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The world's largest expat community

Your Expat Community in Turkey

  • Connect with fellow expats in Turkey

  • Join exciting events and groups for expats

  • Get information in our expat guides

  • Exchange tips about expat life in Turkey

  • Sven Baudach

    My business partners, also mainly expats, and me, we always use the wonderful InterNations Events as an informal get-togethers.

Welcome to Our Expat Community in Turkey!

Merhaba and a warm welcome to our communities for expats living in Turkey! Our international network is here to support you as you make the move to live in Turkey. Living abroad is exciting but raises plenty of questions, like, “what are the international schools like in Istanbul?”, “how can my spouse find a job in Ankara?”, or “how do I access healthcare in Turkey?”. Our members have a huge range of experience and are more than happy to help out a fellow expat. From the moment you arrive in Turkey, InterNations can help you settle in and understand your new way of life, as well as providing a heads up on some of the exciting local traditions and events you can get involved in, from sampling the traditional Turkish kebab, known as Şiş Köfte, to sharing in the festivities of the Kurban Bayramı, the Sacrifice Feast.

With InterNations, you never stand alone. Whether you are moving to another country or going on a business trip somewhere — our communities around the world are there to make you feel at home wherever you are. Feel free to check out our vibrant InterNations Communities in countries like Saudi Arabia or France.

Jump right in:

Living in Turkey: Your Questions, Answered

If you’re a new or soon-to-be expat in Turkey, you probably aren’t quite sure yet what it will be like. That’s why we gathered the answers to some key questions you may have about life in Turkey. If you want to ask more specific questions — or even share your own tips — join InterNations! You’ll be part of a community of new and experienced expats who love to help each other out.

1. Is it necessary to speak the local language?
Although English is spoken in major cities and tourist areas in Turkey, it's recommended to learn Turkish to make daily life easier and to connect with the local community. Speaking the local language can help you make friends, navigate bureaucracy, and better understand the culture.

2. What is the cost of living in Turkey?
The cost of living in Turkey is generally lower than in many European countries. Here are some average monthly expenses to give you an idea:

  • Rent: Varies by location and type of accommodation
  • Utilities: 200–350 TRY (23–40 USD) per month
  • Groceries: 600–1,000 TRY (69–115 USD) per month
  • Transportation: 100–250 TRY (12–29 USD) per month

3. What are the average rent prices in popular expat locations?

Istanbul:

  • Single-room flat: 1,500–2,500 TRY (172–287 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 3,500–6,000 TRY (403–690 USD) per month

Ankara:

  • Single-room flat: 1,000–1,800 TRY (115–207 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 2,500–4,500 TRY (287–517 USD) per month

Izmir:

  • Single-room flat: 900–1,600 TRY (104–184 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 2,200–4,000 TRY (253–460 USD) per month

4. What is the healthcare system like in Turkey?
Turkey has a public healthcare system that provides a range of services for residents, including expats. However, the quality of care can vary depending on the location. Many expats choose to use private healthcare facilities, which offer a higher standard of care and shorter waiting times but can be more expensive.

5. What's the process of obtaining a residence visa?
Non-EU citizens need a visa to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days. There are several types of visas, including work visas, student visas, and tourist visas. The specific visa you need depends on your reason for moving to Turkey, and you'll need to meet certain requirements and provide the necessary documentation when applying.

6. How safe is Turkey for expats?
Turkey is generally a safe country for expats, but it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.

7. Can I drive in Turkey with my foreign driver's license?
If you hold a valid driver's license from your home country, you can drive in Turkey for up to six months with an International Driving Permit (IDP). After six months, you'll need to obtain a Turkish driver's license.

Join Our Online and In-Person Events in Turkey

Attend our many events to get to know like-minded expats, both in Turkey and around the world! Our new online events even let you find connection and inspiration without leaving your home.

Mar 21, 2024, 5:30 PM
6 attendees
NOT CANCELLED. ! Saved by Ozge offering to be Quiz Maestro...after others unable to. A week later than the usual second Thursday of the month . Please sign up let us know if you are coming and we wi
We are inviting you in a stylish place with Golden Horn view. In this venue the first time Internations event is happening. Join us on this beautiful rooftop terrace located on the top floor of (.
Mar 22, 2024, 7:00 PM
5 attendees
You are invited to enjoy Cuban Salsa Night. We dance Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba with Aylin Gursan (Cuban Salsa Choreographer) powered by DJ Diez performance. If you're new to Salsa/Bachata don't worr
Mar 23, 2024, 5:00 AM
19 attendees
📌This is a NOT a guided tour to Eskişehir. If you wish to join us, you can. 📌We are taking the fast train to Eskişehir from Söğütlüçeşme train station at 7:15 am and returning to Istanbul on the 20:

Want to see all the upcoming events in Turkey?

Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Turkey

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Meet other expats like you in Turkey

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Share your hobbies and interests with expats in Turkey

Embark on Your Expat Life in Turkey

Turkey’s landscape is diverse with vast, forested mountains by the Black Sea contrasting with the semi-desert plains of Anatolia, fascinating travelers and expatriates alike. Turkey’s ever-growing expat community is often attracted to the country by the exciting urban growth found in the capital, Ankara, and the country’s biggest city, Istanbul, especially since the expansion of markets beyond the traditional textiles and agricultural sector to encompass construction and electronics markets. Whether you choose to move to Turkey for business or pleasure, you are sure to find rewarding experiences and make unforgettable memories.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Germany or Bahrain, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

Find Other Expats to Share Your Adventure in Turkey With

InterNations aims to provide a friendly, helpful place for expats to get the information and support they need to transition to life in a new country. We strongly believe in being respectful towards one other, and our members are always on hand to answer any question, big or small, whether it's a simple request for information on local services, or a complicated paperwork headache. You’ll also be able to find people in your new home town in Turkey who share the same interests as you, so that you can connect with people offline, as well as online. We know that continuing with your hobbies is a great way to help smooth the transition and get settled into your new life as quickly as possible. So whether you enjoy dancing, cooking, or sports, and live in Ankara or Antalya, you will find other InterNations expats to share your interests with. Don’t forget to attend some of the events run by InterNations, where you can meet even more of our members face to face. At our regular gatherings you're sure to meet some fascinating characters who will enrich your experiences even more!

  • Sven Baudach

    My business partners, also mainly expats, and me, we always use the wonderful InterNations Events as an informal get-togethers.

  • Maggy Roswick

    With all the great information and contacts provided by InterNations, it was no big deal to get settled in Istanbul.

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Communities in Turkey

Like-Minded Expatriates in Turkey

Turkey Guide Topics

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