Bank Accounts in Istanbul

Why Open a Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Istanbul is very helpful for students. You can pay tuition, rent, and bills in Turkish lira. You can receive money from family by IBAN. You can use mobile banking, card payments, and online shopping. It is safer than carrying cash. Many scholarships and dorms also ask for a Turkish bank account.

Who Can Open an Account

International students with a passport and legal stay in Türkiye can open an account. Some banks allow accounts without a residence permit, but many branches ask for a local address and student proof. Rules can change by bank and by branch.

Documents You May Need

• Passport
• Turkish tax number
• Residence permit card or application paper
• Proof of address in Türkiye, such as dorm letter, rental contract, or utility bill
• Student certificate or student ID from your university
• Turkish mobile number for SMS codes
• Small first deposit (some banks ask)

Steps to Open an Account

1. Get a Turkish tax number from the tax office using your passport.

2. Register your address in Türkiye and keep proof.

3. Collect your student certificate from the university.

4. Go to the bank branch with all documents.

5. Ask for a student account in Turkish lira.

6. Give your Turkish phone number for SMS.

7. Receive your IBAN and debit card (same day or a few days later).

8. Download the bank app and activate mobile banking.

Top 5 Banks for Students in Istanbul

1. Ziraat Bankası – very large network and many ATMs.

2. Türkiye İş Bankası – strong digital banking and many branches.

3. Garanti BBVA – good mobile app and English support.

4. Akbank – strong online banking and cards.

5. Yapı Kredi – good for daily banking and cards.

Fees and Tips

• Use your own bank’s ATM to avoid fees.
• Other banks’ ATMs may charge a fee.
• Keep your Turkish SIM active for SMS codes.
• Update the bank if you change address or phone.
• Keep copies of your passport and residence permit.
• If one branch refuses, try another branch of the same bank.

ATMs in Istanbul

Türkiye has around 54,000 ATMs. Istanbul has the largest share. You will find ATMs in shopping streets, metro stations, bus stops, and campuses.

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Best Restaurants in Istanbul

Best Restaurants on the Asian Side of Istanbul

1. Çiya Sofrası – Kadıköy

This well-loved spot serves dishes that feel like your grandmother cooked them, hearty, flavorful, regional meals. The menu changes with the seasons, and the prices are very reasonable. It’s located right inside Kadıköy Market, a lively and authentic neighborhood hub.

2. Namlı Gurme – Caddebostan (Kadıköy)

A paradise for Turkish breakfast lovers. You’ll find artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and deluxe breakfast items. Everything is high quality, making it a food lover’s dream.

3. Karadeniz Pide ve Döner – Kadıköy

A small, simple eatery famous for its pide and döner. Cozy and unpretentious, it’s a great place for a quick and tasty Turkish meal while you watch the world go by.

4. Zapata Burger – Kadıköy

If you’re in the mood for burgers, this spot serves some of the best gourmet burgers in the area. The flavors are unique and high quality, perfect for those non-Turkish-food cravings.

5. Kadıköy Market Street Treats

Head to the market to try street food like steamed mussels stuffed with rice (midye dolma) and fried mussel skewers, simple, local, and full of flavor.

6. İsmailğa Kahvesi – Kanlıca

A famous spot to enjoy the local yogurt Kanlıca yoğurdu along the shoreline. Perfect for a light, refreshing snack in a relaxed setting.

Best Restaurants on the European Side of Istanbul

1. Mahir Lokantası – Şişli

A humble, beloved place where chefs often eat. Don’t miss their crispy lahmacun and flavorful içli köfte (meat-stuffed bulgur balls). It’s simple, delicious, and straight from tradition.

2. Aman da Bravo – Bebek (Beşiktaş)

This charming restaurant serves innovative versions of homey Turkish dishes. Think cabbage with lamb, dumplings with a unique twist. The atmosphere is elegant and relaxed.

3. Adana Ocakbaşı – Şişli

A lively kebab house where meat is grilled over open flames. Think Adana kebab with smoky flavor and a buzzing, communal vibe, an iconic Istanbul experience.

4. Seraf Vadi – Sarıyer

Here, Anatolian ingredients meet wood oven cooking. Signature dishes include stuffed onions, mantı, and cabbage rolls with an emphasis on rustic, deeply flavored Anatolian cuisine.

5. Arkestra – Contemporary fusion

A Michelin starred fusion restaurant combining global influences with creative flair. It offers a modern, refined take on flavors from around the world.

6. Neolokal – Modern Turkish

Also Michelin starred, Neolokal serves modern Turkish cuisine with elegant presentation and innovative techniques. Expect beautifully crafted dishes that highlight Turkey’s culinary heritage.

7. Araka – Modern Turkish

A stylish and celebrated spot offering refined Turkish dishes with contemporary touches. Elevated flavors and presentation make it a standout on the European side.

8. Hünkar Lokantası – Nişantaşı or Etiler

A family-run restaurant since 1950. Famous for Hünkar beğendi (eggplant purée with hearty lamb) and ayvalı yahni (quince stew). It feels like a timeless classic for Turkish gourmets.

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Best SIM in Istanbul: Turkcell

Which SIM Card Is Best in Istanbul? My Experience with Turkcell

During my time living in Istanbul, I had the chance to try different mobile networks. After using all the main providers, I can confidently say that Turkcell was the best. Its coverage is excellent not only in Istanbul but also across other cities and even in remote areas. The internet speed was always fast, and the connection rarely dropped. Yes, it may be a little more expensive than other options like Türk Telekom or Vodafone, but the quality you get with Turkcell is definitely worth it.

How to Get a SIM Card in Istanbul

You can get a SIM card from any official Turkcell store in Istanbul. Avoid buying from airport shops because the prices there are usually higher. Instead, walk into any Turkcell store in the city.

To buy a SIM card, you need:

Your original passport

Your Turkish residence card (Kimlik)

You will be asked to provide these documents so the SIM can be registered in your name. The registration includes connecting your phone’s IMEI number and your Turkish Foreign ID Number (YKN) to the SIM. This step is very important.

Why You Should Register with Your Kimlik

If you only use your passport to buy a SIM card, the number will only stay active for around 120 days. After that, your line might stop working due to Turkish telecom rules for foreign phones and unregistered SIMs.

That’s why I always recommend registering your SIM card using your Kimlik (residency card). When the SIM is connected to your YKN number, it becomes a local number and works permanently without interruption.

Step-by-Step to Get Your SIM Card

1. Go to any Turkcell store in the city

2. Take your passport and your Kimlik card

3. Ask for a prepaid SIM with a data and call package

4. Provide your documents and your phone’s IMEI code (dial *#06#)

5. Make sure the number is registered to your YKN, not just your passport

6. Pay for the SIM and package

7. Your SIM will be activated and ready to use

If you are planning to stay in Istanbul for more than a few weeks or months, getting a SIM card registered on your Kimlik is the smartest choice. I personally used Turkcell and had a great experience. The network quality, customer service, and nationwide coverage made it my favorite. I always suggest Turkcell to new visitors or residents in Turkey.

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Best student laptops 2018 to 2025

In a city like İstanbul, having a personal laptop is essential for students. Whether you're attending university, taking language courses, or working part-time, a laptop helps you attend online classes, complete assignments, browse resources, and stay connected with your teachers and classmates. Public transport rides and campus libraries are also easier to utilize when you have a portable, efficient device.

Acer Swift Go 14 (2023–2025)

Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7, 16 GB RAM, up to 1 TB SSD, 14″ FHD+

Lightweight, fast, and battery-efficient, this laptop is excellent for multitasking, note-taking, and research. It suits students who need to carry their laptop across campuses or work in cafes and libraries.

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (2024–2025)

Intel Core Ultra 7 or AMD Ryzen 7, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, 14″ OLED

Known for its premium screen and strong battery life, this is ideal for students in design, media, or any field requiring sharp visuals and good color accuracy.

Acer Aspire Go 15 (2024)

Intel Core i3, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, 15.6″ FHD

Affordable and easy to use, this laptop offers a large screen and full keyboard, making it suitable for assignments, video classes, and writing-heavy work.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x (2025)

Snapdragon processor, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, 14″ FHD

Best for long battery use and smooth performance in day-to-day student tasks like web browsing, online classes, and note-taking. Good for students who move around a lot.

Asus Chromebook CM14 (2025)

Intel N-series processor, 8 GB RAM, 64–128 GB storage, 14″ FHD

Simple, reliable, and ideal for students who mostly work with Google Docs, Classroom, and online platforms. Lightweight and fast for basic education use.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (2022–2025)

Intel N-series, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, 14″ FHD IPS

Great for those who prefer a Chromebook with better screen quality and smoother performance. It's perfect for lectures, writing, and browsing.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 (2020)

MediaTek processor, 4 GB RAM, 64–128 GB storage, 11″ detachable screen

Portable and cheap, best for reading, note-taking, and basic tasks. Ideal for students who need a second lightweight device.

Asus Chromebook CX14 (2025)

Intel Core 3 N355, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, 14″ FHD IPS

Performs well for everyday student work like browsing, writing, and video calls. A good Chromebook choice with better specs than earlier models.

MacBook Air M3 (2024)

Apple M3 chip, 8–16 GB RAM, 256–512 GB SSD, 13.6″ Retina

Very efficient and smooth for all types of student work. Great build quality, long battery, and strong for both academic and creative needs.

HP Chromebook Plus 15.6″ (2024)

Intel-based, 8 GB RAM, large FHD screen

Offers more screen space for multitasking and better viewing. A solid option for those who prefer Chromebooks and need a bigger display.

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Best Beaches in Istanbul for Students

Best Beaches in Istanbul - A Student’s Guide

If you are a student living in Istanbul, you should know that this amazing city also has some nice beaches where you can relax and enjoy your free time. You do not need to travel far. Right inside Istanbul, there are beautiful spots by the sea that are perfect for a quick break or a full day of fun.

Here are some of the best beaches in Istanbul that every student should visit:

1. Florya Güneş Beach

Located on the European side, this beach is clean and well-organized. It has showers, changing rooms, and even small cafes. It is easy to reach by metro or bus, and it’s a perfect place for a peaceful day by the sea.

2. Caddebostan Beach

This is one of the most famous beaches on the Asian side. It’s free and very popular among young people. You can swim, sunbathe, or just sit on the grass and enjoy the sea view. It’s close to the city center and easy to reach.

3. Kilyos Beaches

Kilyos is on the northern coast of Istanbul, by the Black Sea. The beaches here are bigger and many of them are private with entrance fees, but they are clean and full of energy in summer. Some places also have music, food, and fun events for students.

4. Menekşe Beach

Close to Florya, Menekşe Beach is another nice option on the European side. It’s a bit quieter and has a family-friendly vibe. If you want to relax and avoid the crowd, this could be a good choice.

5. Poyrazköy Beach

Located near the Bosphorus Bridge on the Asian side, this beach feels more natural and less crowded. The water is clean, and the views are beautiful. It’s a good place for a peaceful day away from the busy parts of the city.

Quick Tips:

• Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
•  Some beaches are free, others have a small fee
• Take your student ID with you
• Always clean up after yourself and respect others

Istanbul is not only about studying and city life. These beaches can help you relax and enjoy the beauty of nature while you are here. Try to visit at least one when the weather is good.

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