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InterNations - A Place for Canadians in Istanbul

Hello to all Canadians in Istanbul! Would you like to meet fellow Canadian expats in Istanbul? Would you like to get insider suggestions from other Canadians, e.g. where in Istanbul your hometown team’s next match is shown on TV or where to get maple pancakes?

We would like to invite you to become a member of InterNations Istanbul. As a member of InterNations, you will have access to an active group of Canadian expats, hailing from Ottawa, Vancouver, Montreal and all regions of Canada.

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Sven Baudach

Sven Baudach

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

Maggy Roswick

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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An amazing community is waiting for you!

Meet international people at local events

Meet international people at local events

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

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Why you'll love InterNations in Istanbul

91,170
members in Istanbul
876
Canadian members
95
monthly events
84
interest-based groups

and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!

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What our Canadian members had to say about life in Istanbul.

Here you can find both positive and negative quotes from Canadians about their expat life in the Istanbul. We have collected them from our yearly Expat Insider survey, where our members share their thoughts about the cities and countries they live in.

Let's begin with the positives.

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I like the social culture of Istanbul. There are always new people to meet and new things to do. — Canadian expat in Istanbul
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I really enjoy the affordable cost of living and the beautiful scenery outside of Istanbul. — Canadian expat in Istanbul
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The sunny weather is one of my favorite things about living here. — Canadian expat in Istanbul
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The lifestyle here suits me perfectly. — Canadian expat in Istanbul
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The locals have been so friendly and helpful. — Canadian expat in Istanbul
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Now, let’s take a look at some of the challenges Canadian expats may experience while living in Istanbul.

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I find it very difficult to live here as a foreigner. Turkish people can be very nationalistic, and I sometimes feel more welcomed as a tourist than as a resident. Dealing with official institutions can also be inconsistent and frustrating. — Canadian expat in Istanbul
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I’m not satisfied with the immigration and refugee situation and feel it should be more controlled. — Canadian expat in Istanbul
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What bothers me most is the financial instability and what I see as government incompetence. — Canadian expat in Istanbul
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My commute is exhausting and time-consuming. — Canadian expat in Istanbul
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I find the pay structure and lack of job opportunities challenging. — Canadian expat in Istanbul
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Why Canadian expats move abroad (& how they like it)

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our Canadian members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

Canadians abroad

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Meet fellow Canadians at our events in Istanbul

Attend our monthly events and activities and join various interest-based groups to get to know like-minded expatriates and fellow Canadians in Istanbul.

Theater Play
Theater Play
Hello everyone! Here comes the first theater event of the new season on the Asian coast. “Şebbaz” is a play written by Ahmet Sami Özbudak, a contemporary Turkish playwright and theater director who has received several awards both for his play writings and his play directing. The word “Şebbaz” c
Hello everyone! Here comes the first theater event of the new season on the Asian coast. “Şebbaz” is a play written by Ahmet Sami Özbudak, a contemporary Turkish playwright and theater director who has received several awards both for his play writings and his play directing. The word “Şebbaz” c
Discover Beirut: A 5-Day Lebanese City Escape
Discover Beirut: A 5-Day Lebanese City Escape
Join us for an unforgettable Beirut trip! 🇱🇧 On November 12th, we’ll travel from Istanbul to Beirut, Lebanon, where we’ll enjoy an amazing 5-day getaway filled with culture, history, incredible food, Mediterranean views, and unforgettable experiences. 🌍✨ 📅 November 12, 2026: • Travel from Istan
Join us for an unforgettable Beirut trip! 🇱🇧 On November 12th, we’ll travel from Istanbul to Beirut, Lebanon, where we’ll enjoy an amazing 5-day getaway filled with culture, history, incredible food, Mediterranean views, and unforgettable experiences. 🌍✨ 📅 November 12, 2026: • Travel from Istan
Let's Head to 'War and Peace' Theater Play
Let's Head to 'War and Peace' Theater Play
Hi all, We are going together to watch 'War and Peace' Theater Play, the immortal work of Leo Tolstoy. War and Peace is one of the most well-known and widely read classics of world literature. In addition to being a family saga, a historical chronicle, and a philosophical piece, this powerful work
Hi all, We are going together to watch 'War and Peace' Theater Play, the immortal work of Leo Tolstoy. War and Peace is one of the most well-known and widely read classics of world literature. In addition to being a family saga, a historical chronicle, and a philosophical piece, this powerful work
! Vamos Á Mexico !
! Vamos Á Mexico !
Hola a todes los Miembros, disfrutemos juntos de una cena de cocina mexicana en Estambul. El restaurante tiene una decoración interior muy bonita y destaca por su auténtica gastronomía mexicana. Todos los que puedan venir ese día, están cordialmente invitados! Saludos Cordiales
Hola a todes los Miembros, disfrutemos juntos de una cena de cocina mexicana en Estambul. El restaurante tiene una decoración interior muy bonita y destaca por su auténtica gastronomía mexicana. Todos los que puedan venir ese día, están cordialmente invitados! Saludos Cordiales

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Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends

Do you want to continue pursuing your hobbies — or discover new ones — while living abroad? You can do that easily in our InterNations Groups, which offer activities based on a wide range of interests. Groups are hosted by dedicated Consuls with at least one activity each month. They organize everything from dinners to sightseeing to board game nights. For example, you can enjoy nature with the Outdoors Group, share your love of music with the Jazz Group, or go on an adventure with the Boat Trips Group. There’s something for everyone!

Weekend Activities Group
Weekend Activities Group
Out of the Office Group
Out of the Office Group
Singles Group
Singles Group
Trekking & Hiking Group
Trekking & Hiking Group

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Canadian Expats in Istanbul Help You With Their Advice

With InterNations, Canadian expats in Istanbul are able to find both the help they need as well as lots of valuable information. The "Queen Of Cities" offers so much for expats to explore - our community helps you enjoy your stay to the fullest.

  • Look through our Members Network to connect with Istanbul’s Canadian expats.
  • Become active in our Expat Forums in order to find insider tips and suggestions from fellow Canadian expats in Istanbul.
  • Make full use of the Expat Guide for Istanbul to obtain important information on your temporary home abroad.

Mix and Mingle with Canadians in Istanbul at Our Events

Our Istanbul community is also lively and welcoming offline. The InterNations Ambassadors host regular get-togethers and a range of expat activities, e.g. a chic dining experience in Istanbul’s trendiest restaurant or a get-away with fellow Canadian expats to discover Aegean Turkey, between the azure sea and silvery olive groves. These activities make it easy for you to get to know other expats from Canada in your local community and meet Canadians in Turkey in a comfortable setting. If this sounds interesting to you, simply sign up for membership – we are looking forward to welcoming you among our Canadians living in Istanbul!

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