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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.

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.

51�ԹϺ�����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. 51�ԹϺ�����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, 51�ԹϺ�����allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

51�ԹϺ�����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 51�ԹϺ�����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!