From tourist to expat, if you are thinking of living in Istanbul as a foreigner, it is a great lifestyle move to make. As Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul offers so much including a low cost of living, a unique culture, the best nightlife and shopping scenes in the country, as well as abundance of tourist and historical attractions.
When deciding where is the best country to live in Europe, you need to consider several factors. Everyone’s lifestyle needs and wants differ and what might be an excellent country for a working expat is not ideal for one who has retired. Some have a family to care for and need to find good schools, while others want excellent health facilities for any ailments they have.
If your checklist for retirement includes long hot summers, short winters, healthy food, affordable restaurants, an inviting coastline and a friendly welcoming culture, then hosgeldiniz: welcome to Turkey. As a retirement destination, Turkey ticks many boxes, as well as having a high quality of life with a low cost of living.
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.
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