Online Shopping in Turkey: A Foreigner’s Real Experience
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My first online order in Turkey arrived faster than anything I’d ever received back home—but only after I rewrote my address three times in Turkish. That pretty much sums up online shopping here: fast, affordable, and occasionally confusing if you’re not local.
Most Popular Online Shopping Platforms in Turkey
Turkey’s e‑commerce market is massive in 2026, worth an estimated 400–450 billion TRY with more than 45 million active online shoppers. A handful of platforms dominate daily life, and knowing which one to use makes all the difference.
Trendyol is the default choice for many locals—and it quickly became mine. It covers everything from fashion to electronics and groceries. Trendyol remains a key part of Alibaba’s international portfolio, although Alibaba sold a majority stake in Trendyol GO (its local delivery arm) in 2025. For shoppers, the experience is still the same: huge selection and very fast delivery in big cities.
Hepsiburada is often described as “Turkey’s Amazon,” and the comparison fits. It’s reliable, especially for electronics and household goods. The site is mostly in Turkish, but once you get used to the layout, it’s easy enough to navigate.
N11 feels more like a classic marketplace. Different sellers compete on price, and flash campaigns are common. I always check seller ratings here before buying—quality can vary more than on Trendyol or Hepsiburada.
Amazon.com.tr is still the most comfortable option if you don’t speak Turkish. Full English support and smooth checkout make it stress‑free, although the product range is smaller than local platforms.
My Experience of Top Online Turkish Stores
Beyond the big marketplaces, specialized Turkish retailers are where I’ve had some of my best experiences.
LC Waikiki is hard to beat for everyday clothing. The English website works well, returns are painless, and sizes are consistent.
Migros Sanal Market is my go‑to for groceries. Same‑day or next‑day delivery is common in major cities, and couriers usually call before arriving—a small detail that helps a lot.
Teknosa is where I shop for electronics when I want peace of mind. Prices are competitive, and everything I’ve bought has been genuine and properly warrantied.
Boyner stands out for fashion. It’s more curated than Trendyol, and seasonal sales are genuinely worth waiting for.
Madame Coco is perfect for home décor. If you’re furnishing an apartment, this site alone can cover half your shopping list.
Payment Methods for Online Shopping in Turkey
Payments are one area where foreigners need to be a bit careful.
Most major platforms now accept foreign credit cards without issues, although occasional 3D‑Secure problems still happen.
Cash on delivery (kapıda ödeme) is widely available and surprisingly convenient if you don’t yet have a Turkish bank account.
Installments (taksit) are everywhere. Turkish cards often allow 3, 6, or even 12 interest‑free installments—something many foreigners find unusual at first.
PayPal is still not available in Turkey. Local wallets like Papara and ininal exist, but they require Turkish ID due to KYC rules.
Delivery Times and Experiences
Delivery speed is one of Turkey’s strong points.
In Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, next‑day delivery is normal, and same‑day delivery is increasingly common for groceries and essentials.
Addresses matter. I always add landmarks and floor numbers in the notes section—this alone reduced failed deliveries.
If your building has a kapıcı (concierge), life gets much easier. Couriers rely on them heavily.
My Experience with Customer Service
Customer service is generally efficient once language is no longer an issue.
Most support is still in Turkish, but Trendyol and Amazon.com.tr now offer limited English assistance.
Live chat works better than phone calls. Simple Turkish phrases plus Google Translate usually get the job done.
Returns are straightforward, and courier pickup for returns is increasingly common in 2026.
My Favorite Turkish Brands
Shopping locally introduced me to brands I now actively look for.
Koton and DeFacto are solid for affordable fashion.
Penti excels in loungewear and basics.
Karaca and Arzum are excellent for kitchenware and small appliances, especially Turkish coffee machines.
Flormar remains one of the best‑value cosmetics brands available online.
Online shopping in Turkey looks intimidating at first, but once you learn which platforms to trust and how locals do it, it becomes incredibly convenient. Fast delivery, frequent discounts, and strong local brands make it worth the initial adjustment.
