Is Uber in Turkey? 11 tips for catching an Uber in Istanbul

Since first setting foot in Turkey back in 2018, its bustling streets and vibrant cities have become my daily backdrop.

Living in Istanbul—a sprawling metropolis of over 20 million people—has been life-changing and always a whirlwind of new experiences.

Navigating the world of taxis has been a big part of that journey, and believe me, I’ve had my fair share of overpaying and getting caught in tourist traps.

But after countless rides through Istanbul’s chaotic traffic and adapting to its unpredictable driving culture, I’ve learned a thing or two. It’s a bit of a love-hate relationship, to be honest, and I’m here to help you avoid the common pitfalls.

One thing I didn’t realize until recently? Uber is available in Istanbul! While I’d used Uber in the States, I had no idea it had become such a popular (and sometimes controversial) option in Turkey.

If you’re worried about taxis, wondering if Uber is a safer or more convenient choice, or just want to know how to get around smoothly, let me share what I know.

I’ll explain how Uber works here in Turkey and help you discover the best ride options for your travels. Ready to book a ride? Let’s get started!

Is Uber in Turkey?

The short answer is, currently yes, but that has not always been the case.

Though Uber was introduced in Turkey in 2014, in 2019, they began impacting the local taxi services which led to issues. The local taxi association worked together to file a lawsuit against Uber in Turkey. 

Uber was told to cease operations in Turkey with a ban on them being placed. They couldn’t operate here for a couple of years.

In October 2019, however, the Istanbul court overturned the ban. Local taxi drivers don’t like it but the government sees it as proper market competition which only forces everyone to be better. 

Is Uber in Istanbul?

Uber is available in Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara. If you’re in smaller cities it is hard to even get a regular taxi because of the lack of supply much less an Uber.

The interesting thing, however, is they use regular yellow taxis. Some drivers will just accept Uber fares as well as other BiTaksi and iTaksi fares.

The great thing about Uber as a tourist is that you can pay through the app and not have to worry about prices and cash and talking.

How to use Uber in Turkey

Setting up the App

If you’re not familiar with Uber here are a few tips for how to use it.

1. Download the app. Pro tip: if a friend has it, they can share a code with you and often you will both benefit from it. But do it while in the States.
2. You will then have to fill out your account as well as add payment information. You will get to select your preferred form of payment.
3. Make sure you enable location services or the taxi won’t be able to locate you.
4. When you order a taxi, just put in the destination as your current location is already populated.
5. You will see an estimated fare for your route as well as other pertinent information.
6. Then after you confirm everything, the app will work to find a driver. You will be able to see the driver’s live location as well as the taxi number so you get in the correct taxi
7. Then when it is all done, payment happens in the way you have already specified.

Vehicle types

Uber has 3 different vehicles in Turkey.

1. Yellow taxis – these are the same taxis you see everywhere and are the lowest price point.
2. Turquoise taxis – these are usually a bit nicer cars (great for a date night) and run about 15% more than the yellow taxis
3. Black taxis – these are larger vehicles, like a minibus. Although the price is 70% more, the capacity is doubled as well. If you have a large group, this is the way to go.

This is incredibly light traffic in Istanbul. You’ll also notice this guy on the right just doing whatever he wants.

How to pay for an Uber

When you set up your account you will have to put in credit/debit card information as a backup. You will, however, be able to select which form of payment you want to use for a given fare.

This is great because sometimes Turkish credit card readers will have a problem reading a foreign card. This will help make for easier and more seamless transactions every time.

Plus, you can then use your travel credit card and rack up more points!

• Cash – make sure you pay what the app says not what the driver says – in an ideal world you could get a receipt but probably impossible
• Credit/Debit Card – in the app
• PayPal – in the app
• Google or Apple Pay – in the app

Pros and Cons of Using Uber in Istanbul

Pros

• More payment options
• Hailing a cab from anywhere is easy
• Estimate your trip fare
• Using the app (like the alternatives) adds an extra layer of safety.
• I have found them to be cheaper than normal taxis most of the time

Cons

• Some drivers won’t accept an Uber fare because it isn’t as advantageous for them.

Uber Alternatives

There are many who say they get scammed by taxi drivers. If you pick one off the streets it is much easier to be scammed but if you use the app it insulates you from much of the potential. 

BİTAKSİ

This app is mostly used in Istanbul and Ankara. You will need a Turkish number for this. You can get a local SIM card quite easily. Read more about getting a Turkish SIM card.

This means that it won’t work if you have an eSIM (without a Turkish number, just using data). 

How to use BiTaksi?

1. Download and install the application.
2. Open the application and allow location services when prompted.
3. Press the “Start Now” button. Begin with your phone number followed by pressing “next”.
4. You should receive an activation code. Type that activation code as prompted. Then press “verify”.
5. Enter where you want to go and choose your preferred vehicle type.
6. If you want to pay in cash, press the “Send BiTaksi” button to bypass adding a credit/debit card.
7. If you want to pay by card, click the “Add Card” button and proceed to add the information.
8. Select the card instead of “Cash” from the options and then “Send BiTaksi”.

İTAKSİ

This app was developed by the Istanbul local government. It isn’t as popular as BiTaksi but it has one feature that makes it worth mentioning.

The main feature of this app is that you can link your Istanbul Kart to it and use that for payment. Both iTaksi and BiTaksi are preferred by locals. It is used quite similarly to BiTaksi.

Rent a car

The other alternative is that you could rent a car. But honestly, if you’re only staying in Istanbul it just isn’t worth it. 

The traffic is a nightmare and the streets can be confusing. Not to mention drivers make up their own rules. It is quite stressful if you’re not used to it.

I would recommend renting a car, however, if you are traveling outside of Istanbul. Once you leave Istanbul, the public transportation solutions begin to dwindle, and having a car becomes quite handy.

Public Transportation

Honestly, for most places, public transportation is quite good and covers a lot of ground. President Erdogan has done a lot to build up the public transportation infrastructure. Getting around is much easier today than it was 10 years ago.

• Buses – there are a ton of buses but honestly they stressed me out when I first got here. I never knew which direction and without Turkish to ask they can be a bit tricky.
• Marmary/Metro/Trams – These, however, are the bread and butter for tourist transportation. They cover a lot of ground and are incredibly easy to use.
• Dolmus & minibus – These like the buses can be a bit confusing. To this day I only really take the ones that someone has shown me before.

Airport Transfers

If you’re specifically looking for an airport transfer from/to Istanbul Airport or the Sabiha Gökçen Airport, I would recommend GetTransfer.com.

What I love about them is that there are no surprises. Your toll and bridge fees are included. You may be paying about the same price as a taxi but you know what it is beforehand as well you don’t have to wait in the taxi line.

Also compared to other transfer services they are consistently less expensive and known worldwide with 22 different languages used. Typically they are also much roomier. All around win.

11 Pro Tips for riding in a taxi

1. Be patient. There is a shortage of taxis in Istanbul right now which makes finding a taxi difficult, especially at peak times. Grabbing an Uber in Istanbul then will be even more challenging to find.

2. There is a minimum fee. The base fee for a taxi has just risen from 70 tl to 90 tl. So if you’re going somewhere close and the rate show is only 70 tl for instance, be aware that you will have to pay the minimum fare of 90 tl regardless. 

3. Don’t take them into traffic. After you sit for more than 5 min or so, the fare starts to increase by time not moving instead of by kilometer. It adds up quickly. 

4. Rates are the same regardless of what time of day it is. Don’t be fooled by someone telling you there is a night rate. It’s not true.

5. Much pricier than public transportation. Taxi rides are pricy but if there are many of you it might be worth it. They usually can hold two large suitcases. Sometimes they are especially worth it after a long flight.

6. Beware. Don’t accept a ride from a taxi driver that comes to you as opposed to you going to them. They are likely unlicensed or something is wrong. It’s not worth it. 

7. Use the app. Using the app when possible makes sure you’re getting the best fare as well as building in a bit of security. 

8. Always make sure the meter is running. I have been told a price for a given fare when I knew it would actually be much cheaper.

If they are trying to give you a rate, you are overpaying. If they say their meter isn’t working, get out. It is a lie because they have to have a working meter to drive a taxi. 

9. Legitimate extra fees are possible. If you cross a bridge or go on a toll road, those fees won’t show up on the app or on the meter…it will cost more. 

Depending on which bridge and toll road, it could be a couple hundred lira extra.

10. You don’t have to tip. It is becoming more popular but tipping is not a big thing in Turkey. 

11. Pay attention. If paying in cash, try to pay without needing any change back to avoid any discrepancy over the fee. Also, make sure they are charging the correct fee.

Frequently Asked Questions about Taxis in Turkey

I prefer transfer services since all the fees are included. Get a quote!

Final Thoughts on getting a taxi in Istanbul

Uber’s true value is an extra layer of peace of mind by being able to use an app to call a taxi, have accountability, and pay for it all right there.

Navigating the bustling streets of Istanbul, where the dance of vehicles seems like choreographed chaos, can be both exhilarating and daunting.

For those who speak Turkish and have a Turkish SIM card, I would say don’t bother as BiTaksi works just fine.

But for the tourist on their first, second, or even third trip here, it is definitely worth it to use Uber in Turkey where available. Make sure you check out this list of other apps to download when you travel.