Shopping in Istanbul

To be honest, discovering Istanbul will directly lead to shopping in Istanbul since prices are pretty affordable, and the environment is eligible to make you want to wear that ultra-soft silk dress. Imagine the Grand Bazaar, seeing unending kinds of endemic spices of the highest quality, and imagine the gifts you could buy for your loved ones! But just because prices are affordable and shopping in Istanbul is so attractive, will we not conserve our money? Fear not! It is relatively easy to save your money by staying tax-free while shopping throughout Istanbul.

Tax-Free Shopping

See, there is a certain kind of tax that almost every country implements for sales regarding the end customer. You might have heard of it as Value-Added-Tax (VAT), but in Istanbul, it will show itself as KDV on the receipt. This is the tax which we are trying to stay tax-free from. Unlike the United States of America and some other countries, in Turkey, when you buy a product, this VAT tax is involved in the receipt. Every citizen is obligated to pay it. But hey, you are a tourist discovering Istanbul. Unless you decide otherwise, you will only visit Istanbul for a certain amount of time. And these taxes are not your concern. Thankfully, the Turkish constitution allows you to be tax-free in Istanbul.

If you are at an international airport in Istanbul, you can notice there is a place called the “Customs Office”. That is the place where you can get your tax refund. Also, if you fly to another international airport anywhere in Turkey, you can still get your money back. Now you might be asking, “What are the terms and conditions to get my money back?” Well, it is actually pretty easy.

What to Do?

In order to become tax-free in Istanbul, you will need to focus on a couple of simple details. While discovering Istanbul, you will have to keep the receipts of the products you bought. Saving the receipts safely until you visit the international airport at the end of your trip will get you a sweet tax-free experience. In this case, the airports you are looking for should be Sabiha Gökçen Airport or Istanbul International Airport. You will have to visit the “Customs Office” in those airports. Remember, Istanbul is enormous, and the airport will probably be pretty active and thus crowded. Also, remember to visit the “tax-free” before you check in your luggage because if you export items with a high price tag, they will most definitely ask to check your items. 

Customs Office

You might need to visit the “Customs Office” sometime before your flight departs since various factors can delay you. Being a couple of minutes early won’t hurt anyone. The amount you receive will be equal to the amount of VAT at your receipt per item that you have the receipt of. If you happen to fly to another city in Turkey, you can still become tax-free by visiting the Customs Office in that airport. But please remember that only International Airports have this specific service. There are also a couple of simple details necessary to shop tax-free in Istanbul. 

First and most importantly, you must present the receipt you received from the stores while shopping in Istanbul, and you must also be over the quota. Being over the quota means you will need to spend a certain amount of minimum money while shopping in Istanbul to shop tax-free. This amount is declared annually and depends on the inflation rates every year. Do not worry; since Istanbul is relatively affordable and has plenty of things to offer, it will be worth going over the quota. Then here comes another rule, you will have to take the products you bought in Istanbul, out of Turkey, in three months. Also, you must not have been in Turkey for more than 6 months, and you must purchase from tax-free shops.

After complying with every single rule and being over the minimum quota, there are a couple of methods for you to receive your money. As a first and most straightforward choice, you can receive money in cash at the tax-free (Customs Office) at the airport. You can get your refund amount transferred to your credit card by sending the stamped Tax Free Point Cheque to related tax-free companies. 

So, this is it, now that you know how to discover Istanbul while still conserving your money by tax-free shopping, now you can enjoy your visit even better and more responsibly. Next time, while buying that silk dress or maybe that spice you have never heard of before, remember to buy a little more for your neighbors since it will be tax-free. But most importantly, enjoy discovering this legendary city. 

Primary Schools In Turkey

The primary or elementary school in Turkey offers eight years of compulsory education for students aged six to fourteen. The emphasis here is on fundamental information, Turkish language, mathematics, social sciences, art, and music. English and another foreign language are sometimes taught. Both public and private schools operate alongside one another. While the curriculum is basically the same, private schools provide more extracurricular activities, such as swimming, and teach other languages. The typical number of pupils per classroom is 20 – 40, although in rural regions, the number of students per class may be much higher. Students take an exam at the conclusion of eighth grade and are placed in different high schools based on their results. 

High Schools In Turkey

High schools of Turkey typically lasts four years, with some high schools adding an additional year for foreign language preparation courses. Students choose one foreign language from a list that includes English, French, and German. Religious education is optional, and it is usually a comparative study of faiths rather than only Islam. The finest and most popular high schools in the nation are the Anatolian, Science, and Private High Schools in Turkey. Lessons in science are taught in the foreign language of the student’s choosing. Except for private high schools, which may cost up to $4000 per year, education is free. Students must sit for the High Academic Finishing Exam at the conclusion of the school year, following 12th grade. After clearing this, students will be required to take the OSS, a highly significant and fiercely competitive test whose results will decide their educational prospects at the following level. 

Universities In Turkey

Students that pass the exam are admitted to universities. Universities in Turkey provide two to four years of undergrad education and an extra two years of graduate study. Ankara and Istanbul are home to the majority of important universities. Education quality varies considerably – some are on par with American universities. Turkish universities take part in the Socrates-Erasmus program. Please see the Erasmus section for additional information. 

Private Education In Istanbul

As the typical family’s wealth has increased, Turkish parents have become more conscious of the shortcomings of the public school system. Many parents now send their children to private schools in Turkey (kolej/özel lise), which provide small class numbers, highly trained instructors, and even recreational and sports activities. These schools, unsurprisingly, may be costly. They demand annual fees and require pupils to purchase costly literature. Uniforms and meals are further costs, and some parents must pay to transport their children to schools that are distant from their homes. However, there are many advantages to attending a private school. Students may take international standardized tests like the Cambridge University English-language examinations, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). These tools make it simpler for Turkish students to enroll at institutions abroad. 

Aside from schools in Istanbul, bear in mind that you or your children will be taught in a culturally rich region, both human and geographically. Istanbul’s multicultural framework aids pupils in better understanding and communication. In addition, the historically rich city, with attractions like as Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, and other many attractions, are guaranteed to instill culture in your child.

Sabanci University

Sabanci University is another another Istanbul-based private university. This year, it is the fifth-highest rated university in Turkey, and the 18th-highest ranked institution in the world, according to the EECA rankings. Despite being a newer institution than Bogazici, it has approximately 4,000 students per semester. Sabanci University provides a diverse variety of subjects ranging from engineering to social sciences, and will meet every student’s expectations of a university. Sabanci, like Koc University, is situated outside of town. Sabanci’s campus has its own ecology and operates like a tiny town made up of students. 

Koc University

Koc Institution, founded in 1933, is Istanbul’s first private university and Turkey’s second. It gets its name from its creator, businessman and entrepreneur Vehbi Koc. Koc University’s goal is to “educate Turkey’s most capable pupils, well-rounded businesspeople who are globally prepared and can think creatively.” With many undergraduate and graduate degrees, Koc University‘s renowned curriculum provides a world-class experience. These credentials place Koc University among the top private institutions in Istanbul. It is situated outside of the city center, away from the traffic and crowds. The campus, located in the midst of a lovely green forest, is large enough to provide all a student might require. Students can commute between the campus and the city center using scheduled buses and subways, making transit in Istanbul simple. 

Bogazici University

Bogazici University, located directly close to the Bosphorus, is one of Istanbul’s oldest institutions. Its historic yet magnificent buildings were formerly home to Robert College. However, the institution was afterwards renamed Bogazici University. Bogazici University, ranked 10th in the top ten EECA institutions, offers outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs. Bogazici University, which is divided into two campuses, is situated in the city center. Traveling to Bogazici from Istanbul is simple, since numerous bus lines pass close to the institution. Bogazici University is one of Turkey’s most renowned institutions, with over 200 years of teaching expertise. Even if you do not intend to apply to Bogazici, you should certainly see the university’s magnificent structures while in Istanbul. 

Prices Of Universities In Istanbul

State institutions in Turkey, such as Bogazici University, are tuition-free. Private institutions, such as Sabanci University and Koc University, charge annual fees, although scholarships are available in Turkey. As a cultural capital, the city offers a wide range of educational possibilities. As many places to visit in Istanbul as there are to see, there are also education programs to meet everyone’s requirements. In Istanbul, there are presently 58 universities, each of which offers something unique. High-quality research universities may be found in Turkey, whether you are searching for undergraduate or graduate degrees. Throughout your academic career, you will also have the opportunity to visit some of Istanbul’s most popular tourist attractions, such as Hagia Sophia Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Galata Tower.

As a response to this issue, we will provide some evidence to persuade you that real estate investing in Istanbul is a viable and profitable venture. 

Capital Protection In Turkey

Following the history of the currencies of the most significant nations that promote real estate investment reveals that real estate investment has safeguarded capital from devaluation against currencies and key precious metals such as the dollar and gold. Real estate investment in Istanbul is very encouraging due to capital protection, and this is because property prices always change with the value of the Turkish lira, and if the prices of the local currency fall, the value of the property rises logically to compensate for any decrease in the price of your property. In addition, the Ministry of Economy and the Turkish Central Bank are two key actors in ensuring real estate and product stability and balance against the Turkish lira. 

Cheaper Alternatives

Most people who want to invest in real estate outside their home nations limit their choices to the most major tourist-friendly countries, such as Turkey, Spain, and France. Most of these individuals end up investing in Turkey since it provides a variety of real estate investment opportunities at cheap costs as compared to Western Europe, England, and America. Furthermore, Turkey is a very inexpensive nation to live in, making the notion of purchasing a home in Turkey with the intention of investing and spending vacation time there extremely appealing to many foreign investors. Despite possessing some of the finest historical sites in the world, such as Galata Tower and the gorgeous Bosphorus with amazing restaurants, Istanbul is still a low-cost choice. 

Easy Buying Process

When you contemplate investing in real estate, you will examine all factors, including the lengthy and complicated legal processes that may be involved. But, fortunately, Turkey, in particular, is regarded as one of the easiest countries in terms of real estate ownership, because the procedures for owning real estate in it are simple and easy, and do not necessitate the presence of a lawyer; however, you must be fluent in Turkish or have the assistance of a translator to translate all of the legal documents required to complete the transaction. Hiring a lawyer is not a terrible idea in general, but it is not always necessary. Purchasing property in Turkey typically takes three to six weeks.

What Is A Virtual Office?

A virtual office provides everything but a desk with your name on it. It refers to a commercial office in a desirable area of town that performs everything a business should do. You may use a virtual office package to access mail processing services, hold on-site meetings, or have a receptionist answer your phone calls. The main distinction is that only office support employees operate in the virtual office. Everyone else, including all companies and teams, just uses the office as an address and a shared office resource center. This is very beneficial for internet companies that do not need commercial office space. 

Because Istanbul is a busy city, having a virtual office there is preferable. The large population is highly cosmopolitan, with a diverse range of consumer kinds. It is almost difficult not to locate a client who need your goods. Aside from the stunning Bosphorus and the magnificent Hagia Sophia, Istanbul is a commercial and entertainment hub. As a result, establishing a virtual office in Istanbul is an excellent option. This allows you to reach a large number of consumers in this metropolitan area. Another significant factor is that office rentals in Istanbul are lower than in other European nations. 

Saving Money With A Virtual Office In Istanbul

One of the primary advantages of utilizing a virtual office in Istanbul is that companies may save a significant amount of money over the course of the year. The office lease basically enables you to utilize physical premises on an as-needed basis, while your office works mostly online. Because you only utilize onsite office space when you need it, the cost of operating the facility decreases. However, your company saves money in other ways as well. Traffic is a nightmare in every metropolis. Professionals traveling to the city should expect to spend at least 45 minutes on the highway on their way to work. The number of days you spend on the road driving to work is reduced to just when you need to go to the office for face-to-face meetings with the virtual office. Furthermore, you save money on petrol and vehicle maintenance due to wear and tear. 

The Benefits Of Online Space

The most important aspect of working in Istanbul in an online format is that virtual space is unlimited. This immensity allows for company expansion without having to cope with the difficulties of moving to a new office. With the proper tools, you might build a complete online business management system that enables you to pay contractors, monitor invoices, give and accept assignments from contractors, and do a variety of other activities. The idea is that virtual space is enormous, and you may grow your online company without the additional stress of leasing physical space. 

There are many advantages to using an Istanbul virtual office over other types of serviced workplaces. While cost reductions are just one benefit, the virtual office has made work much more convenient. By using the internet environment as your canvas, your company may leave its imprint in any region of Turkey.

Istanbul has lately emerged as a new investment, settlement, and residency destination, as well as a destination for people seeking a secure and peaceful existence. Istanbul blends tradition and history with places like Basilica Cistern or Topkapi Palace, contemporary luxury and major brands, beautiful landscape, and social life convergence, not to mention the embrace of various Arab and western groups, where there are numerous social types suited for newcomers. The recent worldwide events have led thousands of families to seek new, safer, and more stable options; many of them opted to relocate to Istanbul, living in the best apartments, villas, residential and commercial complexes, and owning real estate in Turkey. 

British International Schools In Istanbul

In Turkey, there are just two branches: one in Istanbul and one in Ankara. It is the only school affiliated with the British Embassy in Istanbul that provides the IGCSE curriculum used in British national schools. It is an internationally recognized institution that assists students in enrolling in Turkish, American, and British colleges. Students range in age from three to 18 years old and come from more than 55 nations. The school concentrates on teaching other languages such as German, French, and Turkish in addition to English, which is the school’s primary language of instruction. In the year 2000, the school was established in Istanbul. Due to the growing number of pupils, the school built a new building called Zekeriyakoy. In the previous year, the school grew to become a Turkish school, training, product upgrading flavored international and exchange children between the ages of 2 and 7 years, with prices ranging from 40-45 thousand dollars depending on the stage. 

International Schools In Turkey

Turkish international schools in Istanbul vary in curriculum, fees, and pricing, and according to Turkish immigration office data, the total number of foreigners living in Turkey is about 4.7 million individuals from 190 different countries. According to these figures of an ever-increasing number of expats, the Turkish government has contributed to providing all living services and amenities for foreigners and expatriates. In terms of education, the government has mandated collaboration between the Ministry of Education and foreign embassies to create schools that serve the communities of each nation in line with the Turkish government’s ideals and principles. This page contains information on all of Istanbul’s foreign schools. 

Mef International Schools

MEF, or Modern Egitim Fen, is an abbreviation for modern educational science. It was founded in 1996 in the region of Bahçeşehir. It now boasts over 2,000 students who are overseen by 300 administrative and instructional personnel in both Istanbul and Izmir sections of the institution. After examining the most significant foreign curricula, such as British, French, and Japanese, the school relied on advanced curricula (integrated education system) from its inception. In EU nations, the school’s curriculum is CEFR certified. The school also prepares students in the twelfth grade to take the TOEFL and SAT tests, which allow them to apply to all foreign institutions in Istanbul. In terms of the second language, the student choose one of the following options: German, French, or Spanish.

Despite the fact that there are many foreign schools in Istanbul, there is still a strong demand for school seats. Most schools have hundreds, if not thousands, of pupils. However, class numbers remain small, and native English-speaking instructors are frequent. The educational level to be expected is the same as that of international schools throughout the globe, and the same is true of school facilities. Most school campuses are vast, with excellent sports facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities. 

Why Should You Study In Istanbul As An International Student?

Your kid will meet many other foreign pupils if he or she attends an international school in Istanbul. While some international schools include a program for local kids, the majority of the student population at an international school is made up of expat children. Foreign schools in Istanbul, on the other hand, assist international students in settling into their new city. Turkish language classes are widely available, and many schools organize cultural excursions and activities to assist students get acquainted with their new nation and city. 

Depending on the school, other languages are also available. Arabic will be taught at international schools with a large number of Middle Eastern pupils. Schools with a mostly European student population may also teach French, German, or other European languages. 

Istanbul Aydin University

Istanbul Aydin University is both a city and a campus university, with its campus located in the heart of Istanbul and its experienced academic staff well-known for their scientific works in our country and around the world. “The Most Preferred Foundation University Since Its Inception” Istanbul Aydin University, with campuses in Bahcelievler and Florya, meets the student’s expectations. 

Kadir Has University

Kadir Has University (KHU) was established in Istanbul in 1997. The university is dedicated to becoming a leader in educational and cultural fields in Turkey, as well as an international center for research and scientific development, with its five faculties of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Economics and Administrative Sciences, Communication, Law, and Fine Arts, as well as several vocational schools. 

Sabanci University

Sabanci University is the place to study in Turkey, thanks to its world-class professors, internationally rated English education, and low tuition costs when compared to similarly ranked institutions across the globe. The institution also offers substantial scholarships to students from various countries and educational backgrounds, ensuring that all students get a high-quality, accessible education. All programs are available at SU’s green campus in Tuzla, Istanbul. With science, technology, and social structures developing on a daily basis, the world needs more competent people who have the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a profession wherever in the globe. Recognizing the importance of this problem, the Sabanci Group decided in 1994 to create a “global university” headed by the Sabanci Foundation. 

Studying in Istanbul is a fantastic chance since the city has a rich cultural history and many attractions. Furthermore, areas like as Kadikoy and Taksim provide students with many recreational options.

Istanbul, Turkey’s cultural capital, seems to be an excellent location for expats looking to live in Turkey. Istanbul is Turkey’s economic center, with a population of 17 million people and magnificent sights such as Hagia Sophia. The city draws visitors from all around the globe, particularly those seeking to work or invest in Turkey. Istanbul can claim vast infrastructure and a plethora of property development projects as a result of its rapidly increasing potential. Along with new infrastructural developments, public transit is growing. 

Because of the city’s economic possibilities, it is home to one of the world’s most important infrastructure development projects. The third bridge crossing the Bosphorus, which connects to the world’s third biggest airport (Istanbul Airport), has attracted even more real estate developments, ensuring the airport’s expansion in the future years. 

Expat Accommodation In Istanbul

The cost of living in Istanbul is extremely cheap when compared to other European cities, and there are numerous choices for both families and single expats. However, the quality of the flats varies from one neighborhood to the next. Some Anatolian neighborhoods, such as Kuzguncuk and Beylerbeyi, have historical significance. Furthermore, since these locations are near to the Bosporus, living in an apartment in one of these areas may be a great joy. 

Apartments in the city center may be rented for as low as 2,500 Turkish Liras per month. As you go closer to the shore, the prices tend to rise. A basic flat in Bebek or Kadikoy would set you back about 4,000 Turkish Liras. Flat rentals are greatest in işli and Beşiktaş. These typically start at 3000 liras and go up to 15000 liras. Consider the inner sections of işli and Mecidiyeköy for a low-cost flat, where rents vary from 2,000 to 4,000 liras. 

Working For Expats In Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey’s economic powerhouse, contributed for 40% of the country’s overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2018. Without a doubt, Istanbul is Turkey’s most open and outward-looking metropolis. The city provides international professionals with a variety of attractive employment possibilities in a variety of industries. Here is some useful information on the economy and employment market in Istanbul. 

The labor market in Istanbul is highly accessible to foreigners. Sectors such as the media and arts industries’or, on the other end of the spectrum, the field of specialized finance’are usually keen to acquire foreign views and are receptive to working in English for excellent English-speakers. Foreign labor is constantly required in the tourist sector, and a strong command of English is always highly desired in a hotel or entertainment facility’s customer service. Otherwise, you would most likely be able to work in your original tongue at a local branch of a company headquartered in your own country. 

How To Get A Job In Istanbul

Before visiting Istanbul, it is preferable to contact a firm or someone from the business community. It is preferable to begin your search for relevant connections on LinkedIn. 

A professional network is usually the most useful resource for landing a job, regardless of the location or area you are relocating to. If you don’t currently have a local network, attending networking events like Meetups may greatly improve your chances of meeting the appropriate individuals.

It’s always the best time to visit Istanbul, whether you are there for a few days or a week. We suggest purchasing a travel handbook that contains a map of Istanbul prior to your trip. This will make it much easier to navigate your way through Istanbul’s ancient city. 

Where Should I Stay In Istanbul?

Istanbul has a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and flats ranging in price from low to expensive, including Sultanahmet, Beyoglu, and Taksim, all of which are surrounded by restaurants and street food and are regarded safe locations to stay in. If this is your first trip in Istanbul, here are some travel recommendations we suggest. Istanbul has numerous districts, but the two major places that visitors choose to stay in are Sultanahmet and Taksim. 

Best Way Of Transportation In Istanbul

While you arrive in the city, you must get an Istanbul transportation card (stanbul Kart), which enables you to save money when utilizing public transportation in the city. You may purchase it from stores and street vendors and fill it with whatever amount you like. The majority of Istanbul’s historical sites and attractions are accessible via public transportation, including trams, metros, boats, and funiculars (using buses there can be a little complicated). However, we recommend that you travel as much as possible on foot, particularly since Istanbul is a varied and beautiful city with great architecture and secret locations, and exploring the city on foot offers a unique chance to enjoy this experience with the people. If you need to take a taxi, be careful to utilize the official vehicles with meters to avoid being taken advantage of by drivers. 

What Should I Eat In Istanbul

Welcome to the best city in the world for distinctive cuisine enthusiasts, where you may taste kebabs, grills, sweets, Turkish tea, and coffee. The streets of Istanbul are plenty with kebab shops, cozy restaurants, and attractive cafés worth visiting, particularly because most of these locations are cheap and will not cost you much money when compared to European eateries in surrounding countries. 

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Istanbul?

Istanbul is a lovely city that is worth visiting at any time of year, but as the seasons change, so does the amount of visitors in the city. Spring and early summer are popular seasons for many people, particularly in May and June, and although they are really lovely, there is a rise in the number of visitors and a somewhat high cost. 

If you are visiting Istanbul in the summer, you should be prepared for scorching weather. A wonderful Turkish experience is taking gorgeous cruises on the Bosphorus to appreciate the soft wind in the summer mood. Despite the harsh winds, winter in Istanbul is also lovely and gorgeous with the best attractions.

Many excellent and well-known institutions are giving education in Istanbul, but in this post, we will concentrate on the top three private universities in Istanbul. Let’s get started if you’re interested and can’t wait to find out. 

Koç University

Koc University was founded in 1992 and includes three campuses as well as its own hospital. It is the finest Turkish medical university and one of the top 500 institutions in the world for medical specialities. According to the QS website, it is the top Turkish institution and ranks No. 11 in the Central Asia Europe Emerging category for the year QS EECA University Rankings 2020. Admissions at Koc University are more rigorous than at other institutions. The number of students at Koc University is estimated to be about 10,000. 

Istanbul Bilgi University

Bilgi University was founded in 1996 and has approximately 25,000 students. According to the QS International Foundation, it is ranked 137 for emerging universities in Europe and Central Asia. It has also received several quality and accreditation awards, including CEA accreditation and one of the most certificates of quality of English language education in the world. 

Istanbul Bilgi University is the third best private university in Turkey, according to Wikipedia Encyclopedia, and the only university in Turkey to be a member of the universities network. Since 2006, the world has been home to the “Laureate International Universities.” 

Sabanci University

Sabanci University, founded in 1996, was rated 351-400 by the Times Higher Education Foundation for the year 2019, and 43 worldwide in the category of institutions under 50 years old by the Times Higher Education Foundation. The institution has over 200 partnerships with universities across the globe, and it is the first university in Turkey to allow students to select their speciality after the first or second year of study, as well as the option of studying another specialty. 

Bonus: Bahcesehir University

Bahcesehir University, founded in 1998, is one of the best 1258 universities in the world, according to the British Times Foundation (THE). It is an international university with 9 branches outside Turkey, and it has been awarded the United Nations Prize for Higher Education. It is also said to be Istanbul’s best international university. The COOP initiative is launched by Bahcesehir. This initiative includes cooperation agreements with 800 businesses within Turkey, and outside, who offer training or job opportunities for their students, based on collaboration between the institution and the labor market. 

Studying in Istanbul provides not only a fantastic study abroad opportunity, but also a one-of-a-kind journey through history and the fusion of Asian and European cultures in one fantastic place. Istanbul provides much more than excellent institutions, with magnificent historical attractions and cultural heritage such as the famous Hagia Sophia Mosque and more.