Digital Nomad Life in Istanbul, Turkey

"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Istanbul.

"Expats in Istanbul often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, book clubs, and sports teams. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as attending meetups and networking events. Finally, expats can also meet people by simply exploring the city and striking up conversations with locals," explained one person living in Istanbul, Turkey.

"Living in Istanbul as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The city is a vibrant and diverse metropolis, with a rich cultural heritage and a unique blend of modern and traditional lifestyles. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the city's many attractions, from its bustling nightlife to its stunning architecture and historical sites. The city also offers a wide range of activities and amenities, from shopping and dining to outdoor activities and cultural events. The cost of living in Istanbul is relatively low compared to other major cities, making it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads. Additionally, the city is well-connected to the rest of the world, with excellent public transportation and an international airport," said one person in Istanbul.

"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Istanbul.

"When looking for a place to live in Istanbul, it is important to consider the area you would like to live in, your budget, and the type of accommodation you are looking for. A great way to start your search is to use online resources such as websites like Airbnb, Zillow, and Nestpick, which offer a variety of rental options in Istanbul. Additionally, you can also look for local real estate agents who can help you find the perfect place to live. Additionally, you can also look for local Facebook groups or forums that can provide you with helpful information about the different neighborhoods in Istanbul," said one expat who made the move to Istanbul.

"We narrowed down the area we wanted to live in and went to a local real estate agent and gave him the list of what we wanted in an apartment," explained one foreigner living in Istanbul, Turkey.

"Before retiring in Istanbul, expats should research the cost of living and the availability of healthcare services. It is also important to familiarize oneself with the local culture and customs, as well as the language. Additionally, expats should consider the safety of the area and the availability of transportation. It is also important to research the visa requirements and the process for obtaining residency. Finally, expats should consider the climate and the availability of recreational activities," remarked one member in Istanbul.

"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," explained one expat living in Istanbul, 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 foreigner who made the move to Istanbul.

"Expats in Istanbul appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. They also enjoy the city's rich history, which is evident in its many monuments, mosques, and other historical sites. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's diverse cuisine, which offers a variety of flavors and dishes from around the world. Finally, expats enjoy the city's friendly and welcoming people, who are always willing to help out and make newcomers feel at home," explained one person living in Istanbul, Turkey.

"Expats in Istanbul often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as Turkish is the official language and English is not widely spoken. Additionally, the city is quite conservative, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the more traditional values and customs. Furthermore, the traffic and public transportation can be overwhelming, as Istanbul is a very busy city. Finally, the cost of living in Istanbul can be high, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," said one expat in Istanbul.

"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)," remarked one member in Istanbul.

"If you plan to stay in Istanbul for a while, you will need to apply for 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," explained one person living in Istanbul, 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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Istanbul.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Istanbul. It is considered rude to show the soles of your feet, so it is best to 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. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs when it comes to eating and drinking. For example, it is considered rude to eat or drink while walking in public. Finally, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to avoid making any negative comments about them," explained one person living in Istanbul, Turkey.

"Istanbul, offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. The city is known for its high-quality medical facilities, well-trained healthcare professionals, and advanced medical technologies. Public hospitals in Istanbul provide affordable healthcare services to both residents and visitors, while private hospitals offer more specialized care and personalized services, often catering to medical tourists. In addition to general healthcare services, Istanbul is home to several specialized medical facilities, such as oncology centers, cardiovascular hospitals, and orthopedic clinics. The city also boasts a number of dental clinics, eye hospitals, and cosmetic surgery centers, offering various treatments and procedures at competitive prices. Istanbul's healthcare services are supported by a strong network of emergency services, including ambulances, emergency rooms, and urgent care centers. Pharmacies are widely available throughout the city, providing prescription and over-the-counter medications. The city's healthcare system is continuously improving, with ongoing investments in infrastructure, technology, and medical education. Istanbul's healthcare services are increasingly becoming a popular choice for medical tourists seeking high-quality care at affordable prices," said one member in Istanbul.

"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 expat in Istanbul.

"Expats and digital nomads generally like the rich history and culture of Istanbul, with its stunning architecture, such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. They appreciate the city's unique blend of European and Asian influences, which is evident in its food, art, and lifestyle. The cost of living in Istanbul is relatively low compared to other major cities, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. The city also offers a vibrant nightlife, with a wide variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. The public transportation system in Istanbul is extensive and affordable, making it easy for expats and digital nomads to get around the city. The locals are known to be friendly and hospitable, and many speak English, making it easier for foreigners to communicate and navigate the city. However, there are also some aspects of living in Istanbul that expats and digital nomads may dislike. The traffic can be chaotic and congested, making driving in the city a stressful experience. Air pollution is also a concern, particularly during the winter months when the use of coal for heating increases. The bureaucracy in Turkey can be challenging for expats and digital nomads, with many reporting difficulties in obtaining visas, work permits, and other necessary documentation. The political situation in Turkey has been unstable in recent years, leading to occasional protests and security concerns. Lastly, while many locals speak English, the overall level of English proficiency in Istanbul is not as high as in some other European cities. This can make it more challenging for expats and digital nomads to fully integrate into the local community and access certain services, such as healthcare and banking," explained one person living in Istanbul, Turkey.