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Istanbulkart is an RFID "electronic wallet" card to be used in Istanbul, Turkey. (Similar RFID cards are used in many other cities: Oyster Card in London, Navigo in Paris, Charlie Card in Boston, etc.)

The first and obvious use of the Istanbulkart is as a transit pass: you place the card near a fare point (say, at a Metro or ferryboat turnstile, or when boarding a city bus) and the amount of your fare is deducted from the card.

Supposedly inaugurated in March 2009, the Istanbulkart was still not in general use as of January 1, 2010. It's unclear when general distribution will begin. According to the Istanbulkart website, you can obtain one (for TL6) only at the IETT booth in Mecidiyeköy. No address or location for this booth is provided.

The Istanbulkart, which is supposed to replace the older Akbil transit pass, benefits from discounted fares and transfers: a TL2 fare is supposed to be only TL1.50 with the Istanbulkart, and up to five transfers to other transport lines (Metro, tram, bus, ferry, Tünel, funicular) within a two-hour journey are only TL0.75. More...

There's lots more coming: the project envisions that eventually the Istanbulkart will be used to pay for parking fees, taxi fares, admission to museums, cinemas, theaters and other cultural venues, and even for personal identification.

(Privacy advocates take note: users of the card may be traceable in their travel and other activities.)

The plan is to make Istanbulkarts available for purchase with Turkish lira coins and notes, or credit card from fare machines at major transit points such as bus and Metro stations, ferry docks, etc.