Digital Nomad: 14 essential apps for living and working in Turkey

Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads: it has excellent infrastructure, affordable housing, and fast internet. But to make work and life as comfortable as possible, it’s worth installing the right apps in advance. We’ve compiled a top-10 list of services that will help you navigate cities, stay connected, and travel without unnecessary worries.

Transport

Otobüsüm Nerede
The official public transport app for Istanbul. Here you can find real-time schedules for buses, trams, metro, and ferries. A must-have for those planning to live and work in the metropolis.

For iOS users
For Android users

Obilet
The main aggregator for intercity travel. Through the app, you can easily buy tickets for buses, domestic flights, and even transfers. Convenient for traveling throughout Turkey.

For iOS users
For Android users

TCDD Taşımacılık
If you plan to travel on high-speed trains, this app will be indispensable. Electronic tickets and schedules for all routes are available here.

For iOS users

Uber/BiTaksi
In big cities, you can’t do without taxis. Uber is known to everyone, while BiTaksi is a local alternative often used by Turks themselves. Both options help avoid overpaying and language barriers.

Uber for iOS users
Uber for Android users

BiTaksi for iOS users
BiTaksi for Android users

Istanbulkart
The electronic transport card for Istanbul. Through the app, you can top up your balance online and pay for rides on the metro, buses, ferries, and even funiculars. Analogous cards exist in other cities: Izmirimkart and Ankarakart.

For iOS users
For Android users

Communication

BiP

A Turkish messenger by Turkcell. Here you can make calls, send messages, and even use the built-in translator for 100+ languages. Sometimes it’s more convenient for communicating with locals than WhatsApp.

For iOS users
For Android users

Airalo
One of the most popular apps for connecting to mobile internet via eSIM without needing to buy a physical SIM card. Just download the app, choose a suitable tariff plan for Turkey, install the eSIM on your smartphone — and you’ll be online immediately after landing. Airalo works in more than 200 countries, offers flexible plans, and allows you to top up your balance directly in the app.

For iOS users
For Android users

NordVPN
One of the most popular VPN services in the world, known for high speed, reliable data protection, and the Double VPN feature. Suitable for streaming, bypassing blocks, and safe work on public networks.

For iOS users
For Android users

Maps

Google Maps
Offline maps for traveling without internet. Works via GPS, helps find cafes, hotels, and attractions. An excellent tool for trips.

For iOS users
For Android users

Moovit
Moovit helps put your entire route in one place, showing how to get from point A to point B faster and cheaper using any mode of transport.

For iOS users
For Android users

Work

Kariyer.net Job Search
Turkey’s largest and most recognizable job platform, founded in 1999. Suitable for all levels and industries — from IT and marketing to healthcare and insurance. Allows you to search for vacancies, upload resumes, track applications, and provides career recommendations and company information.

For iOS users
For Android users

Jooble Turkey
An international job aggregator, founded in 2006. Combines listings from many sites and portals, making it one of the most popular resources in the “Jobs and Employment” category by traffic.

For iOS users
For Android users

GrabJobs Turkey
One of the largest job search platforms in Turkey. Here you can find full-time and part-time vacancies, positions for students, and remote jobs. The platform allows you to apply with literally one click, use AI recommendations for job matching, and receive notifications about new offers via email or messengers.

For iOS users
For Android users