7 Essential Insights for Those Considering a Move to Turkey

Turkey is a land steeped in culture, its history spanning diverse civilizations and mighty empires. Once visitors experience Turkey's splendid historical legacy, awe-inspiring natural landscapes, and delightful climate, they don’t want to go back.

If you're enchanted by this wonderful country and thinking of relocating to Turkey, we've put together a guide with all the essential information you need to know before making your move. This guide is here to help you every step of the way.

A Country Bridging Continents

Turkey uniquely straddles both Asia and Europe, granting its inhabitants the advantage of accessing markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. It shares borders with eight distinct countries: Georgia, Armenia, Greece, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.

The dynamics of this magnificent nation are truly diverse, as it hosts a wide array of nationalities and ethnicities. While "Istanbul" often comes to mind at the mention of "Turkey," it's actually Ankara that holds the title of the capital city, with a population of 5.663 million.

Additionally, Turkey doesn't have an official religion, even though a significant portion of its population follows Islam.

Turkish Culture 

The traditional culture is notably prevalent in rural regions, where Turkish individuals often dine on floor tables. In contrast, those residing in large cities have embraced modernization. Moreover, Turks are known for their loyalty as friends and their willingness to help even strangers. Not only that, but they also exhibit a strong sense of charity, humility, and respect in their interactions with others.

Turkish hospitality is truly unparalleled, characterized by their deep respect and warm embrace of guests. While visiting a Turkish home, remember to wear a clean pair of socks as it's customary to remove shoes indoors. Additionally, it's a thoughtful gesture to bring a small gift, particularly something sweet, for your hosts. To express your gratitude, you can use the phrase "Elinize Sağlık," which directly translates to "health to your hand," a way to thank them for their efforts in preparing the meal.

Turkish Lifestyle & Facilities

Key Turkish cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara offer significantly lower living costs compared to European counterparts like London or Paris. The transportation network is extensive and meets global standards, all while being incredibly cost-effective. Locals enjoy a variety of transport choices, including minibuses and metro buses. In Istanbul, ferries are a popular choice for avoiding Bosphorus bridge traffic, providing a serene journey with breathtaking views.

Furthermore, food items and groceries boast exceptional quality and are remarkably affordable. Across the cities, local markets are widespread, providing residents with access to the freshest produce, vibrant fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

And of course, we can't overlook the delectable Turkish cuisine, renowned for its lively hues and a medley of flavors influenced by centuries of imperial history. Each region in Turkey boasts its unique culinary traditions; for instance, Bursa's Iskender Kebap and Erzurum's Cag Kebap showcase distinct local flavors.

Permits & Residence

For individuals aiming to establish themselves in Turkey, completing the necessary paperwork and obtaining a residence permit is essential. If you enter Turkey with a 90-day visa but intend to extend your stay significantly, the subsequent step involves applying for a short-term residence permit. To delve deeper into this process, feel free to explore our post on Short-term Residency in Turkey.

Those looking to make Turkey their forever home can invest at least USD 400,000 in Turkish real estate and qualify for Turkey Citizenship By Property Investment Program. 

Opening A Bank Account 

Setting up a bank account is a straightforward procedure that typically takes a few days. Expatriates only need a handful of documents, which usually include identification, a tax number, and a residency permit (although not always necessary).

Among the top choices for expats are reputable banks such as Turkiye Is Bankasi and HSBC, both of which boast widespread branches throughout the country.

Further Reading: Opening a Bank Account as a Foreigner in Turkey

Using Foreign Phones in Turkey

Certain expatriates prefer to retain the mobile phones they acquired in their home countries upon relocating, necessitating the registration of these phones in Turkey to ensure their continued usage.

Finding Accommodation

Turkey offers a plethora of accommodation options that cater to you and your family's needs. Buying residential property in Turkey has become a popular choice for expatriates seeking to establish a new life. The real estate market presents a wide range of choices, including houses, villas, flats, apartments, mansions, and more. The Guide Real Estate has the best multi-lingual real estate consultants in the market to help its clients buy apartments for sale in Istanbul and other cities in Turkey. 

But there's more, our array of after sales services is designed to address every requirement of our valued clients. All in all, Turkey stands as a secure choice for foreigners to embrace a diverse culture while enjoying an affordable and laid-back lifestyle.