Quick Answer
How do I set up utilities in Turkey as a foreigner?
Internet and mobile are the easiest — both can be set up with just a passport and tax number. Electricity, gas, and water usually stay in the landlord's name and you pay through them. Get your Turkish tax number on day one (5 minutes online), then immediately book your internet installation and buy a SIM card. Aidat (building fee) is paid monthly to the building manager — get their bank account details when you collect your keys.
Every Utility You Need to Set Up
Costs are monthly averages for a 1–2 person household.
| Utility | Provider | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity (Elektrik) | Regional — BEDAŞ (Istanbul), KEPEZ (Antalya), others | €30–80/month | Summer AC use can triple bills. Air conditioner ≈ €0.08–0.12/kWh in Turkey. |
| Natural Gas (Doğalgaz) | IGDAŞ (Istanbul), regional providers | €20–60/month (winter) | Many coastal apartments use electric heating instead. Significantly higher in winter. |
| Water (Su) | İSKİ (Istanbul), ASAT (Antalya), municipal | €10–25/month | Very cheap compared to Europe. Billed every 2 months in most cities. |
| Internet | Superonline, Türk Telekom, Kablonet | €8–20/month | Fiber available in most expat cities. Get Superonline if available. |
| Mobile Phone | Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom | €10–30/month | Register foreign phone IMEI within 90 days. Prepaid available day 1. |
| Aidat (Building Fee) | Building management committee | €15–80/month | Mandatory. Covers lift, security, cleaning, garden. Not included in rent unless stated. |
| DASK (Earthquake Insurance) | Mandatory state scheme + private add-on | €20–60/year | Legally mandatory on all Turkish residential properties. Ask for the policy document. |
First Week Utilities Checklist
Get tax number (vergi numarası) — needed for internet and phone contracts
Confirm utility subscriber (abone) numbers from landlord
Get building manager contact and aidat bank account details
Buy a Turkish SIM card (passport only, no ikamet needed)
Set up internet contract — book installation appointment immediately
Confirm who pays water and how (landlord or direct)
Request DASK earthquake insurance policy number from landlord
FAQ
Should utilities be in my name or the landlord's name?
Ideally in your name for electricity and internet — it gives you direct control, protects you from a landlord disappearing with unpaid bills, and is easier for direct debit setup. Water often stays in the landlord's name. Gas varies. Discuss with your landlord before signing the lease. Some landlords prefer to keep utilities in their name and bill you directly — this is common but less ideal for you.
How high are electricity bills in summer?
Air conditioning use in summer can 3–4x your electricity bill compared to winter. A 1-bedroom apartment running AC for 8+ hours daily in July–August can easily reach €80–120/month. Many Turkish apartments have pre-installed multi-split AC systems with older, less efficient units. This is a significant cost difference from spring/autumn bills and should be factored into your summer budget.
What if utility bills go unpaid because of the landlord?
If utilities are in the landlord's name and the landlord fails to forward your payments to the provider, the service will be disconnected in your name too. This is a real risk. Either get utilities in your own name, or always pay by bank transfer to the landlord with 'electricity payment March' in the reference — creating a traceable paper trail. Check your account hasn't been cut when you move in.
Can I get utilities without a residence permit?
Internet: yes, with passport + tax number. Phone (postpaid): yes, with passport + tax number. Electricity and gas contracts: typically require landlord involvement and may need a local guarantor or ikamet for direct transfer to your name. Most expats leave electricity and water in the landlord's name initially and handle internet/phone independently.
Related Guides
Setting Up Utilities — Step-by-Step
Transfer electricity, gas, and water into your name: documents, providers by city, deposits
How to Pay Bills in Turkey
Payment methods, otomatik ödeme, e-Devlet, and bill glossary
Internet in Turkey for Expats
Broadband providers and setup
Mobile Phone Plans in Turkey
SIM cards and data plans
First 30 Days in Turkey
Complete arrival setup checklist