An Expat Talks about Moving to Istanbul, Turkey

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Istanbul

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

Brought: more books, more Mexican food ingredients, walking shoes

Left: carpets, ski jackets, crystalware

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Cigna Global Health

With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.
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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Look around the city before deciding on where you want to live. Some people are more comfortable in compounds and others want to live in Turkish neighborhoods. Since the rents vary so much, even within a given area, it is important to take your time in finding a place if possible.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

We live in a middle-class Turkish neighborhood. It's mostly apartments in our area. There are very, very few expats in this part of town.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

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.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

Housing costs vary widely here. We don't live in a compound, so we pay much less in rent. Our rent for a 3 bedroom 1-1/2 bath flat with a Bosphorus view and within walking distance of shopping and the ferryboat is $400 US.