Life as an expat in Turkey isn't all sandy beaches and sunshine. Well - there is that, but with it comes the frustrations of settling into and adapting to a new life. Marie Coggin explores some of the things she gave up when she moved to Turkey, and realises that the things she found more than make up for what she left behind.
For a while, British interest in Turkish property was at a low ebb. The attempted coup in 2016 and the war in neighbouring Syria saw numbers fall away. However, with currency in their favour and problems receding in the distance, British buyers are back. We examine their favourite areas, and look at what life is like for expats in these places.
Brexit's on everyone's lips right now, as Theresa May's carefully crafted plan for Britain to leave the EU falls flat. And the uncertainty is not only driving prices down in the UK, but sending Brits looking for alternative options for investment and lifestyle. With Turkish citizenship more attainable than ever, it's not surprising enquiries about Turkish property are on the up.
On the odd occasion, customers sometimes ask if it is safe to live in Turkey? This is quite understandable given that holidaying in a country and living in it, are two different experiences. People also ask for several reasons. Some want to know about crime rates and how safe it is for single females. Some wonder about the border region that Turkey shares with Syria while others cite terrorism that is a worldwide concern.
We hope that by writing an expat guide to living in Turkey, all our customers who have plans to move to the country on a permanent basis will have a useful system to follow. However, while we have many hints, tips, guides, and bucket loads of advice, it is worth mentioning that some characteristics will stand you in good stead during the first year of living in Turkey as an expat.
Doc Martin's Surgery has helped thousands of expats trying to navigate the bureaucracy and madness of the Turkish system. Marie Coggin meets Martin Redman, who's made it his mission to help people get started in their Turkish life, and asks him a few questions, discovering that he's not nearly as cantankerous as his namesake.
It's difficult to imagine a country you've never visited, which is why we often get asked about the reality of living in a predominantly Muslim country. Marie Coggin, a British expat living in Bodrum, addresses a few commonly asked questions, and puts to rest the concerns some people might have about visiting and living in Turkey.
The dream of living in Turkey fills people with hope. They imagine a life by the beach, with gorgeous weather and a stunning home. They think of their perfect utopia, and it is what motivates to wake up. Unfortunately, while there is nothing wrong with this dream, it rarely goes so smoothly. Moving to a different country can be a stressful experience if you are not prepared for the expat challenges that accompany a life in Turkey.
When a colourful poster in a travel agent caught her eye, Marie Coggin decided a couple of weeks in the Turkish sunshine was just what she needed. She had no idea that the trip would mark a new beginning: the start of a two-decade love affair with Turkey. The Gumusluk, Bodrum resident recalls the magic and wonder of her first holiday exploring the region on land and by sea.
Seaside living in Turkey is more popular now than ever before. Many Turks from the inner cities have holiday homes in the coastal resorts of the Aegean and Mediterranean. The same trend applies to thousands of foreigners who have bought holiday homes in Turkey or moved here to live out their retirement. The resort of Fethiye attracts British buyers, while Antalya has turned into a cosmopolitan hub of many nationalities including Russians and Europeans.
A series of negatives in his life prompted 52-year-old Andrew Edmonds to reassess his life. Wanting a change before he was too old to enjoy it, he decided to pack up and move to Turkey - a country he'd never even visited before. He explains how it's been settling into his new home in Yalikavak, Bodrum.
Living in Turkey as a foreigner, exposes you to cultural awareness but it also changes your outlook on life. The lifestyle that at first seems baffling and sometimes absurd slowly works its magic on you, and before you know it, your thoughts, mannerisms and actions extensively change to the point, where your Turkish friends insist you are no longer the yabanci (foreigner) but instead their half Turkish brother or sister.
Here’s the thing about visiting Turkey on holiday. It has an acute knack of drawing you in, and by the time, your departing flight leaves the tarmac, you are already planning your next trip back. While the country has a hardcore fan base of holidaymakers, some people also go one step further by packing their bags and moving here permanently - here are five places in Turkey that will have you never wanting to leave.
In the last 20 years, Turkey has modernised itself in many ways, yet behind the face of travel magazines and modern trends, tradition and culture still reign strong. This is especially evident in the daily expressions used among friends, family, work colleagues, and strangers. Indeed, anyone learning Turkish would do well to learn the phrases because they will hear them frequently. Whether they are cultural phrases used for politeness or slang expressions used to express dismay, most of them are quite easy to remember.
Moving to Istanbul with children is a big undertaking. We've compiled a list of the city's top ten areas for family living in Istanbul, taking into account essential lifestyle facilities like hospitals, schools, shops and transport to the central city and city airports. If you're considering a move to Istanbul, read on and discover the best neighbourhoods for expat families.
Moving to Turkey is an exciting but nervous endeavour. People want to take advantage of the laidback, comfortable lifestyle, and gorgeous summer weather but at the same time, need to learn about the culture, language and navigating a system for day-to-day living that is entirely different from their home country. Speaking to people who have already made the move, discover the Pros and Cons to living in Turkey for the first time.
The expat residency population of Turkey runs into the thousands. An easy-going, relaxed lifestyle has lured many different nationalities to settle permanently in the country. They generally settle in the same areas and towns, although there are a few exceptions, notably, foreigners who have moved here for marriage and family. Find out how many expats live in Turkey, and where they decide to make their home.
Moving to that coveted place in the sun is a world away from a week-long sojourn in your favourite beach destination. We've listed the pros and cons of moving to Turkey, so you can weigh everything up and make your decision with confidence. Discover the good, the bad and the ugly about moving to Turkey.
Thousands of expats and repeat holidaymakers to Turkey would like to learn the national language. Being fluent in Turkish bridges the social and cultural gaps but for expats or people in mixed cultural relationships, it also makes daily life much easier when you speak the native tongue. Some people have learned the language without difficulties, but most of our expat customers say it is hard, and they would love to find easy ways to learn Turkish - find out easy ways to learn Turkish here.
In a bid to increase numbers of property sales to foreigners, the Turkish government is set to pass a law that will grant overseas buyers citizenship when they purchase a property valued at more than 250,000 USD. The offer will appeal to buyers from the Middle East and Europe seeking not only excellent return on their investment, but access to a large regional hub with favourable tax laws.