Have you ever ever thought of residing in Turkey? It’s not a shock when you have, many individuals go to this superb nation, fall in love with it, and immediately take into consideration relocating. There are lots of execs to residing in Turkey, actually much more execs than cons, but it surely’s all the time essential to weigh every part 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 superb 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 commonly, as that’s the place my husband is, so I’m very effectively positioned that will help you resolve 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 numerous places round Turkey, I skilled loads. There are lots of nice sides to this nation and in all honesty, the upsides undoubtedly outweigh any negatives. Nevertheless, 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 would possibly suppose, it’s completely simple for a international 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 components are sometimes issues may not 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 jap 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 undoubtedly mirrored in its tradition and traditions to a big extent. Actually, Istanbul is the one metropolis on the earth that straddles two continents; it’s a should to your dream vacation spot checklist!
What most individuals don’t notice about Turkey is how massive it’s; I actually 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 beautiful seashores. Whereas Ankara is the capital metropolis, Istanbul is indubitably 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 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, similar to 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, similar to these discovered within the east and southeast. These areas are tougher to go to, however you actually shouldn’t be delay; that is the place you’ll discover some actual hidden gems and a number of the greatest meals you’ve possible ever tasted.
Execs of Dwelling in Turkey
As a result of I like to start out 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 fundamental highlights from the checklist beneath. It’s additionally no shock that there are extra execs than cons.
1. You’re Surrounded by Wonderful Tradition
One of many fundamental benefits of residing in Turkey is the tradition. It’s so totally different from every part 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 beloved being uncovered to the totally different traditions.
You’ll discover that the western aspect of the nation is sort of European, particularly Izmir, and the southern seashore resorts are extraordinarily worldwide. Nevertheless, 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’re feeling such as you’re some other place completely. 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 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 should watch out of what you put on in some spots (not all), I might throw myself into the standard 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 complete nation has some incredible locations to take a look at, together with historic cities similar to Cappadocia and, considered one of 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 possibly can go to, and there are numerous extra. After all, throughout the summer season months, you possibly can merely head to the seashore, and the Antalya area has a number of the greatest on the earth, in my view. All in all, it’s simple to resolve on someplace to move and discover at any time when you might have the time; all it’s good to do is resolve the place you’re going and simply go!
Istanbul is filled with superb sights, similar to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and large palaces similar 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 loads off by relocating and touring across the nation over time.
3. Wonderful Meals
For me, one of many greatest advantages of residing in Turkey was entry to the superb meals. Critically, I consider that Turkish delicacies is a number of the greatest on the earth 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 strive, however in fact, Turkey is legendary for its kebabs; I didn’t notice simply what number of there are.
I discovered myself beginning to discover ways to prepare dinner Turkish meals, and it was an awesome 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 residing, however you should buy contemporary fruit and veggies very simply from bazaars, so studying easy methods to prepare dinner isn’t tough in any respect.
On high of that, the road meals in and round Turkey is affordable and mouth-watering. Even in case you 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 lots of bread, the meals itself is mostly fairly wholesome and filled with seasonal elements.
SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Eating places in Istanbul (High Locations to Eat)
4. Inexpensive Price of Dwelling
I ought to level out that the price of residing throughout Turkey has risen over the past 12 months or so, but it surely’s nonetheless cheaper than the remainder of Europe and you’ll stay a comparatively snug 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 high.
You may as well minimize prices by consuming at house, and as I discussed, you possibly can fill your kitchen with contemporary 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 fashion of residing, particularly in case you 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 pleasing.
It’s value maintaining in thoughts that for a Turkish particular person, the price of residing isn’t that low cost. The Turkish minimal wage continues to be fairly low, though it has risen significantly over the past couple of years. Nevertheless, for individuals visiting or residing within the nation with financial savings in one other foreign money, the price of residing 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 group, and Izmir has a rising international inhabitants too. You’ll be able to meet like-minded individuals actually simply, which will certainly provide help to to settle in loads 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 loads totally different now. Having stated that, discovering individuals I might relate to from again house actually helped me settle in and it’s undoubtedly one of many execs of residing in Turkey.
Regardless of that, I’ve lots of Turkish buddies too, but it surely doesn’t harm to satisfy individuals who perceive you on a special degree, and people you possibly can discuss with about acquainted life. Expat communities are additionally an awesome supply of recommendation if you’re undecided easy methods to do one thing or easy methods 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 process, figuring out somebody who’s carried out 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 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 (except you’re on the Black Coastline) and loads of warmth. Actually, 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 fundamental wrestle of summer season. Nevertheless, in case 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 specifically. 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 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 greatest benefits of residing in Turkey is the healthcare system. I feel it’s the most effective on the earth 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 lined in state hospitals offered your funds are updated.
Should you don’t maintain a residency allow or don’t need to enroll in 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, they usually’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 case you qualify.
It’s simple to miss issues like this in favor of the price of residing 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 Folks
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. Nevertheless, on the entire, individuals in Turkey are extraordinarily pleasant, very useful, and can gladly exit of their method 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 case you can converse just a few Turkish phrases, even in case you merely discover ways to say hi there and thanks; individuals will respect it. Should you’re in a extra rural space or someplace much less touristy, you’ll discover that Turkish hospitality goes up a notch. Folks 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 number of tales about needing to put on a faux marriage ceremony ring or pretending to not converse English. Please don’t take heed to any of that, it’s such a fantasy. Identical to wherever on the earth, 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. Average Crime Charges
This one would possibly shock you, however that’s most likely since you’re solely studying about Istanbul. Sure, some components of Istanbul are a bit of on the dodgy aspect, however you merely keep away from them. I by no means had a nasty expertise there, however like wherever on the earth, it’s good to be smart and use your frequent 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 happening specifically. It’s a reassuring factor that makes you’re feeling protected, and officers are very useful if it’s good to ask one thing or have an issue. That’s one of many greatest advantages of residing in Turkey.
Whereas issues do occur, Turkey has a decrease crime charge 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 evening 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 might 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 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 snug. However, in case you choose to get someplace shortly, you possibly can fly domestically from all main cities, even in case you do want to attach in Istanbul.
Trains aren’t fairly as in depth, 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 often 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 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 with regards to residing in Turkey. It’s principally right down to the well-known Turkey time, which primarily implies that everyone seems to be all the time late. Nevertheless, when you get used to it, you are inclined to do the identical factor!
Let’s stability issues up and let you know the doable downsides of constructing Turkey your private home.
1. Language Barrier
Most individuals converse English within the massive cities and cities, however not everybody. Should you enterprise additional away, similar to to a rural space, you’ll discover that you could be wrestle with the language barrier. I’d advise that you just study some primary 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 simplest language to study, however there are many on-line assets obtainable. Failing that, Google Translate is all the time a great tool.
For probably the most half, with a bit of understanding and persistence, 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, lots 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 greatest downsides to residing in Turkey is visa points. It is because, over the past couple of years, it’s change into tougher to get a residency allow in case you 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 hire a home/residence, are refused. Renewals are additionally a lot tougher than they was once. But it surely’s not unattainable!
Each applicant’s scenario is totally different so it’s essential to search out up-to-date data 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 when it comes to 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 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 residing in Turkey by any means, but it surely does imply that your sightseeing plans may be a bit of extra difficult than you’d think about.
If it’s good to go to one other metropolis for a particular cause, similar to a visa appointment, then you definately’ll most likely 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 visitors on the opposite aspect. As you possibly can see, nothing is straightforward!
4. Nothing Strikes Very Shortly
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 possibly can 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 process; you’ll little doubt discover a mountain of paperwork and several other workplaces it’s good to go to earlier than you possibly can full one factor. It’s irritating, and it’s even tougher in case you don’t converse the language. The great factor is that individuals are very useful so you possibly can all the time 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 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 Troublesome to Discover Work
For most individuals, one of many greatest downsides of residing in Turkey is you can’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 particular person can not do the job they need to rent you for. It’s smart when you concentrate on it; they’re attempting to protect jobs for his or her individuals. This sometimes implies 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 prompt deportation and a protracted ban. Critically, don’t even strive it, it’s simply not value it.
Is Dwelling in Turkey Price It?
There are much more execs 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 stunning 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 earth.
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 correct data, and in case you actually 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 value it.