Country and International Dialing Code
The country code of Turkey is +90. To place an international call to Turkey, the standard dialing format is:
International Access Code + 90 + Area Code (city/town code) + Telephone Number
For example, to call the number 664 78 98 on the European side of Istanbul, you would dial:
Your international access code + 90 + 212 + 664 78 98
Calling Internationally from Turkey
The international dialing prefix in Turkey is 00. To call abroad from Turkey, the format is:
00 + Country Code + Area Code + Telephone Number
International calls can also be made with operator assistance. By dialing 115, you can reach Türk Telekom’s international operator and request assistance to connect your call.
Intercity Calls Within Turkey
The domestic long-distance prefix in Turkey is 0. To call another city, dial:
0 + Area Code + Telephone Number
Operator-assisted intercity calls can be made by dialing 131, where a Türk Telekom operator will assist in placing the call.
Local Calls Within Cities
For local calls, simply dial the 7-digit telephone number.
An important exception is Istanbul, which has two separate area codes:
- 212 for the European side
- 216 for the Asian side
When calling between these two sides, the area code must always be included.
Free and Special Services
International free calls such as 00-800 (Home Country Direct) services may be accessible from some public or private telephones.
Calling from Hotels
Telephone calls made from hotels are generally more expensive than standard rates. It is recommended to check the tariff before placing a call.
Most hotels offer direct-dial systems. In this case, you must first enter an external access code provided by the hotel, followed by:
Country Code + Area Code + Telephone Number
If direct dialing is not available, hotel operators can assist in placing the call.
Public Pay Phones
Public telephones are widely available throughout Turkey and operate using prepaid phone cards of 30, 60, or 100 units. For short international calls, a 30-unit card may be sufficient.
Phone cards can be purchased at:
- PTT (Post Office) branches
- Grocery stores
- Street kiosks near public phones
- Some hotel reception desks
How to Use Public Phones
- Lift the handset and select the language on the screen
- Insert the phone card in the indicated direction
- Wait for the dial tone and enter the number
- During the call, warning beeps indicate low credit
- When prompted, replace or recharge the card if needed
Calls are generally cheaper during off-peak hours (18:00–06:00 on weekdays and weekends).
Mobile Phone Services
Turkey has multiple GSM operators, including:
- Turkcell
- Vodafone (formerly Telsim)
- Avea (now integrated into Türk Telekom Mobile)
Visitors can use their own mobile phones by activating international roaming or by selecting a local network. Mobile phones can also be rented through service providers or travel assistance companies.
Emergency Numbers in Turkey
Emergency services are available nationwide and free of charge, 24/7:
- 112 – Emergency (general)
- 110 – Fire
- 155 – Police
- 156 – Gendarmerie
- 158 – Coast Guard
- 177 – Forest Fire
Emergency calls can be made from any phone, including public phones, even without a card.
Public and Social Service Numbers
- 154 – Traffic
- 182 – Psychological Support
- 170 – Labor and Employment
- 183 – Social Services (Women & Family)
- 184 – Health Hotline
- 185 – Water Services
- 186 – Electricity Services
- 187 – Gas Services
- 188 – Funeral Services
- 189 – Tax Information
- 174 – Food Safety / Consumer Hotline
- 181 – Environmental Services
Useful Operator and Information Numbers
- 115 – International Operator Assistance
- 131 – Domestic Operator Assistance
- 118 – Directory Assistance
- 133 – Paging Services
Postal Services (PTT)
Turkey’s postal system is operated by PTT (Post, Telephone, Telegram) and is generally reliable and well-organized. Post offices are marked with a distinctive yellow PTT sign.
Working Hours
- Weekdays: 09:00–12:00 and 13:30–17:00
- Larger central offices: 08:00–24:00
Postage rates vary depending on the type of mail (letters, postcards, or parcels). Mail can be sent directly from PTT offices, hotel receptions, or public mailboxes.
Email and Internet Access
Internet usage in Turkey is widespread and continues to grow rapidly. Visitors can access the internet through:
- Hotel rooms (wired or Wi-Fi connections)
- Hotel business centers
- Internet cafés
Most four- and five-star hotels offer business facilities with internet access. Email services such as Yahoo, Gmail, and others can be used normally.
Fax Services
Fax services are available at:
- Major PTT offices
- Hotels and business centers
Television Services
Most hotels in Turkey provide satellite television. Cable and satellite providers such as Türk Telekom and Digiturk are widely used in urban areas. In addition, premium pay-TV services such as Cine5 and other digital platforms may also be available in some regions.