Istanbul Expat Community

Istanbul Expat Community Facilitating essential resources for expatriates in Turkey curated by dedicated volunteers! Contact us for collaboration purposes at [email protected]

We disseminate information regarding expatriate events organized by dedicated volunteers and affiliated collaborators. Istanbul Expat Community; is basically a community that has been active since October 2017 for the purpose of providing the foreigners living in Istanbul with opportunities in terms of business & social networking, making and having friends, social activities, legal counseling, jo

urnalism, interviews, etc., on a volunteer basis with a team of 30 persons in total dealing with videography, graphics design, web design, news editorship, film directorate, blogging, vlogging, language support and PR fields, whereas we have 12.000 followers on our main page and 25.000 members throughout the groups associated with our page who benefit from the communication network over any subject we deem to be useful and from the articles having news nature that we share.

🎨 Art & Culture Meetup: Arter Istanbul 🏛️🗓 When: This Thursday⌚ Time: 6:00 PM (18:00)📍 Where: Arter Istanbul (located in...
04/08/2026

🎨 Art & Culture Meetup: Arter Istanbul 🏛️

🗓 When: This Thursday
⌚ Time: 6:00 PM (18:00)
📍 Where: Arter Istanbul (located in Beyoğlu)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dn4vQM8vyUqeR9SK8?
💸 Cost: Entry to exhibitions is FREE all day on Thursdays!

Participants:
1. Anastasia
2. ⁠Kagan
3. ⁠Alice
4. ⁠Ozlem
5. ⁠Guiyan
6. ⁠Ulas

and more! Meet us there! Join our clubs through the link below or the link in stories!

Social Events WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GseGs8rBTquClXJhX0zZqy?mode=gi_t

19/07/2026

❓ What do Nutella, coffee, and one of history’s greatest empires have in common? The answer might surprise you… 🇹🇷

🌍 Turkey is the only country on Earth that sits on two continents at the same time. It straddles Europe and Asia, split right down the middle by a narrow waterway in Istanbul. One side is Europe, cross the bridge, and boom, you’re in Asia.

🗺️ Turkey borders eight countries, including Greece, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. 🌊 The Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas surround it on three sides. Turkey is roughly the size of Texas with 85 million people. 🏙️ Istanbul alone has 16 million, more than New York City. It’s the only city in the world on two continents.

🏛️ Here’s where it gets wild. Turkey was once the heart of the Ottoman Empire, ruling massive chunks of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East for 600 years. ☕ They invented Turkish coffee, 🥮 baklava, and 🥙 the kebab. Istanbul was once called Constantinople and was one of history’s greatest cities. 🕳️ Turkey has ancient underground cities that once held 20,000 people. 🎈 Hot air balloons fill the skies over Cappadocia daily.

🌰 And here’s the twist: Turkey produces 70% of the world’s hazelnuts. Your Nutella? Probably Turkish.

💬 So, which country should I blow your mind with next?

🎥 Credits: Video created by Boredom Creations

Sometimes the most unpredictable days make the best memories! 🏸💨🔥Today at the Istanbul Expat Community Sports Club, our ...
18/07/2026

Sometimes the most unpredictable days make the best memories! 🏸💨🔥

Today at the Istanbul Expat Community Sports Club, our badminton meetup turned into a masterclass in improvisation!

🎭✨ We had a great group of 6 people representing Iran 🇮🇷, Turkey 🇹🇷, France 🇫🇷, and Ukraine 🇺🇦 ready to smash some shuttles! 💥
The only problem? The wind had other plans! 🌬️🌪️
Instead of letting a completely unplayable breeze ruin the day, the struggle sparked our creativity! 💡🧠 We completely reinvented the rules on the spot, turning badminton into a hilarious 3-ball-pass team volleyball game! 🏐🤣 Needless to say, it resulted in way less actual scoring and way more shared laughter! 😹🗣️
That is exactly what our sports club is all about—staying active, embracing the unexpected, and bringing diverse cultures together for a great time! 🌍🤝

We organize tennis and badminton events twice a month at the Istanbul Expat Community Sports Club! 🎾

🏸 Whether you are a pro or just want to laugh through a windy day with a great crowd, we have a spot for you! 🎉🥳

Ready to join the fun? 🚀
👉 Send us a DM right now to get added to the group link for our next sports meetup! 📩📲

Struggling to navigate life in Türkiye? You don’t have to do it alone! 🇹🇷Since 2017, the Istanbul Expat Community has be...
17/07/2026

Struggling to navigate life in Türkiye? You don’t have to do it alone! 🇹🇷

Since 2017, the Istanbul Expat Community has been the go-to network for expats. With over 60,000 members across our platforms, we are here to help you get answers, stay informed, and build your social circle in Istanbul and beyond. 🌍

Why join our Facebook groups?
✅ Instant Answers: Get real-time advice from thousands of experienced expats.
✅ Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest regulations and news in Türkiye.
✅ Connect & Socialize: From niche communities to general meetups, find your tribe.
✅ Support Network: Whether you're new or a long-term resident, we’ve got your back.

Join the network today:

🌐 Official Website:
www.istexpats.com

📘 Our Facebook Groups:
Expats in Turkey (22,500 members)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/istexpats/

Foreigners in Istanbul (49,500 members)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1519542708275652/

Foreigners in Istanbul (58,000 members)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/foreignerinistanbul/

News & Recent Regulations about Turkey (17,600 members)
https://facebook.com/groups/istanbulexpatcommunity/

🇺🇸 Americans in Istanbul (2,700 members)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3401740069944105/

Don't miss out on the collective knowledge of our community—join the groups now and share this post with your friends! 🚀

SHOUT OUT TO FACEBOOK GROUP ADMINS OF OTHER NETWORKS:

If you are a Facebook group admin and want to link your group to our community to introduce your group to our followers so they and your group can expand, please reach out! - [email protected]

Would you pay a real estate agent’s commission for a home that you already know will be demolished in just four months?A...
16/07/2026

Would you pay a real estate agent’s commission for a home that you already know will be demolished in just four months?

A user recently asked an agent in Kadıköy whether they would charge a commission for a flat that is only being rented out for four months before it is demolished as part of an urban renewal project. Their response was: “Of course we will. We provide a service, and it’s our right to charge a commission.”

Now imagine this: You pay ₺40,000 per month in rent, move all your belongings, settle into the property, knowing you’ll have to move again just four months later because the building will be demolished—and on top of that, you’re expected to pay the agent’s commission which is 12% of the annual!!! rent + VAT.

Would you be willing to pay that commission under these circumstances?



Sadece dört ay sonra kentsel dönüşüm kapsamında yıkılacağını bildiğiniz bir daire için emlakçı komisyonu öder miydiniz?

Geçtiğimiz günlerde Kadıköy’de, kentsel dönüşüm nedeniyle yalnızca dört aylığına kiraya verilen bir daire için emlakçıya komisyon alıp almayacağını soran bir kullanıcı tarafından paylaşılan mesajlaşmada, Emlakçının verdiği cevap: “Hizmet verdiğimiz için tabii ki de alacağız. Bu bizim hakkımız.”

Şimdi kendinizi bu durumda hayal edin: Ayda 40.000 TL kira ödüyorsunuz, tüm şahsi eşyalarınızı taşıyorsunuz, sadece dört ay sonra binanın yıkılacağını bildiğiniz için tekrar taşınmak zorunda kalıyorsunuz ve bunun üzerine bir de YILLIK!!! kira bedelinin 12% + KDV si tutarında emlakçı komisyonu ödemeniz bekleniyor.

Siz olsaydınız bu şartlarda emlakçı komisyonu ödemek ister miydiniz?

🎾 Badminton & Tennis Meetup - For Mid Level PlayersJoin us for an afternoon of badminton and tennis at one of Istanbul’s...
13/07/2026

🎾 Badminton & Tennis Meetup - For Mid Level Players

Join us for an afternoon of badminton and tennis at one of Istanbul’s most popular outdoor sports facilities!

📅 Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Kalamış Sports Center – Tennis Court

👥 Maximum Participants: 6

Requirements

🎾 Every participant must bring their own racket and balls/shuttlecocks.

💵 Participation Fee: 200 TL per person (cash only).
Bank transfers and card payments are not accepted.

🚿 The venue provides changing rooms and showers. Any matters related to these facilities are the responsibility of the venue.

⚠️ Participants are responsible for their own health and safety. If you have a medical condition or sustain an injury during the activity, you participate at your own risk.

🚭 Community Rules

* Smoking is strictly prohibited.
* Leaving the activity for smoking breaks is not permitted.

📋 Attendance Policy
If you signed up for one of our previous sports events but did not attend without prior notice, you may only join the waiting list for this event. If places remain available on Saturday, you may then be moved to the main participant list.

🤝 All of our community events are organized on a non-profit basis to bring people together. Please keep expectations reasonable, treat everyone with respect, and remember that a friendly attitude makes the experience enjoyable for everyone.

📩 To reserve your spot, join our WhatsApp group or send a DM and ask to be added to the participant list. If the event is full, you can request to be placed on the waiting list.

📢 Important Notice – Additional Customs Tax Increased in TürkiyeAccording to the Presidential Decrees published in the O...
12/07/2026

📢 Important Notice – Additional Customs Tax Increased in Türkiye

According to the Presidential Decrees published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Türkiye on 11 July 2026, the Turkish government has increased additional customs duties on a wide range of imported products.

If you are planning to purchase imported goods, we recommend placing your order as soon as possible, before these increased import costs are reflected in market prices.

The new additional customs duty rates include:

🚗 Automobiles & Spare Parts: 10%–30%
💻 Electrical & Electronic Products: 10%–30%
❄️ Refrigeration Systems & Refrigerator Components: 15%–30%
💡 LED Lighting Products: 10%–20%
🔌 Cables & Electrical Connection Equipment: 5%–15%
🧴 Plastic & Rubber Products: 5%–15%
🔋 Lithium Batteries: 15%–30%
🛞 Outdoor Tires: 15%–30%
🔧 Hand Tools: 15%–30%
⚙️ Industrial Machinery & Equipment: 0%–30%

Official Gazette:

https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2026/07/20260711-7.pdf
https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2026/07/20260711-9.pdf

111,60 EUR in Turkey 🇹🇷23.57 EUR in Germany 🇩🇪Same product. Same brand.Why does this supplement cost nearly 5 times more...
09/07/2026

111,60 EUR in Turkey 🇹🇷
23.57 EUR in Germany 🇩🇪

Same product. Same brand.

Why does this supplement cost nearly 5 times more in Turkey?

Is it import taxes, customs regulations, distribution costs, or something else?

We'd genuinely like to hear your thoughts.

Have you heard about Beyond Ordinary Project?Beyond Ordinary by istexpats.com is a private, invite only networking circl...
23/06/2026

Have you heard about Beyond Ordinary Project?

Beyond Ordinary by istexpats.com is a private, invite only networking circle based in Türkiye, primarily active in Istanbul, designed for individuals who value meaningful connections, quality environments, and intentional social experiences.

This is not a public community or open event group. Access is strictly by invitation only. Members are personally identified and invited based on their professional background, cultural alignment, and interests to ensure every connection is relevant and valuable.

The community brings together entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, founders, and internationally minded professionals across different industries. It also includes individuals who want to expand their social circle and meet new people within an international network in Istanbul.

Beyond Ordinary operates through curated experiences rather than mass communication. There are no open WhatsApp groups or public broadcasts. Invitations are shared directly with selected individuals based on compatibility and group balance.

Events include fine dining experiences, private members venues, cultural gatherings, curated travel, and lifestyle focused meetups. While the settings are social, the real value comes from the people you meet and the connections that develop naturally.

The platform is part of the broader Istanbul Expat Community ecosystem, which reaches over 60,000 members across social media platforms, giving access to a wide international audience while maintaining a selective in person experience.

The aim is to create a safe and intentional space where people can connect without pressure and build relationships that go beyond a single event, socially and professionally.

If you want to expand your network in Istanbul and connect with carefully selected like minded individuals, you can apply here:

https://tinyurl.com/beyordinary

Address

Caferağa, Küçük Moda Sokak No:21, 34710 Kadıköy
Istanbul

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