Retire in Turkey

What is it like to retire in Turkey?

"Retirees in Turkey and its surroundings enjoy a vibrant and active lifestyle. There is an active expat community, with many retirees from Europe and North America living in the area. There are plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as ancient ruins, mosques, and museums. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as hiking, swimming, and sailing. For those looking for a more lively nightlife, there are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore," said a retiree who moved to Turkey.

"Very relaxing. From Kemer where I used to live, there were very few expats living there, except during the summer months when a lot come to spend time in their holiday homes. In Antalya there are quite a number of expats living there from various countries. In Istanbul where I now live is a large number of expats, spread out in different areas. There is an active group called Internations, who hold a variety of events during the year. In the area where my Turkish wife and I live, there does not seem many expats living here. Turkey is full of ancient ruins, which are well worth seeing. Istanbul has itself a great wealth of cultural activities as well as many sights to visit. Here there are a variety of recreational activities to pursue, with a wide diversity of nightlife suitable for all ages," said one retiree in Antalya.

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What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?

"It is better to rent before buying. That way if you don't like where you are living you can move elsewhere. The Antalya region can get extremely hot during July and agust with temperatures being sometimes in the 50c. So unless you like it this hot, be careful about buying property there," commented one retiree living in Antalya, Turkey.

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What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Turkey?

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Turkey is the language barrier. Although English is widely spoken in the larger cities, it is not as common in more rural areas. Additionally, the cost of living in Turkey can be quite high, especially in the larger cities, making it difficult to live on a fixed income. Furthermore, the healthcare system in Turkey is not as advanced as in other countries, making it difficult to access quality medical care. Finally, the cultural differences between Turkey and other countries can be difficult to adjust to, making it difficult to feel at home," commented one retiree living in Turkey.

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What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Turkey?

"One of the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Turkey is the opportunity to experience a unique culture and way of life. The country is home to a rich history and vibrant culture, with a variety of attractions and activities to explore. The cost of living in Turkey is also relatively low, making it an attractive option for retirees looking to stretch their retirement savings. Additionally, the country boasts a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters, making it an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors. Finally, Turkey is home to a diverse population, with a variety of religions and cultures, making it a great place to meet new people and make new friends," said a retiree who moved to Turkey.

"a far more relaxing lifestyle than in the UK. Being able to live in shorts and tops for most of the year," said one retiree in Antalya.

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What are healthcare services like in Turkey?

We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in Turkey. They wrote:

"Turkey has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides quality medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a wide range of medical services, including preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment. The government provides free healthcare to all citizens, and there are also private health insurance plans available. Turkey also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Additionally, Turkey has a number of medical research centers that are dedicated to researching and developing new treatments and technologies," explained a retiree in Turkey.

"Yes, there are many excellent hospitals in Turkey, with there being no waiting to see a doctor, or to have an operation. An ever growing amount of people come to Turkey for operations as the costs here are very reasonable compared to those in the UK. I personally have had two operations here with no problems at all. As I am covered by private health insurance I do not know what costs are. But have been informed by friends costs here are very reasonable. These do however, vary, especially here in Istanbul. I have found the Baskent Hospital to be excellent for both service and costs," explained one retiree living in Antalya.

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How do I meet people in Turkey?

When we asked people living in Turkey about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"There's the Izmir Turkish American Association which has various activities for Turks and Americans and some of them are free and for others there's a fee. They do things such as go on outings to historical sites, cooking classes, English lessons, poetry club and movie nights, just to name a few. Also, there's the IWAI (International Women's Association of Izmir), which hosts coffee mornings, dinners, and other events," said one retiree in Izmir.

"There are many activities in which you can meet new people, like dance lessons, sport clubs, etc. The university has a lot of programs and many european students on erasmus exchanges. They are always eager to meet new people and share experiences," commented one retiree living in Antalya, Turkey.

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What is life like in Turkey?

When we asked people living in Turkey what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"In my opinion people focus mainly on work and family (with family comes the socializing). My strata is mainly with folks in their 30's and 40's and so they work (life requires it) and then want to spend time with their family and friends. Many Turks work long hours unfortunately so when they have free time they want to socialize. I'm not sure about the college folks etc. They probably have a whole different scene," explained one retiree living in Izmir.

"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," said one retiree in living in Antalya, Turkey.

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What do I need to know before retiring in Turkey?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Turkey, they said:

"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," said a person in Turkey.

"Do not move if you are very religious. Do not do if you do not have an income of minimum $600 a month. $100-200 rent; $200 food; $100 travel; $100 other expenses," remarked one retiree in Turkey.

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What type of recreational activities are there 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," said one member in Turkey.

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Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping 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," explained one member in Turkey.

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