Must-Have Apps in Turkey: Your Essential Digital Survival Kit
Having the appropriate apps on your phone may greatly simplify your life, regardless of whether you're visiting Turkey for the first time, relocating here for job or education, or intending to stay for an extended period of time.
Locals in Turkey utilize a variety of indispensable apps on a daily basis for anything from food delivery to public transit, bill payment, and bureaucratic navigation. I'll go over the essential apps in Turkey in this piece, along with their functions and ways to benefit you.
e-Government (e-Devlet)
Why it is essential: Your digital key to Turkey's bureaucracy is this app. The official e-government portal, the e-Devlet app, allows you to:
- Obtain the documentation for your residency permit.
- Verify any outstanding taxes or traffic penalties.
- Check your social security (SGK) status.
- Go to your address registration page.
- Obtain credentials for employment or education.
To log in, you'll need your e-Devlet password, which you may obtain at a PTT office, and your Foreigner ID number (99... number).
İstanbulkart / AnkaraKart / İzmirim Kart (City-Specific Transit Apps)
AnkaraKart, İstanbulkart, and İzmirim Kart are city-specific transit applications.
Why it is essential: You can get around like a native with the help of these applications. There is a transportation card app specific to each major city:
- For Istanbul, İstanbulkart
- For Ankara, AnkaraKart
- For İzmir, İzmirim Kart
These applications allow you to:
- Add money to your card online.
- Examine your ride history.
- View the stations in the area
- You can occasionally even use a QR code to pay.
These apps are essential for using Turkey's economical and effective public transportation system.
BiTaksi / Uber Turkey — Taxi Services
Why it’s a must: Safe, cashless, and tourist-friendly transportation.
In cities like Istanbul, BiTaksi is the go-to app to call a cab without worrying about language barriers or getting overcharged. Uber is also available in some regions (often as a taxi, not private cars).
Features:
- Track your ride
- Pay by card or cash
- Rate your driver
- Choose English interface
Getir / Yemeksepeti – Delivery of Food & Grocery
Why it is essential: when you're simply too exhausted or hungry to go out.
Yemeksepeti is the greatest app for ordering food from restaurants, while Getir delivers goods in a matter of minutes.
Yemeksepeti
- A vast array of eateries
- Exclusive savings
- An interface in English is available.
Getir
- Super quick delivery of groceries (Getir Market)
- Able to supply restaurant food (Getir Yemek), water (Getir Su), and more.
- Ideal for leisurely evenings or dreary days.
Trendyol/Hepsiburada: Internet-Based Buying
Turkey's Amazon-style platforms are the reason it's essential.
For home products, electronics, clothing, and other items:
- Trendyol is the finest place to discover affordable fashion and beauty items.
- Hepsiburada is excellent for home goods and gadgets.
- With Turkish cards, you can quickly trace delivery, return items, and frequently make installment payments.
- Having a local debit card is helpful, but most retailers accept foreign cards.
Google Translate / Yandex Translate
Even though many young Turks speak English, you’ll likely encounter situations where Turkish-only is the norm — in local shops, hospitals, or government offices.
Use these apps to:
- Translate menus
- Talk to taxi drivers
- Understand forms and signs
Use the camera scan feature to translate printed Turkish text instantly
Zingat / Sahibinden — Automobiles, Apartments, & More
Why it is essential: Are you looking for furnishings, a used automobile, or a place to live?
The most widely used classifieds platform in Turkey is Sahibinden.
For real estate listings with agency information, Zingat is excellent.
Perfect for:
- Apartment rentals
- Purchasing secondhand goods
- Locating electronics or furnishings
- Since most listings are in Turkish, translation tools are helpful.
Papara / Wise / Western Union — Money Management for Foreigners
Why it’s a must: Handling money in a new country can be tricky — especially if you don't have a local bank account yet. These apps offer easy, safe, and efficient ways to send, receive, and spend money in Turkey.
Papara — A Digital Wallet Without a Bank Account
Papara is one of Turkey’s most popular fintech apps. It allows you to open a digital wallet and use it like a bank account — even if you don’t have one.
What you can do with Papara:
- Send and receive money instantly (to Papara or Turkish bank accounts)
- Shop online and in stores with a Papara Card
- Pay bills, mobile top-ups, and subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify
- Access cashback deals and discounts with partnered brands
How to use it:
- Download the app (available in English and Turkish)
- Sign up with your Foreigner ID number (starts with 99) and a Turkish phone number
- Verify your identity by uploading your residence permit (ikamet) or passport
- Order a free Papara prepaid card (delivered to your address)
- Load money via bank transfer or cash deposit points (like PTT or markets)
Wise — International Money Transfers Made Easy
Formerly known as TransferWise, Wise is a trusted platform for international transfers at real exchange rates (the mid-market rate — no hidden markups).
What you can do with Wise:
- Send money to and from Turkey in multiple currencies
- Hold and exchange money in over 50 currencies
- Get a Wise debit card (if you're eligible)
- Pay tuition, rent, or personal expenses abroad
How to use it:
- Create a Wise account online or through the app
- Choose the amount and currency you want to send
- Enter your or your recipient’s bank account details
- Pay via credit card, bank transfer, or Apple/Google Pay
- Track your transfer in real-time
Tip: Wise is known for its low fees and excellent exchange rates — often better than traditional banks or Western Union.
Western Union — For Emergency or Cash Pickups
Western Union is one of the oldest and most widely available services for cash-based money transfers, especially useful in urgent situations.
What you can do with Western Union:
- Send money from abroad to be picked up in cash in Turkey (or vice versa)
- Receive funds at thousands of WU agent locations (banks, PTT, supermarkets)
- Use it even if you don’t have a bank account
How to use it:
- Visit the Western Union app or website
- Enter your recipient’s name and country (Turkey)
- Choose cash pickup or bank deposit
- Pay with your card or bank account
- Share the tracking number (MTCN) with the receiver
Tip: Always bring your passport or residence permit when picking up cash.
If you plan to stay in Turkey long-term, Papara is a great local solution. If you're sending or receiving money from abroad, Wise offers the best value. And for emergencies, Western Union is the fastest.
Final Conclusion;
Having these apps on your phone will save you time, money, and stress in Turkey. From navigating bureaucracy to getting dinner delivered, they’re the digital lifeline of everyday life here. Before you arrive, set up an app store account for Turkey if possible — or update your region after getting a Turkish SIM card. That way, you can easily download all the local apps. Top of FormBottom of Form