Turkey, riding the continents of Europe and Asia, has gained considerable influence in the region and control over the Black Sea passage thanks to its purposeful area.
Following Ataturk’s death in 1938, efforts to implement a vote-based system and a market economy came to a halt, and the military, which regarded itself as the guardian of the constitution, repeatedly ousted administrations deemed to be challenging popular opinion.
A long-standing goal has been to join the European Union. Although enrollment negotiations were launched in 2005, they have stalled due to legitimate concerns regarding Turkey’s record on fundamental rights.
First Great Tip for Living in Turkey:
1: Manage Your Money Well
In the unlikely event that anything should go wrong and ruin your new life in Turkey, the CEOs’ helpless cash will. Know your bills week by week, month by month, and annually from the start, and budget for the average cost of necessities. In the unlikely event that your income is irregular, such as with an annuity, you should also work in a cradle zone because the unstable swapping scale fluctuates periodically, much like a Yo-Yo. Act rationally.
Istanbul is Turkey’s most expensive city; thus, a couple living in their own home in Didim won’t be able to afford a tenant in Istanbul. The high borrowing cost from the investment account is one of the best things about cash. This is a remarkable, non-consumptive way to increase your capital total assets at a rate of typically 10% over a period of 31 days to a year.
2: Bringing in Furniture and Home Furnishings
Everyone we know who has moved furniture between family units claims it was a costly, fruitless endeavor that put unnecessary strain on people. Even in the best of times, it is challenging to understand Turkey’s complex import and tax systems, which frequently delays the development of massive mass items. There is no financial outlay, so this is where you should buy new furnishings.
Even though white goods are expensive, many vendors usually offer special discounts for bulk purchases and selective arrangements. A further option for buying real estate in Turkey is to look at pre-owned properties that are sold as fully furnished or as basic residences.
3: Obtain Medical Coverage
Everyone living in Turkey under 65 with a residency permit is required to obtain health insurance. However, it’s not required for those over 65. This is acceptable if you have a lot of money in the bank, but if not, the monthly expense is warranted, regardless of any inconvenience, for true peace of mind, as a heart attack, stroke, or other serious illness can cost several thousand pounds. Some choose to pay into the public authority’s SGK framework, while others choose to have private medical coverage.
4: Employed in Turkey
A long time ago, many outsiders performed incorrect labor. Those times have passed. In fact, it can be challenging to establish a new career as a performer without the greatest permission, even in summertime resorts. Unless you work for a multinational corporation or are in the media, it is difficult to locate the legal business.
Some choose to promote English, but in order to do so, they require a TEFL certification. Others in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions work for event groups, but this is primarily sporadic employment. Therefore, in general, avoid moving across and expecting to find work quickly. If you must work, arrange it before you move out, and make sure all agreements and licenses are in order.
5: Be Prepared for Culture Shock
Vacationing is a far cry from normal life and only scratches the surface. The way of life here really shines through, from the annual Korban Bayram celebration, which involves the atonement of a goat or sheep, to your Turkish companion’s decision to fast for 30 days. From weddings where the hosts serve nothing but soda and almonds to the neighbor across the street who starts doing DIY at ten o’clock at night, everyone moves almost the whole time. Add in the cacophony of bureaucracy and the Bos Ver (don’t bother) attitude, and culture shock will rear its ugly head unless you decide to change your direction and accept the situation as it is.
6: Avoid Stereotyping
Turkey’s culture, cuisine, history, football, politics, environment, and daily existence are all quite unique and challenging to lump together under one heading. Thanks to the extensive expat community, British influence can be found throughout Didim’s Aegean hideaway; in Antalya, on the other hand, Russians are the most foreign group.
In a similar vein, Istanbul and moderate Konya in the central Anatolian district are completely different. Nevertheless, Izmir, the third-largest city in Turkey, is known for its multicultural outlook and for setting the standard for patterns and style. Still, given how much pleasure it is to explore new places and learn about the cuisine and history, the incredible variety is a surprising positive trend.
Continue reading for our list of recommendations on how to live comfortably in Turkey: de-stress, take it easy, and give yourself time to settle in. For anyone who chooses to make the country their home away from home, it has a lot to offer. If you haven’t decided where to relocate yet, you can find further advice and recommendations in our post about common ex-pat objections. Furthermore, give us a call if you’re thinking about investing in the Turkish real estate market and would like further information.