Cities & Hotspots

Istanbul has the deepest jobs and culture; Antalya is coastal and seasonal; Izmir is a more relaxed Aegean city with a strong local rhythm.

  • IstanbulOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • AntalyaOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • IzmirOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

April to June or September to October Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

Istanbul can see winter urban pollution; coastal cities are generally easier, but summer heat and wildfire smoke can matter.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Acibadem and Memorial are major private networks. Call 112 for emergencies and carry translated medication and insurance information.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom offer local plans and eSIM routes. BiTaksi and Uber cover rides; Yemeksepeti and Getir cover food and groceries.

  • Mobile networksTurkcell, Vodafone Turkey and Turk Telekom are the main operators. Foreign phones can hit IMEI registration limits, so check before relying on one handset long-term.
  • Ride appsBiTaksi is useful in Istanbul; Uber operates with local taxi structures. InDrive appears in some areas.
  • Food deliveryYemeksepeti, Getir and Trendyol Yemek are the everyday delivery names.
  • PaymentsCards are common in cities, but cash still helps with taxis, small shops and markets.
  • Home internetTurk Telekom, Turkcell Superonline and Vodafone options depend on building fibre/cable coverage.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • ResidenceUse the official e-Ikamet system for residence permit applications and appointments.
  • Address registrationResidence permit holders need address and document consistency; district rules and availability can change.
  • TaxResidence days and Turkish-source income need proper advice. Do not treat a residence permit as a tax answer.
  • Phone IMEILong-term use of an imported phone can require IMEI registration and tax payment.
  • Admin habitKeep notarised translations, rental contract, insurance and appointment records organised.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

People who want a large regional city, good food and a bridge between Europe and Asia.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.