Moving to Turkey offers a blend of cultural richness, Mediterranean climate, and modern living. Whether you are settling in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, or a coastal town, one of your first steps after arriving will be setting up your essential utilities.

This guide will walk you through how to arrange:

• Electricity

• Natural Gas

• Water

• Internet and Mobile Services

It also includes major providers, average monthly costs, and helpful tips to make your transition smoother.

Electricity

Electricity in Turkey is provided by several regional distribution companies. When you move into a new property, you’ll either transfer the existing electricity account into your name or apply for a new connection.

Most tenants and homeowners manage their own electricity contracts. Payments are typically made monthly, either through direct debit or manually via banks, post offices, or mobile apps.

Documents required:

• Passport or residence permit (ikamet)

• Turkish tax number

• Rental contract or property deed (Tapu)

• Bank account (for automatic payments)

• DASK insurance (mandatory earthquake insurance, required for connection)

Major providers (depending on region):

• CK Boğaziçi Elektrik (Istanbul European side)

• Enerjisa (Ankara, Adana, and others)

• CK Akdeniz Elektrik (Antalya region)

• Gediz Elektrik (Izmir region)

Average costs:

• Apartments: 800–1,500 TRY/month (€25–€45)

• Houses or large apartments: 1,500–3,000 TRY/month (€45–€90)

Tips:

• Electricity in Turkey is 220V / 50Hz with European plug sockets.

• Always take a meter reading when moving in or out.

• Use energy-efficient air conditioners and LED lighting to lower bills.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is commonly used for heating, hot water, and cooking. In most cities, piped gas (“doğalgaz”) is available, while in rural or coastal areas bottled gas (LPG) may be used instead.

If you are moving into a property with a natural gas connection, you’ll need to set up an account in your name with the local supplier. A technician will visit to activate the connection and perform a safety inspection.

Documents required:

• Passport or residence permit

• Turkish tax number

• DASK insurance policy

• Rental contract or proof of ownership

• Bank account (optional for direct debit)

Major providers:

• İGDAŞ (Istanbul)

• BaşkentGaz (Ankara)

• EgeGaz (Izmir)

• Enerya (Antalya and other regions)

Average costs:

• Light usage (cooking and water heating): 400–800 TRY/month (€12–€25)

• Full heating during winter: 1,500–3,000 TRY/month (€45–€90)

Tips:

• Schedule the activation a few days before your move-in date.

• Gas meters are read monthly; bills arrive by mail, email, or SMS.

• During cold months, consider thermostat timers to manage usage efficiently.

Water

Setting Up Your Water Connection in Turkey

Water services in Turkey are managed locally by each city’s municipal water authority, known as the “Su ve Kanalizasyon İdaresi” (Water and Sewerage Administration).
This means that procedures, fees, and required documents can vary slightly depending on where you live for example, İSKİ in Istanbul, ASKİ in Ankara, or İZSU in Izmir.

How to Set Up a New Water Connection

1. Locate your local Su İdaresi:
   Visit the municipality website or look for the nearest branch office. Most large cities have English-speaking staff or online forms available.

2. Prepare your documents:
   You’ll usually need:

   • Your passport or residence permit

   • A copy of your rental contract or property deed

   • Your Turkish Tax Number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası)

   • A recent electricity or natural gas bill (for address verification)

3. Submit your application:
   You can apply in person at the Su İdaresi office or, in many regions, online through the municipality’s digital portal.

4. Pay the connection fee and deposit:
   There’s a small setup fee (around ₺100–₺400) plus a refundable deposit, depending on the property type.

5. Meter installation or transfer:
   If you’re moving into a property that already has water service, you’ll just transfer the account into your name. For new homes, a technician may visit to install or activate the water meter.

6. Receive your first bill:
   Bills are usually issued monthly and can be paid via:

   • Direct debit through your Turkish bank

   • The Su İdaresi website

   • Local payment kiosks or PTT post offices

If you don’t speak Turkish, consider bringing a friend or translator to your first appointment. The process is generally smooth, and once registered, you can manage everything through your local municipality’s online system.

Documents required:

• Passport or residence permit

• Turkish tax number

• DASK insurance

• Rental contract or property deed

• Bank details for direct debit (optional)

Major municipal providers:

• İSKİ (Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration)

• ASKİ (Ankara)

• İZSU (Izmir)

• ASAT (Antalya)

Average costs:

• 300–600 TRY/month (€9–€18) for small households

• 800–1,200 TRY/month (€24–€36) for families or large homes

Tips:

• Water bills are usually issued monthly or bimonthly.

• Tap water is safe for general use but many residents use filters or bottled water for drinking.

• Report leaks or irregularities to your local municipality to avoid overbilling.

AIMS Immigration & Relocation Specialist

Moving abroad involves more than just paperwork, it’s about settling comfortably into a new life. AIMS Immigration & Relocation Specialist helps expats handle practical steps like setting up utilities, registering with local authorities, and finding housing.
Their relocation experts can simplify every part of your move to Turkey, so you can focus on enjoying your new surroundings with confidence.

Internet and Mobile Services

Turkey has a strong and competitive telecommunications market with high-speed broadband and 4G mobile coverage in most areas. Fiber internet is available in major cities.

Documents required:

• Passport or residence permit

• Turkish address

• Bank details or credit card

• Turkish tax number

Main internet providers:

• Türk Telekom

• Vodafone Net

• Turkcell Superonline

• Millenicom

• Netspeed (smaller regional provider)

Main mobile providers:

• Turkcell

• Vodafone

• Türk Telekom Mobile

Average costs:

• Home internet: 400–800 TRY/month (€12–€25)

• Mobile plans: 300–600 TRY/month (€9–€18) for unlimited calls and data bundles

Tips:

• Fiber (“fiber internet”) provides the best speed and reliability—check availability in your area.

• Prepaid SIM cards are widely available and can be purchased at airports or retail stores.

• Many internet providers offer bundle deals that include mobile, home phone, and TV.

General Tips for Managing Utilities in Turkey

Managing utilities in Turkey is generally straightforward once you understand the basics. Here are some key tips to make the process easier and avoid common issues:

1. Get DASK insurance first
   Earthquake insurance (DASK) is legally required for all electricity, gas, and water connections. Make sure your policy is active before applying for any new utility service, as most providers will not process your request without it.
   
   

2. Choose convenient payment methods
   Utility bills can be paid easily at banks, post offices (PTT), or online through provider websites and mobile apps. Setting up automatic payments (“otomatik ödeme”) through your Turkish bank account ensures you never miss a deadline.
   
   

3. Keep all your paperwork
   Always save contracts, receipts, and DASK policy documents, especially if you are renting. These records are often needed for address verification, renewals, or resolving billing disputes.
   
   

4. Track your meter readings
   When moving in or out of a property, take photos of all meter readings (electricity, gas, and water). This helps prevent being charged for the previous tenant’s usage.
   
   

5. Ask for English-language assistance
   Some utility providers offer limited English support, especially in major cities like Istanbul and Izmir. If possible, bring a Turkish-speaking friend or translator when setting up your first accounts to make the process smoother.
   
   

6. Update your address promptly
   If you move, notify each utility provider right away to avoid interruptions or delays in service. Address registration is also required for your residence permit renewal.

Wrapping Up

Setting up utilities in Turkey is straightforward once you have your documents ready and understand the process. With your residence permit, tax number, and DASK insurance, you can have electricity, water, gas, and internet activated within a few days.

Turkey’s utility infrastructure is modern and efficient, and most providers offer digital billing and payment options. Once everything is connected, you’ll be ready to enjoy your new home, whether in a lively city or along the stunning Turkish coast.