Digital Nomad Life in Antalya, Turkey

"There are many activities in which you can meet new people, like dance lessons, sport clubs, etc. The university has a lot of programs and many european students on erasmus exchanges. They are always eager to meet new people and share experiences," explained one expat living in Antalya, Turkey.

"Expats in Antalya can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, visiting cafes and restaurants, or joining a local gym. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in the area," said one person in Antalya.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Antalya is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city is also home to a diverse population, with many expats and digital nomads from all over the world. The city is well-connected, with good public transportation and plenty of coworking spaces for those looking to work remotely. The climate is mild and sunny, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Overall, Antalya is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a vibrant and affordable place to live," remarked one member in Antalya.

"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," explained one expat living in Antalya, Turkey.

"One way to find a place to live in Antalya is to search online for rental listings. There are many websites that offer listings for apartments, houses, and other types of rental properties in the city. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who specialize in the Antalya area to help you find a suitable place to live. You can also look for rental postings in local newspapers and on bulletin boards in the city. Finally, you can ask friends and family who live in Antalya for recommendations on where to look for a place to live," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Antalya.

"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.

"Before retiring in Antalya, 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 climate and the type of housing available in the area. Finally, it is important to research the visa and residency requirements for living in Turkey," said one person in Antalya.

"Expats in Antalya appreciate the warm hospitality of the locals, the beautiful Mediterranean climate, and the rich cultural heritage of the city. They also enjoy the vibrant nightlife, the delicious local cuisine, and the stunning natural scenery. Additionally, expats appreciate the low cost of living and the wide range of activities available in the city, from shopping and sightseeing to outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming," explained one person living in Antalya, Turkey.

"One of the most challenging aspects of the local culture for expats in Antalya is the language barrier. Many locals speak Turkish, and while some may be able to communicate in English, it is not as widely spoken as in other parts of the world. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate for those who are not familiar with them. Expats may also find it difficult to adjust to the more conservative dress code and social norms that are common in the area. Finally, the local cuisine can be quite different from what expats are used to, and it can take some time to get used to the flavors and ingredients," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Antalya.

"If you plan to stay in Antalya for a while, you will need to obtain a residence permit. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a short-term or long-term residence permit. You may also need to apply for a visa, depending on your nationality," explained one expat living in Antalya, 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 person in Antalya.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Antalya. It is important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It is also important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, such as not eating or drinking in public during Ramadan. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking loudly in public. It is also important to be aware of the local customs regarding physical contact, such as avoiding public displays of affection. Finally, it is important to be respectful of local religious beliefs and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion," said one person in Antalya.

"Antalya, boasts a well-developed healthcare system with numerous public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. The city is known for its high-quality medical services, attracting both locals and medical tourists seeking affordable and advanced treatments. Antalya's healthcare facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly skilled medical professionals, many of whom are fluent in English and other languages. The city offers a wide range of healthcare services, including general medicine, dentistry, cosmetic surgery, orthopedics, cardiology, and oncology. Additionally, Antalya is home to several rehabilitation centers and wellness clinics, providing holistic care and alternative therapies. Emergency services are also readily available, ensuring prompt and efficient care for patients in need. Overall, Antalya's healthcare services are reliable, accessible, and affordable, making it an attractive destination for medical care," commented a person living in Antalya, Turkey.

"Expats and digital nomads generally like living in Antalya, for its beautiful beaches, pleasant Mediterranean climate, and stunning natural scenery. They appreciate the relatively low cost of living, which allows for a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. The city's rich history and cultural heritage, with numerous ancient sites and museums, provide endless opportunities for exploration and learning. The local cuisine is also a major draw, with a wide variety of delicious and affordable dishes to enjoy. The friendly and hospitable nature of the Turkish people is another aspect that expats and digital nomads enjoy, making it easy to form connections and feel welcomed in the community. The city also offers a good infrastructure, with reliable public transportation and a growing number of coworking spaces catering to remote workers. However, there are some challenges and dislikes associated with living in Antalya. The language barrier can be a significant issue for those who do not speak Turkish, as English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas. This can make everyday tasks, such as shopping or dealing with bureaucracy, more difficult. Another concern for some expats and digital nomads is the political situation in Turkey, which has experienced some instability in recent years. This can lead to feelings of uncertainty and insecurity, although Antalya itself is generally considered safe and removed from any major conflicts. Additionally, the internet speed and reliability can be a source of frustration for digital nomads who rely on a stable connection for their work. While there are coworking spaces and cafes with decent internet, it may not always be up to the standards that remote workers are used to. Lastly, some expats and digital nomads may find it challenging to adapt to certain cultural differences and local customs, such as more conservative attitudes towards gender roles and public displays of affection. This may require some adjustment and understanding to fully integrate into the local community," commented a person living in Antalya, Turkey.