Housing & Living

The AFAD Emergency Alert System sends cell broadcast warnings for earthquakes and severe weather to mobile phones in Turkey.

Istanbul earthquake go-bags provide three liters of water per person daily, survival gear, and tools for the seventy-two hour rule.

Sourcing pork, bacon, and international ingredients in Istanbul and major Turkish cities involves specialized shops and gourmet supermarkets.

Turkish weekly pazar markets offer fresh seasonal produce and textiles, explained here with unwritten rules for negotiating and shopping.

Turkish supermarket chains Migros, Carrefour, Şok, and Bim differ in inventory, store sizes, and prices for shoppers.

Turkish auto insurance policies, including mandatory traffic insurance and voluntary Kasko coverage, differ in legal requirements and vehicle protection.

Hazard lights and reflective warning triangles come first after a fender bender in Turkey, before the scene is documented for an insurance claim.

Turkish toll roads and bridges use the HGS electronic system, requiring drivers to register at PTT offices or banks to avoid fines.

Istanbul taxi apps BiTaksi and Uber help expats avoid broken meters and scams while tracking routes in a city of sixteen million people.

Istanbul Metrobus rush hour crowds, tiered fares, refund machines, and survival etiquette for navigating the 52-kilometer transit system.