If you weigh the pros and cons of living in Turkey, you will be delighted to know that the former is more than the latter. Turkey, a famous country for expats, is often misunderstood by those who know nothing about the cities, people, lives, and culture. Yet, expats who have lived there for many years will guarantee, more benefits than concerns.
From the Turkish people to significant cities and daily life, foreign nationals flock to live in apartments or villas. They include Belgians, Brits, Germans, and Russians, to name but a few. Although there are stark differences between Western cultures, expat life here is accommodating and welcoming. But having said that, you need to use common sense to navigate the downsides.
9 Pros of Living in Turkey
1: Amazing Culture, Friendly People and Turkish cuisine
From metropolitan cities to small rural villages, expats say they rarely feel culture shock here simply because it is so easy to slot right in. The Turkish culture welcomes foreigners with open arms, and newbie expats won't find it hard to make friends. Of course, the delicious food is a journey into a culture that covers several centuries, and most expatriate communities readily adapt to Turkish eating habits. The cultural history lends weight to the Turkish culture we see today, and learning about it is great fun.
2: Attractions, Cultural Sights and Rich History
Add to this the wealth of things to do and places to go; you need never be bored. Expats have comfortable lives indulging in the past times of sailing, golf, or adventure sports. If history is your passion, this foreign country has the best historical and UNESCO site collections. From the ancient cities of Turkey’s Lycian Way to cave churches in Goreme to Ottoman landmarks of Istanbul like the Hagia Sophia, exploration is excellent fun.
3: Existing Communities for Expat Living
Some people head to European countries like Spain to familiarise themselves with the expats already living there. However, Turkey has large pockets of expat communities in most southern and western towns, as well as Istanbul and the capital city. Coming from Asian and Western countries, these expats are excellent sources of people who know the ins and outs. Some are digital nomads and retirees, some are expat families, and others work here for Turkish or international companies, so you will always find like-minded people.
4: Gorgeous Weather and Outdoor Living
Ah, Turkey's warm climate lures foreigners from around the world. While Jan and Feb are cold weather-wise, and in some areas like the Black Sea, it snows, expats enjoy a favourable climate year round. We are talking about beach weather and lying around the pool. Think of al fresco-style dining and long promenade walks. The outside lifestyle and green spaces are better for our health, so this benefit is a win-win.
5: Choice of Medical Care
Expats buy private health insurance or opt into the state-run SGK program. Some private companies run family health insurance packages, while other expats who come for three months and don't live on residency visas buy travel insurance. Regardless of which medical insurance you choose, you should experience top-notch healthcare. Turkey has invested much into upgrading hospitals and doctors' clinics, and there is a wide range of private services.
6: Citizenship by Investment Program
For expats who want to buy real estate worth $400,000 and keep it for at least three years, Turkey runs a golden visa program that will grant them Turkish citizenship and the right to live, work and study for them and their dependents. This golden visa program is one of the cheapest in the world and has the fastest processing time.
7: Low Crime Rates
The excellent standard of living is topped off by low crime rates in many places. Of course, crime does exist, but strong police and security levels reassure the public. Foreign women often remark that they feel safe after dark. Although there is normal political instability, Turkey is a secular state, so it doesn't affect other issues like healthcare and educational institutions.
8: Loads of Property Types and Choices
When buying instead of renting, housing options are plentiful, including apartments, villas, duplex penthouses, and even building your own home. The bonus is that the buying process takes as little as one week before you sign your deeds and put the keys into the door of your new home.
9: Infrastructure and Public Transport Options
Turkey is an affordable country for public transport options. They have invested much into infrastructure so people get about quickly. As an air travel hub, passengers often use Istanbul's two favourable airports or the three tourist airports of Turkey’s south and west coast. Also, Istanbul has a Metro system and impressive bridges linking two continents. Local travel is frequent and cheap when heading out from the main bus stations.
4 Cons of Living in Turkey
1: Language Barrier
One common complaint we often hear is that learning Turkish is complex. However, don't let this stop you because foreign language learning tricks, such as one word a day or downloading apps help. Also, try to talk to your Turkish neighbours and use small words as you spend your day shopping and paying bills. Trying to learn will vastly improve your quality of life and is worth it if you want to spend your entire life here. However, in any expat resort, many locals are English speakers.
2: Visa and Work Permit Difficulties
Some people have to work for a decent life; however, work permits are hard to come by. Job seekers should source employment before arriving. Your employer will be responsible for applying for the work visa. Also, expats can stay 90 days out of 180 days on a tourist visa but must go on a residency visa. Several provinces currently have strict rules, and sometimes, renting isn't easy. To apply for residency based on home ownership, buy a home worth at least $200,000.
3: Expensive Fuel and Road Safety Concerns
Running a car incurs high costs. With the average price of diesel and petrol being higher than in the UK, and additionally, the service charges, most expats rely on public services only. Additionally, while Istanbul, Izmir and other huge areas might be amazing cities, they are notorious for their haphazard driving culture and lack of common sense on the road. One will notice the difference compared to European cities. In addition, check the driving licence rules to live here and drive a car all year round because they are a nightmare to navigate. (About buying a car.)
4: Money Issues - Budget Carefully
Istanbul is the most expensive city, especially when considering rental costs. Head to the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts for more affordable living. Towns like Bodrum, Fethiye, and Antalya are amazing cities, and housing costs are cheaper. However, manage your budget carefully if you receive an income in a foreign currency.
Currently, the currency exchange rate is up and down like a yo-yo, and the cost of living goes up and down every day—factor in buffer zones to accommodate the changing costs and have an emergency rainy day fund. Likewise, if you deposit money into a high-interest savings account, remember the currency goes up as well as down, and you might not get the same returns if withdrawing it.
Other than that, look forward to cheap costs for the council tax, fresh produce, visa applications, and affordable household bills. (Find out about expat banking.)
Common Questions about Living in Turkey
Is Living in Turkey Cheap or Expensive?
It can be as cheap or as expensive as you want. Some places like Altinkum on the Aegean coast are known for being a budget destination, whereas just down the road is Bodrum, where houses sell for millions of pounds. Overall, Turkey is cheaper than several European countries, and British expats often remark that they have a better standard of living here. There are ways to save money and live on a budget.
How Long Can You Stay in Turkey if You Own Property?
The property buying process and residency are two different aspects of daily life. Owning a villa or apartment doesn't entitle you to automatic residency. Instead, you must apply for a residency visa to stay in the country for over 90 days out of 180.
Which Part of Turkey is Best for Living?
This answer will depend on your reason for moving. For job seekers, big cities like Istanbul, Izmir, or Ankara are best. Otherwise, places where already retired expats live include...
Bodrum Peninsula: Sitting on the Aegean coast, this peninsula includes expat towns like Bodrum Centre, Gumbet, Torba and Gunusluk. Bodrum is also home to Yalikavak and Turkbuku, where the rich and famous dock their wealthy yachts. Property here is pricy, and eating and drinking out is more expensive than other destinations, but Bodrum has a glamorous reputation.
Fethiye Region: A firm favourite with British expats, this region includes the city centre, Oludeniz, Calis Beach, Hisaronu, Ovacik, and rural Uzumlu. Known for gorgeous beaches, the housing is more affordable than luxury Bodrum. Fethiye is great for the great outdoors. It is famous for paragliding and the Lycian Way.
Antalya Region: Covering a large section of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Antalya includes the main towns of Belek, Side, Kemer, and Kalkan, as well as Alanya and Antalya. The main expat nationalities here are the Germans and Russians. Antalya is the number one destination for beach holidays, and Belek is the golfing capital of Turkey.
Use Our Services When Moving to Turkey
If you are planning to move to Turkey and want to buy a home, we can help. From finding the home of your dreams to signing for the deeds and settling in, we are with you every step of the way. Start the process by reviewing our portfolio of apartments and villas for sale throughout Turkey. Just use the contact details to find out more via email or to arrange a viewing of that house and surrounding neighbourhoods. Alternatively, call an agent and chat more about the pros and cons of living in Turkey.
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