15 Execs and Cons of Residing in Turkey

Have you ever ever considered residing in Turkey? It’s not a shock when you’ve got, many individuals go to this wonderful nation, fall in love with it, and immediately take into consideration relocating. There are numerous professionals to residing in Turkey, in reality much more professionals than cons, nevertheless it’s all the time necessary to weigh all the pieces 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 residing in Turkey too. I nonetheless go to Turkey very repeatedly, 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 superb transfer for you or not.

15 Execs and Cons of Residing in Turkey

From a number of years of residing in numerous places round Turkey, I skilled quite a bit. There are numerous nice sides to this nation and in all honesty, the upsides undoubtedly 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 would possibly suppose, it’s completely simple for a overseas lady 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 undoubtedly mirrored in its tradition and traditions to a big extent. In truth, Istanbul is the one metropolis on this planet that straddles two continents; it’s a should on your dream vacation spot record!

What most individuals don’t understand about Turkey is how large it’s; I actually underestimated its dimension at first. Protecting 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 definitely 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 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 residing aspect of Turkey, some areas are extraordinarily conventional and extra conservative, resembling these discovered within the east and southeast. These areas are harder to go to, however you actually shouldn’t be postpone; that is the place you’ll discover some actual hidden gems and a number of the greatest meals you’ve seemingly ever tasted.

Execs of Residing in Turkey

As a result of I like to start out issues off with a constructive, 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 predominant 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 predominant benefits of residing in Turkey is the tradition. It’s so totally different from all the pieces 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 realized a lot throughout my time in Turkey, and I cherished being uncovered to the totally 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, if you happen to enterprise to Istanbul you’ll discover a melting pot of previous and new, historical past and fashionable, and neighborhoods that make you’re feeling such as you’re some other place completely. Whenever you head additional east, you’ll discover conservative areas which have traditions which have been handed down by 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 must watch out of what you put on in some spots (not all), I may throw myself into the normal 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 nations! Your complete nation has some incredible locations to take a look at, together with historical cities resembling Cappadocia and, certainly one of 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 time months, you possibly can merely head to the seashore, and the Antalya area has a number of the greatest on this planet, for my part. All in all, it’s simple to determine on someplace to move and discover each time you will have the time; all you should do is determine the place you’re going and simply go!

Istanbul is full of wonderful sights, resembling Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and large palaces resembling Topkapı and Dolmabahce. It could be near-impossible to see all there may be to see throughout a trip or perhaps a few visits, however you possibly can tick quite a bit off by relocating and touring across the nation over time.

3. Wonderful Meals

For me, one of many largest advantages of residing in Turkey was entry to the wonderful meals. Critically, I consider that Turkish delicacies is a number of the greatest 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 lots so that you can strive, however after all, Turkey is known 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 incredible 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 recent vegatables and fruits very simply from bazaars, so studying how one 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 likely to eat a variety of bread, the meals itself is mostly fairly wholesome and full of seasonal elements.

SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Eating places in Istanbul (High Locations to Eat)

4. Inexpensive Price of Residing

I ought to level out that the price of residing throughout Turkey has risen over the past 12 months or so, nevertheless it’s nonetheless cheaper than the remainder of Europe and you’ll reside a comparatively snug life-style for little or no money. Total, the price of renting a one-bedroom condominium in a big metropolis is round 10,000-15,000TL ($340-$500) with utilities on high.

You can too lower prices by consuming at residence, 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 reside, you’ll discover that Turkey has fairly an outside fashion of residing, particularly if you happen to reside close to the ocean. Through the summer time months, I spent most of my time on the seashore, which meant my days have been low-cost, filled with vitamin D, and very fulfilling.

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. Nonetheless, for folks visiting or residing within the nation with financial savings in one other forex, the price of residing is quite a bit decrease than in most different nations.

5. Massive Communities of Ex-Pats

I spent a variety 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 folks actually simply, which will certainly show you how to to settle in quite a bit quicker.

Once I first moved to Turkey, I did discover it a little bit of a tradition shock. Issues appeared 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 quite a bit totally different now. Having mentioned that, discovering folks I may relate to from again residence actually helped me settle in and it’s undoubtedly one of many professionals of residing in Turkey.

Regardless of that, I’ve a variety of Turkish buddies too, nevertheless it doesn’t damage to fulfill individuals who perceive you on a unique stage, and people you possibly can speak with about acquainted life. Expat communities are additionally an incredible supply of recommendation if you’re undecided how one can do one thing or how one can repair a sure downside. As I’ll speak about 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, realizing somebody who’s finished it earlier than is a blessing.

6. Nice Summer time Climate and Gentle Winters

Turkey is known for its seashores in the course of 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 Beach) 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 actually must spend money on both an excellent fan or an air-con system in the course of the summer time months if you wish to sleep comfortably. For me, that was my predominant wrestle of summer time. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re somebody who detests the chilly, Turkey is an effective selection in the course of the winter months, notably 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. 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 largest benefits of residing in Turkey is the healthcare system. I feel it’s among the best 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 known as SGK, and if you happen to get sick or want an operation, you’re coated in state hospitals offered your funds are updated.

For those who don’t maintain a residency allow or don’t need to enroll in SGK, you should buy a personal 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 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 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 Individuals

You may need examine overly-friendly waiters and hasslers in vacationer resorts, and I’m not going to lie, you do come throughout folks like this. Nonetheless, on the entire, folks in Turkey are extraordinarily pleasant, very useful, and can gladly exit of their solution to make you’re 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 howdy and thanks; folks 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 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 pretend wedding ceremony ring or pretending to not converse English. Please don’t take heed to any of that, it’s such a fable. Identical to wherever 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 in all probability since you’re solely studying about Istanbul. Sure, some components of Istanbul are just a little on the dodgy aspect, however you merely keep away from them. I by no means had a foul expertise there, however like wherever on this planet, you should be wise 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 each time an occasion is happening specifically. It’s a reassuring factor that makes you’re feeling secure, and officers are very useful if you should 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 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 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. 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 notably just like the long-distance bus firm Pammukale, as they cowl many of the nation and their buses are snug. However, if you happen to choose 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 attainable 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 most costly choice; I solely use them late at evening 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 the case of residing in Turkey. It’s largely all the way down to the well-known Turkey time, which basically implies that everyone seems to be all the time late. Nonetheless, when you get used to it, you are likely to do the identical factor!

Let’s steadiness issues up and let you know the attainable 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 wrestle with the language barrier. I might advise that you just 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 best language to be taught, however there are many on-line sources accessible. Failing that, Google Translate is all the time a useful gizmo.

For probably 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 all the time managed to get by, even when it did embrace gestures, a variety 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 largest downsides to residing in Turkey is visa points. It is because, over the past couple of years, it’s turn into tougher to get a residency allow if you happen to don’t already reside within the nation. Naturally, this might change so it’s necessary 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/condominium, are refused. Renewals are additionally a lot tougher than they was once. However it’s not unimaginable!

Each applicant’s state of affairs is totally different so it’s necessary to search out up-to-date data based on 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 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 meaning a variety of time within the air or on the street. It’s not the most important drawback of residing in Turkey by any means, nevertheless it does imply that your sightseeing plans is perhaps just a little extra difficult than you’d think about.

If you should go to one other metropolis for a particular cause, resembling a visa appointment, you then’ll in all probability 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 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 simple!

4. Nothing Strikes Very Rapidly

Linking very intently with the final level, you’ll shortly turn 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 question discover a mountain of paperwork and several other workplaces you should 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 nice factor is that individuals are very useful so you possibly can 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 Troublesome to Discover Work

For most individuals, one of many largest downsides of residing in Turkey is that 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’t do the job they need to rent you for. It’s wise when you concentrate on 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 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 if you happen to’re caught, you face instantaneous deportation and an extended ban. Critically, don’t even strive it, it’s simply not value it.

Is Residing in Turkey Price It?

There are much more professionals of residing in Turkey than cons, and for me, it’s an enormous ‘sure’ all the way in which. I cherished 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 this planet.

The most important hindrances at present are visa points and the truth that you want a allow to work. These are issues you possibly can overcome with the precise data, and if you happen to actually have your coronary heart set on spending longer, then discover the knowledge, get some further assist, and work by it. I assure it will likely be value it.