Turkish Info.
Buying
Living
General



FAQ's: Living
Living in Turkey
L1. I plan to live in Turkey. Can I open an interest account? How much interest will I get?

It is possible to open an interest account. Interest rates are generally much higher than UK accounts.

L2. What is the bank opening times?

Opening hours vary but banks are generally open from 9:30am­5.00pm with a lunch break between 12:30pm and 1:30pm.

L3. What other facilities do banks offer?

Facilities also vary but most major banks offer money exchange (travellers cheques, sterling, euro cheques). Most banks have ATM’s. Most Post offices will also exchange GBP and are often less busy than the banks. All charge commission.
     
 
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L4. Can I get building insurance?

Yes you can and we recommend you do to ensure you have building, contents and earthquake cover as the minimum. It is a statuary government requirement that all new buildings have earthquake insurance cover. There are numerous insurance companies.

L5. Can I get health insurance?

Yes you can. Turkey does not have an NHS like the UK but health standards are, in general, very high.

L6. Can I have satellite TV installed?

You can have a satellite dish installed for satellite TV so you can watch programmes such as BBC World, BBC Prime, CNN International, Euro sport and some other English programmes.

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L7.Can I have a telephone installed?

If you have a residency visa, you can have a telephone installed. Otherwise, no you can’t. However, clients can use their own mobile phones from the UK. All they have to do is purchase a SIM card from one of the shops in Turkey on a pay-as-you-go basis.

L8. What is the electricity voltage?

It is 220 volts. In some areas where power surges are a factor, the purchase of a regulator is a necessity as it smoothes out these surges before they reach the electrical goods in your property.

L9. Apart from Turkish Lira, what other currencies are accepted in Turkey?

Sterling, Euros and Dollars.

 
L10. We will be moving to Turkey permanently and want to bring our furniture with us. Is this a good idea?

Electrical goods are taxed heavily when entering Turkey. The cost of furniture is so reasonable in Turkey that it would be a better idea to sell your furniture in the UK and use that money to buy new furniture there.

L11. What is the best time of year to go to Turkey?

Summer months are from May­October. The hottest months are July and August where temperatures reach 40 Celsius. June and September are more comfortable and from Easter until October the sun is generally guaranteed. In the winter months, it does tend to rain. February is generally the coldest month of the year.

L12. I will be living in Turkey for a good portion of the year. Can I buy a car?

Yes.
 
 
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L13.What are the roads like for driving?

In Turkey you drive on the right hand side of the road. Not all drivers observe the ‘Right Of Way’ ruling. Be careful when crossing roads whilst walking as Turkish drivers generally do not stop at zebra crossings.
  
 
     
   
     

L15. What are the doctors like in Turkey?

Most doctors in Turkey speak English and are well trained.

L16. Monthly outgoings, roughly what will they be? Is it expensive?

Monthly outgoings will vary according to personal use but a guide would be: Electricity approx. 10­15 GBP per 2 months. Water approx.10 GBP per 2 months. Property tax approx. 50­100 GBP per year.

   
 
 
L17. What is the weather like?

Turkey still has seasons but with much better temperatures. In winter, you’ll find the temperatures by the south coast ranging between 5 and 15 degrees, in spring it warms up to 25 degrees. The summer is usually dry and hot from May through to September peaking at 45 degrees, cooling again as we move into autumn back down from 25 to 15 degrees.

L18. What facilities are there on a typical development?

Owing to the very pleasant summer weather, which can get rather hot at its height, a swimming pool ­ communal, private or both ­ is the main pre-requisite. You will find some offering tennis courts, Turkish baths, spa rooms and easy access to golf in some areas.

L 19. Are there any ongoing taxes?

State property tax, environmental tax and wealth tax. However, these are relatively low

L20. What about paying for energy and water supplies if my main home is not in Turkey?

The easiest way to pay for your electricity is by direct debit via a bank in Turkey. Currently all water bills are paid direct to the local Belidiyer office, however, arrangements can often be made with the larger developers regarding payment of utility bills.

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L21.What about furnishing my property?

Many developers offer furniture packs. Alternatively, there is a wide range of furniture shops for you to explore. You should allow between £3000 and £10,000 to furnish an average sized property

L22. How do the locals treat foreigners who purchase there?

You will find Turkish people extremely hospitable and friendly.

L23. Are families/children welcome?

Most definitely. There is a family orientated culture in Turkey and children are welcome almost everywhere.
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L24. What about the healthcare in terms of the standard and costs?

The standard is generally very good. All foreigners have to pay for medical treatment and there are reciprocal private health plans available from the UK that will be accepted in the private hospitals. You can purchase a health insurance plan in Turkey up to the age of 55 years.

L25. What about schools and colleges?

As a resident, you can send your children to local government or private schools. Both offer a good standard of education. The private schools are international and accommodate pupils from all over the world.

L26.How does the general cost of living compare?

Fresh produce is great value for money. You’ll find most items up to 50% cheaper than at home with electrical items being the most expensive.

L27. What about eating out?

Again, you will benefit from the relatively low prices. Being a Muslim country, you will often find pork and its associated products excluded from the menu, however, there is a wide choice of other meats, seafood and vegetables. As well as Turkish cuisine, you will find English, Italian and Indian restaurants quite commonplace.