Shopping in Türkiye
Türkiye offers a vibrant and diverse shopping experience, from traditional bazaars to modern malls. Whether you’re looking for local craftsmanship, daily essentials, or international brands, you’ll find everything you need as a student living in Türkiye.
Local Shops
Small neighborhood shops, or “bakkals,” are common across the country. They sell everyday items such as snacks, drinks, household goods, phone cards, newspapers, and more. While convenient, prices can be slightly higher than in supermarkets, especially in tourist areas.
Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
Turkish supermarkets offer a familiar shopping experience, with clearly marked prices, scanning stations, and cashless payment options. Larger chain stores often have both city-center and mall locations, providing groceries, home goods, and imported products.
Popular chains include:
Migros
CarrefourSA
- A101
Şok
BİM
Street Markets (Bazaars)
Weekly street markets are the best place to shop for fresh produce, local cheese, eggs, and handmade goods. You’ll also find clothing, textiles, and household items at competitive prices. Each neighborhood typically has its own market day.
Bookstores
Major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir have bookstores offering titles in English, French, and German. International students can also order books online with fast delivery across Türkiye—even in rural areas. Group orders can help reduce shipping costs.
Shopping Malls
Türkiye has a growing number of modern shopping malls, featuring:
Global fashion brands
Furniture and electronics stores
Bookshops with foreign titles
Food courts and cinemas
Free Wi-Fi
ATMs and banking services
