Moving to Izmir, Turkey
Last updated on Apr 20, 2023
Summary: Expatriates are drawn to Izmir, Turkey for its vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and Mediterranean climate. With its rich history, Izmir is a great place to explore and experience the best of Turkish culture. The city is also known for its excellent food, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living. Before moving to Izmir, it is important to research the local laws and regulations, as well as the language and culture of the area. Additionally, it is important to obtain the necessary visas and permits before arriving in the city. Finally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the local transportation system and to make sure you have access to reliable healthcare.
What do I need to know before moving to Izmir?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Izmir, they said:
"Izmir is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a unique atmosphere. Expats should be aware that the city is quite conservative and that it is important to respect local customs and traditions. It is also important to learn some basic Turkish before moving to Izmir, as English is not widely spoken. Expats should also be aware that Izmir has a hot and humid climate, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C in the summer months. Finally, expats should research the cost of living in Izmir before moving, as it can be quite expensive," remarked one expat who made the move to Izmir.
"I know an expat who moved her stuff from abroad to Izmir by boat and that was costly. I would suggest just buying furniture here there's lot of designs and styles. Bring what you can from home in your suitcases and even if you have to pay an $50 bucks for an extra suitcase, it's worth it if the contents mean a lot to you. Find a neighborhood that feels comfortable and pleasant to you. It's important to like what you see when you look out the window and walk down the street. I like how all the apartments in my area are different architecturally and it's pleasing to the eye. The streets are tree-lined and it's not very noisy. So, make sure you feel good about the place you're in," explained one expat living in Izmir, Turkey.
How do I find a place to live in Izmir?
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About the Author
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.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Izmir?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Izmir?
- Will I be able to find a job in Izmir?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Izmir appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Izmir?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Izmir accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Izmir like?
- How are healthcare services in Izmir?
- What are medical services in Izmir like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Izmir?
- What are emergency services like in Izmir?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Izmir?
- How are local medical facilities in Izmir?
- As a foreigner living in Izmir, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?