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 lots of professionals to dwelling in Turkey, actually way more professionals than cons, but it surely’s at all times essential to weigh every little thing 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 dwelling in Turkey too. I nonetheless go to Turkey very frequently, as that’s the place my husband is, so I’m very properly positioned that can assist you resolve whether or not this may very well be an excellent transfer for you or not.
15 Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Turkey
From a number of years of dwelling 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 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 may suppose, it’s completely simple for a overseas lady 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 won’t 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 sometimes called a bridge between Europe and the Center East, and that’s positively mirrored in its tradition and traditions to a big extent. In truth, Istanbul is the one metropolis on the planet that straddles two continents; it’s a should to your dream vacation spot record!
What most individuals don’t understand about Turkey is how massive it’s; I definitely underestimated its measurement at first. Overlaying an enormous 783,562 km², we’re speaking enormous cities (Istanbul is a megacity), cities, villages, desert landscapes, forests, and gorgeous seashores. Whereas Ankara is the capital metropolis, Istanbul is indubitably the largest 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, 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 among the finest meals you’ve possible ever tasted.
Professionals of Dwelling in Turkey
As a result of I like to begin issues off with a constructive, 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 major highlights from the record beneath. It’s additionally no shock that there are extra professionals than cons.
1. You’re Surrounded by Wonderful Tradition
One of many major benefits of dwelling in Turkey is the tradition. It’s so completely different from every little thing else you is likely to be used to, and it varies from area to area. Principally, what I imply is that regardless of the place you go, you’ll expertise one thing completely completely different and new. I realized a lot throughout my time in Turkey, and I cherished being uncovered to the completely different traditions.
You’ll discover that the western facet of the nation is kind of European, particularly Izmir, and the southern seaside resorts are extraordinarily worldwide. Nonetheless, when 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 elsewhere totally. If you head additional east, you’ll discover conservative areas which have traditions which have been 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 school 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 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 international locations! Your entire nation has some incredible locations to take a look at, together with historic cities corresponding to Cappadocia and, one in every of my all-time favourite locations, Ephesus. You even have Pamukkale and the traditional metropolis of Hieropolis, the Lycian Approach 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. In fact, throughout the summer season months, you possibly can merely head to the seaside, and the Antalya area has among the finest on the planet, in my view. All in all, it’s simple to resolve on someplace to go and discover each time you might have the time; all you have to do is resolve the place you’re going and simply go!
Istanbul is filled with wonderful sights, corresponding to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and big palaces corresponding to Topkapı and Dolmabahce. It will be near-impossible to see all there may be 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. Wonderful Meals
For me, one of many greatest advantages of dwelling in Turkey was entry to the wonderful meals. Significantly, I imagine that Turkish delicacies is among the finest on the 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 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 learn 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 cook dinner isn’t tough in any respect.
On high of that, the road meals in and round Turkey is affordable and mouth-watering. Even when 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 inclined to eat a number of bread, the meals itself is usually fairly wholesome and filled with seasonal elements.
SEE ALSO: 15 Finest Eating places in Istanbul (High Locations to Eat)
4. Inexpensive Value of Dwelling
I ought to level out that the price of dwelling throughout Turkey has risen during the last 12 months or so, but it surely’s nonetheless cheaper than the remainder of Europe and you may dwell a comparatively comfy way of life for little or no money. General, the price of renting a one-bedroom condo in a big metropolis is round 10,000-15,000TL ($340-$500) with utilities on high.
You may as well minimize 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 dwell, you’ll discover that Turkey has fairly an outside type of dwelling, particularly when you dwell close to the ocean. Throughout the summer season months, I spent most of my time on the seaside, which meant my days had been low-cost, stuffed with vitamin D, and intensely satisfying.
It’s price holding 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 individuals visiting or dwelling within the nation with financial savings in one other foreign money, the price of dwelling is lots decrease than in most different international locations.
5. Massive Communities of Ex-Pats
I spent a number 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 individuals actually simply, which will certainly provide help to to settle in lots quicker.
After 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 house actually helped me settle in and it’s positively one of many professionals of dwelling in Turkey.
Regardless of that, I’ve a number of Turkish buddies too, but it surely doesn’t harm to satisfy 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 if you’re unsure do one thing or repair a sure drawback. As I’ll discuss shortly, issues don’t transfer in a short time in Turkey so when you do want to repair some paperwork or full a activity, figuring out somebody who’s finished it earlier than is a blessing.
6. Nice Summer season Climate and Gentle 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 (until you’re on the Black Coastline) and loads of warmth. In truth, 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 throughout the summer season months if you wish to sleep comfortably. For me, that was my major battle of summer season. Nonetheless, when you’re somebody who detests the chilly, Turkey is an effective alternative throughout 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 typical 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 greatest benefits of dwelling in Turkey is the healthcare system. I believe it’s among the best 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 known as SGK, and when you get sick or want an operation, you’re lined in state hospitals supplied your funds are updated.
For those who 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 corporations working in Turkey that present insurance policies like this, they usually’re very useful. I initially had a non-public coverage, however then I spotted the advantages of SGK and switched; I like to recommend checking it out when you 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 need to find yourself sick in a hospital with none insurance coverage. Fortunately, most Turkish hospitals even have interpreters that can assist you out, particularly within the bigger cities and vacationer resorts.
8. Pleasant Individuals
You may 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 technique 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 when you can converse a couple of Turkish phrases, even when you merely learn to say whats up and thanks; individuals 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 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 numerous tales about needing to put on a faux marriage ceremony ring or pretending to not converse English. Please don’t hearken to any of that, it’s such a fable. 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. Average 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 just a little on the dodgy facet, however you merely keep away from them. I by no means had a foul expertise there, however like anyplace on the planet, you have to 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 each time an occasion is happening particularly. It’s a reassuring factor that makes you are feeling secure, and officers are very useful if you have to ask one thing or have an issue. That’s one of many greatest advantages of dwelling in Turkey.
Whereas issues do occur, Turkey has a decrease crime fee than the USA, and crime ranges have dropped over the previous few 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 steer clear of 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. 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 a protracted 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 comfy. However, when you choose to get someplace shortly, you possibly can fly domestically from all main cities, even when 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 possibly can often get a one-way journey for round 15TL/50 cents. In fact, there are additionally taxis, however these are typically the costliest choice; I solely use them late at night time or after I don’t have a alternative.
Cons of Dwelling in Turkey
I’m not going to faux it’s all sunshine and roses as there are some cons with regards to dwelling in Turkey. It’s largely all the way down to the well-known Turkey time, which primarily implies that everyone seems to be at all times 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 house.
1. Language Barrier
Most individuals converse English within the massive cities and cities, however not everybody. For those who enterprise additional away, corresponding to to a rural space, you’ll discover that you could be battle with the language barrier. I’d 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 when 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 sources accessible. Failing that, Google Translate is at all times a useful gizmo.
For essentially the most half, with just a little understanding and persistence, 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, a number of nodding, and some complicated episodes. However if you wish to have a smoother and fewer embarrassing time, studying just a little of the language is certainly the way in which to go.
2. Visa Difficulties
One of many greatest downsides to dwelling in Turkey is visa points. It is because, during the last couple of years, it’s develop into more durable to get a residency allow when 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 hire a home/condo, are refused. Renewals are additionally a lot more durable than they was once. Nevertheless it’s not unattainable!
Each applicant’s scenario is completely different so it’s essential to seek out up-to-date info in keeping with your wants. A method 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 possibly can 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 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 a number of time within the air or on the street. It’s not the largest drawback of dwelling in Turkey by any means, but it surely does imply that your sightseeing plans is likely to be just a little extra sophisticated than you’d think about.
If you have to go to one other metropolis for a selected cause, corresponding to a visa appointment, then you definately’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 wish 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 activity; you’ll little question discover a mountain of paperwork and a number of other workplaces you have to go to earlier than you possibly can full one factor. It’s irritating, and it’s even more durable when you don’t converse the language. The great factor is that persons are very useful so you possibly can at all times ask somebody to provide you a hand.
Renting a home, finding 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 Troublesome to Discover Work
For most individuals, one of many greatest downsides of dwelling in Turkey is that you would be able to’t work with no 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 need to rent you for. It’s wise when you consider it; they’re making an attempt to protect jobs for his or her individuals. This usually implies that foreigners desirous to work typically find yourself as vacation reps and English academics with massive corporations.
And no, it’s not smart to attempt to work illegally. Many corporations will rent you and never get you a allow, however when you’re caught, you face on the spot deportation and a protracted ban. Significantly, don’t even attempt it, it’s simply not price it.
Is Dwelling in Turkey Value It?
There are way more professionals of dwelling in Turkey than cons, and for me, it’s an enormous ‘sure’ all the way in which. I cherished my time dwelling on this lovely 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 the planet.
The largest obstacles at present are visa points and the truth that you want a allow to work. These are issues you possibly can overcome with the appropriate info, and when you really have your coronary heart set on spending longer, then discover the knowledge, get some extra assist, and work via it. I assure it will likely be price it.
