City, Turkey
Istanbul
Two-continent megacity of food, ferries and bazaars with a huge expat and nomad scene. Scams, crowds and traffic are the trade-offs, and prices rise fast with inflation.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,240–3,460Comfortable, one person · ₺110,000–170,000Details
- Value for money9/100Better value than 8% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 29°CDetails
- Air quality50.5 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2025) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet83 MbpsFixed broadband, Turkey medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated but most people drink bottled water or 19-litre jugs; filter or buy bottled.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$31–81Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBiTaksiWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere; keep lira for bazaars, dolmus minibuses, tips and village restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Istanbul
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Beyoglu (Cihangir, Galata) | First-timers and nomads: cafés, nightlife, walkable, tram and metro |
| Kadikoy–Moda (Asian side) | Food, markets, ferries and a local, youthful vibe |
| Besiktas–Ortakoy | Bosphorus walks, bars and universities |
| Sultanahmet | Sightseeing base; touristy and pricier |
Apps that work in Istanbul
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yemeksepeti | Widest restaurant choice, works in English |
| Trendyol Go | Fast food and grocery delivery |
| Getir | Quick grocery delivery in cities |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- obilet: compare and book intercity buses
- Taxis: Use the meter and insist on it; refuse flat fares. Tourist-area taxis often inflate; apps or hotel-booked transfers avoid arguments.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Turkey.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; keep lira for bazaars, dolmus minibuses, tips and village restaurants.
- Currency: Lira (TRY). US$1 ≈ ₺49.13 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most bank ATMs charge foreign cards a fee shown on screen; compare banks and always decline the conversion offer.
- Tipping: About 10% in sit-down restaurants if service isn't included; round up taxis; tip hammam attendants and hotel porters a little.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay with foreign cards work on most contactless terminals; local wallets need Turkish bank accounts.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities enter visa-free; others need an e-Visa. Use only evisa.gov.tr, as look-alike agent sites charge extra.
- Passport must be valid at least 60 days beyond your stay (150 days from arrival for a 90-day stay).
- Stays are capped at 90 days in any 180; overstays bring fines and possible entry bans.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy tourist packs at carrier stores with your passport; airport desks cost more. Foreign phones on Turkish SIMs are blocked after 120 days unless registered. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Turkey
Going to Istanbul solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Istanbul meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.