Have you ever ever thought of 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 execs to dwelling in Turkey, actually way more execs than cons, but it surely’s all the time essential to weigh the whole lot 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 recurrently, as that’s the place my husband is, so I’m very effectively positioned that will help you determine whether or not this could possibly be a great transfer for you or not.
15 Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Turkey
From a number of years of dwelling in varied places round Turkey, I skilled loads. There are lots of nice sides to this nation and in all honesty, the upsides positively outweigh any negatives. Nevertheless, the cons could 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 assume, it’s completely simple for a international lady to dwell in Turkey and never battle in any respect; I by no means did even earlier than I met my husband. Nevertheless, the troublesome components are sometimes issues won’t 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 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. The truth is, Istanbul is the one metropolis on this 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 large it’s; I definitely underestimated its measurement at first. Masking an enormous 783,562 km², we’re speaking big 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 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, resembling 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, resembling these discovered within the east and southeast. These areas are tougher 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 doubtless ever tasted.
Professionals of Dwelling in Turkey
As a result of I like to begin 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 primary highlights from the record beneath. It’s additionally no shock that there are extra execs than cons.
1. You’re Surrounded by Wonderful Tradition
One of many primary benefits of dwelling in Turkey is the tradition. It’s so totally different from the whole lot else you is perhaps 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 seaside resorts are extraordinarily worldwide. Nevertheless, in the event you enterprise to Istanbul you’ll discover a melting pot of previous and new, historical past and fashionable, and neighborhoods that make you are feeling such as you’re some other place fully. Whenever you head additional east, you’ll discover conservative areas which have traditions which have been handed down by way of generations, relationship again centuries.
What I discovered actually lovely about Turkey is that I used to be accepted all over the place. 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 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! All the nation has some incredible locations to take a look at, together with historic cities resembling Cappadocia and, considered one 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, through the summer time months, you possibly can merely head to the seaside, and the Antalya area has among the finest on this planet, in my view. All in all, it’s simple to determine on someplace to move and discover at any time when you may have the time; all it’s worthwhile to do is determine the place you’re going and simply go!
Istanbul is filled with wonderful sights, resembling Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and large palaces resembling Topkapı and Dolmabahce. It might be near-impossible to see all there’s 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 largest advantages of dwelling in Turkey was entry to the wonderful meals. Critically, I imagine that Turkish delicacies is among the finest 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 legendary 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 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 purchase recent vegetables and fruit very simply from bazaars, so studying prepare dinner isn’t tough in any respect.
On prime 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 have the ability to select from an enormous selection of various grilled meats and vegetable-based dishes. Whereas I discovered that Turks do are likely to eat quite a lot of bread, the meals itself is mostly fairly wholesome and filled with seasonal elements.
SEE ALSO: 15 Finest Eating places in Istanbul (High Locations to Eat)
4. Inexpensive Price of Dwelling
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 dwell a comparatively snug 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 prime.
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 dwell, you’ll discover that Turkey has fairly an outside type of dwelling, particularly in the event you dwell close to the ocean. Through 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 very pleasing.
It’s price preserving in thoughts that for a Turkish particular person, 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 individuals visiting or dwelling within the nation with financial savings in one other forex, the price of dwelling is loads decrease than in most different international locations.
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 neighborhood, and Izmir has a rising international inhabitants too. You may meet like-minded individuals actually simply, which will certainly show you how to to settle in loads sooner.
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 mentioned that, discovering individuals I might relate to from again house actually helped me settle in and it’s positively one of many execs of dwelling in Turkey.
Regardless of that, I’ve quite a lot of Turkish mates too, but it surely doesn’t damage to fulfill individuals who perceive you on a special degree, and people you possibly can discuss with about acquainted life. Expat communities are additionally an amazing supply of recommendation once you’re undecided do one thing or repair a sure drawback. 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 process, understanding somebody who’s carried out it earlier than is a blessing.
6. Nice Summer time Climate and Gentle Winters
Turkey is legendary for its seashores through the summer time months, however that’s partly as a result of wonderful climate it experiences throughout the board. Although it’s an enormous nation, the summer time sees little or no rain (except you’re on the Black Coastline) and loads of warmth. The truth is, 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 must put money into 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 primary battle of summer time. Nevertheless, in the event you’re somebody who detests the chilly, Turkey is an efficient selection 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. 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 top-of-the-line 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 in the event you get sick or want an operation, you’re coated in state hospitals supplied your funds are updated.
For those who don’t maintain a residency allow or don’t need to enroll in SGK, you should purchase 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 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 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. Nevertheless, on the entire, individuals in Turkey are extraordinarily pleasant, very useful, and can gladly exit of their approach 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 in the event you can converse a couple of Turkish phrases, even in the event you merely learn to say good day and thanks; individuals will recognize 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 pretend wedding ceremony ring or pretending to not converse English. Please don’t take heed to any of that, it’s such a fantasy. 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 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 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 smart and use your frequent sense.
As an entire, Turkey has low to average 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 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 charge than the USA, and crime ranges have dropped over the previous few 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 steer clear of any protests.
10. Nice Public Transport Choices
I by no means drove in Turkey and in all honesty, I don’t assume 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 could 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, in the event you desire to get someplace shortly, you possibly can fly domestically from all main cities, even in the event you do want to attach in Istanbul.
Trains aren’t fairly as in depth, 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 possibly can normally get a one-way journey for round 15TL/50 cents. In fact, there are additionally taxis, however these are typically the costliest possibility; I solely use them late at evening or once I don’t have a selection.
Cons of Dwelling 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 largely right down to the well-known Turkey time, which primarily signifies that everyone seems to be all the time late. Nevertheless, when you get used to it, you are likely to do the identical factor!
Let’s steadiness issues up and inform you the potential downsides of creating Turkey your private home.
1. Language Barrier
Most individuals converse English within the giant cities and cities, however not everybody. For those who enterprise additional away, resembling to a rural space, you’ll discover that you could be battle with the language barrier. I might advise that you simply study 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 study, however there are many on-line assets out there. Failing that, Google Translate is all the time a useful gizmo.
For essentially 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 embrace 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 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 grow to be more durable to get a residency allow in the event 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 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 more durable than they was once. However it’s not inconceivable!
Each applicant’s state of affairs is totally different so it’s essential to seek out up-to-date data in line 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. Giant 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 meaning quite a lot of time within the air or on the highway. It’s not the largest drawback of dwelling in Turkey by any means, but it surely does imply that your sightseeing plans is perhaps a bit of extra difficult than you’d think about.
If it’s worthwhile to go to one other metropolis for a selected cause, resembling a visa appointment, then you definately’ll most likely want to dam the entire time out 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 facet. As you possibly can see, nothing is straightforward!
4. Nothing Strikes Very Rapidly
Linking very intently with the final level, you’ll shortly grow to be 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 more durable in the event you don’t converse the language. The great factor is that persons are very useful so you possibly can all the time ask somebody to offer 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 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 which 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 particular person can not do the job they need to rent you for. It’s smart when you concentrate on it; they’re making an attempt to protect jobs for his or her individuals. This sometimes signifies that foreigners eager to work typically find yourself as vacation reps and English lecturers 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. Critically, don’t even attempt it, it’s simply not price it.
Is Dwelling 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 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 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 possibly can overcome with the correct data, and in the event you really have your coronary heart set on spending longer, then discover the data, get some extra assist, and work by way of it. I assure it will likely be price it.
