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Unmapped.

COUNTRY GUIDE

Türkiye

Two continents, long coastlines and very different cities, better with company.

Studying in Ankara, working remotely from Istanbul or spending a winter on the coast: Unmapped helps you find your city, meet travelers, expats and locals, and join or start things together.

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The Süleymaniye Mosque above the waterfront and harbour of Istanbul, Türkiye
Süleymaniye Mosque over the Golden Horn, Istanbul. Photo: Ibrahim Uzun / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)

BASICS

Before you go.

Language
Turkish
Kurdish and other languages are spoken too. English is common in big cities and tourist areas, less so elsewhere.
Currency
Turkish lira (₺, TRY)
Cards are widely accepted. Prices can change often, so check current costs when you plan.
Time zone
Türkiye time, UTC+3
One time zone all year, no daylight saving time.
Power
Type C and F plugs, 230 V
The standard European round-pin plug.
Getting online
eSIM, SIM or Wi-Fi
Coverage is good in cities and along main roads, and Wi-Fi is common in cafés.
Emergency
112
One number for police, fire and ambulance.

GETTING AROUND

Easy to move, once you know how.

  • Domestic flights

    Flights connect Istanbul and Ankara with most regions and shorten the longest trips.

  • High-speed trains

    Fast trains link Istanbul, Ankara, Eskişehir and Konya, with more lines being added.

  • Intercity buses

    A large network of comfortable long-distance buses reaches almost every town.

  • Ferries

    Ferries cross the Bosphorus in Istanbul and connect the coast with nearby islands.

CITIES TO EXPLORE

Where to start.

A few very different places to begin. You can explore any city in Türkiye through Unmapped. Search for it in the app.

IstanbulİzmirBodrumAntalyaAnkaraKayseri
Featured cities in this guide. You can explore any city in Türkiye in Unmapped.

GOOD TO KNOW

Small things that help.

  • Visiting mosques

    Dress modestly, take off your shoes at the entrance and avoid visiting during prayer times. Women are usually asked to cover their hair.

  • Tea culture

    Tea is offered often, in shops, homes and offices, and accepting a glass is a friendly gesture.

  • Bazaars

    In bazaars, prices are often open to some negotiation, while shops with fixed prices are not.

  • Regions differ

    The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, Istanbul and central and eastern Anatolia differ a lot in climate and daily life.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is common in restaurants and some service settings, but expectations vary.

UNMAPPED IN TÜRKIYE

Arrive knowing someone.

Open your next city before you land, then use it every day you're there.

  • Meet people before you move

    Open Istanbul, İzmir or Antalya before you arrive and see who is here now, who is arriving and who lives there.

  • Ask the City Chat

    Every city can have its own City Chat. Ask about neighbourhoods, ferries or where to find a good breakfast.

  • Join or host something

    Find meetups and day trips, or host your own, like a Bosphorus walk, a coastal hike near Antalya or a dinner in İzmir.

  • Travel together

    Share your route along the coast or to Cappadocia, or post a Buddy Plan for a day trip, a class or a night out.

FAQ

Questions about Unmapped in Türkiye.

Can I use Unmapped outside Istanbul?

Yes. You can explore any city in Türkiye through Unmapped, and every city can become a City Hub. The cities on this page are just a few places to start.

How do I find Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is a region, not a single city. Search for Kayseri or for the town where you're staying.

Can locals use Unmapped too?

Yes. Unmapped is for travelers, expats and locals, and many good plans start with someone who already lives there.

Can I explore a city before I arrive?

Yes. Open your next city, see who is arriving, join the City Chat and share your travel plan before you land.

Do I need to speak Turkish?

No. Unmapped is in English, and City Chats are a good place to ask for help or to find a language exchange.

Looking for another country? Search any city in the world.

Sources & information

Information last reviewed: October 2026Location data: GeoNames (opens in a new tab) (CC BY 4.0 (opens in a new tab))Map: Natural Earth (opens in a new tab)Photo: Ibrahim Uzun (opens in a new tab) / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)

Travel information can change. Please verify important information with official sources. Country guides are provided for general information and do not constitute legal, medical, immigration or other professional advice. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Unmapped is not liable for losses resulting from reliance on the information provided. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.

TÜRKIYE WITH UNMAPPED

Explore Türkiye with Unmapped.

Find your city, meet people there and join or start something. Available on iPhone and Android.

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