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Turkey's Bus Cards

4 min read
Published: 21 Mar 2023

Turkey's bus cards, like "Istanbulkart" in Istanbul, are a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around the city's public transportation system. They are used in cities other than Istanbul throughout Turkey, including Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa. In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about Turkey's bus cards, including how to use them, where to buy them, and their benefits.

What is Turkey Bus Card?

Turkey's bus card is a reloadable smart card that you can use to pay for public transportation in Turkey's major cities. You can use the card on buses, metro, trams, and ferries, and it is a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

In Istanbul, the card is called Istanbulkart, while in other cities, it may have a different name. However, the cards work similarly and can be used interchangeably.

How to Get a Bus Card in Turkey

Getting a Turkey bus card is relatively easy. You can buy a card at machines located at metro and bus stations. You can also purchase them at various authorized sales points, such as PTT (Turkey's national post office), AKBANK, and Is Bankasi ATMs. You can also buy the card in Istanbul at some places near tourist attractions, such as the Blue Mosque or Topkapi Palace.

When you purchase the card, you will need to pay a one-time fee for the card itself, which is currently 10 TL (less than 1 USD). You will also need to top up the card with a certain amount of money to use it.

How to Use a Turkey Bus Card

Using a Turkey bus card is straightforward. Once you have purchased the card and topped it up with the money, you can use it to pay for your public transportation journeys. Simply tap the card on the card reader as you board the bus, tram, or metro, and the fare will be deducted from your card balance. In Istanbul, you can also use the card on ferries that are run by Istanbul Electric Tramway and Tunnel Operations (IETT).

Benefits of Using a Turkey Bus Card

Using a Turkey bus card has several benefits. Firstly, it is more cost-effective than buying individual tickets for each journey. In Istanbul, for example, the cost of a single trip on the bus or metro is currently 3.50 TL (around 0.18 USD) if you use a bus card. If you pay with cash, the cost increases to 7 TL (around 0.37 USD). This means that using a bus card can save you money in the long run.

Another benefit of using a Turkey bus card is that it is more convenient than using cash. You don't need to worry about carrying the right amount of money for your journey or queuing up to buy a ticket at the station. Instead, you can simply tap your card and get on board.

Finally, using a Turkey bus card is more environmentally friendly than using cash. The card reduces the need for paper tickets, which can significantly impact the environment.

Turkey's bus cards are a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around the country's major cities. A bus card can help you save money, travel more conveniently, and reduce environmental impact. So if you are planning a trip to Turkey, make sure you get yourself a bus card and start exploring!

Smart Cards in Turkey

There are smart cards used in Turkey for various purposes other than bus cards. In the following, we will discuss the most commonly used smart cards in Turkey and how they can be used to access public services.

  1. Istanbulkart

  1. Kentkart

  1. e-Devlet Card: e-Devlet Card is a smart card that serves as a digital identity card for Turkish citizens. It can be used to access various public services and online platforms, such as the national e-government portal, social security services, and electronic tax services.

  1. Bank Cards: Bank cards issued by Turkish banks often have smart card technology and can be used to access public services such as transportation and parking, as well as for payment at various merchants.

  1. Health Cards: Health cards issued by the Social Security Institution (SGK) are smart cards that contain information about the cardholder's health insurance coverage and medical history. They can be used to access medical services at public hospitals and clinics.

In summary, smart cards are widely used in Turkey to access public services, including transportation, health care, and e-government services. The use of smart cards in Turkey has made it easier for citizens to access these services and has streamlined many administrative processes.

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