Quick Answer
What are the essential apps for expat life in Turkey?
Non-negotiable: WhatsApp (everyone uses it), BiTaksi or iTaksi (safe taxis), Google Translate camera mode (navigate Turkish text), Getir (instant grocery delivery), Yemeksepeti (restaurant delivery), your Turkish bank app, and Wise (international transfers). Download all of these before you land. Yandex Maps is better than Google for driving navigation in Turkish cities.
Pro Tips for Using Apps in Turkey
Set Google Translate to "auto-detect to English" with camera mode — point it at anything Turkish and read it instantly
WhatsApp is the primary communication method in Turkey — use it for landlord, building manager, and official contacts
Sahibinden works better in the browser on a laptop for apartment searching; the app is optimised for mobile selling
BiTaksi shows fare estimate before booking — always use it in tourist areas to avoid negotiated (overpriced) taxis
Download offline Google Maps for your city before arriving — useful if you have connection issues on arrival day
Trendyol and Hepsiburada delivery is often same-day or next-day — far faster than equivalent European platforms
Transport
BiTaksi
Ride-hailing for taxis. Shows fare before booking. Eliminates overcharging. Works in all major cities.
iTaksi
Alternative to BiTaksi. Istanbul-focused. Same concept — metre-based but booked safely from your phone.
Trafi
Real-time public transport maps for Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir. Shows bus, metro, tram routes and live times.
İstanbulkart Mobile
Top up Istanbul's transit card from your phone. Check balance. Essential for daily public transport use.
Food & Delivery
Getir
10-minute grocery and convenience delivery. Available in major cities. Extraordinary speed and selection.
Yemeksepeti
Turkey's largest restaurant delivery app. Every restaurant in every city. The Turkish equivalent of Deliveroo.
Trendyol Yemek
Competitor to Yemeksepeti. Often has better promotions and restaurant variety in some cities.
Migros Sanal Market
Migros supermarket online delivery. Wider selection than Getir for full grocery shops.
Shopping
Trendyol
Turkey's biggest e-commerce app. Clothes, electronics, homeware. Fast delivery (1–3 days to major cities).
Hepsiburada
Second-largest e-commerce platform. Strong for electronics and home appliances.
Sahibinden
Classified ads — apartments, cars, second-hand goods. Primary platform for most person-to-person transactions in Turkey.
Finance & Banking
Garanti BBVA Mobile
Most foreigner-friendly Turkish bank app. English language support. Bill payments, transfers, card management.
Wise
Best way to bring money to Turkey. Mid-market rate, low fees. Link to Turkish bank for daily use.
Revolut
Multi-currency card. Spend in TRY at good rates. Useful as spending card before Turkish bank account is open.
Language & Navigation
Google Translate (camera mode)
Point camera at Turkish text for instant translation. Invaluable for menus, bills, product labels, street signs.
Google Maps
Generally reliable in Turkey. Works offline if you download city maps. Better for walking; Yandex better for driving.
Yandex Maps
Better than Google Maps for driving navigation in Turkish cities. More accurate traffic and road data.
Duolingo (Turkish)
Start Turkish language basics before arriving. Gamified daily practice. Not sufficient alone but excellent starter.
Government & Admin
e-Devlet (e-Government)
Turkey's official government portal. Tax queries, driving licence checks, document requests, address changes.
PTT (Turkish Postal Service)
Track packages, pay bills, find nearest branch. PTT is also used for bill payment without a bank account.