Turkey · 15.8M people
A vibrant metropolis bridging Europe and Asia.
Overview
Our editors have not published a overview guide for Istanbul yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the communityHousing
Our editors have not published a housing guide for Istanbul yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the communityCost of living
Our editors have not published a cost of living guide for Istanbul yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the communityJobs
Our editors have not published a jobs guide for Istanbul yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the communityTransportation
Our editors have not published a transportation guide for Istanbul yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the communityLifestyle
Our editors have not published a lifestyle guide for Istanbul yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the communityEducation
Our editors have not published a education guide for Istanbul yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the communityHealthcare
Our editors have not published a healthcare guide for Istanbul yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the communityVisas
Our editors have not published a visas guide for Istanbul yet. People who live there can help in the meantime.
Ask the community0 reviews
Lived in Istanbul? Your rating helps the next person decide.
Living in Istanbul? Share what the move was really like.
Share your experienceIncluding questions about Turkey in general.
Start the first thread for this city.
Neighbourhoods, rent, commutes, schools: members who live here answer.
Ask a question
A week by week checklist for your first month in a new country: registration, ID numbers, banking, phone, healthcare, tax and building a life beyond paperwork.
3 min read Updated Oct 2026
The real costs of relocating: visas, flights, deposits, the first months before salary arrives and the hidden extras. A simple framework and worked numbers.
3 min read Updated Oct 2026
Why the second and third months abroad are often the hardest, how culture shock shows up, and practical strategies that actually help you adjust.
3 min read Updated Oct 2026
How to count your days in the Schengen area, what happens when you become a resident, the new Entry/Exit System and why overstaying even a few days is a bad idea.
3 min read Updated Oct 2026
Banks, money transfer apps and cash pickup services compared. How to spot hidden exchange rate margins and choose the cheapest, safest way to support family abroad.
3 min read Updated Oct 2026
How many hours international students can work during term and holidays in three popular destinations, what counts as work, and how to stay within the rules.
3 min read Updated Oct 2026