📱 Top Travel Apps to Download Before Coming to Turkey

Visiting a new country can be a little overwhelming—but luckily, your smartphone can be your best travel buddy. Whether it’s for getting around, translating menus, or booking last-minute tickets, these apps will make your time in Turkey smoother, safer, and a lot more fun.

Here are the top travel apps for Turkey that every tourist should have before arriving:

🚇 1. Trafi / Moovit – Public Transportation Navigator

• 🚌 See real-time metro, tram, and bus schedules
• 📍 Find the quickest routes with transfers included
• 🏙️ Especially useful in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir

🛂 2. e-Devlet (Tourist e-Visa)

• 🇹🇷 For travelers from eligible countries
• 📄 Use it to apply and download your e-Visa online
• 🔐 Easy and official—no need for third-party sites

💳 3. İstanbulkart App – Transport Card Management

• 🚋 Load money to your Istanbulkart digitally
• 💡 Check your balance, reload, and use contactless
• 📱 Now accepts international credit cards!

🗺️ 4. Google Maps & Yandex Maps

• 🧭 Navigate like a local
• 🏛️ Find attractions, shops, cafes with accurate pins
• 📶 Works offline if you download maps in advance

💬 5. Google Translate or SayHi

• 🗣️ Translate Turkish menus, signs, or conversations
• 📸 Use camera scan for real-time text translations
• 🎧 Voice translation for smoother interactions

🚖 6. BiTaksi / Uber Turkey – Taxi App

• 🚕 Order taxis safely with upfront pricing
• 🗺️ Track your driver, share your route
• 💳 Pay with cash or card

🍴 7. Yemeksepeti & GetirYemek – Food Delivery Apps

• 🍔 Order anything from kebabs to sushi
• 🕐 24/7 delivery available in most cities
• 🛵 Works well with international numbers

🏨 8. Booking.com / Airbnb – Accommodation Search

• 🛏️ Compare hotels, apartments, and homestays
• 🧼 Read reviews and book with ease
• 📌 Great for last-minute changes

✈️ 9. Skyscanner / Turkish Airlines App

• ✈️ Find cheap flights within Turkey or to nearby countries
• 🧳 Track your bookings, flight status, and check-in
• 🌍 Domestic flights are very affordable—especially with local airlines!

🛒 10. Getir / Trendyol – Convenience + Shopping

• 🛍️ Get groceries, toiletries, SIM cards, and more
• 📦 Trendyol also has fashion, electronics, and beauty
• 🏠 Delivers right to your hotel or Airbnb!

✅ Bonus: WhatsApp

• 📞 Most Turkish businesses use WhatsApp for bookings and customer service
• 📍 Some hotels, restaurants, and even hair salons prefer messaging over calls

💡 Pro Tips Before Downloading:

• 📱 Make sure to get a local SIM card or an eSIM (Turkcell, Vodafone, or Türk Telekom)
• 🌐 Choose apps that support English or have visual icons
• 🔐 Use VPNs if certain services are restricted or laggy

🧳 With These Apps, You’re Travel-Ready!

From ordering food at midnight to finding your tram in the middle of Istanbul, these apps make exploring Turkey way easier. Don’t wait until you land—download them before your flight for a smoother arrival.