Living in Turkey

"1. Expats should research the cost of living in the area they plan to retire in, as prices can vary significantly from one region to another. 2. It is important to understand the local language, as English is not widely spoken in many parts of Turkey. 3. Expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the laws and regulations that apply to foreigners living in Turkey. 4. Expats should also consider the availability of healthcare services in the area they plan to retire in, as well as the quality of the healthcare system. 5. Expats should also research the availability of banking services and other financial services in the area they plan to retire in. 6. Expats should also consider the availability of transportation options, as well as the cost of living in the area they plan to retire in. 7. Expats should also research the availability of recreational activities and entertainment options in the area they plan to retire in. 8. Expats should also consider the availability of housing options in the area they plan to retire in, as well as the cost of renting or buying a property," wrote one member in Turkey.

"I would say, come to Antalya! It is a great city full of places to visit in the sorroundins. People are very warm and open. Life is easy in Antalya, the streets are safe, the weather is great and there are many activities to do. But not all is good, of course. You have to get used to the Turkish way of living. The "problem yok" (no problem) philosophy, where everything is ok, never seeing problems, is sometimes comforting and sometimes frustrating. Things are slower than in Europe or USA. You will need patience and adaptation to their culture and way of living. All in all, Antalya is a great place to live," remarked one expat who made the move to Antalya.

"Istanbul is a great expat post in many ways - it has the diversity of an active cosmopolitan city but also has a very nice group of expat population. There are associations here such as IWI (Intl. Women of Istanbul), AWI(American women), French group, Latino group, Die Brucke (Germans), Italian group and many others," wrote a member in Istanbul.

"In general, Antalya is a very touristic city, and a modern one, compared with other cities around Turkey. Turkish people, and especially people from the west coast of Turkey like to socialize, go out to restaurants, bars with live music (they love live music here!) and so on, but they are, like turkish, very familiar. For example it is very rare to see a group of girls going out to bars, and sundays is a normal day to spend on family going to take breakfast (we would call it brunch). Like Turkey itself, Antalya is a mixture of cultures, ideas, feelings and tastes," remarked one expat living in Antalya, Turkey.

"Crime is a problem in Turkey, with reports of theft, assault, and other criminal activities occurring in both urban and rural areas. The country has seen an increase in organized crime, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering. In addition, there have been reports of terrorist activity in some parts of the country. The government has taken steps to combat crime, including increasing police presence and introducing tougher laws," remarked one expat living in Turkey.

"No. In the Kemer area of Antalya, the biggest crime was usually housebreaking. I did however get cheated out of both my money and car by what I thought to be my best Turkish friend. He unfortunately, turned out to be nothing more than a conman. In view of this, never lend money to anyone, unless you can afford to loose it," wrote one member in Antalya.

"Turkey is mostly islamic, but very open to other cultures, religions, ways of life, etc. And the west of Turkey even more. Antalya, as touristic city full of europeans and russians visiting, has accepted other cultures and other beleifs, and is very open and welcoming to foreigners. They love people coming from abroad that come to visit their country. For example, in Antalya not many women wear headscarves, and they are not discriminated wether they wear it or not. But, speaking with many turkish friends and strangers, there is one thing that I reckon happens in all Turkey. They are quite homophobic, so, if you are gay, do not show it, unless you know the people and you trust them," wrote one member in Antalya.

"Turkey is a diverse country with a population that is composed of many different ethnic and religious groups. People in Turkey are generally accepting of differences and have a strong sense of national pride. There is a long history of cultural exchange and intermingling between different groups, which has helped to create a tolerant and open-minded society," remarked one expat who made the move to Turkey.

"I always advise to see the school, before making any choice. It is very important to understand the educational system. I advice to go there with your child and let him enjoy the garden. The price of the school is reasonable comparing to other schools, because I believe that they are keeping their promises, you can see the quality of the school when you actually go there," wrote an expat with kids at Small Hands Academy in Etiler.

"The International School of Istanbul (ISI) is one of the best international schools in Turkey. Located in the heart of Istanbul, ISI offers a comprehensive international education to students from over 50 countries. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Bilkent Erzurum Laboratory and International School (BELIS) is a bilingual school in Erzurum, Turkey. BELIS offers a unique educational experience, combining the best of both Turkish and international education. The school follows the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) curriculum, and provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Istanbul International Community School (IICS) is another excellent international school in Turkey. IICS offers a comprehensive international education to students from over 40 countries. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Istanbul International School (IIS) is a bilingual school in Istanbul, Turkey. IIS offers a unique educational experience, combining the best of both Turkish and international education. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art," commented one expat when asked about in Turkey.

"The cost of living in Turkey varies depending on the city and lifestyle. Generally, the cost of living is quite affordable, with basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing being relatively inexpensive. Eating out at restaurants is also quite affordable, with a meal for two people costing around 25-30 Turkish Lira. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also relatively inexpensive. Overall, Turkey is a great place to live with a low cost of living," wrote one member in Turkey.

"The cost will depend on which part of the country you are living in. Rent in Antalya being far cheaper than in Istanbul. A 2 bedroom apartment in Antalya can cost around 700TL per month, which at present is under 200 pound sterling. Rental costs in Istanbul are or can be extremely expensive and in some areas on par with those in London," remarked one expat who made the move to Antalya.

"The cost of living in Turkey is generally considered to be quite affordable. However, the cost of living in the larger cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir is higher than in the rest of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Turkey is typically around $500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $700 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Turkey will usually cost around $15 USD per person," wrote one expat living in Turkey.

"In Turkey, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and sports complexes. Parks are a popular destination for picnics, outdoor activities, and relaxation. Beaches provide a great opportunity for swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities. Sports complexes offer a variety of activities, such as basketball, tennis, and soccer. Additionally, there are many cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theaters, that provide entertainment and education," wrote one expat living in Turkey.

"The weather in Turkey is generally warm and sunny, with hot summers and mild winters. The coastal areas tend to be milder than the inland regions, with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to the mid-thirties Celsius. Rainfall is generally light, with the majority of the rain falling in the winter months," mentioned one expat inTurkey.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Turkey is Imbat Restaurant, located in Istanbul. Imbat Restaurant is known for its traditional Turkish cuisine, such as kebabs, mezes, and grilled fish. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, as well as a selection of international dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another popular restaurant in Turkey is Kebabci, located in Ankara. Kebabci is known for its delicious kebabs, which are made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. The restaurant also offers a variety of other Turkish dishes, such as mezes, salads, and desserts. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Finally, one of the most beloved restaurants in Turkey is Köfteci, located in Izmir. Köfteci is known for its delicious köfte, which are made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. The restaurant also offers a variety of other Turkish dishes, such as mezes, salads, and desserts. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive," said one expat living in Turkey.

"People living in Turkey typically buy groceries from local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at malls, department stores, and specialty shops. Additionally, many people in Turkey shop online for items such as clothing, electronics, and home goods," remarked one expat in Turkey.

"In order to visit Turkey, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, and a passport-sized photograph to the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's home country. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Turkey, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit. The process of applying for a residence permit involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of financial means, and proof of health insurance to the local immigration office. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required," mentioned an expat living in Turkey.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Turkey can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is provided free of charge, but private healthcare can be costly. Health insurance is also available, but premiums can be expensive, and coverage may not be comprehensive. Additionally, many people in Turkey are not able to afford health insurance, leaving them with limited access to healthcare," said an expat in Turkey.