This post on how to get Istanbulkart explains everything such as where can you issue your own personal Istanbulkart card which can be used in public transport such as buses, metro, trams, funiculars, subway, sea buses, public bathrooms, and ferries. Private transport is not an option always unless you have a time crunch. Public Transport is mostly preferred as it’s cheaper, to enjoy the scenic view through the glass and finally, you can interact with other locals. So, let’s dive in and get you your own personal Istanbulkart.
Where Can You And How To Get Istanbulkart?
First and foremost you can get Istanbulkart online via the official website. However, it takes time to get delivered to your home address. To get your own Istanbulkart quickly, all you need is cash and locate the kiosk where they are selling i.e. at Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gokcen Airport, and Metro or Tram at almost every station. So, you do not need to fret as you know what you are doing.
What Documents Do You Need To Get Istanbulkart?
Currently, you do not require any documents for issuing the Istanbulkart as a tourist. As mentioned all you require is cash to use in a Vending machine near any station.
How To Use Vending Machine?
Once you have spotted the yellow vending machine which looks as shown in the image above. Now, all you require is 70 Turkish lira for an Istanbulkart card and these procedure to follow:
1. Check whether the vending machine has an option Istanbulkart – 70TL available or not. As most of the vending machines allow users to recharge or credit their cards.
2. Next, after selecting the option you will have displays that say:
- Para: 0.00TL means (money)
- Adet: 1 means (card piece)
- Süre: 19 means (Time left)
3. Once it says Kağıt para girişi which means “Paper money entry“, you are required to enter 70TL for the card. If you have added an additional Turkish lira, it will be added to your Istanbulkart and can be used for public transportation.
4. Press, Onay and you are good to go.
How To Recharge Your Istanbulkart
1. Go to the vending machine and place your Istanbulkart card on the white pad of the machine on the right side.
Note: Do not remove the card during the whole process.
2. Once your card has completed processing, feed Turkish lira when it says “Kağıt para girişi” on the screen to recharge your card. The machine accepts 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 TL.
Additional Information
You can get an Istanbul City card which is a traveling card that can be used for an unlimited amount of time till it expires which is generally 1, 3, 5, 7, or 15 days depending on its validity. However, practically and realistically you will not be traveling or using public transport for 15+ times a day to get its complete worth
Additionally, the Istanbul City Card can only be used by one person; in comparison to Istanbulkart, it can be used by up to 1-5 people. However, it is still recommended to use up to 3 people per Istanbulkart card as there is a monthly top-up or recharge limit of 500TL. After that, you will have to issue a new card.