Foreigners living in Istanbul must obtain an akbil (istanbul card) in order to use public transportation and travel within the city. So where can foreigners get their Istanbul card?
All foreigners who are legal in Turkey and have an ID number can obtain an Istanbul card either from kiosks that sell Istanbul cards or from Istanbul card filling machines located in various parts of Istanbul.
The COVID-19 virus, which has affected the whole world, has caused some precautions to be taken in Turkey as well. One of these measures is the HEPP code. Anyone who wants to use their Istanbulkart has to define the HES code on the Istanbulkart they are using.
Foreigners with a student residence permit can travel on public transport at a discount by applying online or through IstanbulKart application centers with their student documents.
HOW IS HES CODE DEFINED TO ISTANBUL CARD?
As of January 15, those who do not match the HEPP code to their IstanbulKart in Istanbul will not be able to use the transportation. If you have a HEPP code, you can match the HEPP code to your IstanbulKart by clicking on the website https://kisisellestim.istanbulkart.istanbul/ and filling in the information. Currently, foreigners can only match their foreigner identification number with the HEPP code to IstanbulKart.
You can learn how to create Hes Code by clicking https://turkpermit.com.tr/BlogDetay/pasapor-ile-hes-kodu-alma.
Public transport in the city includes the metro, bus and ferries. You can reach the islands or the Anatolian side and many different districts from Beşiktaş by ferry. For ferry schedules and times, you can contact Şehir Hatları A.Ş. | Ferry Hours | Ferry Schedules | Bosphorus Tour | Princes' Islands Ferries | Kadikoy | Besiktas | Detailed information can be found at Kabataş (sehirhatlari.istanbul).
Metro lines are;
• Istanbul Metro Lines and Names.
• M1A Yenikapı - Atatürk Airport Metro Line ...
• M1B Yenikapı - Kirazlı Metro Line ...
• M2 Yenikapı - Taksim - Hacıosman Metro Line ...
• M3 Kirazlı - Olympic - Başakşehir Metro Line
