Tourist visa-free: Citizens of many countries (EU, UK, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, South American countries, etc.) can stay in Turkey for 90 days (usually within a 90-day per 180-day scheme). US and Canadian citizens also recently had the e-Visa requirement waived for tourism up to 90 days. Digital Nomad Visa: Launched in 2024 for digital nomads. Available to citizens of EU, US, UK, and Canada (ages 21–55, university degree, income from $3,000/month). Residence Permit (İkamet): Obtaining a short-term residence permit is now extremely complicated for all foreigners. Many popular districts (more than 10, including Fatih and parts of Şişli) are officially "closed" for initial foreign registration. Currently, Istanbul is best used as a hub within the visa-free period.
Istanbulkart: Single card for all transport. Types: Metro (developed network), Metrobus (dedicated express line), Marmaray (tunnel under the Bosporus), Trams. Ferries (Vapur) — the most beautiful and popular way to cross the strait. Taxis: BiTaksi and Uber. Be prepared for legendary traffic jams and taxi driver tricks (always call via app).
By air: Two giant airports — Istanbul New Airport (IST, European side) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW, Asian side). The region's largest aviation hub, with flights from almost everywhere. By bus: Regular services from Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, and Romania. By train: International express from Sofia and Bucharest (Halkalı station).
Loud, aromatic (spices, fried fish, coffee), contrasting. Here someone is always running somewhere, drinking tea from tulip-shaped glasses, or bargaining. A city for extroverts and those who can find zen in a crowd. East and West in absolute mixture.
Megacity lovers and "organized chaos" enthusiasts, history and gastronomy fans. Suits entrepreneurs (textiles, trade, logistics) and nomads who value a powerful aviation hub nearby and an active pace of life.
Coworking spaces: Kolektif House (network of stylish world-class offices), Workinton, Impact Hub Istanbul, Han Spaces. Huge selection of cafes for working (especially in Kadıköy, Cihangir, Beşiktaş districts). Connectivity: Excellent mobile internet (Turkcell, Vodafone), home internet in older buildings can be unstable (ADSL), in new complexes — fiber optic. Services: Getir (10-minute grocery delivery), Yemeksepeti (food), Trendyol (marketplace). High-quality medicine, developed medical tourism.
Due to inflation, prices in lira are constantly rising, but life remains affordable by European standards in dollars. — One person: ~1000–1800 USD per month. — Family: ~2000–4000 USD. Rent: Depends heavily on district and building age. 1-bedroom apartment in popular areas (Cihangir, Moda, Şişli): ~600–1200 USD. Food: Street food is cheap and tasty (lunch $5–8), alcohol is expensive due to excise taxes.
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