How to Obtain and Use an İstanbulkart as an International or Turkish Student 🎓🚌

 

How to Obtain and Use an İstanbulkart as an International or Turkish Student 🎓🚌

For International Students: How to Get a Student İstanbulkart

If you’re an international student studying in Istanbul, here’s the updated process to obtain your student İstanbulkart:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Make sure you qualify for the student İstanbulkart as an international student at your Turkish university.

Step 2: Obtain Updated Student Certificate

Get an updated student certificate from your university’s Student Affairs Office, showing your current enrollment status.

Step 3: Visit the International Office

Contact your university’s International Office for guidance. They will provide instructions and support on applying for your İstanbulkart.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

  • Updated student certificate from Student Affairs Office

  • Passport or valid ID

  • Passport-sized photo (if requested)

Step 5: Apply at a Designated Office

Follow your university’s instructions on where to apply for your İstanbulkart.

Step 6: Pay the Fee

  • Student İstanbulkart fee: 140 TL (includes card cost + initial balance)

Step 7: Receive Your İstanbulkart

Once processed, you’ll get your İstanbulkart ready for use on Istanbul public transportation.

For Turkish Students: Apply Online for İstanbulkart 🎫

If you’re a Turkish student and your e-student certificate is detected by the system, you can apply online:

  1. Register Online:
    Visit https://istanbulkart.istanbul/en (English version) or use the İstanbulkart mobile app.

  2. Complete the Application:
    Follow the step-by-step registration instructions.

  3. Watch a Video Guide:
    Visual learners can watch this video walkthrough:
    İstanbulkart Application Process Video

  4. Pay Application Fee:

  • Card fee: 140 TL + shipping fee for delivery

If you need help, visit the İstanbulkart website or contact their support through the app.

How to Pay for Public Transportation in Istanbul 🚍💳

You have several options to pay when using Istanbul public transport:

1. Physical İstanbulkart

  • Tap your card on the payment terminal when boarding.

  • You’ll hear a confirmation sound signaling a successful payment.

2. Contactless Credit/Debit Card

  • Use a contactless-enabled bank card by tapping it on the payment terminal.

  • Convenient if you don’t have an İstanbulkart.

3. QR Code Payment via İstanbulkart App

  • Pre-generated QR code: Create your QR code in the app beforehand and scan it on the bus.

  • On-the-spot QR scanning: Scan the QR code inside the bus using the İstanbulkart app to pay instantly.

🎧 Listen to the İstanbulkart payment sound here: YouTube - Payment Sound
(Subscribe for more tips!)

More info on contactless payment options:
Mastercard Contactless Payments in Istanbul Public Transport

İstanbulkart Application Centers (İBM) for Lost, Damaged, or New Cards

If you need to replace a lost or malfunctioning card, or want to get a physical İstanbulkart, visit one of the İBM Application Centers listed below. Here you can also transfer your balance to a new card.

https://www.istanbulkart.istanbul/applicationCenters

🏢 İBM (İstanbulkart Başvuru Merkezi) Locations – European Side (Avrupa Yakası)

LocationAddress DetailsOpening Hours*
Gayrettepe İBMNear Metro Gayrettepe StationMon-Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 - Sat. 08:30 - 17:30
Karaköy İBMKaraköy, near the ferry terminalMon-Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 - Sat. 08:30 - 17:30
Topkapı İBMTopkapı Tramway AreaMon-Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 - Sat. 08:30 - 17:30
Yenibosna İBMYenibosna district centerMon-Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 - Sat. 08:30 - 17:30
Avcılar İBMAvcılar Municipality areaMon-Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 - Sat. 08:30 - 17:30

🏢 İBM Locations – Asian Side (Anadolu Yakası)

LocationAddress DetailsOpening Hours*
Kadıköy İBMNear Kadıköy Metro & Ferry PortMon-Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 - Sat. 08:30 - 17:30
Kartal İBMKartal district centerMon-Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 - Sat. 08:30 - 17:30
Ümraniye İBMÜmraniye Municipality CenterMon-Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 - Sat. 08:30 - 17:30
Sultanbeyli İBMSultanbeyli CenterMon-Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 - Sat. 08:30 - 17:30
Üsküdar İBMÜsküdar Ferry & Metro AreaMon-Fri: 08:30 - 19:00 - Sat. 08:30 - 17:30

Card Issuance Fee: 140 TL (for physical İstanbulkart)

*Opening hours might vary on public holidays. It’s best to check ahead or call.

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