City, Turkey
Izmir
Liberal Aegean city with a long seafront promenade, relaxed pace and strong food culture. Summers are hot; there is less tourism than the coast, so prices are local.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,630–2,650Comfortable, one person · ₺80,000–130,000Details
- Value for money36/100Better value than 35% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 34°CDetails
- Air quality24.2 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2023) · PollutedDetails
- Internet83 MbpsFixed broadband, Turkey medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated tap water is chlorinated but most locals buy bottled water or 19-litre jugs; use bottled for drinking.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$31–71Private 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 Izmir
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Alsancak | Cafés, bars, seafront and the city's social center |
| Karsiyaka | Local, relaxed, ferries and a long promenade |
| Konak | Historic markets and the clock tower; busy by day |
| Bornova | Student area, cheaper cafes and housing |
Apps that work in Izmir
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
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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.