Airbnb Turkey: What You Need To Know For Rentals In Türkiye 

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Post author Enes

Written by our local expert Enes

Originally from North Macedonia, Enes is a well-traveled enthusiast residing in Türkiye. He combines his extensive knowledge and avid wanderlust to bring you insightful narratives of his Turkish adventures.

Airbnb In Turkey: What To Know For Vacation Rentals In Turkey 

Are you traveling to Turkey and seeking the ideal Airbnb for the most comfortable stay? I’ve got you covered with tips on finding a beautiful residence for your stay!

In this article, you can find everything you need to know about booking an Airbnb in Turkey, from the benefits of the option to some key tips that all visitors must bear in mind.

Turkiye Travel Blog_Airbnb In Turkey

Airbnb Rentals: The Best Rental For A Comfy Stay

A woman lies in bed with a white sheet and pillow, stretching her arms above her head and eyes closed. She appears relaxed.

Airbnb is a strategic base for discovering your destination and a haven of relaxation. Visitors worldwide prefer this type of accommodation, which also applies to Turkey!

There are many good reasons to choose Airbnb over traditional accommodation. Most people enjoy the more relaxed nature of Airbnb stays. Alternatively, the flexibility offered by home-like accommodation is unmatched—especially compared to hotels.

Also, the opportunity to immerse in the local culture and socialize with like-minded fellow travelers underscores why Airbnb is so popular. What I love the most about a peaceful Airbnb stay is the diversity of accommodations, though. In Turkey, Airbnb offers all sorts of housing options, from sleek apartments to stylish bungalows to authentic cave houses in Cappadocia.

So, if you’d like to enjoy flexibility and comfort on your Turkey trip, Airbnb might be the right choice.

Benefits Of Booking An Airbnb In Turkey

Discover non-touristy places in Turkey perfect for Instagram with this cityscape view framed by an arch, featuring a Diyarbakir under a colorful sunset sky.

Most people prefer Airbnb for the flexibility it offers. Nevertheless, the platform’s advantages aren’t limited to that. At an Airbnb, you can enjoy affordability, intimacy, unique experiences, and a myriad of amenities together.

Affordability Is The Word

Airbnb in Turkey, especially in big cities, can be a lifesaver for travelers on a budget. While central hotels usually charge a ton, you can get an Airbnb near the Old Town and main attractions without exceeding your budget.

Personalized And Intimate Experience

Comfort and feeling at home are significant when exploring a foreign country. Compared to traditional hotels, Airbnb’s personalized spaces offer a more genuine and intimate experience. This way, you can have a truly unforgettable adventure during your trip to Turkey, Istanbul.

Stay At The Off-The-Beaten-Path Locations

Are you looking for less touristy spots where you can bask in the local culture and history? Then Airbnb is once again the best option! In Turkey, you can find an Airbnb almost everywhere, from hilltops to remote forests, offering a chance to catch the country in its most intimate form.

Rich Amenities

Besides the enhanced experience, Airbnb options typically offer richer amenities than traditional hotels. For example, Airbnb houses may offer a private kitchen where you can cook, something most hotels lack, and some even have a terrace for outdoor dining. You can filter Airbnb houses in accordance with the amenities you seek to pick the perfect option.

An Overview Of The Airbnb Process For Rentals In Turkey

New to Airbnb? You needn’t worry; I’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to booking an Airbnb in Turkey:

1. Create An Account

Click the profile image at the top-right of the home page. There, you will see the “Sign Up” button, which will lead you to the account creation screen.

2. Search For Listings

Once you created your account, you can use the search bar on the home page to search for listings. You can specify details such as the destination, the check-in and check-out dates, and the number of guests from this bar.

3. Use Filters

On the listings screen, you can use the filters bar to select specific types of houses, including those with a bathroom and swimming pool. Plus, clicking the “Filters” button will take you to a separate screen where you can further personalize the results.

4. Pick The Airbnb You Like

Found an Airbnb you might like? Click on the listing to see the details. Carefully read the description and house rules to have a better idea of the accommodation.

5. Contact The Host For Any Questions 

If you have any questions about the Airbnb, you can find the “Message Host” button at the bottom of the page and contact the owner.

6. Book The Place

If you find the right Airbnb, you can book the place by clicking the “Reserve” button. Don’t forget to specify the check-in and check-out dates before reserving the accommodation.

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The Art Of Reading Türkiye Airbnb Listings

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Do you think looking at the pictures of an Airbnb is enough? No! When I’m booking my Airbnb rooms, apartments, or houses, I always pay great attention to even the smallest of details.

It might sound like too much work, but this approach always gets me the best rooms with air conditioning! So, let me share some insights to help you understand Airbnb listings:

Use Filters To Find The Right Stay

Using Airbnb’s filters might help you narrow down the large selection of houses. By checking the right boxes, you can see options for entire homes or shared rooms, specific neighborhoods, pet-friendly properties, and various amenities.

Read The Descriptions

Once you find a suitable house, you should read the description carefully. These are written by the host and provide essential information about the stay.

See The Available Amenities

The amenities section demonstrates the general amenities in the house. You can check whether the accommodation has the facilities you need from this section.

Carefully Review The House Rules

Reviewing the house rules might show you what is OK and what is not at the house where you’ll be staying. Generally, reading the house rules may save you from unwanted outcomes.

Check The Cancellation Policies

Most of us book accommodation several weeks in advance. Although this helps us get better deals and find more options, it also comes with a disadvantage: unforeseen events. A lot can happen in a few weeks, and you might need to reschedule – or even cancel – your stay. In such cases, a good cancellation policy might save you from losing your money.

So, always check the cancellation policy of your Airbnb and try to pick houses with reliable ones.

Popular Regions And Airbnb Types In Turkey

When planning your trip, deciding on the type of Airbnb is essential for the best experience. Here are some of the most popular regions and Airbnb types in Turkey:

Istanbul

Turkey Travel Blog_Best Hotels On The Asian Side Of Istanbul_B-Suites

In Istanbul, you can find all types of Airbnb options, from tiny houses to beachfront villas. Nevertheless, the most popular accommodation type in the city is modern apartments.

Cappadocia

A green tufted sofa with round side cushions and a round wooden coffee table on a colorful rug, against an earthen wall in Goreme, Cappadocia.

If traveling to Cappadocia, you may consider renting a cave house. These rock-carven houses are quite popular in the region and offer all visitors an extraordinary adventure.

Antalya

Castle of Alanya Turkey - Kizil Kule (Red Tower) in Alanya, Antalya, Turkey

One of the most popular spots in Turkey for visitors, Antalya is known for its beaches. That’s why seaside houses and villas are the most preferred options by visitors traveling to Antalya.

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Bodrum

Turkey Travel Blog_Best Beach Resorts In Bodrum_Hapimag Sea Garden Resort

Bodrum is a Mediterranean paradise where turquoise and green meet in the most elegant way. So, when traveling to this unique town, you may consider picking a seaside villa to make the best of your stay.

Izmir

What to see in Alaçatı ,Çeşme-İzmir Turkey

Similar to Istanbul, Izmir is also a city with a myriad of options. Modern apartments in Karşıyaka or Alsancak might be perfect for those seeking a more urban experience. Still, if you’re looking for a summer holiday with sun, sand, and sea, you may consider more classical Airbnb options in Çeşme, Alaçatı, or Foça. Alternatively, bungalows around Urla have been getting quite popular lately.

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Black Sea Region

Black Sea Coast Of Turkey - Amasra is a town in the province of Bartın on the Western Black Sea

From Sakarya to Artvin, the Black Sea Region in Turkey is a green heaven popular among nature enthusiasts. When visiting this region, you can pick bungalows or hilltop houses to make the best of your trip.

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How To Find Cheap Airbnb Turkey

Uber in Turkey - Paying in Turkish Lira

When traveling, you must never sacrifice quality and comfort. I always think that spending a few extra bucks is better than sleepless nights or a dirty room.

Yet, this doesn’t mean you must invest all your money in a hotel room. If you know where to look, you can always find affordable rooms, flats, or houses with high-quality amenities.

For starters, you must start by setting a budget. How much are you willing to spend on your accommodation? If you want to eat at luxury venues and party every day, you might want to spend as little as possible on the place you’ll stay at. Nevertheless, getting a comfy place might be a better option for a more relaxed stay with promenades and casual shopping.

So, once you define your budget, you can use Airbnb’s filters to see the accommodations that fit your budget. Looking for houses outside tourist areas may help you get your money’s worth better. You don’t need to worry about getting around since Istanbul has very decent public transportation.

If you have a flexible schedule, consider planning your trip off-season. This way, you can benefit from cheaper Airbnb prices and enjoy your travel without crowds.

Sometimes, Airbnb accommodations offer special deals or discounts. So, you can save houses and check them regularly to see whether there’s a change.

How To Stay Safe In A Turkish Airbnb

Packing for Turkey

Although Airbnb is quite a reliable app for finding accommodation, you should always do your best to stay safe. When booking my Airbnb, I always consider these security factors:

Read The Reviews

Reviews from previous guests or tenants might offer significant insights into an Airbnb. So, before booking a place, always read the reviews first and try to find out the possible shortcomings.

Check The Neighborhood

The location of your Airbnb, (especially if it has a view of the Blue Mosque), is as important as the Airbnb itself. Your base should be in a safe and nice neighborhood – especially when you don’t know much about the city. So, before booking the place, do a little Google search and maybe post questions about the neighborhood on online forums.

Verify Hosts

Most of the time, reviews of Airbnb accommodation prove its existence. But what if the place doesn’t have any reviews? Then, before booking the place, you can send a few messages to the host to learn more about the house. You can also ask if they have more photographs of the place to make sure that the Airbnb exists.

Secure Your Belongings

When it comes to staying at a new place, you can never be too cautious. So, to prevent loss or theft, always secure your belongings. For instance, don’t leave valuables at your Airbnb. If available, use the security deposits in the room – some Airbnbs provide this amenity.

Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Turkey: What Are The Policies?

If you are worried about any possible differences in Airbnb’s policies in Turkey, I have great news! Renting an Airbnb in Turkey is no different than other countries.

Airbnb’s policies, especially those regarding cancellations, are standard. So, if you’re a visitor planning a trip to Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, or other Turkish cities, you can use Airbnb as usual.

Since renting out a dwelling is regulated by law in Turkey, your host may ask you for passports or other forms of identification. Therefore, you must carry your identification documents when checking into the accommodation.


How To Perfect Communication With Hosts – Frequently Asked Questions

Communication is key when renting an Airbnb. Considering that you don’t know Turkish, you need to find a host who can speak at least a bit of English. Airbnb’s filters might help you see listings from hosts who can speak English – or any other language you know.

Before booking a room you like, you should always contact the host to ensure that you have answers to the following questions:

  • When is the check-in and check-out?
  • How many people can stay at the accommodation?
  • Are pets allowed? (If you have pets)
  • Is the house/apartment/room suitable for families with children? (Although rare, some Airbnb hosts may not accept kids)
  • Is smoking allowed? (If you’re a smoker)
  • Are there any additional costs?
  • Are guests permitted?
  • Is there an elevator?
  • Is the laundry facility free of charge?
  • Is there free parking?

Upon arrival at the facility, feel free to ask the following questions:

  • What is the WiFi password?
  • What should I do in case of an emergency?
  • How can I use the oven/washing machine/dishwasher/etc.?
  • Where is the fuse box?
  • Who should I call if I get locked out?
  • What is the best place for cheap groceries within walking distance?

Turkish people are quite warm to foreigners, so, you don’t have to worry about communication. Nevertheless, when communicating with the host, being as polite as possible is key to a smooth experience. Since there will be a language barrier, try to be concise and clear.

Besides that, here are some basic Turkish phrases that might help you when renting an Airbnb:

  • Merhaba: Hello
  • Adım [your name]: I’m [your name]
  • Nasılsınız?: How are you?
  • İyiyim, teşekkür ederim. Siz nasılsınız?: I’m fine, thank you. How are you?
  • Fiyat ne kadar?: How much is it?
  • Rezervasyon yapmak istiyorum: I would like to make a reservation.
  • Ne zaman giriş yapabilirim?: When can I check in?
  • Ne zaman çıkış yapmam gerekiyor?: When do I have to check out?

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