How to settle down in Istanbul

One of houses in Princesses Islands

… hmmm, if I have known, I would create a seminar about it. But so far, I am just learning. Though, I can give some tips.

• check out visa, residence permit and possibly working permit options. As law for foreigners changed recently, it is possible to apply (firstly) for a year lasting touristic visa, which enable you to travel abroad even though you have no resident permit. That option will give you time to apply for all permits you need. Whole procedure is pretty much time consuming and frustrating. My company fixed all that so I can't say much about each step, unfortunately (fortunately for me).
• find a flat, best way through hurriyetemlak or sahibden. 
• decide on districts where you would like to live as first. But even a trendy district doesn't guarantee a nice location - every street is different, literally. Usually, nice districts in European side, not far from metro are Nisantasi (more expensive), Sisli - Ferikoy, maybe Mecidiyekoy, Fulya (pretty hilly), some streets of spooky Harbyie, noisy and full-of-life Taksim, student-full and cozy district of Cihangir, and one a bit far from metro Besiktas - I might have spelled them wrongly, sorry. But there are many more obviously.
• decide on a size and positioning. Istanbul has mostly big flats that are older. And smaller places aren't that usual, thus kinda new and more expensive. Count with it!. Similarly, there are many places offered, which are so called zemin floor: in my perception, pure wet basement. To my opinion, avoid them not to catch a mold or something.
• you will need quite a cash at the beginning as EMLAKs, local real estate agencies, charge you to pay one month rent extra just to them. I literally hated that idea but you might be lucky as I was: through Hurriyetemlak.tr I found a flat promoted directly by owner, so I didn't need to pay that ugly contribution to their fluffy offices. (Most of Emlak promoters were simply too mean and unhelpful that I would be willing to give them a kurus.) Similarly, one month rent is a standard payment for a deposit.

One of Istanbul's poor districts but to me,
still somehow beautiful

• register for utilities: gas, electricity and water. Pretty much a simple procedure, where you go to the office of your supplier - ask your landlord or locals - pick a number and sign a paper. Remember that once again, there is a deposit to be payed per each of those items. I guess gas was the most expensive, about 600 TRY. Count with a half day off. People from gas company also came to restart my gas-meter or anyhow it is called. Even it took him about three minutes, guy was late so I get late to work.
• get internet, possibly TV and a phone line. I am still dealing with that but generally, the best options should be Turkcell, Turknet, TTnet, and some others. Can't say which is the best, I haven't decided yet myself.

• furnish your place. Obviously, IKEA was the first and cheapest option for me for many items, but still, furniture itself isn't inexpensive in IKEA. Try web, second hand shops or so called spots with slightly cracked stuffs in half prices.
• bargain, bargain, bargain. While furnishing, from sofa, through tables, even electronics, every shop (maybe except IKEA) you may save hundreds, even thousands liras. I was quite shocked you may even bargain on fixed cataloged prices of fridge.
• most of shops will deliver furniture for free. Even IKEA offers very cheap option (about 15 TRY per item) although shop is far.
• for each of those actions, bring a Turkish friend. English speaking with no Turkish language just as me can't do anything.

Soon I will continue with another steps, as I will be passing through them myself. By that time, I hope this may be useful. 

Cheers, its Friday!