Craigslist Istanbul & The ‘Big Three’ Alternatives (2026 Guide)
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Fresh off the plane in Istanbul, looking for an apartment, a second-hand sofa, or a quick job, the muscle memory kicks in: you type “Craigslist Istanbul” into your browser. It’s a reflex, especially for expats from the US or UK. But here is your first “Street Smart” tip: In Turkey, the music plays elsewhere.
While Craigslist technically exists in Istanbul, it lives in the shadows. Locals long ago moved on to more powerful, secure, and populated platforms. In this guide, we apply the “Curator Lens”: We won’t just show you how to use Craigslist, but rather which apps you should install instead to find what you actually need in the Bosphorus metropolis.
Craigslist Istanbul: The 2026 Status Report
Craigslist is still active in Istanbul, but compared to local giants, it is a “ghost market.” It is utilized almost exclusively by the international community. This comes with a distinct set of pros and cons:
- The Advantage: Most listings are in English. This bridges the communication gap significantly for newcomers.
- The Disadvantage: Because the platform is unregulated and attracts foreigners, it is a hotspot for targeted scams designed specifically to trap tourists and expats.
If you use Craigslist, use it primarily for English speaking jobs or shared rooms in expat hubs like Cihangir or Kadıköy. For everything elsecars, furniture, electronicsthere are far superior routes.
The “Big Three”: Real Alternatives Locals Use
Do you want to buy and sell like a local? Then ignore Craigslist for a moment and download these three apps. This is where real life happens.
1. Sahibinden The Undisputed King
The name Sahibinden literally means “from the owner.” It is the Turkish equivalent of Craigslist, Zillow, and eBay Motors all rolled into one. Whether you are looking for car insurance, renting an apartment, or buying a used iPhone, Sahibinden is the first stop.
Why it’s better: The platform requires identity verification (often via a Turkish mobile number), which significantly reduces anonymity and the risk of fraud compared to Craigslist. If you are hunting for housing, check out our guide on renting in Istanbul to navigate the listings like a pro.
2. Dolap For Fashionistas & Trendsetters
Owned by the e-commerce giant Trendyol, Dolap (literally “Wardrobe”) has revolutionized the second-hand fashion market. The app functions almost like a social network: you can follow sellers, like items, and comment. If you are looking for designer clothes at a fraction of the price, this is your app.
3. Letgo (Otoplus) For Bargain Hunters
Letgo is extremely popular in Turkey for quick neighborhood sales. The integrated auto division, “Otoplus,” has particularly professionalized the used car market. The chat function is intuitive and offers partial auto translation, which helps navigate language barriers.
Safety in Istanbul: A Practitioner’s Guide
Istanbul is a safe metropolis, but it is also massive and chaotic. When buying or selling online, different rules apply than in London or New York. Here are the most critical safety precautions from the field:
1. The Meeting Point is Critical
Never meet in dark alleys or private apartments for the first contact. The best places for a handover are:
- In front of AVMs (Shopping Malls): Security checks and cameras are everywhere. Examples: Cevahir, Kanyon, or Zorlu Center.
- Metrobus Stations: These are always crowded and often guarded by security personnel. An ideal, neutral ground for quick handovers. Read our guide to transportation in Istanbul to find the most convenient stops.
2. Caution with Payments (No PayPal!)
A crucial detail many newcomers forget: PayPal has been banned in Turkey since 2016. If a seller on Craigslist insists on a PayPal payment, they are 99% a scammer who isn’t even in the country.
The Golden Rule: Cash is king (“Nakit”). For larger amounts, locals often go to the bank together or use instant bank transfers (Havale/EFT), but only after the goods have been inspected.
3. Spotting Common Scams
Stay vigilant against these classics:
- The “Deposit for Keys” Trick: Especially common with rental apartments on Craigslist. Never transfer a deposit without seeing the apartment and the landlord in person.
- The Shoe Shiner Trick: If you are walking to a meeting point and a shoe shiner “drops” his brush in front of youdo not pick it up. It is often the start of an aggressive sales hustle.
How to Post on Craigslist (If You Must)
If you still want to use Craigslistperhaps to specifically target other expatsthe process is simple:
- Go to the Istanbul subdomain of Craigslist.
- Select “post to classifieds.”
- Choose your category. Tip: Use Craigslist proxy emails to protect your real address.
- Upload photos that have been scrubbed of Geodata (GPS tags). Taking screenshots of your photos and uploading those is an easy trick to strip metadata.
Conclusion: Curated over Complicated
Istanbul is a city of commerce. From the Grand Bazaar to digital marketplaces, bargaining is in the blood here. Use Craigslist as a supplement, but don’t rely on it. Download Sahibinden and Dolap, meet in public places, and insist on cash.
Want to learn more about managing your finances and life in the region? Our overview of banking in Northern Cyprus can help with complex financial questions, while our guide to buying Ecco shoes in Turkey ensures you are equipped for walking Istanbul’s cobbled streets.
