Have you ever ever thought of residing in Turkey? It’s not a shock in case you have, many individuals go to this wonderful nation, fall in love with it, and immediately take into consideration relocating. There are lots of professionals to residing in Turkey, actually way more professionals than cons, nevertheless it’s all the time 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 wonderful locations to go to and experiences available, however I’m not going to lie—there are some cons to residing in Turkey too. I nonetheless go to Turkey very repeatedly, 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 Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Turkey
From a number of years of residing in varied areas round Turkey, I skilled lots. There are lots of nice sides to this nation and in all honesty, the upsides positively outweigh any negatives. Nonetheless, the cons might be irritating, to say the least.
Does it matter whether or not you’re male or feminine? By no means. Regardless of what you may suppose, it’s completely straightforward for a overseas girl to reside in Turkey and never wrestle in any respect; I by no means did even earlier than I met my husband. Nonetheless, the troublesome components are sometimes issues won’t fairly count on.
So, let’s weigh up the professionals and cons of residing 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 the vast majority of it in Asia. It’s also known as a bridge between Europe and the Center East, and that’s positively mirrored in its tradition and traditions to a big extent. The truth is, Istanbul is the one metropolis on the planet that straddles two continents; it’s a should in your dream vacation spot record!
What most individuals don’t understand about Turkey is how massive it’s; I actually underestimated its dimension at first. Masking an enormous 783,562 km², we’re speaking large cities (Istanbul is a megacity), cities, villages, desert landscapes, forests, and beautiful seashores. Whereas Ankara is the capital metropolis, Istanbul is undoubtedly 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 throughout the summer season 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 residing aspect of Turkey, some areas are extraordinarily conventional and extra conservative, reminiscent of these discovered within the east and southeast. These areas are harder to go to, however you actually shouldn’t be delay; that is the place you’ll discover some actual hidden gems and among the greatest meals you’ve doubtless ever tasted.
Execs of Dwelling in Turkey
As a result of I like to begin issues off with a optimistic, let’s check out the professionals of residing in Turkey. For me, there have been lots, and also you’ll see a few of my principal highlights from the record under. It’s additionally no shock that there are extra professionals than cons.
1. You’re Surrounded by Superb Tradition
One of many principal benefits of residing in Turkey is the tradition. It’s so completely different from the whole lot else you may be 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 beloved 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 seashore resorts are extraordinarily worldwide. Nonetheless, in the event you enterprise to Istanbul you’ll discover a melting pot of outdated and new, historical past and trendy, and neighborhoods that make you’re feeling such as you’re some place else solely. If you head additional east, you’ll discover conservative areas which have traditions which were handed down via generations, relationship again centuries.
What I discovered actually lovely 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 whilst you do should watch out of what you put on in some spots (not all), I might throw myself into the normal every day lifetime of that place and uncover new issues on the every day.
2. Loads of Cultural and Historic Sights to See
Turkey is super-historical; even Istanbul alone has extra historical past than most nations! The whole nation has some unbelievable locations to take a look at, together with historical cities reminiscent of Cappadocia and, one among my all-time favourite locations, Ephesus. You even have Pamukkale and the traditional metropolis of Hieropolis, the Lycian Manner 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, throughout the summer season months, you’ll be able to merely head to the seashore, and the Antalya area has among the greatest on the planet, in my view. All in all, it’s straightforward to determine on someplace to move and discover at any time when you will have the time; all it is advisable do is determine the place you’re going and simply go!
Istanbul is full of wonderful sights, reminiscent of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and large 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 lots off by relocating and touring across the nation over time.
3. Superb Meals
For me, one of many largest advantages of residing in Turkey was entry to the wonderful meals. Severely, I consider that Turkish delicacies is among the greatest on the planet and when you’ve had just a few dishes, you’ll agree. Whether or not you’re a meat eater, vegetarian, or vegan, there’s lots so that you can attempt, however after all, Turkey is legendary for its kebabs; I didn’t understand simply what number of there are.
I discovered myself beginning to learn to cook dinner Turkish meals, and it was a terrific expertise. I make a imply guveç now, which is a scrumptious stew, in addition to dolma, and a full-on Turkish breakfast. I’ll speak shortly about the price of residing, however you should buy contemporary vegetables and fruit very simply from bazaars, so studying the way to cook dinner isn’t troublesome in any respect.
On high of that, the road meals in and round Turkey is affordable and mouth-watering. Even in the event you go to a standard restaurant, you’ll be capable of select from an enormous selection of various grilled meats and vegetable-based dishes. Whereas I discovered that Turks do are inclined to eat plenty of bread, the meals itself is usually fairly wholesome and full of seasonal elements.
SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Eating places in Istanbul (Prime Locations to Eat)
4. Reasonably priced Value of Dwelling
I ought to level out that the price of residing throughout Turkey has risen during the last yr or so, nevertheless it’s nonetheless cheaper than the remainder of Europe and you’ll reside a comparatively snug way of life for little or no money. General, the price of renting a one-bedroom condominium 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 dwelling, and as I discussed, you’ll be able to fill your kitchen with contemporary produce and meat from supermarkets and native bazaars. Relying on the place you select to reside, you’ll discover that Turkey has fairly an outside model of residing, particularly in the event you reside close to the ocean. Through the summer season months, I spent most of my time on the seashore, which meant my days had been low-cost, stuffed with vitamin D, and intensely pleasant.
It’s price conserving in thoughts that for a Turkish particular person, the price of residing 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 individuals visiting or residing within the nation with financial savings in one other foreign money, the price of residing is lots decrease than in most different nations.
5. Massive Communities of Ex-Pats
I spent plenty 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 may meet like-minded individuals actually simply, which will certainly aid you to settle in lots sooner.
Once I first moved to Turkey, I did discover it a little bit of a tradition shock. Issues appeared 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 lots completely different now. Having stated that, discovering individuals I might relate to from again dwelling actually helped me settle in and it’s positively one of many professionals of residing in Turkey.
Regardless of that, I’ve plenty of Turkish pals too, nevertheless it doesn’t harm to satisfy individuals who perceive you on a distinct degree, and people you’ll be able to speak with about acquainted life. Expat communities are additionally a terrific supply of recommendation once you’re unsure the way to do one thing or the way to repair a sure downside. As I’ll speak about shortly, issues don’t transfer in a short time in Turkey so in the event you do want to repair some paperwork or full a activity, realizing somebody who’s completed it earlier than is a blessing.
6. Nice Summer time Climate and Delicate Winters
Turkey is legendary for its seashores throughout the summer season months, however that’s partly because of the wonderful climate it experiences throughout the board. Despite the fact that it’s an enormous nation, the summer season sees little or no rain (except you’re on the Black Coastline) and loads of warmth. The truth is, the common 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 actually must put money into both an excellent fan or an air-con system throughout the summer season months if you wish to sleep comfortably. For me, that was my principal wrestle of summer season. Nonetheless, in the event you’re somebody who detests the chilly, Turkey is an efficient selection throughout 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 common 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 residing in Turkey is the healthcare system. I believe it’s among the finest on the 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 in the event you get sick or want an operation, you’re lined in state hospitals offered your funds are updated.
In case you don’t maintain a residency allow or don’t need to join SGK, you should buy a non-public well being coverage that can 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 non-public coverage, however then I noticed the advantages of SGK and switched; I like to recommend checking it out in the event you qualify.
It’s straightforward to miss issues like this in favor of the price of residing and pondering 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 Individuals
You might need examine overly-friendly waiters and hasslers in vacationer resorts, and I’m not going to lie, you do come throughout individuals like this. Nonetheless, on the entire, individuals in Turkey are extraordinarily pleasant, very useful, and can gladly exit of their option to make you’re feeling snug. 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 the event you can communicate just a few Turkish phrases, even in the event you merely learn to say whats up and thanks; individuals will recognize 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. Individuals will wish 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 numerous tales about needing to put on a pretend wedding ceremony ring or pretending to not communicate English. Please don’t take heed to any of that, it’s such a delusion. Similar to anyplace on the 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 in all probability since you’re solely studying about Istanbul. Sure, some components of Istanbul are slightly on the dodgy aspect, however you merely keep away from them. I by no means had a nasty expertise there, however like anyplace on the planet, it is advisable be wise and use your widespread sense.
As an entire, 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 at any time when an occasion is occurring particularly. It’s a reassuring factor that makes you’re feeling secure, and officers are very useful if it is advisable ask one thing or have an issue. That’s one of many largest advantages of residing in Turkey.
Whereas issues do occur, Turkey has a decrease crime fee than the USA, and crime ranges have dropped over the previous couple of years. Personally, I all the time really feel secure in Turkey. It goes with out saying however, don’t stroll round at evening 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 snug. However, in the event you want to get someplace rapidly, you’ll be able to fly domestically from all main cities, even in the event you do want to attach in Istanbul.
Trains aren’t fairly as intensive, however they’re nonetheless attainable on sure routes. Native buses are additionally dependable, plentiful, and low-cost. Relying upon which space you’re in, you’ll be able to normally get a one-way journey for round 15TL/50 cents. After all, there are additionally taxis, however these are typically the most costly possibility; I solely use them late at evening or after I don’t have a selection.
Cons of Dwelling in Turkey
I’m not going to faux it’s all sunshine and roses as there are some cons relating to residing in Turkey. It’s largely all the way down to the well-known Turkey time, which primarily implies that everyone seems to be all the time late. Nonetheless, when you get used to it, you are inclined to do the identical factor!
Let’s stability issues up and let you know the attainable downsides of creating Turkey your property.
1. Language Barrier
Most individuals communicate English within the giant cities and cities, however not everybody. In case you enterprise additional away, reminiscent of to a rural space, you’ll discover that you could be wrestle with the language barrier. I might advise that you just be taught some primary Turkish earlier than you go, as a result of not solely will locals reply to you higher in the event you 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 obtainable. Failing that, Google Translate is all the time a useful gizmo.
For probably the most half, with slightly 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 embody gestures, plenty of nodding, and some complicated episodes. However if you wish to have a smoother and fewer embarrassing time, studying slightly of the language is certainly the best way to go.
2. Visa Difficulties
One of many largest downsides to residing in Turkey is visa points. It’s because, during the last couple of years, it’s grow to be more durable to get a residency allow in the event you don’t already reside 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 hire a home/condominium, are refused. Renewals are additionally a lot more durable than they was once. Nevertheless it’s not unimaginable!
Each applicant’s scenario is completely different so it’s essential to search out up-to-date data based on 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 just’ll in all probability write a listing and wish to head off in your travels instantly. I do know I did. However what I rapidly realized is that the distances between main sights are huge, and meaning plenty of time within the air or on the highway. It’s not the most important drawback of residing in Turkey by any means, nevertheless it does imply that your sightseeing plans may be slightly extra sophisticated than you’d think about.
If it is advisable go to one other metropolis for a selected cause, reminiscent of 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 must journey for a number of hours to achieve 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 aspect. As you’ll be able to see, nothing is simple!
4. Nothing Strikes Very Rapidly
Linking very intently with the final level, you’ll rapidly grow to be accustomed to what I wish 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 residing in Turkey as a result of I like issues to run on time.
The identical applies if you wish to full a activity; you’ll little doubt discover a mountain of paperwork and a number of other places of work it is advisable go to earlier than you’ll be able to full one factor. It’s irritating, and it’s even more durable in the event you don’t communicate the language. The great factor is that persons are very useful so you’ll be able to all the time ask somebody to present you a hand.
Renting a home, finding out your visa, and opening a checking account, are all issues that require visits in particular person to a number of locations and plenty of paperwork. Don’t count on 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 residing in Turkey is that you may’t work with out 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 particular person can not do the job they wish to rent you for. It’s wise when you concentrate on it; they’re making an attempt to protect jobs for his or her individuals. This usually implies that foreigners desirous to work usually find yourself as vacation reps and English academics with giant 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 the event you’re caught, you face instantaneous deportation and an extended ban. Severely, don’t even attempt it, it’s simply not price it.
Is Dwelling in Turkey Price It?
There are way more professionals of residing in Turkey than cons, and for me, it’s an enormous ‘sure’ all the best way. I beloved my time residing on this lovely nation, and I’d do all of it once more. Sure, there are some irritating issues about residing in Turkey, however you’ll discover these sorts of challenges wherever you go on the planet.
The largest hindrances at the moment are visa points and the truth that you want a allow to work. These are issues you’ll be able to overcome with the suitable data, and in the event you actually have your coronary heart set on spending longer, then discover the data, get some further assist, and work via it. I assure it will likely be price it.
