Set up a Turkish phone number in week one to unlock everything

You need a Turkish number with your YKN to open bank accounts, register apps, and receive government OTPs. Turkcell, Vodafone TR, and Türk Telekom all have foreigner-friendly SIM setups at airport stores or shopping centres. Bring your passport and YKN — some operators accept passport only for the f

Istanbul

First 7 Days Checklist

Q: Apply for your Foreigner ID (YKN) as soon as possible

The Yabancı Kimlik Numarası (YKN) is your 11-digit foreigner ID — you need it for SIM cards, bank accounts, tax registration, and health insurance. Apply at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (PDMM). Bring your passport, rental contract, address registration, and 2 photos. Appointmen

The minimum setup tasks newcomers should complete in week one.

Share your tip

AI summary · assistance only

You'll find that setting up a Turkish phone number is essential in your first week, as it's required to open bank accounts, register apps, and receive government OTPs. Most newcomers don't expect the long waiting times in Turkey's public health system, so consider investing in private health insurance. Watch out for the requirement to register your address at the local Muhtarlk within 20 working days, and apply for your Foreigner ID (YKN) as soon as possible. You can get an Istanbulkart from the airport before leaving arrivals, which costs around 10-20 TRY and is necessary for public transportation. To get started, head to the Directorate of Migration Management to apply for your YKN, which will cost around 160 TRY and is a crucial step in settling into Istanbul. Today, take a trip to the nearest Turkcell or Vodafone store to set up your Turkish phone number, which will cost around 100-200 TRY, depending on the plan.

Top verified tips

Ranked by contributor trust level and quality score.

Don't skip private health insurance — public system has waiting times

Trust L4Updated Apr 16, 2026

City-wide · Experience date Mar 28, 2026

Turkey's SGK public health system is good but requires employer registration and has long waits for non-emergency appointments. If you're a freelancer or arriving before your employer registers you, get private insurance immediately. Acibadem, Memorial, and Florence Nightingale hospitals have English-speaking doctors and accept international and private Turkish policies. Basic private plans start around 4,000–6,000 TL/year.

First 7 Days Checklist

AI summary · assistance only

Top verified tips

Don't skip private health insurance — public system has waiting times

First 7 Days Checklist

AI summary · assistance only

Top verified tips

Don't skip private health insurance — public system has waiting times

Set up a Turkish phone number in week one to unlock everything

Apply for your Foreigner ID (YKN) as soon as possible

Latest from the community

First grocery run — understanding Turkish supermarkets

Emergency numbers in Istanbul