Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 19 2025
What Are the Cost Of Istanbul International Movers?
The cost of moving to Istanbul is based on several things. Two things that contribute to the overall cost are the distance between the countries and the amount of items that will be shipped. There are also customs and taxes, international moving service fees and other fees to pay when moving abroad. This article will offer some insight into what must be paid when making a move to Istanbul.
Istanbul International Moving Companies Rates
| To / From Istanbul | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul, TR To Tokyo, JP | $4,392 - $4,948 | $5,838 - $6,394 | $6,950 - $7,506 |
| Aarhus, DK To Istanbul, TR | $1,061 - $1,195 | $1,410 - $1,544 | $1,679 - $1,813 |
| Istanbul, TR To Dublin, IE | $1,450 - $1,634 | $1,928 - $2,111 | $2,295 - $2,479 |
| Marseille, FR To Istanbul, TR | $959 - $1,080 | $1,275 - $1,396 | $1,518 - $1,639 |
| Istanbul, TR To Rome, IT | $675 - $760 | $897 - $982 | $1,068 - $1,153 |
| London, UK To Istanbul, TR | $1,227 - $1,382 | $1,631 - $1,786 | $1,941 - $2,097 |
| Istanbul, TR To Dubai, UAE | $1,469 - $1,655 | $1,952 - $2,138 | $2,324 - $2,510 |
| British Columbia, CA To Istanbul, TR | $4,508 - $5,078 | $5,991 - $6,562 | $7,133 - $7,703 |
| Istanbul, TR To Manitoba, CA | $4,005 - $4,511 | $5,322 - $5,829 | $6,336 - $6,843 |
| Antwerp, BE To Istanbul, TR | $1,076 - $1,212 | $1,430 - $1,566 | $1,703 - $1,839 |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and other factors. Get a quote custom tailored to you.
Expat Life in Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey has a population of more than 15 million people. For expats, this is a wonderful place to live because of the cultural diversity, low cost of living, and ample things to do for entertainment day or night. Istanbul also has beautiful beaches, great healthcare choices, and a vast public transit system that is available day or night.
Istanbul Container Shipping Rates
FCL shipping is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets and anything which will require a full container shipping to Istanbul of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $765 |
| 40 ft Container | $875 |
LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Istanbul.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $84/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $745 |
| Household Goods | $865 |
International house moving to Istanbul services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $680 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1165 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $1385 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $2145 |
International auto transport services to Istanbul via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $845 |
| SUV (Container) | $895 |
| Sedan via RORO | $585 |
| SUV via RORO | $685 |
Preparing for an Istanbul Move
It takes lots of strategic planning to make an international move to Istanbul. One of the first things you need to do is hire a reliable, licensed, international moving service. Three Movers has worked with international as well as domestic moving for many years, and we know the most economical ways to get you packed and safely moved.
Visa and Passport
You need a U.S. Passport to enter Turkey from the United States. You will also need to apply for a visa. A work visa and a residency permit may be required for a move to Istanbul from the United States. This is of course dependent on your personal situation.
Banking
It’s important to have your banking in order before you try to move. In most cases, it is a good idea to have at least $10,000 USD or more saved before the move. If you already have a home or family waiting during your move, having a large savings may not be required.
Packing
Before you start to toss things in boxes or bags, take time to downsize. Moving overseas is expensive and downsizing will lighten the load and can help cut expenses. Not all movers can manage an international move, and some only work with moves to specific countries.
Auto Transport
Having a car to drive is a great asset, especially since public transit can be remarkably busy with the number of people that use it daily. You will need to pay a fee and will be required to have certain legal documentation to bring a car into the country from the U.S. These include:
- Residence permit (work permit, study permit)
- Passport
- Valid driving license
- Proof of ownership (purchase invoice, registration)
- Insurance policy in Turkey
Start Your Move with a Free Quote
To get started, you can fill out the online quote form for an international move. You can also call us at 1-888-202-0036 for further information and for a quote for your move.
Frequently Asked Questions
An international moving company in Istanbul manages end-to-end overseas relocations, including export packing, inventory creation, customs paperwork, ocean or air freight booking, and delivery abroad. Services typically cover apartments to large villas, specialty items, and coordinated schedules around port operations at Ambarli. Most moves involve 3–6 movers, secure crating, and destination agents to handle final delivery and unloading.
International moves from Istanbul usually range from $2,500–$8,000+, depending on shipment size (studio to 4+ bedroom), container type, destination country, and shipping method. Costs increase with full-container loads, long-distance ports, packing labor, customs inspections, and storage. Ocean freight is common for household goods, while air freight is reserved for smaller, time-sensitive shipments. See typical international moving costs.
Transit times are typically 3–6 weeks for ocean freight and 7–14 days for air freight, excluding customs clearance. Factors include destination port congestion, documentation accuracy, weather in the Marmara Sea, and local delivery restrictions. Packing usually takes 1–2 days for apartments and 2–3 days for larger homes, with delivery windows scheduled after customs release.
Required documents generally include a passport copy, inventory list, residence permit or visa for the destination country, and a signed moving contract. Some countries require proof of residence change and item age declarations. Accurate paperwork helps avoid delays during customs inspections. Professional movers coordinate these steps as part of an international moving and storage service.
Yes. Professional crews use export-grade materials, custom crates, and labeling systems for fragile items like glassware, artwork, and electronics. Large or heavy items may require disassembly and reinforced crating. Packing timelines depend on home size and access conditions such as stairs, elevators, or narrow streets common in older Istanbul neighborhoods.
After arrival, the shipment is inspected by destination customs authorities before release. Delivery is then scheduled based on local access rules, parking permits, and building management requirements. Delays usually stem from missing documents or restricted delivery hours. Experienced movers coordinate with licensed agents abroad to ensure compliant handover and final placement of goods.
Look for movers with documented overseas experience, clear inventories, and transparent pricing. Reputable providers follow international shipping standards and work with vetted destination partners. Avoid brokers that lack direct oversight of packing or transport. Comparing service scope and dispute history helps identify dependable options; review benchmarks from international moving company ratings.
