Have you ever ever considered dwelling in Turkey? It’s not a shock if in case you have, many individuals go to this superb nation, fall in love with it, and immediately take into consideration relocating. There are a lot of execs to dwelling in Turkey, in actual fact much more execs than cons, but it surely’s at all times essential to weigh the whole lot up earlier than making a choice.
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 superb 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 usually, as that’s the place my husband is, so I’m very nicely positioned that will help you determine whether or not this might be a very good transfer for you or not.
15 Professionals and Cons of Residing in Turkey
From a number of years of dwelling in numerous areas round Turkey, I skilled lots. There are a lot of nice sides to this nation and in all honesty, the upsides undoubtedly outweigh any negatives. Nevertheless, the cons may be irritating, to say the least.
Does it matter whether or not you’re male or feminine? By no means. Regardless of what you would possibly suppose, it’s completely simple for a overseas girl to stay in Turkey and never wrestle in any respect; I by no means did even earlier than I met my husband. Nevertheless, the troublesome elements are sometimes issues may not fairly count on.
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 jap 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. Actually, Istanbul is the one metropolis on this planet that straddles two continents; it’s a should in your dream vacation spot checklist!
What most individuals don’t understand about Turkey is how huge it’s; I definitely underestimated its measurement at first. Masking 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 for sure 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 in the course of the summer season months for its superb 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, corresponding to Cappadocia and Ankara, and even the northern Black Sea Coast – all of those areas are must-visits too.
Along with the modern-day dwelling facet of Turkey, some areas are extraordinarily conventional and extra conservative, corresponding to these discovered within the east and southeast. These areas are harder to go to, however you definitely shouldn’t be postpone; that is the place you’ll discover some actual hidden gems and a number of the finest meals you’ve possible 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 loads, and also you’ll see a few of my principal highlights from the checklist beneath. It’s additionally no shock that there are extra execs than cons.
1. You’re Surrounded by Superb Tradition
One of many principal benefits of dwelling in Turkey is the tradition. It’s so totally different from the whole lot else you may be used to, and it varies from area to area. Mainly, what I imply is that irrespective of the place you go, you’ll expertise one thing completely totally different and new. I discovered a lot throughout my time in Turkey, and I cherished being uncovered to the totally different traditions.
You’ll discover that the western facet of the nation is sort of European, particularly Izmir, and the southern seashore resorts are extraordinarily worldwide. Nevertheless, if you happen to enterprise to Istanbul you’ll discover a melting pot of outdated and new, historical past and trendy, and neighborhoods that make you are feeling such as you’re elsewhere completely. If you head additional east, you’ll discover conservative areas which have traditions which were handed down by generations, courting again centuries.
What I discovered actually stunning about Turkey is that I used to be accepted in all places. Even within the extra old style areas, I by no means felt misplaced, and when you do must watch out of what you put on in some spots (not all), I may throw myself into the normal each day lifetime of that place and uncover new issues on the each day.
2. Loads of Cultural and Historic Sights to See
Turkey is super-historical; even Istanbul alone has extra historical past than most nations! Your complete nation has some improbable locations to take a look at, together with historic cities corresponding to Cappadocia and, one among 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 possibly can go to, and there are numerous extra. After all, in the course of the summer season months, you possibly can merely head to the seashore, and the Antalya area has a number of the finest on this planet, for my part. All in all, it’s simple to determine on someplace to go and discover every time you have got the time; all it’s worthwhile to do is determine the place you’re going and simply go!
Istanbul is full of superb sights, corresponding to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and big palaces corresponding to 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 possibly can tick lots 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 superb meals. Severely, I consider that Turkish delicacies is a number of the finest on this planet and when you’ve had a number of dishes, you’ll agree. Whether or not you’re a meat eater, vegetarian, or vegan, there’s loads so that you can attempt, however in fact, Turkey is legendary for its kebabs; I didn’t understand simply what number of there are.
I discovered myself beginning to discover ways to cook dinner Turkish meals, and it was an amazing 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 buy recent fruit and veggies very simply from bazaars, so studying how you can cook dinner isn’t tough in any respect.
On high of that, the road meals in and round Turkey is reasonable and mouth-watering. Even if you happen to go to a conventional restaurant, you’ll have the ability to select from an enormous selection of various grilled meats and vegetable-based dishes. Whereas I discovered that Turks do are inclined to eat quite a lot of bread, the meals itself is mostly fairly wholesome and full of seasonal components.
SEE ALSO: 15 Finest Eating places in Istanbul (High Locations to Eat)
4. Inexpensive Value of Residing
I ought to level out that the price of dwelling throughout Turkey has risen during the last yr or so, but it surely’s nonetheless cheaper than the remainder of Europe and you may stay a comparatively snug way of life for little or no money. Total, the price of renting a one-bedroom condo in a big metropolis is round 10,000-15,000TL ($340-$500) with utilities on high.
It’s also possible to lower prices by consuming at house, and as I discussed, you possibly can fill your kitchen with recent produce and meat from supermarkets and native bazaars. Relying on the place you select to stay, you’ll discover that Turkey has fairly an out of doors type of dwelling, particularly if you happen to stay close to the ocean. Throughout the summer season months, I spent most of my time on the seashore, which meant my days have been low-cost, stuffed with vitamin D, and intensely gratifying.
It’s price protecting 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. Nevertheless, for folks visiting or dwelling within the nation with financial savings in one other forex, the price of dwelling is lots decrease than in most different nations.
5. Giant Communities of Ex-Pats
I spent quite a lot of time in Marmaris and Fethiye on the south coast, in addition to Istanbul. In all areas, I discovered a big expat group, 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 lots quicker.
Once I first moved to Turkey, I did discover it a little bit of a tradition shock. Issues gave the impression to be very totally different from what I used to be used to, however this was a number of years in the past; it’s lots totally different now. Having stated that, discovering folks I may relate to from again house actually helped me settle in and it’s undoubtedly one of many execs of dwelling in Turkey.
Regardless of that, I’ve quite a lot of Turkish buddies too, but it surely doesn’t harm to fulfill individuals who perceive you on a distinct stage, and people you possibly can discuss with about acquainted life. Expat communities are additionally an amazing supply of recommendation whenever you’re undecided how you can do one thing or how you can repair a sure drawback. As I’ll discuss shortly, issues don’t transfer in a short time in Turkey so if you happen to do want to repair some paperwork or full a process, understanding somebody who’s achieved it earlier than is a blessing.
6. Nice Summer time Climate and Gentle Winters
Turkey is legendary for its seashores in the course of the summer season months, however that’s partly as a result of superb climate it experiences throughout the board. Though it’s an enormous nation, the summer season sees little or no rain (until you’re on the Black Beach) and loads of warmth. Actually, the typical excessive temperature in July in Antalya is round 34°C/93°F, nonetheless, I’ve skilled it within the excessive 30s and low 40s on a number of events.
You’ll definitely have to spend money on both an excellent fan or an air-con system in the course of the summer season months if you wish to sleep comfortably. For me, that was my principal wrestle of summer season. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re somebody who detests the chilly, Turkey is an effective selection in the course of the winter months, significantly on the south coast.
Even the winters aren’t that chilly, until 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. Nevertheless, 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 probably the greatest on this planet and it’s open to residency permit-holding foreigners, so long as you enroll, undergo the paperwork and well being checks beforehand, and pay month-to-month. It’s referred to as SGK, and if you happen to get sick or want an operation, you’re coated in state hospitals supplied your funds are updated.
In case you don’t maintain a residency allow or don’t need to enroll in SGK, you should buy a personal well being coverage that may cowl your healthcare wants. There are many corporations working in Turkey that present insurance policies like this, they usually’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 if you happen to qualify.
It’s simple 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 wish 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 Folks
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. Nevertheless, on the entire, folks in Turkey are extraordinarily pleasant, very useful, and can gladly exit of their method to make you are feeling snug. I by no means had any issues with undesirable consideration once I was strolling round as a lone feminine in both the vacationer resorts or Istanbul.
It does assist if you happen to can converse a number of Turkish phrases, even if you happen to merely discover ways to say hiya and thanks; folks will respect it. In case you’re in a extra rural space or someplace much less touristy, you’ll discover that Turkish hospitality goes up a notch. Folks will wish to provide the finest 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 hearken to any of that, it’s such a fantasy. Similar to anyplace on this planet, there are some unhealthy 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 would possibly shock you, however that’s in all probability since you’re solely studying about Istanbul. Sure, some elements of Istanbul are a bit of on the dodgy facet, however you merely keep away from them. I by no means had a foul expertise there, however like anyplace on this planet, it’s worthwhile to be wise and use your widespread 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 happening particularly. It’s a reassuring factor that makes you are feeling secure, and officers are very useful if it’s worthwhile 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 at all times really feel secure 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 may be far. Nevertheless, 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 a lot of the nation and their buses are snug. However, if you happen to want to get someplace shortly, you possibly can fly domestically from all main cities, even if you happen to do want to attach in Istanbul.
Trains aren’t fairly as intensive, however they’re nonetheless doable on sure routes. Native buses are additionally dependable, plentiful, and low-cost. Relying upon which space you’re in, you possibly can normally get a one-way journey for round 15TL/50 cents. After all, there are additionally taxis, however these are usually the costliest choice; I solely use them late at night time or once I don’t have a selection.
Cons of Residing in Turkey
I’m not going to fake it’s all sunshine and roses as there are some cons in terms of dwelling in Turkey. It’s principally all the way down to the well-known Turkey time, which basically implies that everyone seems to be at all times late. Nevertheless, when you get used to it, you are inclined to do the identical factor!
Let’s stability issues up and inform you the doable downsides of constructing Turkey your property.
1. Language Barrier
Most individuals converse English within the massive cities and cities, however not everybody. In case you enterprise additional away, corresponding to to a rural space, you’ll discover that you could be wrestle 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 if you happen to make an effort to speak, however you’ll discover life simpler.
Turkish isn’t the simplest language to be taught, however there are many on-line assets out there. Failing that, Google Translate is at all times a great tool.
For essentially the most half, with a bit of understanding and endurance, you’ll make your self understood. Earlier than I used to be assured sufficient to talk Turkish I at all times managed to get by, even when it did embody gestures, quite a lot of nodding, and some complicated episodes. However if you wish to have a smoother and fewer embarrassing time, studying a bit of of the language is unquestionably the best way to go.
2. Visa Difficulties
One of many largest downsides to dwelling in Turkey is visa points. It is because, during the last couple of years, it’s develop into tougher to get a residency allow if you happen to don’t already stay within the nation. Naturally, this might change so it’s essential to maintain updated with the information and official authorities assets.
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/condo, are refused. Renewals are additionally a lot tougher than they was. However it’s not unattainable!
Each applicant’s scenario is totally different so it’s essential to seek out up-to-date info in response to 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 when it comes to how lengthy you possibly can keep inside a rolling 180-day interval.
3. Giant Distances to Journey Round
There’s a lot to see and do that you simply’ll in all probability write an inventory and wish 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 quite a lot of time within the air or on the highway. It’s not the most important drawback of dwelling in Turkey by any means, but it surely does imply that your sightseeing plans may be a bit of extra sophisticated than you’d think about.
If it’s worthwhile to go to one other metropolis for a selected motive, corresponding to a visa appointment, you then’ll in all probability want to dam the entire time out of your schedule. Having stated that, public transport is dependable, as I discussed earlier. However you should still have to 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 site visitors on the opposite facet. As you possibly can see, nothing is straightforward!
4. Nothing Strikes Very Shortly
Linking very carefully with the final level, you’ll shortly develop into accustomed to what I prefer to name, “Turkey time.” If somebody tells you they’re going to be half an hour, you possibly can 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 process; you’ll little question discover a mountain of paperwork and several other workplaces it’s worthwhile to go to earlier than you possibly can full one factor. It’s irritating, and it’s even tougher if you happen to don’t converse the language. The great factor is that individuals are very useful so you possibly can at all times ask somebody to present 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 many paperwork. Don’t count on to do all of it in a day; you’ll set your self up for disappointment.
5. Very Troublesome to Discover Work
For most individuals, one of many largest downsides of dwelling in Turkey is you could’t work with out a work allow. And people work permits aren’t simple to get.
If you wish to work for a Turkish firm, the employer should show {that a} Turkish individual can’t do the job they wish to rent you for. It’s wise when you consider it; they’re attempting to protect jobs for his or her folks. This sometimes implies that foreigners eager to work typically find yourself as vacation reps and English lecturers with massive corporations.
And no, it’s not clever to attempt to work illegally. Many corporations will rent you and never get you a allow, however if you happen to’re caught, you face prompt deportation and an extended ban. Severely, don’t even attempt it, it’s simply not price it.
Is Residing in Turkey Price It?
There are much more execs of dwelling in Turkey than cons, and for me, it’s an enormous ‘sure’ all the best way. 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 largest obstacles at the moment are visa points and the truth that you want a allow to work. These are issues you possibly can overcome with the precise info, and if you happen to actually have your coronary heart set on spending longer, then discover the knowledge, get some extra assist, and work by it. I assure it will likely be price it.
