Digital Nomad Life in Turkey
Summary: Turkey is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Turkey are Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Digital nomads like living in Turkey because of its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and beautiful scenery. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $1,000 in Turkey. The culture of Turkey is a mix of Eastern and Western influences. It is a secular country with a majority Muslim population. Turkish culture is known for its hospitality, and the people are very friendly and welcoming. Foods popular in Turkey include kebabs, mezes, baklava, and Turkish coffee. Turkish cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients and spices, and it is very flavorful.
How do I meet people in Turkey?
When we asked people living in Turkey about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Istanbul is a great expat post in many ways - it has the diversity of an active cosmopolitan city but also has a very nice group of expat population. There are associations here such as IWI (Intl. Women of Istanbul), AWI(American women), French group, Latino group, Die Brucke (Germans), Italian group and many others," said one person in Istanbul.
What is life like in Turkey?
When we asked people living in Turkey what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"In general, Antalya is a very touristic city, and a modern one, compared with other cities around Turkey. Turkish people, and especially people from the west coast of Turkey like to socialize, go out to restaurants, bars with live music (they love live music here!) and so on, but they are, like turkish, very familiar. For example it is very rare to see a group of girls going out to bars, and sundays is a normal day to spend on family going to take breakfast (we would call it brunch). Like Turkey itself, Antalya is a mixture of cultures, ideas, feelings and tastes," said one expat who made the move to Antalya.
"The husbands lives of course revolve around work and golf as in all expat posts. There are some very good private clubs for all sports. The wives socialize a lot, are active in sports and many charity activities organized by the various associations. School events are also a good way to meet new people," explained one foreigner living in Istanbul, Turkey.
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Turkey can be quite enjoyable. The country offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional culture, making it an attractive destination for those looking to experience something different. The cost of living is relatively low, and the climate is generally mild, making it a great place to live and work. The people are friendly and welcoming, and the country is full of interesting places to explore. With its vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and rich history, Turkey is an ideal place for expats and digital nomads to call home," said one in Turkey.
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Where should I live in Turkey?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"We were recommended to contact a local Real Estate agent, who specialize in ex-patriates and what we need," said one person in Istanbul.
"One way to find a place to live in Turkey is to search online for rental listings. You can look for listings on websites such as Zingat, Sahibinden, and Emlakjet. Additionally, you can search for listings on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. You can also contact local real estate agents who can help you find a place to live in Turkey. Additionally, you can ask friends and family who live in Turkey for recommendations," said one expat who made the move to Turkey.
What do I need to know before moving to Turkey?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Turkey, they said:
"1. Expats should research the cost of living in the area they plan to retire in, as prices can vary significantly from one region to another. 2. It is important to understand the local language, as English is not widely spoken in many parts of Turkey. 3. Expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the laws and regulations that apply to foreigners living in Turkey. 4. Expats should also consider the availability of healthcare services in the area they plan to retire in, as well as the quality of the healthcare system. 5. Expats should also research the availability of banking services and other financial services in the area they plan to retire in. 6. Expats should also consider the availability of transportation options, as well as the cost of living in the area they plan to retire in. 7. Expats should also research the availability of recreational activities and entertainment options in the area they plan to retire in. 8. Expats should also consider the availability of housing options in the area they plan to retire in, as well as the cost of renting or buying a property," said one expat in Turkey.
"They should be open minded and as in every city, this city also has advantages and disadvantages, however if you have a positive outlook and are into finding out about new cultures its a jewel. Great history, lots to see, ethnic food, safe, rich night life, lots of traffic, difficult language and some chaos. Last but not least: The beautiful Bosphorus," remarked one member in Istanbul.
"I would say, come to Antalya! It is a great city full of places to visit in the sorroundins. People are very warm and open. Life is easy in Antalya, the streets are safe, the weather is great and there are many activities to do. But not all is good, of course. You have to get used to the Turkish way of living. The "problem yok" (no problem) philosophy, where everything is ok, never seeing problems, is sometimes comforting and sometimes frustrating. Things are slower than in Europe or USA. You will need patience and adaptation to their culture and way of living. All in all, Antalya is a great place to live," explained one expat living in Antalya, Turkey.
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The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Turkey?
"Turkish people are very hospitable and really love and value children. I also like not being isolated in my car and being out walking and mixing with people every day. I also love seeing the history of Istanbul everyday; I've been here almost two years and haven't tired of it yet," remarked one member in Istanbul.
"Expats in Turkey appreciate the hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture, the delicious food, and the beautiful landscapes. They also enjoy the rich history and the many cultural attractions, such as the ancient ruins, mosques, and bazaars. Additionally, expats appreciate the warm climate and the relaxed lifestyle that Turkey offers," explained one expat living in Turkey.
The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Turkey?
"Getting used to the challenges of walking everywhere and dealing with traffic--pedestrians do not have the right of way here. It's also been difficult to deal with my children's schooling (I have two boys aged 11 and 8)," explained one person living in Istanbul, Turkey.
"Expats in Turkey often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the country's conservative values and customs can be difficult to adjust to, especially for those coming from more liberal backgrounds. Furthermore, the Turkish bureaucracy can be complex and time-consuming to navigate, making it difficult for expats to settle in. Finally, the country's strong sense of national pride can make it difficult for expats to feel accepted and integrated into the local culture," said one expat in Turkey.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Turkey for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Turkey for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a residence permit. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a short-term residence permit or a long-term residence permit. You may also need to apply for a visa, depending on your nationality," said one person in Turkey.
"To live in Turkey it is best to obtain a residence permit. These are quite easy to obtain from an Emniyet office that are in all main towns and cities. You did have to obtain your first residence permit from the Turkish Embassy outside of Turkey, this however, may have now changed. The cost of a residence permit varies depending on which countries passport you hold. It is best to go online to check on the latest information. Before you can obtain a residence permit you need to have either a rental agreement, or a Tapu (house deed title). Your first residence permit will be for three months, with your next for either six months or one year. The longest you can obtain is for five years. Under a new proposed law, if you have had a residence permit for eight unbroken years, you will be given a permanent visa. At present a discussion is going on about compulsory health insurance. this is very important as if you are over 65 yrs old, it is virtually impossible to obtain your own health insurance policy. The government has what is called SGK, which an expat could join. However, at present this situation is unclear. The British government is now in talks with the Turkish government to sort this situation out," said one expat who made the move to Antalya.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Turkey?
We asked people in Turkey if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"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," explained one person living in Istanbul, Turkey.
"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," said one expat in Turkey.
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The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
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What are healthcare services like in Turkey?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Turkey, they replied:
"It's is essential that you have health care insurance. Axa as far as I know is the only company that will insure you over the age of 70. This is only possible if you had had a policy with them from I believe 65 years old," explained one digital nomad living in Istanbul, Turkey.
"Healthcare services in Turkey are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare in Turkey is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in Turkey can use the public healthcare system by registering with the local health authority and obtaining a health insurance card. This card allows them to access public healthcare services at a reduced cost," said one member in Turkey.
Learn More
The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Turkey?
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the low cost of living in Turkey, as well as the warm climate and the friendly people. They also enjoy the country's rich culture and history, as well as its diverse cuisine. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the bureaucracy and red tape in Turkey to be a challenge, as well as the language barrier. Additionally, the lack of reliable public transportation in some areas can be a source of frustration," explained one expat living in Turkey.
"Living in Alanya (aka The Turkish Riviera) is a wonderful experience! The weather is beautiful, except for the Summer, when many people go to cooler areas. The main downside are the MANY international tourists which makes driving and parking very challenging. On the flip side the stunning Mediterranean Sea, amazing Bazars selling fresh produce, the many historical landmarks and the 'walkability' adds so much quality to this area," said one digital nomad in Alanya.
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The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.
Ranked The No. 1 TEFL Provider in Ireland. The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online.
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Ranked The No. 1 TEFL Provider in Ireland. The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online.
Learn More
Turkey Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Turkey on our Turkey forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
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Help others in Turkey by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Turkey.
Digital Nomads in Turkey offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Turkey.
Advice for people renting and buying real estate in Turkey.