Foreigners can drive in Turkey with an international driving permit and their home country’s driving license for up to six months. After this period, a Turkish driving license is required. Obtaining a Turkish driving license is not a walk in the park; apart from becoming a resident of Turkey you should take a training course, an exam that is far from simple, obtain a health report, then apply (yes, this can mostly be done in English). it may be possible to convert a driving license from your home country into a Turkish license without going through that entire process, so it’s best to check with the local authorities.
Traffic violations, including unpaid fines, can result in future complications. The blood alcohol limit in Turkey is 0.05%, and penalties for driving under the influence are severe.
Renting a car
To rent a car in Turkey, you must be at least 21 years old and have held your driving license for a minimum of one to two years. For drivers under 25, additional fees may apply. Major rental companies in Turkey include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Budget, and Enterprise. While automatic cars are available, they are less common and may cost more than manual vehicles. Electric cars are slowly gaining popularity, but charging stations are not yet widely available.
Buying a car
If you’re considering purchasing a car in Turkey, be prepared for high taxes and duties, particularly for imported vehicles. The required paperwork for buying a car as a foreigner includes a tax number, residence permit, and a notarized sales contract.
You can make a purchase at major automobile manufacturers, used car lots, on online marketplaces like sahibinden.com and arabam.com (for both new and used cars).
The price of vehicles has increased greatly in recent years. They’re not cheap compared to many other countries so if you’re on a budget you might want to get creative here. Fortunately, most populated areas in Turkey have decent public transportation – only in small towns is it difficult to get to where you need to be at any given time.
Purchasing a car may be the right move if you’re used to having a car, you need some flexibility, and you have a family, but there are plenty of drawbacks in Turkey – the high ownership costs, the traffic and parking issues in major cities, and of course the environmental impact. Many who live in major cities are totally comfortable, even with families, not owning a car and choosing to rent, take a bus, or fly when traveling outside of the city. See the transportation guide for more detail regarding what it’s like living without a car in Turkey.
Bringing your vehicle to Turkey
Temporary Import: Foreigners can bring their cars into Turkey for up to 6 months in a 12-month period. This is called a temporary import. After 6 months, the vehicle must be taken out of the country. It’s crucial to note that the 12-month period is not reset when the vehicle leaves the country but rather from the initial entry date. Overstaying this period can result in penalties.
Documentation: When entering Turkey with a vehicle, you need to present specific documents at the customs office. These include your passport, a valid international driver’s license, the car registration document, and an international green card (proof of insurance). The vehicle’s license plate number will be recorded on your passport.
Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD): Depending on your country of origin, you might need a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD), a customs document that identifies the vehicle. It acts like a passport for your vehicle and can simplify the process of temporarily importing a vehicle.
Ownership: The car must be registered under the name of the person bringing it into Turkey. It’s not allowed to lend or rent your vehicle to someone else while it’s in the country. If the person who brought the car leaves Turkey, the car must also leave.
Bringing a rental car to Turkey
If you’re planning to bring a rental car from another country into Turkey, you should check with the rental company about their policies. Some rental companies may not allow their vehicles to be driven out of the country. If it’s permitted, you will likely need additional documentation from the rental company to prove you have permission to take the car into Turkey.
Permanently Importing a Vehicle
Importing a vehicle permanently into Turkey is a different process and involves a significant amount of taxes and duties. It’s only allowed for people who are changing their country of residence, and even then, there are numerous requirements and restrictions.
A basic step-by-step guide:
1. Purchase and Shipping: Purchase the vehicle and arrange for it to be shipped to Turkey.
2. Customs Declaration: Declare the vehicle at customs when it arrives in Turkey. This typically involves providing documentation such as a Bill of Lading, purchase invoice, and your passport. The car will need to be inspected by customs officials.
3. Pay Import Duties and Taxes: Turkey imposes significant import duties and taxes on vehicles, which can make importing a car quite expensive. The amount you pay will depend on factors such as the age and type of the vehicle.
4. Obtain a Turkish Registration Plate: Once the vehicle is cleared by customs and all taxes and duties are paid, you will need to register the vehicle in Turkey to obtain Turkish registration plates. This usually requires proof of insurance and may involve an inspection of the vehicle.
5. Vehicle Insurance: You must purchase car insurance from a company that is authorized to do business in Turkey.
6. Pass the Technical Inspection: All vehicles in Turkey must pass a technical inspection to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards. This is typically done at an authorized inspection center.
Requirements may include:
- Residency: In many cases, to permanently import a vehicle into Turkey, you may need to prove that you are moving to Turkey on a permanent basis. This could involve showing proof of a residence permit or work permit.
- Vehicle Specifications: The vehicle should meet the Euro emission standards and safety requirements of Turkey.
- Age of the Vehicle: There may be restrictions on importing older vehicles.
In the near future, we’ll have plenty of helpful info on renting scooters, motorcycles, and more. Other questions about the process of renting, purchasing, or importing a vehicle? Contact us here
