourist traps. Especially useful in Istanbul, Ankara, and coastal resort areas.
4. Language & Communication Apps
17. Google Translate (iOS/Android)
Indispensable for overcoming language barriers. The camera translation feature instantly deciphers menus, signs, and documents. Download Turkish offline packs for areas with poor connectivity. Conversation mode helps with basic interactions. Note that translations can be imperfect for complex sentences.
18. Duolingo / Babbel (iOS/Android)
Duolingo offers free, gamified Turkish lessons ideal for beginners. Babbel provides more structured paid courses focusing on practical conversations. Both are great for learning essentials like greetings, numbers, and dining phrases. Consistent daily practice yields best results.
19. WhatsApp (iOS/Android)
The primary communication channel in Turkey for both personal and professional exchanges. Used by businesses, landlords, and service providers. Enable WhatsApp Pay for peer-to-peer transactions. Group chats are common for neighborhood updates and expat communities.
20. Telegram (iOS/Android)
Popular among expats for its large group capacities (up to 200,000 members). Many city-specific expat groups share housing leads, job postings, and event invites. Channels provide news updates. Offers secure messaging with self-destruct timers.
5. Housing & Real Estate Apps
21. Sahibinden (iOS/Android)
Turkey's largest classifieds platform for rentals, properties, and second-hand goods. Listings include apartments, villas, and commercial spaces. Use filters for pet-friendly options, furnished homes, and specific neighborhoods. Beware of scams – always verify listings in person.
22. Airbnb (iOS/Android)
Best for short-term stays while you search for permanent housing. Many landlords offer discounted monthly rates. "Airbnb Experiences" also helps discover local tours and activities. Read reviews carefully regarding heating/water pressure issues.
23. Hepsiemlak (iOS/Android)
Professional real estate portal with verified agents. Detailed listings include floor plans, video tours, and neighborhood info. Useful for comparing long-term rental prices across districts. Some English-speaking agents available in major cities.
6. Shopping & Services Apps
24. Trendyol (iOS/Android)
Turkey's Amazon equivalent selling everything from electronics to fashion. Frequent flash sales offer significant discounts. "Trendyol Express" provides same-day delivery in major cities. Check seller ratings as quality can vary.
25. Hepsiburada (iOS/Android)
Major competitor to Trendyol with a wider selection of imported goods. Reliable for appliances and tech products. "HepsiJet" ensures fast shipping. Offers installment payment plans (taksit) for big purchases.
26. Dolap (iOS/Android)
Turkey's largest second-hand marketplace for clothing, furniture, and electronics. Great for finding affordable household items when first moving. Sellers often negotiate prices. Meet in safe public places for transactions.
7. Health & Wellness Apps
27. Medula (e-Nabız) (iOS/Android)
Official government health portal storing medical records, prescriptions, and test results. Essential for accessing public healthcare. Links to family doctors and hospitals. Interface is in Turkish but Chrome translation works.
28. Doctor Anywhere (iOS/Android)
Telemedicine service connecting you with English-speaking doctors via video call. Prescriptions are electronically sent to local pharmacies. Covers general consultations, dermatology, and mental health. Accepts international insurance.
8. Entertainment & Social Apps
29. Netflix / BluTV (iOS/Android)
Netflix Turkey has localized content with some Turkish series offering English subtitles. BluTV is Turkey's premier streaming platform for original shows and live sports. Both accept Turkish payment methods.
30. Eventbrite / Biletix (iOS/Android)
Eventbrite lists international meetups and workshops. Biletix is Turkey's primary ticketing platform for concerts (like Istanbul Jazz Festival), theater, and sports events. Some events offer student discounts.
Bonus: 5 Additional Niche Apps
- TapTap (iOS/Android) Car wash and maintenance services on-demand
- Petsin (iOS/Android) Vet appointments and pet supplies delivery
- Armut (iOS/Android) Hire local professionals for home repairs
- Culture Trip (iOS/Android) Curated guides to hidden gems
- GasBuddy (iOS/Android) Find cheapest fuel prices nationwide
Pro Tips for App Success in Turkey
- Payment Methods Most apps require Turkish cards. Get a local bank account or use Papara.
- Language Settings Many apps auto-default to Turkish. Change to English in settings if available.
- Regional Content Some services (like Netflix) have Turkey-specific catalogs. Use a VPN if needed.
- Data Savings Turkcell/Turk Telekom offer affordable prepaid data packages for app usage.
"After 3 years in Istanbul, these apps saved me countless hours and headaches. Yemeksepeti and Getir became my lifelines during lockdowns, while Sahibinden helped me find my perfect apartment."
- Sarah K., Digital Nomad from Canada
Did we miss any essential apps? Share your favorites in the comments below!
Turkish Language Materials
