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Let’s be real: If you are an expat living in Turkey, you can’t avoid local e-commerce giants like Trendyol or Hepsiburada. But Amazon Turkey? That is an entirely different leagueespecially if you are accustomed to Western customer service standards.
In this article, I’m sharing my unfiltered experience from four years of using “Amazon.com.tr”. I won’t just show you how to crack the language barrier; I’ll explain why the Prime membership is arguably the best value deal in the entire country, despite recent price adjustments.
Why Amazon Turkey is Indispensable for Foreigners
Many expats hesitate initially because the site is only available in Turkish. However, Amazon holds a critical advantage over local competition: The “No Questions-Asked” Policy.
While you might wait days for a refund on other Turkish platforms or find yourself arguing with sellers via chat, the “A to-z Guarantee” on Amazon Turkey works just as seamlessly as it does in the US, UK, or Germany. Add to that the Prime membership, which includes not just shipping benefits but also Prime Video and Gaming.
If you want to understand the broader landscape, I have written a separate breakdown of Online Shopping in Turkey. But here, we are focusing strictly on the blue giant.
Step-by-Step: How to Shop (Even Without Turkish)
The checkout flow is identical to Europe or North America, but let’s clear the specific local hurdles:
- Click here to go to the website.
- Use the search bar (Hidden Gem: You can search in English or German; the algorithm is smart enough to translate your keywords).
- Add the product to your cart (“Sepete Ekle”).
- Proceed to checkout (“Alışverişi Tamamla”).
Critical for Expats: If you are purchasing expensive electronics, such as the new iPhone 16, Amazon will often ask for your “TC Kimlik Number” (Turkish ID number). This is not Amazon being difficult; it is a legal requirement for invoicing and taxation in Turkey.
Common Problems (and Street Smart Solutions)
Let’s get practical. These are the stumbling blocks I’ve tripped over in the last few years, so you don’t have to:
Problem 1: The Language Barrier
It is a fact: Amazon.com.tr does not offer a native English or German user interface. It is annoying, but not a dealbreaker.
The Practitioner Solution
Install the Google Translate extension in Chrome or use the automatic translation feature in Safari/Edge. Right click anywhere on the page and select “Translate to English.” The quality is now so high that you can understand product descriptions and Terms & Conditions without issue. Don’t let the language stop you.
Problem 2: Shipping Abroad
Many readers ask me: “Can I order from Amazon Turkey and have it delivered to the US or Europe?” The short answer is: Usually, no. Amazon Turkey focuses almost exclusively on the domestic market.
The Solution for International Buyers
If you absolutely need a Turkish product found on Amazon, a “Proxy Service” is your best bet. Services like Yollando provide you with a Turkish delivery address. Amazon ships there, and the service provider forwards the package to you abroad. Yes, it costs extra, but it is often the only way.
Returns: Easier Than You Think
I have returned at least 4-5 products during my time heresometimes the size was wrong, other times the quality was poor. The return system is excellent and often even more convenient than in Europe.
The process works like this:
- Register the return in the App.
- You receive a code (no printer needed!).
- My Insider Tip: Choose “MNG Kargo” or “Kolay Gelsin” as your option if available. Often, the courier will come to your house and pick up the package for free. This saves you from waiting in line at a branch.
- The refund is usually in your account the very next day after the courier scans the package.
The App: Your Best Friend
For a smooth experience, I strongly recommend the Amazon Turkey App. Why? Because the shipment tracking (“Kargom Nerede?”) is extremely accurate hereyou often see the driver on a live map. In Turkey, where addresses can sometimes be tricky to locate, this is worth its weight in gold.
Amazon Prime Turkey: Price & Truth (2025 Update)
This is perhaps the most important part of this article. For a long time, Prime in Turkey was practically free (7.90 TL). Those days are gone, but the deal is still unbeatable.
Currently, the price sits at 69.90 TL per month (as of late 2025). That is roughly $2 USD or €2 EUR. For comparison: In Germany, you pay nearly €9. For this price, you get:
- Free Express Shipping: In major cities like Istanbul or Ankara, this is often Same Day delivery.
- Prime Video: I regularly watch series like The Grand Tour or Reacher. And yes, English original audio and subtitles are almost always available!
- Prime Gaming: Monthly free games and loot.
Even if you only order once a month, you have often already recouped the cost through saved shipping fees. You can test Prime here.
Selling on Amazon Turkey
Do you want to do more than just buy? Amazon Turkey still offers good entry opportunities for merchants. While the monthly fee is officially set at 99 TL + VAT, Amazon frequently waives this fee for new sellers for the first few months as a welcome offer.
However, the process is more bureaucratic than in the West. You need a registered Turkish company and all official tax documents. If you want to sell “on the side” without a business license, you will fail the verification process. If you are serious, check our guide on Starting a Company in Turkey.
Alternatives to Amazon
Even though Amazon is my favorite for tech and international standard service, the local heavyweights have their strengths. For fashion, Trendyol is unbeatable. For daily grocery shopping, Migros (often online too) is the better choice. If you are looking for second-hand bargains, you must check Sahibinden.
In the end, comparing prices is always worth itbut for stress free shopping with a guarantee, Amazon Turkey remains my number one choice.
