What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Turkey?
We asked people in Turkey if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"It is important to be respectful of the culture and customs of Turkey. It is considered rude to show the soles of your feet, so avoid sitting with your feet pointing towards someone or putting your feet up on furniture. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid discussing politics or religion in public, as these topics can be sensitive. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs when it comes to eating and drinking, such as not eating with your left hand or drinking alcohol in public," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Turkey.
"I told my students in class one day that I was afraid of something, but I actually said that I "smelled bad"--the words are similar in Turkish," commented one expat who made the move to Istanbul, Turkey.
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SJB GlobalSJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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Other Questions:
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- What is life like in Turkey?
- Is there a lot of crime in Turkey?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Turkey accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Turkey like?
- Is the cost of living in Turkey high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Turkey?
- What are healthcare services like in Turkey?
- Is the cost of living in Turkey high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Turkey?
- What is the weather like in Turkey?
- Are there good restaurants in Turkey?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Turkey?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Turkey?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Turkey?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Turkey?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Turkey?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Turkey?
If you live in Turkey, newcomers to Turkey would love to hear your answer to this question.
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.