When traveling, having the right tools can significantly impact your experience. Here are the must-have apps if you are in Turkey:
1. Moovit
To truly experience Istanbul, using public transport is essential. Moovit helps you navigate the city with ease. Specifically, it provides step-by-step directions, arrival times for buses and trams, and alerts you before your stop. Thus, Moovit becomes your best digital assistant for all modes of public transport in Istanbul. Download Moovit for iOS and Android.
2. iTaksi
Another useful app is iTaksi, an official taxi rental service approved by the Istanbul municipality. This user-friendly app is essential for tourists because it helps you avoid taxi scams and pronunciation errors when communicating with drivers. Simply select your destination on your phone, and a driver will reach you in minutes. Additionally, you can pay via credit card, prepaid Istanbul card, or cash.
3. Yemeksepeti
If you’re hungry, welcome to Turkey’s oldest and largest online restaurant platform—Yemeksepeti. With this app, you can order food from any restaurant. Notably, you can track your order, pay online, and receive updates on delivery times. Yemeksepeti also suggests popular dishes based on your preferences. Therefore, don’t forget to download it on iOS or Android.
4. İstanbulkart
Moreover, it’s wise to upload money to your İstanbulkart, the payment method for the city’s public transport. The app allows you to check your balance, top it up, and review previous payments. If your phone has NFC, simply bring your İstanbulkart close to check your balance. This app saves time during your visit to Istanbul, making it more enjoyable. Download it for Android or iOS.
5. Trafi
Trafi is yet another vital app for navigating public transport in Turkey. It provides maps, bus numbers, and real-time arrival and departure times. Consequently, with Trafi, you can determine the best route to your destination effortlessly.
6. BiTaksi
Another excellent option for finding a taxi is BiTaksi. After installing the app, you can see your destination, the distance from your current location, and the estimated fare. BiTaksi includes both yellow and turquoise taxis, which are more comfortable. Furthermore, you can check fares for both options and make an informed decision. Download BiTaksi for iOS and Android.
7. Sesli Sözlük
Familiarizing yourself with basic Turkish words is beneficial during your visit. In this case, Sesli Sözlük is a reliable app for translating Turkish into English and other languages. It features a translation tool for entire sentences and audio pronunciation for quick learning. Additionally, for on-the-go translations, consider using Google Translate, which allows for text copying, camera use, and conversation mode.
8. isbike
If you enjoy cycling, Isbike, a service from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, lets you rent bicycles using your İstanbulkart. The app shows available bikes at nearby stations and helps you find the closest stop. Thus, renting a bike is an eco-friendly way to explore the city. Download the app for iOS and Android.
9. Martı
In addition, Martı provides electric scooters for quick and convenient travel. After downloading the app, you can locate the nearest scooter station on the map. Simply scan the QR code to unlock the scooter and enjoy your ride. However, remember to park according to local rules to avoid fines. Find Martı on iOS and Android.
10. Grand Bazaar
Lastly, the Grand Bazaar, with its 61 streets and 4,000 shops, is a must-visit in Istanbul. To enhance your shopping experience, download the Grand Bazaar app. It allows you to search for products, buy online, and have them delivered to your home. Ultimately, this app is a lifesaver for your shopping adventures. Download it for Android.
