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Pros and Cons of Living in Turkey | Expat Exchange
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Istanbul, Turkey

Pros and Cons of Living in Turkey

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jun 14, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Turkey include its rich cultural heritage, its diverse landscape, its vibrant cities, its delicious cuisine, and its friendly people. On the other hand, the cons of living in Turkey include its high cost of living, its lack of public transportation in some areas, its high levels of air pollution, and its occasional political instability.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Turkey?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Turkey responded:

"Living in Alanya (aka The Turkish Riviera) is a wonderful experience! The weather is beautiful, except for the Summer, when many people go to cooler areas. The main downside are the MANY international tourists which makes driving and parking very challenging. On the flip side the stunning Mediterranean Sea, amazing Bazars selling fresh produce, the many historical landmarks and the 'walkability' adds so much quality to this area," explained one expat living in Alanya.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the low cost of living in Turkey, as well as the warm climate and the friendly people. They also enjoy the country's rich culture and history, as well as its diverse cuisine. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the bureaucracy and red tape in Turkey to be a challenge, as well as the language barrier. Additionally, the lack of reliable public transportation in some areas can be a source of frustration," said one in Turkey.

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What do expats in Turkey appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Turkey appreciate the hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture, the delicious food, and the beautiful landscapes. They also enjoy the rich history and the many cultural attractions, such as the ancient ruins, mosques, and bazaars. Additionally, expats appreciate the warm climate and the relaxed lifestyle that Turkey offers," remarked one expat in 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," explained one expat living in Istanbul.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Turkey often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the country's conservative values and customs can be difficult to adjust to, especially for those coming from more liberal backgrounds. Furthermore, the Turkish bureaucracy can be complex and time-consuming to navigate, making it difficult for expats to settle in. Finally, the country's strong sense of national pride can make it difficult for expats to feel accepted and integrated into the local culture," replied an expat in Turkey.

"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 in Istanbul.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Istanbul, Turkey

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