Getting around in Istanbul
Getting around Istanbul is relatively easy regardless of whether you decide to provide your own transportation or take public transportation. Most expats living in Istanbul do have their own cars; this is particularly essential if one is living in the suburbs. However, for those living fairly centrally, it is often more efficient and economical to consider public transport options.
If you do rely on public transport, then it’s best to buy an ‘Akbil’, which is a rechargeable magnetic token. The token affords discounted rates and saves expats the hassle of having to make cash payment each time they wish to use public transport.
By and large, the traffic in the city is well regulated and fairly disciplined. Parking is not a huge problem compared to other major metropolises as there are a number of ‘Pay and Park’ areas available.
A chauffeur is always useful to have, but is not essential and like maids, much more affordable than in the West. If your company provides you with one, or you do decide to hire one, you will find him an excellent source of information and a fantastic city guide. It is possible to find English and German speaking chauffeurs.
European and US licences are valid for driving in Turkey. However, it is essential to get a notarised Turkish translation of the license when you arrive, and to keep both the original and the translated copy with you at all times when driving.
Expats have two options when buying a car. They can both buy a car through the regular channels and have to pay Turkish taxes, or they can buy what is known as a ‘Blue Plate’ car . The Blue Plate Car is one that can only be sold from one foreigner to another, and is cheaper as it is exempt from Turkish taxes.
The disadvantage of buying a Blue Plate car is that when you leave Turkey it can only be sold to another foreigner, or failing that, you must take it out with you or abandon it at customs. A car bought through the regular channels, with all Turkish taxes paid, has no such restrictions on resale.
Another point to consider while buying a blue plate car is that there are several formalities to be completed to register the car, and it can be quite a complicated process if you do not speak the language. Most expats will hire an agent to do this for them which can add approximately $1000 to the cost of the car.
There is a mandatory government road tax and insurance that all car owners have to pay each year. It is also advisable to take out additional insurance with a private insurance company.
If you do rely on public transport, then it’s best to buy an ‘Akbil’, which is a rechargeable magnetic token. The token affords discounted rates and saves expats the hassle of having to make cash payment each time they wish to use public transport.
Modes of transit for getting around Istanbul
- Taxis - Yellow cabs are metered. These are fairly reasonably priced but, as anywhere in the world, the costs mount up if using regularly. Another drawback of the cabs is that the drivers do not speak English. It is best to write down your address in advance and show it to the driver. Tipping is not expected, but a small tip is always appreciated.
- Buses – these run regularly and have a good network in the city, they are, however, less frequent and less well connected in the suburban areas. Buses in Istanbul are cheap and reliable, though can be very crowded.
- Metro – excellent clean, and modern; however, only serves an extremely small network. Don’t rely on the metro to take you anywhere except a small ring in the centre of town. Three of the main shopping malls are on the metro line.
- Dolmus - (pronounced Doll-mush). These are mini buses that stop to pick up and drop off passengers anywhere on a pre established route. There are no dolmus stops – rather the minibus stops to pick up passengers wherever it is flagged down, or stops to drop off passengers whenever one asks the driver to stop. These are quicker than regular buses.
- Water Taxi - This is a fairly new service and is an on-call boat taxi service. The fare is calculated according to the distance travelled, rather than per person.
- Ferries - The cheapest and quickest way to cross the Bosphorous. Istanbul has a good network of highways but it also has old narrow, extremely steep streets as well. Turks tend to drive fast on highways and do not always stick to the rules, so be alert.
Getting around Istanbul by car
By and large, the traffic in the city is well regulated and fairly disciplined. Parking is not a huge problem compared to other major metropolises as there are a number of ‘Pay and Park’ areas available.
A chauffeur is always useful to have, but is not essential and like maids, much more affordable than in the West. If your company provides you with one, or you do decide to hire one, you will find him an excellent source of information and a fantastic city guide. It is possible to find English and German speaking chauffeurs.
European and US licences are valid for driving in Turkey. However, it is essential to get a notarised Turkish translation of the license when you arrive, and to keep both the original and the translated copy with you at all times when driving.
Buying a car in Istanbul
Expats have two options when buying a car. They can both buy a car through the regular channels and have to pay Turkish taxes, or they can buy what is known as a ‘Blue Plate’ car . The Blue Plate Car is one that can only be sold from one foreigner to another, and is cheaper as it is exempt from Turkish taxes.
The disadvantage of buying a Blue Plate car is that when you leave Turkey it can only be sold to another foreigner, or failing that, you must take it out with you or abandon it at customs. A car bought through the regular channels, with all Turkish taxes paid, has no such restrictions on resale.
Another point to consider while buying a blue plate car is that there are several formalities to be completed to register the car, and it can be quite a complicated process if you do not speak the language. Most expats will hire an agent to do this for them which can add approximately $1000 to the cost of the car.
Car Insurance and Tax
There is a mandatory government road tax and insurance that all car owners have to pay each year. It is also advisable to take out additional insurance with a private insurance company.
