Signing a long lease before seeing the apartment in person
Photos and video calls undersell noise, light, and real commute times. Book short-term housing for your first few weeks instead.
Not checking whether a neighborhood is "open" for registration
Some neighborhoods hit their foreign-resident quota and stop accepting new residence-permit registrations at that address. Confirm this before signing, not after.
Choosing "home currency" at a Turkish ATM
That option triggers Dynamic Currency Conversion — a hidden 8-15% markup. Always decline conversion and pay in TRY.
Running a foreign SIM past 120 days without registering the phone
The IMEI registry locks the SIM slot after 120 cumulative days per calendar year unless you register (and pay a tax on) the device, or switch to an eSIM beforehand.
Underestimating one-time costs
Deposit, agency fee, insurance paid upfront, and furnishing top-ups can add $2,000-$6,000+ on top of your first month's ongoing budget. Plan for it, don't discover it.
Waiting too long to book the residence permit appointment
Appointment slots can book out weeks in advance. Once you have a notarized lease and UAVT code, book immediately rather than waiting for a "better time."
Want someone else to catch these for you?
The Full Move File handles visa, housing, and arrival end to end, so these are already accounted for.
See the Full Move File