An Expat Talks about Moving to Istanbul, Turkey
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Istanbul
Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.
Brought: more books, more Mexican food ingredients, walking shoes
Left: carpets, ski jackets, crystalware
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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?
Look around the city before deciding on where you want to live. Some people are more comfortable in compounds and others want to live in Turkish neighborhoods. Since the rents vary so much, even within a given area, it is important to take your time in finding a place if possible.
What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?
We live in a middle-class Turkish neighborhood. It's mostly apartments in our area. There are very, very few expats in this part of town.
How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?
We narrowed down the area we wanted to live in and went to a local real estate agent and gave him the list of what we wanted in an apartment.
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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?
Housing costs vary widely here. We don't live in a compound, so we pay much less in rent. Our rent for a 3 bedroom 1-1/2 bath flat with a Bosphorus view and within walking distance of shopping and the ferryboat is $400 US.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Istanbul
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Istanbul
- Best Bookstores and Libraries in Istanbul
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Istanbul
- Public Transportation in Istanbul
- Best Markets in Istanbul
- Retire in Istanbul Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Istanbul
- Pros & Cons of Living in Istanbul
- Driving in Istanbul
- Cost of Living in Istanbul
- Health Care in Istanbul
- The Essential Guide to Istanbul
- 5 Tips for Living in Istanbul
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Turkey
- Best Places to Live in Turkey
- Real Estate in Turkey
- Pros & Cons of Living in Turkey
- Getting a Driver's License in Turkey
- What It's Like Living in Istanbul
- Pros and Cons of Living in Turkey 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Turkey