Quick Answer
What should I do in my first month in Turkey?
Week 1: Get your SIM card and tax number immediately. Week 2: Open a bank account, book your ikamet appointment, and arrange health insurance. Week 3: Attend the ikamet appointment and set up utilities. Week 4: Join the local community, set up bill payments, and start learning Turkish. The most time-sensitive step is booking the ikamet appointment — do not wait.
Immediate Needs
These tasks require no Turkish ID or residence permit — just your passport. Complete them on arrival days 1–7.
Free at any tax office (vergi dairesi); takes 15 minutes; bring passport
Full guideWise, Revolut, or your home bank wire to cover first month costs
Full guideKeep ₺500–1,000 in cash for dolmuş, markets, and small payments
Google Maps, BiTaksi, Yemeksepeti, your bank app, Sahibinden
Save the addresses and note opening hours — private hospitals are preferred by expats
Full guideGovernment & Legal
Banking, ikamet, and health insurance all connect to each other. Do them in order — tax number first, then bank account, then ikamet.
Bring passport, tax number, and proof of address; Garanti BBVA and Akbank are expat-friendly
Full guideBook at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr — do not delay; slots fill fast
Full guideRequired for ikamet; private international policies (Cigna, AXA) or Turkish private insurers
Full guideStart collecting: photos, insurance certificate, lease/address proof, bank statements
Full guideIf you have a permanent address — bring lease, passport, landlord ID
Full guideTürk Telekom fiber, Turkcell Superonline, or Vodafone Net; allow 3–10 days for installation
Full guideHousing & Utilities
Once you have attended your ikamet appointment, focus on getting your permanent home and utilities sorted.
Bring all documents, original + copy; arrive 10 minutes early
Full guideElectricity, gas, and water — needs lease agreement and tax number
Full guideUse Sahibinden.com, Emlakjet, or a local emlakçı (estate agent)
Full guideForeign phones are blocked after 60–120 days; registration costs ~₺3,000–7,000. See the full electronics and IMEI guide.
Full guideActivate internet banking for paying bills and receiving transfers
Full guideRegister with a local GP (family doctor) — free under SGK or low-cost with private insurance
Full guideLifestyle & Social
The hard admin is done. Now focus on building a life — community, language, and routines.
Turkish banks allow direct debits (otomatik ödeme) for electricity, gas, water, internet
Find the local bazaar (pazar), bakkal (corner shop), supermarket, pharmacy, and post office
InterNations, Facebook groups for your city — invaluable for recommendations and friendship
Full guideEven 50 words massively improves daily life; Duolingo, Pimsleur, or a local language school
Full guideTrack TL spending and FX rate exposure; inflation means prices shift regularly
Full guideCards are mailed to your registered address; typical wait 6–12 weeks after appointment
Full guideTurkey Relocation Blueprint
Download the full printable first-month checklist and relocation blueprint.
Turkey Relocation Blueprint
Step-by-step relocation plan covering residency setup, banking, taxes, neighborhoods, and your first-month checklist.
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Step-by-step relocation roadmap
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Budget planning templates
Residency & banking setup
Avoid common relocation mistakes
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Turkey Relocation Blueprint
Step-by-step relocation plan covering residency setup, banking, taxes, neighborhoods, and your first-month checklist.
Secure checkout · Instant access