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Istanbul, Turkey

Pros and Cons of Living in Turkey

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jun 14, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Turkey include its rich cultural heritage, its diverse landscape, its vibrant cities, its delicious cuisine, and its friendly people. On the other hand, the cons of living in Turkey include its high cost of living, its lack of public transportation in some areas, its high levels of air pollution, and its occasional political instability.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Turkey?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Turkey responded:

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the low cost of living in Turkey, as well as the warm climate and the friendly people. They also enjoy the country's rich culture and history, as well as its diverse cuisine. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the bureaucracy and red tape in Turkey to be a challenge, as well as the language barrier. Additionally, the lack of reliable public transportation in some areas can be a source of frustration," said one member in Turkey.

"Living in Alanya (aka The Turkish Riviera) is a wonderful experience! The weather is beautiful, except for the Summer, when many people go to cooler areas. The main downside are the MANY international tourists which makes driving and parking very challenging. On the flip side the stunning Mediterranean Sea, amazing Bazars selling fresh produce, the many historical landmarks and the 'walkability' adds so much quality to this area," remarked one expat in Alanya.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Istanbul, Turkey

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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Help others in Turkey by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Turkey.

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