Moving to Turkey
Complete relocation guide
Moving Checklist
Before & after arrival
Relocation Timeline
Week-by-week what to expect
Cost of Living
Budgets across major cities
Healthcare in Turkey
Insurance, SGK, hospitals
From the UK
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Moving Your Belongings
Bringing Personal
Belongings to Turkey
A practical guide to what you can bring to Turkey — in your suitcase, in a shipment, and what needs to be declared or left behind.
Two scenarios
Arriving with Luggage vs Shipping Ahead
In your luggage
Items you carry on your person or in checked baggage when flying or driving into Turkey. Standard customs duty-free allowances apply. Turkish customs uses a Red/Green channel system — if you carry goods within the allowances, you take the Green (nothing to declare) channel.
- Personal clothing and accessories
- Personal electronics (1 laptop, 1 phone, etc.)
- Reasonable amounts of personal toiletries
- Books, magazines, personal documents
- Medications with prescriptions
- Gifts up to €430 value
In a separate shipment
Personal belongings and household goods sent separately (by sea or air freight, or road removal). The household goods exemption applies here — used personal belongings for a permanent resident are generally exempt from customs duty with proper documentation.
- All household goods and furniture
- Additional clothing and personal effects
- Books, artwork, collections
- Tools and specialist equipment
- Bicycles, sporting equipment
- Kitchen appliances and equipment
Category guide
What Can You Bring? Item by Item
Electronics
- Laptop (1)
- Smartphone (1–2)
- Tablet or e-reader (1)
- Camera equipment (personal)
- Multiple identical phones (5+)
Appears commercial
Clothing & accessories
- Personal wardrobe
- Jewellery (personal pieces)
- Watches (1–2)
- Large quantities of unworn clothing
May be classed as commercial
Medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Prescription medications (3-month supply)
Carry prescription
- Controlled substances
Must have doctor's letter + prescription
- Large quantities
May trigger inspection
Food & drink
- Sealed commercially packaged food
Personal quantities
- Alcohol (within allowances)
- Fresh meat, dairy, eggs
Generally not permitted
- Commercial quantities of food
Books & media
- Books (personal library)
- CDs, DVDs (personal collection)
- Musical instruments (personal)
- Artwork (personal use)
High-value art may need documentation
Sport & leisure
- Bicycle
- Golf equipment
- Ski or sports equipment
- Sailing/water sports gear
- Hunting weapons
Licence required
Electronics deserve special attention — IMEI registration requirements, voltage compatibility, customs thresholds by device type, and what to buy locally vs. bring from home are all covered in the dedicated guide to bringing electronics to Turkey as a foreigner.
Preparation
Pre-Move Checklist
Before you ship anything, complete these steps to ensure a smooth Turkish customs experience.
Photograph all items being shipped (condition record)
Create detailed inventory — item name, quantity, age, estimated value
Gather purchase receipts for electronics and valuables
Obtain Turkish residence permit (ikamet)
Get proof of previous address abroad (lease/utility bill)
Request certificate of change of residence from origin country
Engage Turkish customs broker (gümrük müşaviri)
Get comprehensive insurance for high-value items
Confirm vehicle access at Turkish delivery address
Important
What NOT to Ship
Perishable food
Fresh food, dairy, and meat products cannot survive a multi-week sea transit and may be confiscated. Don't include them in shipments.
Hazardous materials
Paint, gas canisters, batteries (loose), flammable liquids, and similar items are prohibited from international shipments.
Items that need prior permits
Firearms, controlled medications, certain chemicals, and radio equipment require permits arranged before you depart. Last-minute declaration rarely works.
Items you plan to sell
Commercial imports have different rules. If you are selling items — even second-hand furniture on local markets — the household goods exemption does not apply.
Alcohol in large quantities
Turkish alcohol import duties are high. The arrival allowance is small. Large quantities of alcohol will attract significant duties even if genuinely personal.
Common questions
FAQ
More moving guides
Bringing Electronics to Turkey
IMEI registration, voltage, customs rules for devices
Shipping Cost Calculator
Estimate your move cost
Turkey Customs Rules
Full customs guide
Shipping Household Goods
Sea freight and removal guide
Moving to Turkey with Pets
Pet transport requirements
Moving to Turkey Guide
Full relocation overview