Have you ever ever considered dwelling in Turkey? It’s not a shock if in case you have, many individuals go to this wonderful nation, fall in love with it, and immediately take into consideration relocating. There are numerous execs to dwelling in Turkey, actually way more execs than cons, however it’s all the time essential to weigh all the things up earlier than making a call.
I lived in Turkey for a number of years, and it’s an expertise I look again on with a deep fondness. There are such a lot of wonderful locations to go to and experiences available, however I’m not going to lie—there are some cons to dwelling in Turkey too. I nonetheless go to Turkey very often, as that’s the place my husband is, so I’m very properly positioned that will help you determine whether or not this might be transfer for you or not.
15 Professionals and Cons of Residing in Turkey
From a number of years of dwelling in varied areas round Turkey, I skilled loads. There are numerous nice sides to this nation and in all honesty, the upsides undoubtedly outweigh any negatives. Nonetheless, the cons might be irritating, to say the least.
Does it matter whether or not you’re male or feminine? Under no circumstances. Regardless of what you may suppose, it’s completely straightforward for a overseas girl to dwell in Turkey and never battle in any respect; I by no means did even earlier than I met my husband. Nonetheless, the troublesome components are sometimes issues may not fairly anticipate.
So, let’s weigh up the professionals and cons of dwelling in Turkey and are available to a agency conclusion on the finish.
The place is Turkey?
Turkey sits within the japanese a part of Europe, with a part of the nation in Europe and nearly all of it in Asia. It’s also known as a bridge between Europe and the Center East, and that’s undoubtedly mirrored in its tradition and traditions to a big extent. In truth, Istanbul is the one metropolis on this planet that straddles two continents; it’s a should on your dream vacation spot listing!
What most individuals don’t understand about Turkey is how huge it’s; I actually underestimated its measurement at first. Overlaying an enormous 783,562 km², we’re speaking large cities (Istanbul is a megacity), cities, villages, desert landscapes, forests, and gorgeous seashores. Whereas Ankara is the capital metropolis, Istanbul is surely the most important and most visited of all of them.
Bordered by Greece, Bulgaria, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, Turkey has each land and sea borders. Most individuals go to Turkey through the summer time months for its wonderful coastal resorts, together with Bodrum, Antalya, and Marmaris, however the cities, together with Izmir and Istanbul, are additionally closely visited. However, that doesn’t imply you shouldn’t head to the central reaches, reminiscent of Cappadocia and Ankara, and even the northern Black Sea Coast – all of those areas are must-visits too.
Along with the modern-day dwelling aspect of Turkey, some areas are extraordinarily conventional and extra conservative, reminiscent of these discovered within the east and southeast. These areas are tougher to go to, however you actually shouldn’t be postpone; that is the place you’ll discover some actual hidden gems and a few of the greatest meals you’ve seemingly ever tasted.
Professionals of Residing in Turkey
As a result of I like to start out issues off with a optimistic, let’s check out the professionals of dwelling in Turkey. For me, there have been lots, and also you’ll see a few of my major highlights from the listing beneath. It’s additionally no shock that there are extra execs than cons.
1. You’re Surrounded by Superb Tradition
One of many major benefits of dwelling in Turkey is the tradition. It’s so completely different from all the things else you is perhaps used to, and it varies from area to area. Principally, what I imply is that irrespective of the place you go, you’ll expertise one thing completely completely different and new. I discovered a lot throughout my time in Turkey, and I cherished being uncovered to the completely different traditions.
You’ll discover that the western aspect of the nation is kind of European, particularly Izmir, and the southern seaside resorts are extraordinarily worldwide. Nonetheless, in case you enterprise to Istanbul you’ll discover a melting pot of previous and new, historical past and trendy, and neighborhoods that make you are feeling such as you’re some other place fully. If you head additional east, you’ll discover conservative areas which have traditions which were handed down by way of generations, relationship again centuries.
What I discovered actually stunning about Turkey is that I used to be accepted in all places. Even within the extra old school areas, I by no means felt misplaced, and whilst you do need to watch out of what you put on in some spots (not all), I might throw myself into the standard day by day lifetime of that place and uncover new issues on the day by day.
2. Loads of Cultural and Historic Sights to See
Turkey is super-historical; even Istanbul alone has extra historical past than most nations! All the nation has some unbelievable locations to take a look at, together with historical cities reminiscent of Cappadocia and, considered one of my all-time favourite locations, Ephesus. You even have Pamukkale and the traditional metropolis of Hieropolis, the Lycian Method between Fethiye and Antalya, pure sights like Saklikent Gorge, Mount Nemrut, and Trabzon‘s well-known tea plantations.
That’s only a snapshot of locations you’ll be able to go to, and there are numerous extra. After all, through the summer time months, you’ll be able to merely head to the seaside, and the Antalya area has a few of the greatest on this planet, in my view. All in all, it’s straightforward to determine on someplace to move and discover every time you have got the time; all you’ll want to do is determine the place you’re going and simply go!
Istanbul is filled with wonderful sights, reminiscent of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and big palaces reminiscent of Topkapı and Dolmabahce. It could be near-impossible to see all there’s to see throughout a trip or perhaps a few visits, however you’ll be able to tick loads off by relocating and touring across the nation over time.
3. Superb Meals
For me, one of many largest advantages of dwelling in Turkey was entry to the wonderful meals. Critically, I imagine that Turkish delicacies is a few of the greatest on this planet and when you’ve had a couple of dishes, you’ll agree. Whether or not you’re a meat eater, vegetarian, or vegan, there’s lots so that you can attempt, however in fact, Turkey is known for its kebabs; I didn’t understand simply what number of there are.
I discovered myself beginning to learn to prepare dinner Turkish meals, and it was an incredible expertise. I make a imply guveç now, which is a scrumptious stew, in addition to dolma, and a full-on Turkish breakfast. I’ll discuss shortly about the price of dwelling, however you should purchase recent fruit and veggies very simply from bazaars, so studying find out how to prepare dinner isn’t tough in any respect.
On prime of that, the road meals in and round Turkey is reasonable and mouth-watering. Even in case you go to a standard restaurant, you’ll have the ability to select from an enormous alternative of various grilled meats and vegetable-based dishes. Whereas I discovered that Turks do are likely to eat lots of bread, the meals itself is usually fairly wholesome and filled with seasonal components.
SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Eating places in Istanbul (High Locations to Eat)
4. Reasonably priced Price of Residing
I ought to level out that the price of dwelling throughout Turkey has risen during the last 12 months or so, however it’s nonetheless cheaper than the remainder of Europe and you’ll dwell a comparatively comfy way of life for little or no money. General, the price of renting a one-bedroom residence in a big metropolis is round 10,000-15,000TL ($340-$500) with utilities on prime.
You can even lower prices by consuming at dwelling, and as I discussed, you’ll be able to fill your kitchen with recent produce and meat from supermarkets and native bazaars. Relying on the place you select to dwell, you’ll discover that Turkey has fairly an out of doors model of dwelling, particularly in case you dwell close to the ocean. Throughout the summer time months, I spent most of my time on the seaside, which meant my days had been low cost, stuffed with vitamin D, and intensely gratifying.
It’s value maintaining in thoughts that for a Turkish individual, the price of dwelling isn’t that low cost. The Turkish minimal wage remains to be fairly low, though it has risen significantly during the last couple of years. Nonetheless, for folks visiting or dwelling within the nation with financial savings in one other forex, the price of dwelling is loads decrease than in most different nations.
5. Massive Communities of Ex-Pats
I spent lots of time in Marmaris and Fethiye on the south coast, in addition to Istanbul. In all areas, I discovered a big expat neighborhood, and Izmir has a rising overseas inhabitants too. You’ll be able to meet like-minded folks actually simply, which will certainly make it easier to to settle in loads quicker.
After I first moved to Turkey, I did discover it a little bit of a tradition shock. Issues gave the impression to be very completely different from what I used to be used to, however this was a number of years in the past; it’s loads completely different now. Having mentioned that, discovering folks I might relate to from again dwelling actually helped me settle in and it’s undoubtedly one of many execs of dwelling in Turkey.
Regardless of that, I’ve lots of Turkish buddies too, however it doesn’t damage to fulfill individuals who perceive you on a distinct stage, and people you’ll be able to discuss with about acquainted life. Expat communities are additionally an incredible supply of recommendation while you’re unsure find out how to do one thing or find out how to repair a sure downside. As I’ll speak about shortly, issues don’t transfer in a short time in Turkey so in case you do want to repair some paperwork or full a job, realizing somebody who’s accomplished it earlier than is a blessing.
6. Nice Summer time Climate and Delicate Winters
Turkey is known for its seashores through the summer time months, however that’s partly because of the wonderful climate it experiences throughout the board. Though it’s an enormous nation, the summer time sees little or no rain (except you’re on the Black Beach) and loads of warmth. In truth, the typical excessive temperature in July in Antalya is round 34°C/93°F, nevertheless, I’ve skilled it within the excessive 30s and low 40s on a number of events.
You’ll actually must spend money on both an excellent fan or an air-con system through the summer time months if you wish to sleep comfortably. For me, that was my major battle of summer time. Nonetheless, in case you’re somebody who detests the chilly, Turkey is an effective alternative through the winter months, significantly on the south coast.
Even the winters aren’t that chilly, except you head to Ankara and Istanbul, which expertise fairly chilly temperatures in January particularly. The common low in Istanbul in January is round 4°C/39°F, with an opportunity of snow. Nonetheless, Fethiye experiences heat winters, like the remainder of the south coast; the typical excessive in January in Fethiye is 13°C/55°F with round 5 hours of solar per day.
7. Good Healthcare System
One of many largest benefits of dwelling in Turkey is the healthcare system. I believe it’s among the best on this planet and it’s open to residency permit-holding foreigners, so long as you join, undergo the paperwork and well being checks beforehand, and pay month-to-month. It’s referred to as SGK, and in case you get sick or want an operation, you’re coated in state hospitals offered your funds are updated.
For those who don’t maintain a residency allow or don’t need to join SGK, you should purchase a personal well being coverage that may cowl your healthcare wants. There are many firms working in Turkey that present insurance policies like this, and so they’re very useful. I initially had a personal coverage, however then I noticed the advantages of SGK and switched; I like to recommend checking it out in case you qualify.
It’s straightforward to miss issues like this in favor of the price of dwelling and considering of all of the enjoyable you’re going to be having, however you actually don’t need to find yourself sick in a hospital with none insurance coverage. Fortunately, most Turkish hospitals even have interpreters that will help you out, particularly within the bigger cities and vacationer resorts.
8. Pleasant Individuals
You might need examine overly-friendly waiters and hasslers in vacationer resorts, and I’m not going to lie, you do come throughout folks like this. Nonetheless, on the entire, folks in Turkey are extraordinarily pleasant, very useful, and can gladly exit of their solution to make you are feeling comfy. I by no means had any issues with undesirable consideration after I was strolling round as a lone feminine in both the vacationer resorts or Istanbul.
It does assist in case you can converse a couple of Turkish phrases, even in case you merely learn to say howdy and thanks; folks will respect it. For those who’re in a extra rural space or someplace much less touristy, you’ll discover that Turkish hospitality goes up a notch. Individuals will need to provide the greatest welcome; it’s an enormous a part of Turkish tradition, and it’s one thing you’ll discover the second you arrive.
Earlier than I went to Turkey I learn a lot of tales about needing to put on a pretend wedding ceremony ring or pretending to not converse English. Please don’t take heed to any of that, it’s such a fable. Identical to anyplace on this planet, there are some dangerous eggs on the market, however I’ve nothing however good issues to say about my experiences with locals in Turkey.
9. Reasonable Crime Charges
This one may shock you, however that’s most likely since you’re solely studying about Istanbul. Sure, some components of Istanbul are a little bit on the dodgy aspect, however you merely keep away from them. I by no means had a nasty expertise there, however like anyplace on this planet, you’ll want to be wise and use your frequent sense.
As a complete, Turkey has low to reasonable crime charges and also you’ll see a big police presence in all main metropolis facilities throughout weekends, holidays, and every time an occasion is occurring particularly. It’s a reassuring factor that makes you are feeling protected, and officers are very useful if you’ll want to ask one thing or have an issue. That’s one of many largest advantages of dwelling in Turkey.
Whereas issues do occur, Turkey has a decrease crime price than the USA, and crime ranges have dropped over the previous couple of years. Personally, I all the time really feel protected in Turkey. It goes with out saying however, don’t stroll round at night time in areas you don’t know, don’t flash your valuables, watch out in crowded areas, and avoid any protests.
10. Nice Public Transport Choices
I by no means drove in Turkey and in all honesty, I don’t suppose I ever would. That’s to not say the roads aren’t nice high quality as a result of they’re, however there are some loopy drivers, and distances might be far. Nonetheless, it’s additionally as a result of I don’t see the necessity to drive when the general public transport community is so good.
Whether or not you’re touring a brief distance or an extended one, you’ll discover common buses, trains, ferries, and flights to accommodate your wants. I significantly just like the long-distance bus firm Pammukale, as they cowl many of the nation and their buses are comfy. However, in case you favor to get someplace shortly, you’ll be able to fly domestically from all main cities, even in case you do want to attach in Istanbul.
Trains aren’t fairly as intensive, however they’re nonetheless potential on sure routes. Native buses are additionally dependable, plentiful, and low cost. Relying upon which space you’re in, you’ll be able to often get a one-way journey for round 15TL/50 cents. After all, there are additionally taxis, however these are usually the most costly possibility; I solely use them late at night time or after I don’t have a alternative.
Cons of Residing in Turkey
I’m not going to fake it’s all sunshine and roses as there are some cons on the subject of dwelling in Turkey. It’s principally all the way down to the well-known Turkey time, which primarily signifies that everyone seems to be all the time late. Nonetheless, when you get used to it, you are likely to do the identical factor!
Let’s stability issues up and inform you the potential downsides of creating Turkey your property.
1. Language Barrier
Most individuals converse English within the massive cities and cities, however not everybody. For those who enterprise additional away, reminiscent of to a rural space, you’ll discover that you could be battle with the language barrier. I might advise that you simply be taught some fundamental Turkish earlier than you go, as a result of not solely will locals reply to you higher in case you make an effort to speak, however you’ll discover life simpler.
Turkish isn’t the best language to be taught, however there are many on-line sources accessible. Failing that, Google Translate is all the time a useful gizmo.
For probably the most half, with a little bit understanding and endurance, you’ll make your self understood. Earlier than I used to be assured sufficient to talk Turkish I all the time managed to get by, even when it did embrace gestures, lots of nodding, and some complicated episodes. However if you wish to have a smoother and fewer embarrassing time, studying a little bit of the language is certainly the way in which to go.
2. Visa Difficulties
One of many largest downsides to dwelling in Turkey is visa points. It’s because, during the last couple of years, it’s change into tougher to get a residency allow in case you don’t already dwell within the nation. Naturally, this might change so it’s essential to maintain updated with the information and official authorities sources.
On the time of writing, most individuals making use of for a first-time short-term residency allow for touristic causes, i.e. those that will lease a home/residence, are refused. Renewals are additionally a lot tougher than they was once. Nevertheless it’s not unattainable!
Each applicant’s state of affairs is completely different so it’s essential to search out up-to-date info in accordance with your wants. A technique round that is to remain for 90 days out of each 180 days. Whereas Turkey isn’t within the Schengen Zone, it does have the identical guidelines by way of how lengthy you’ll be able to keep inside a rolling 180-day interval.
3. Massive Distances to Journey Round
There’s a lot to see and do that you simply’ll most likely write an inventory and need to head off in your travels instantly. I do know I did. However what I shortly realized is that the distances between main sights are huge, and which means lots of time within the air or on the highway. It’s not the most important drawback of dwelling in Turkey by any means, however it does imply that your sightseeing plans is perhaps a little bit extra difficult than you’d think about.
If you’ll want to go to one other metropolis for a selected purpose, reminiscent of a visa appointment, you then’ll most likely want to dam the entire day trip of your schedule. Having mentioned that, public transport is dependable, as I discussed earlier. However you should still must journey for a number of hours to succeed in one other metropolis.
The primary time I visited Istanbul from Marmaris, I spent 11 hours on a bus. The second time, I flew, however that additionally meant touring for nearly 2 hours to Dalaman Airport, ready, enduring a 1.5-hour flight, extra ready, after which experiencing round three hours caught in visitors on the opposite aspect. As you’ll be able to see, nothing is straightforward!
4. Nothing Strikes Very Rapidly
Linking very carefully with the final level, you’ll shortly change into accustomed to what I prefer to name, “Turkey time.” If somebody tells you they’re going to be half an hour, you’ll be able to triple that. I discover it one of many main cons of dwelling in Turkey as a result of I like issues to run on time.
The identical applies if you wish to full a job; you’ll little doubt discover a mountain of paperwork and several other places of work you’ll want to go to earlier than you’ll be able to full one factor. It’s irritating, and it’s even tougher in case you don’t converse the language. The great factor is that persons are very useful so you’ll be able to all the time ask somebody to provide you a hand.
Renting a home, checking out your visa, and opening a checking account, are all issues that require visits in individual to a number of locations and plenty of paperwork. Don’t anticipate to do all of it in a day; you’ll set your self up for disappointment.
5. Very Tough to Discover Work
For most individuals, one of many largest downsides of dwelling in Turkey is that you would be able to’t work and not using a work allow. And people work permits aren’t straightforward to get.
If you wish to work for a Turkish firm, the employer should show {that a} Turkish individual can not do the job they need to rent you for. It’s wise when you concentrate on it; they’re making an attempt to protect jobs for his or her folks. This usually signifies that foreigners desirous to work typically find yourself as vacation reps and English academics with massive firms.
And no, it’s not smart to attempt to work illegally. Many firms will rent you and never get you a allow, however in case you’re caught, you face on the spot deportation and an extended ban. Critically, don’t even attempt it, it’s simply not value it.
Is Residing in Turkey Value It?
There are way more execs of dwelling in Turkey than cons, and for me, it’s a giant ‘sure’ all the way in which. I cherished my time dwelling on this stunning nation, and I’d do all of it once more. Sure, there are some irritating issues about dwelling in Turkey, however you’ll discover these sorts of challenges wherever you go on this planet.
The most important obstacles at present are visa points and the truth that you want a allow to work. These are issues you’ll be able to overcome with the precise info, and in case you really have your coronary heart set on spending longer, then discover the knowledge, get some extra assist, and work by way of it. I assure it is going to be value it.
