39+ Pros And Cons Of Living In Turkey (Expat Advice)

We find Turkey to be one of the best places to live in Europe and it’s common for digital nomads to move here.

For some people, Turkey is one of the best nations to live in.

Is this true?

We are going to have an objective look at the pros and cons of moving to Turkey for those who are sitting on the fence about heading to this part of Europe. It is a gorgeous nation and it is going to make you think hard.

Here are the pros and cons of living in Turkey.

Pros Of Living In Turkey

Easy To Become A Citizen

Let’s assume you are looking to move to Turkey as an expat.

Living in Turkey as an expat is a breeze. It’s easy to become a citizen and you are going to be approved quickly, especially if you are coming from a place like America.

This is appealing to those who don’t want to have this part of the process spread over years.

Low Crime Rate

If you are moving to Turkey with your family, it’s essential to pay attention to the crime rate.

For the most part, Turkey is safe.

It has a low crime rate and you are going to find it to be safe whenever you are out. Of course, we still recommend protecting your essentials in high-traffic areas.

Quality Healthcare

The healthcare system is world-class and is renowned throughout the world.

A lot of people come here for specific medical procedures whether it’s dental work or plastic surgery. There is a reason for this and that is due to the high medical standards at affordable prices.

Affordable

The cost of living is low in Turkey.

This is integral for those who are setting a budget. Expats living in Turkey will often state the low cost of living is what made them want to live here.

Whether it is housing, food, or utilities, everything is cheap here.

Good Weather

The weather is mild.

This is good for those who are looking to relax in a welcoming place that is not going to put too much stress on them.

If you like the sun and just want calmer winters, you are going to adore living in Turkey. Expats in Turkey will often mention the weather as it is nice and warm for most parts of the year.

Wonderful Transit System

The transit system is top-tier.

When you are looking to get around the city, you are going to find it to be a breeze. The transit system has been designed with a lot of care and that’s what we appreciate about the region.

You are going to like the transit system and how well it works.

Clean Major Cities

The major cities are wonderful and quite appealing to those who want to experience a historic place that has a bit of everything.

We find Istanbul to be a breathtaking place to spend time in.

It is dripping with history and has lots of things to do. This is why it attracts tourists too.

Laidback Lifestyle

In other parts of the world, you get used to the rat race.

This is not going to happen when you are moving to Turkey as an expat. Instead, the general lifestyle here is laidback and relaxed.

People like to have fun even when they are working.

Fascinating History

Due to its location, this is one of the most historic places on the planet.

It is a place that has world-famous religious attractions and general landmarks that are visited by thousands of people every year.

There is a reason for this and it has to do with the history of the nation.

Gorgeous Attractions

We find the attractions to be wonderful in this part of the world.

Whether you are looking at local parks, bridges, or just taking a road trip from one place to another, it’s a beautiful country.

This is what makes it fun for those who want to live in a nice place that has gorgeous attractions.

Beautiful Beaches

If you go to the coastal towns, you are going to get to enjoy breathtaking beaches.

The warmer weather tends to bode well for those who like going to a beach in Turkey. The weather is going to make it fun to just relax under the sun and watch as the waves come in.

We love the beaches here and highly recommend living close to them.

Good Housing

If you are thinking about moving to Turkey, you are going to want to consider your accommodations too.

In general, it’s easy to find a house in Turkey.

You will get a good deal depending on where you are moving and most things are affordable. This is useful for those who have higher standards.

Quality Food

There are an assortment of eateries in this part of the world.

The local cuisine is appreciated by people from everywhere including tourists. This is what makes it ideal for those who are foodies.

If you go to the right places, you are going to gain access to premium food options.

Welcoming People

The people are what make a nation.

In Turkey, you are going to notice welcoming people who are just looking to have fun. We appreciate this about Turkey because it is going to make you immerse yourself in the nation instantly.

This is what matters to those who want to enjoy a welcoming place.

Brilliant Tea Culture

Tea is a big part of Turkish culture.

If you are going to be looking at the advantages of living in Turkey then it’s best to start with the tea. Look at any of the tea places in Turkey and you are going to enjoy riveting tea leaves that are simply better than other parts of the world.

We highly recommend drinking tea in Turkey.

Ideal For Traveling To Places

If you are someone who loves traveling, you are going to want to be in Europe.

So many nations are nearby, which makes it easy to head in one direction or the other from Turkey. Road trips are a lot of fun when you live in a place such as this.

We find it easy to fly out from Turkey too.

Good Private Schools

If you are going to be moving to Turkey as a family, it’s essential to look at the education system.

For the most part, the public schools are not as good as the private schools. You will want to pick and choose the best private schools in Turkey and then compare them.

There are numerous good options to work through and that is ideal for those who are selective about where their kids go.

Low Income Tax

If you are a digital nomad working in Turkey, you are going to have one eye on the income tax.

It is going to be low here.

This is ideal as it will allow you to save more money over time. As you save more money, you can then live a higher quality of life too.

Festivals

Depending on the time of the year, some festivals take place throughout Turkey.

You will often see people come out and just have a good time. We like this about Turkey because it adds to the appeal of learning the local culture.

It’s best to go out and become a part of these festivals to adapt.

Quality Boutiques

Are you someone who cares about their clothes and overall fashion?

If so, you are going to like being in Turkey.

Dressing well is a part of living in Turkey and it starts with the international-grade boutiques. There are so many of them and this is going to make it easier for you to adapt.

Cons Of Living In Turkey

Average Currency

The Lira is not strong.

This is an advantage for those who are coming from a place where the currency is stronger. For example, Americans living in Turkey will often benefit from the weaker local currency.

You can end up getting more bang for your buck.

Religious Regulations

Religious regulations are in place.

This is still a country that has specific Islamic regulations that are in place. This is something you are going to have to adapt to, but for the most part, it’s a welcoming nation.

Average Public Schools

The public schools are not as good as the private schools in Turkey.

This becomes a real concern when you are moving to a place like Turkey because you might not want to pay for private schooling.

For the most part, it is not worth sending your kids to a public school. It won’t meet your requirements.

Not Ideal For LGBTQ Community

The LGBTQ community is not as respected here as it is in other parts of Europe.

This is due to religious sentiments and other built-in laws that have been set up in Turkey. For those who are a part of the LGBTQ community, you will want to be aware of this going into the process.

Potential Terrorism

Terrorism is a concern due to Turkish politics and the dynamics of the land.

There are moments when things take a downturn. You will want to make sure to look at where you are living in Turkey and whether or not it is safe from terrorism.

For the most part, Turkey is safe but it is still always a lingering threat in the background.

Hard To Fit In With Locals

We have noticed the locals focus on those who speak the local language.

This does not mean people don’t know English. Numerous locals will know English, but knowing the local language will take you further.

Otherwise, it’s harder to fit in during the short term.

Unqualified Professionals

This is one of those things you are only going to notice when you are living in a house and looking to call people to help you.

A lot of the people working here are going to offer cheap labor, but are going to be unqualified.

As you can imagine, this is a risky process and makes it much harder to find someone good at what they do.

Bad Drivers

If you are driving in Turkey, you are going to have to adjust to the drivers around you.

The driving conditions are decent, but the quality of the drivers will disappoint you. It is not easy to adjust to them and you are going to get frustrated from time to time.

Expats moving to Turkey have an adjustment phase but you will get used to it over time.

Strict Work Requirements

The workplace regulations are not as good as they should be.

If you are going to be working here, you are not going to enjoy the workplace legalities. This can make it much harder to do what you want to do as you develop your career in Turkey.

Be prepared for this while choosing where to work.

Language Issues

Language can be a problem in some parts of Turkey.

We recommend staying in Istanbul before you branch out. This is an international city, which means speaking English is a little easier here.

Other places will not make it as easy as you want.

Takes Time To Get Used To

The overall vibe of Turkey is great but you are going to have to get used to the various parts of living here.

This includes shopping, where you are eating, and of course the regulations.

For some people, it’s going to be a breeze. For others, it’s going to take a few months to ease yourself into the process.

Require Private Health Insurance

We highly recommend signing up with a private health insurance provider instantly.

What is the reason for this?

You will want to avoid paying high medical bills when you fall ill. The private health insurance provider is going to take care of your needs and will be affordable too.

Lack Of Variety In Food Options

While there is great food in Turkey, it tends to revolve around the local cuisine.

We noticed that there weren’t too many other food types here. This does become frustrating for those who are not just looking to eat from Western restaurants or Turkish restaurants.

Expensive Cars

Are you thinking about buying a car in Turkey?

It is not going to be affordable.

Instead, you are going to be paying a premium for any car you end up buying. This is something you are going to have to adjust to.

Difficult Bureaucracy

The bureaucracy is a real hassle when you are living in Turkey.

It’s not easy to be in a situation where you have to jump through hoops to get legal paperwork done. Some might not face this issue, but others are going to have to deal with the local offices when it comes to their time in Turkey.

Stray Animals

You will often notice dogs and cats on the road.

This is not convenient depending on where you are living and some people are not fans of these animals coming up to them.

However, you will need to get used to this because it’s quite common.

High Fees For Private Schools

The fees at private schools tend to be sky-high.

You will have to budget for this right away.

If your kids are going to get the best education in Turkey, you are going to be paying a pretty penny for it. This is a must.

Price Gouging In Markets

We hate the selling tactics that are employed in Turkish markets.

It is not ideal.

They are going to negotiate higher prices, which is hardly fair. You have to become good at negotiating because it’s a part of how things are done here.

Inferior Healthcare Options In Surrounding Towns

The healthcare options are better in major cities such as Istanbul compared to the smaller towns.

You will have to prepare for this to focus on where you are living.

Always pay attention to the medical options in the area you are moving to.

Final Thoughts

These are the main advantages and disadvantages of living in Turkey as an expat.

Turkey is a riveting nation and full of historic landmarks. Take it all in and have a great experience living in this part of the world.

We also recommend considering other places in Europe such as living in Bulgaria, staying in Ireland, or moving to Portugal.