Finding Your Favorite Products from Home in Turkey

Once you settle into your new Turkish real estate, you might find yourself missing some goods and products from home. Don't worry, international products are never far away. From in-person shopping in coastal areas and large cities to a plethora of e-commerce platforms, including Turkey’s first business listed on NASDAQ, Hepsiburada ("Everything Here")—often dubbed Turkey’s Amazon—you'll be well-covered.

Finding Your Favorites: For those craving a taste of home, online expat groups on platforms like Facebook are invaluable. Groups such as Fethiye Expat Forum or Foreign Women of Istanbul 2.0 can point you to where you can find your favorite ingredients, medicines, and other products. For culinary tips, groups like Cooks Corner for Expats in Turkey are particularly helpful.

International and Specialty Stores: Once you know where to look, even "hard to find" ingredients become accessible. Major stores like Macrocenter, Migros, Metro, and Carrefour stock popular imported foods, from Marmite to Nori sheets. Small specialty stores, such as the Chinese market in Istanbul, the Syrian market area in Fatih, and British grocery stores in the south, cater to more specific needs. Additionally, entrepreneurial expats and Turkish repatriates have set up businesses to supply these niche products.

Pharmacies and Health Products: For cosmetics, medicine, and health products, look for the 'eczane' sign at Turkish pharmacies. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and can often find the equivalent of your go-to medicine, usually at a lower cost. These shops also carry popular foreign and local cosmetic brands. Chains like Watsons, Gratis, and Tchibo offer a range of fun imported goods, while international cosmetic brands are available in outlets like Sephora and department stores.

Shopping Malls and High Streets: Most neighborhoods have a high street or central shopping area, with malls covering the rest of your needs. Western high street brands such as Zara and Marks & Spencer are common in Turkey. Specialty malls like Istinye Park and Zorlu cater to high-end consumers and tourists, featuring luxury brands and stores like the Apple Store. You'll rarely find that a product you seek isn't available in Turkey.

Online Shopping: There is no shortage of online retailers. Amazon recently launched Amazon Turkey, while local e-commerce giants like N11, Trendyol, and Hepsiburada offer a vast range of goods. Happy shopping, whether you're in an apartment in Kalkan or a villa in Istanbul!