7 Must-Have Apps When You Come to Turkey! | Food, Online Shopping etc.

 

Whether you are visiting Turkey for a short vacation or planning to live here, a handful of local apps will make day-to-day life much easier. Below are seven essential apps that I use and recommend. They cover gifts, shopping, food delivery, instant grocery needs, transport, short-distance travel, and restaurant discovery. Each app is described with practical tips so you can get started quickly.

1. Çiçeksepeti — Send gifts and same-day deliveries

Çiçeksepeti is the go-to app for sending flowers, edible gifts, or regular presents with same-day delivery. It has a wide product range and is especially useful when you need a thoughtful gift fast.

• Use the search categories like "çiçek" for flowers or type "çikolata" for chocolates to find many options.
• Beyond gifts, the app also lists items from furniture to clothing, so it can be an all-purpose shopping resource in a pinch.
• Great for birthdays, anniversaries, or last-minute celebrations.

2. Trendyol — Turkey’s e-commerce giant

Trendyol is one of the most frequently used shopping apps by locals and is considered Turkey’s first decacorn. It offers millions of products across categories and frequently has big discounts.

• Use the search bar to find practically anything, from supplements like glutamine to staples like basmati rice.
• Trendyol supports grocery shopping and food orders in many areas, making it a one-stop app for shopping needs.
• Look for flash sales and promo codes to save—locals often use Trendyol for everyday purchases.

3. Yemeksepeti — Food delivery and restaurant listings

Yemeksepeti is Turkey’s oldest online food ordering platform and remains one of the best ways to discover nearby restaurants and order food. It places emphasis on restaurant ratings, which helps when you are choosing somewhere new.

• Open the app, select your location, and browse restaurants with visible ratings and menus.
• You can also use it to order from local supermarkets in many neighborhoods.
• Helpful when you want a wide selection of local restaurants or care about user reviews before ordering.

4. Getir — Ultra-fast deliveries for urgent needs

Getir is perfect for those moments when you are missing an ingredient, a charger, or anything else urgently. It specializes in rapid deliveries—typically within 10 to 15 minutes.

Your order will be at your door in 10 to 15 minutes.

• Great for last-minute groceries, snacks, drinks, or household essentials.
• The app also lets you order prepared food and sometimes call a taxi from the same interface.
• Useful examples: running out of milk while baking, needing a charging cable, or grabbing ice cream quickly.

5. Uber — Reliable longer-distance rides

Uber is widely used in Turkey just like in many other countries. It lets you enter your destination, view estimated pricing, and request a ride in minutes.

• Type your drop-off location to see price estimates before confirming.
• Good for longer trips across the city or when you prefer a private car over public transport.
• Works well alongside local taxi options depending on availability and surge times.

6. Martı — Scooters for short-distance, scenic travel

Martı is my go-to for quick, short-distance travel. It offers rentable electric scooters that you pick up, ride, and simply lock in a suitable spot when you are done.

• Perfect for short hops, commuting small distances, or enjoying a leisurely ride along coastal areas like Bebek.
• No need to return the scooter to a docking station; just lock it responsibly where allowed.
• Open the app to see nearby scooters, tap start, and you are ready to ride.

7. Zomato — Find restaurants, menus, and reviews

Zomato is a helpful app for discovering new restaurants and cafes, checking menus, and reading customer reviews. Istanbul is huge and constantly changing, so Zomato helps you find exactly what you have in mind and avoid disappointment.

• Search for new openings or filter by cuisine and area.
• Read reviews and check menus before you go so you know what to expect.
• Useful when exploring neighborhoods you are not familiar with.

Extra tips for using apps in Turkey

• Language and accounts: Most major apps offer an English option or are intuitive enough to use with basic Turkish keywords. Create an account with your phone number and a payment method you prefer.
• Payments: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Some apps also accept wallet payments or cash on delivery for certain services.
• Addresses: Use clear landmarks or building names when entering addresses—this helps drivers and couriers find you faster.
• Ratings: Pay attention to ratings and user comments, especially for restaurants and courier services.
• Local alternatives: If one app is unavailable in your area, try similar local apps since availability varies by city and neighborhood.

Final thoughts

These seven apps will cover most daily needs when you are in Turkey: gifting, shopping, ordering food, handling emergencies, getting around, and discovering places to eat. Try a couple of them first to see which fit your routine best. If you have any questions about using these apps or want recommendations for specific neighborhoods, feel free to ask.