The Cats (I Mean CARDS) of Istanbul: The Student Survival Guide 2025

Welcome back to the blog! If you are coming here from my YouTube video “The Cats (Sorry I meant Cards) of Istanbul”, you already know the joke: Istanbul is famous for its street cats, but if you want to survive here as a student, it’s actually the CARDS that run your life.

From saving thousands of Lira on transport to getting into world-class museums for the price of a coffee, these 6 cards are your keys to the city.

Here is the detailed breakdown of the 6 Essential Cards every international student needs in Istanbul for 2025.

1. The Student Istanbulkart (Transportation Card)

The “Golden Ticket” for getting around.

If you only get one card on this list, make it this one. Public transport in Istanbul is amazing, but it can get expensive if you pay the full fare.

• Why you need it: A standard trip might cost around 20-30 TL, but with a Student Istanbulkart, you pay a fraction of that (approx. 10-12 TL). Even better, you can load a Monthly Subscription (Abonman).
• The Savings:

• Regular User Monthly: ~3,000+ TL
• Student Monthly (Abonman): ~500 – 600 TL (for 200 rides). But the price changes with time.
• How to Get It:

1. Apply Online: Visit the Istanbulkart website or use the Istanbulkart App.
2. Apply In-Person: Go to an “Istanbulkart Başvuru Merkezi” (Application Center). The main one is in Karaköy or Kadıköy.

• Documents Required:

• Student Certificate (Öğrenci Belgesi – get this from your university or e-Devlet).
• Passport and Residence Permit Number (YKN).
• 1 Biometric Photo (Headshot).
• Cost: The card fee is approx. 80 – 150 TL (one-time fee).

2. Residence Permit Card (Ikamet)

The “Don’t Leave Home Without It” Card.

This pink card is your legal ID in Turkey. It proves you are not a tourist and gives you rights to things like the Student Museum Pass and opening a bank account.

• Why you need it: You are legally required to carry it at all times. Police conduct random ID checks, especially in busy areas like Taksim or Fatih.
• How to Get It:

• Apply online via the e-Ikamet system.
• Attend an appointment at the Migration Management office (Göç İdaresi).
• Estimated Costs (2025):

• Card Fee: ~810 TL (approx. $20).
• Tax/Visa Fee: Varies by country (depends)
• Health Insurance: ~800 – 3,500 TL per year (varies by age/agency). Ask your dorm mates or seniors in school how they got theirs. There are some people who ppst on WhatsApp groups very cheap rates to get the sigorta (insurance). You can try to contact them and see.

3. Student ID Card (School Card)

Your Campus Key.

• What it does: Grants you access to your university campus and, crucially, the cafeteria.
• Why it’s essential: University cafeteria meals are heavily subsidized by the government. You can often get a full 3-course meal for 30-100 TL (cheaper than a anywhere outside a cafe!).
• How to get it: Your university student affairs office will issue this to you during registration week. Or you go and get registered in their office.
• Bonus: Some universities (like Ankara University) partner with banks, so your student ID doubles as a payment card on campus.

4. Bank / ATM Card

The “Financial Freedom” Card.

Turkey is very modernized with banking; you can pay with card almost everywhere (grocery stores, taxis, cafes).

• Popular Banks for Students: Ziraat Bankası (State-owned, easier for students), İş Bankası, Garanti BBVA.
• Documents Required to Open an Account:

• Original Passport.
• Residence Permit (or sometimes just the application document).
• Tax ID Number (Vergi Numarası): If you are applying as a student, you do not really need this. You can get this online in 2 minutes from the Interactive Tax Office. You can also get by downloading an app and logging in with edevlet.
• Student Certificate.
• Proof of Address (Utility bill or dormitory letter).
• Pro Tip: Always ask to open a TL account and a USD/EUR account so you can receive money from home easily.

5. Watsons/Gratis/BIM Card (The “Shopping” Card)

For looking good on a budget.

In the video, I highlighted the Watsons Card, which is essential for toiletries, skincare, and cosmetics.

• Why you need it: Prices for imported goods can be high. Members get special “Watsons Club” prices which can be 30-50% cheaper than the shelf price. You can benefit from their campaigns too
• How to get it: Download the Watsons TR app or ask at the checkout counter.
• Wait, what about food?
• For groceries, I also recommend getting the BIM  Card. Just like Watsons, you just scan it at the checkout at  supermarkets to get huge discounts on food.

6. Museum Pass Türkiye (MüzeKart+)

The “Unlock the City” Card.

This is my personal favorite. As a foreigner, entry to the Topkapi Palace or Galata Tower can cost €30 (1000+ TL) per visit. But with this card…

• The Hack: If you have a Residence Permit (Ikamet) and a Student ID, you don’t buy the expensive “Tourist Pass” (which costs €165). You buy the “Müzekart+” for residents.
• The Cost: Approx. 60 TL (Yes, really!). I got it for 50 TL in April 2025
• What you get: Free entry to almost every state museum in Turkey (Hagia Irene, Galata Tower, Ephesus, Pamukkale, etc.) for a full year. Do not forget to activate the card though.
• How to get it: Go to the ticket counter of any major museum with your Residence Permit. Do not buy this online before you arrive; you must wait until you have your Residence Permit number.

Summary Checklist

1. Transport: Student Istanbulkart (Get this FIRST!)
2. Legal: Residence Permit (Apply immediately)
3. School: Student ID (For cheap food)
4. Money: Bank Card (Ziraat or Isbank)
5. Shopping: Watsons or BIM Card
6. Fun: MüzeKart+ (Wait for your Ikamet to buy this)

Got questions about moving to Istanbul? Drop a comment on the YouTube video or send me a message!

Prices and fees are estimates based on late 2024/early 2025 rates and are subject to change.