✈️ Just landed in Istanbul?
Before you dive into this amazing city, there are two essential things every visitor should take care of:
- 🚌 Get an Istanbulkart – the city’s official public transport card
- 📶 Buy a local SIM card – to access internet, maps, and apps on the go
These two steps will save you money, reduce stress, and help you move around the city like a local.
🚌 1. What is Istanbulkart and Why You Need It
Istanbulkart is a smart transport card that works on:
- Metrohttps://www.metro.istanbul/YolcuHizmetleri/AgHaritalari
- Trams
- Buses
- Ferries
(and even some toilets!)
🧠 Why You Must Have It:
- Cash is not accepted in public transport
- Single-use tickets are much more expensive
- Istanbulkart saves you up to 50% per ride
| Ticket Type | Price (2025 est.) |
|---|---|
| Single ticket | 40TL |
| With Istanbulkart | 27 TL |
If you ride 4 times a day:
💸 Single ticket = 140 TL
✅ Istanbulkart = ~165TL
➡️ That’s 165 TL saved in just one day.https://www.istanbulkart.istanbul/price-limit
📍 Where to Get One:
- Airport vending machines (Istanbul & Sabiha Gökçen)
- Metro stations
- Newspaper kiosks and convenience stores
💳 Card cost: ~60–70 TL
💰 Recommended starting balance: at least 100 TL
🔄 How to Load Balance:
- “Kartmatik” machines in stations
- Cashiers at markets (A101, Migros, etc.)
- Mobile apps: Istanbulkart, Mobiett, Trafi
📶 2. Getting a SIM Card in Turkey
You’ll need internet for:
- Google Maps
- Uber / BiTaksi
- Translation apps
- Restaurant and museum info
- Emergency contact
🚫 Without a SIM card, you might get stuck with no Wi-Fi or roaming fees.
📍 Where to Buy:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airports | Easy & fast | Much more expensive |
| City center (Taksim, Kadıköy) | Cheaper, more choices | Takes a little more time |
🛂 Passport is required to buy a SIM card in Turkey.
📡 Main Operators:
| Operator | Internet Quality | 30-Day Tourist Package (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Turkcell | Best coverage & speed | 750–1000 TL |
| Vodafone | Balanced choice | 600–800 TL |
| Türk Telekom | Cheapest but weaker signal | 500–700 TL |
💡 Local Tips:
- Get Istanbulkart before you leave the airport
- Buy SIM card in the city center if you want to save money
- Install these apps:
- Istanbulkart (transport payments)
- Trafi (navigation)
- Uber & BiTaksi (ride hailing)
📌 Summary:
To make your Istanbul trip smoother, cheaper, and stress-free:
- ✅ Buy an Istanbulkart
- ✅ Get a local SIM card
You’ll thank yourself later.
⚠️ To avoid scams and bad experiences in Istanbul, follow our channel and stay informed:
👉 @knowistanbul