Turkey
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," remarked another expat in 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," said a member in Istanbul, Turkey.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Turkey?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Turkey?
- Will I be able to find a job in Turkey?
- What is life like in Turkey?
- What do expats in Turkey appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- 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?
- What are healthcare services like in Turkey?
- What are medical services in Turkey like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Turkey?
- What are emergency services like in Turkey?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Turkey?
- How are local medical facilities in Turkey?
- As a foreigner living in Turkey, 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?
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.
