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10 Tips for Living in Turkey

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adminee
  11/25/2008 12:08 EST

We're going to be putting together an article entitled, 10 Tips for Living in Turkey, and we need your help. Please post a reply to this thread with as many tips as you'd like (or as few) for expats living in Turkey. Whether you're a newcomer yourself or a seasoned expats whose lived abroad for many years, share your favorite tips for expats living in Turkey. If you want to discuss or expand upon someone elses tip, feel free! We'll use your posts to compile the articles.

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

Betsy Burlingame
ExpatExchange.com

NavySEAL
  9/13/2013 18:28 EST

This topic would be GREAT! I'm a disabled Navy SEAL on a very small disability pension. I want to move to Turkey and having been there a few times, I feel my money will go much further. Can someone please help with an "A to Z" process to moving? Thanks SO much!

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Dariahoney
  8/30/2014 17:53 EST

I would also be interested in notification. I will be moving to Turkey next spring and this would be very helpful to me. Thank you for your effort.

Tigerman55
  8/31/2014 05:22 EST

Hi there,

I am English and have lived in Turkey for the past 20+ years. This is a beautiful country with my being very happy living here. I have recently married a wonderful Turkish lady and now live in Istanbul.

Re tips for living in Turkey.

1. never lend money to anyone. I did and lost out big time.
2. If thinking of buying a property make sure you use an Avukat (Lawyer) who deals in your kind of situation. If possible get a recommendation from someone who has successfully used them.
3. It is best not to discuss politics or religion.
4. In the US and in England to call some one A son of a bitch is nothing. Here in Turkey this is a major insult as you are saying the persons mother is a Whore.
5. Do not criticize Turkish society and do not compare it with other countries.
6. Don't be conceited and be friendly. Turkish people are well noted for being very friendly and hospitable.
7. As a foreigner living in Turkey the government gives you nothing. You have to have enough of your own money to be able to live here.
8. You will need a Residence permit to live here which is easy to obtain. check this out online for the latest regulations.
9. If you intend working here you must have a work permit. If found working without one you will be deported. Work permits are not easy to obtain, but a good company that employs you will take care of this for you. Do not under any circumstances work without one.
10. Driving standards in Turkey are below that in Europe. Just because a traffic light is on red does not mean you can cross on green your way unless you check on oncoming traffic.
11. If you have a Turkish resident permit you need either a Turkish driving license or an International driving license. It is quite easy to obtain a Turkish driving license if one is English but I don't know the situation if you have an American one.
12. Due to very heavy traffic in Istanbul, especially if you have to cross one of the two bridges give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. This is of course very important when going to the airport.
13. Look after your Turkish friends and they will look after you. A good Turkish friend can save you a lot of grief.
14. Turkish laws are not the same as English one especially concerning wills. It is best to have a Turkish will drawn up by a avukat and notorised.
15. If you are over 65 and intend marrying a Turkish citizen in Turkey, there are a number of things one has to take care of. I have put online a list of these things but not sure if they are on this site.
Hope this is of help.

Tigerman

Tigerman55
  8/31/2014 05:22 EST

Hi there,

I am English and have lived in Turkey for the past 20+ years. This is a beautiful country with my being very happy living here. I have recently married a wonderful Turkish lady and now live in Istanbul.

Re tips for living in Turkey.

1. never lend money to anyone. I did and lost out big time.
2. If thinking of buying a property make sure you use an Avukat (Lawyer) who deals in your kind of situation. If possible get a recommendation from someone who has successfully used them.
3. It is best not to discuss politics or religion.
4. In the US and in England to call some one A son of a bitch is nothing. Here in Turkey this is a major insult as you are saying the persons mother is a Whore.
5. Do not criticize Turkish society and do not compare it with other countries.
6. Don't be conceited and be friendly. Turkish people are well noted for being very friendly and hospitable.
7. As a foreigner living in Turkey the government gives you nothing. You have to have enough of your own money to be able to live here.
8. You will need a Residence permit to live here which is easy to obtain. check this out online for the latest regulations.
9. If you intend working here you must have a work permit. If found working without one you will be deported. Work permits are not easy to obtain, but a good company that employs you will take care of this for you. Do not under any circumstances work without one.
10. Driving standards in Turkey are below that in Europe. Just because a traffic light is on red does not mean you can cross on green your way unless you check on oncoming traffic.
11. If you have a Turkish resident permit you need either a Turkish driving license or an International driving license. It is quite easy to obtain a Turkish driving license if one is English but I don't know the situation if you have an American one.
12. Due to very heavy traffic in Istanbul, especially if you have to cross one of the two bridges give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. This is of course very important when going to the airport.
13. Look after your Turkish friends and they will look after you. A good Turkish friend can save you a lot of grief.
14. Turkish laws are not the same as English one especially concerning wills. It is best to have a Turkish will drawn up by a avukat and notorised.
15. If you are over 65 and intend marrying a Turkish citizen in Turkey, there are a number of things one has to take care of. I have put online a list of these things but not sure if they are on this site.
Hope this is of help.

Tigerman

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