Digital Nomad: Pros And Cons Of Living In Turkey

Pros Of Living In Turkey

Living in Turkey offers countless benefits, catering to a diverse range of preferences, from its sun-drenched coasts to its cosmopolitan metropolises. We will delve into six of the most significant advantages that are available to those who choose to make their home in this nation that seamlessly blends Eastern and Western cultures.

Wonderful Climate

Turkey enjoys some of the finest weather globally. During August, the nation undergoes blistering hot summers where the average temperature is 33 degrees Celsius. Nonetheless, it’s occasionally possible to observe temperatures climb over 40 degrees Celsius.

In Turkey, there are four seasons which means that the scorching summer days can be followed by a bit of relief as the autumn season sets in.

The type of winter you encounter will depend on your choice of location. The majority of Turkey has chilly weather from December to March, with snowfall occurring in many parts of the country.

If cold weather isn’t your thing, consider visiting the southwest coast where the winter months offer mild temperatures hovering at approximately 10 degrees Celsius.

Low Cost Of Living

It is approximately 60% cheaper to live in Turkey than to live in the United States. The amount you pay on rent depends on the area you live in. In some places, you can rent a studio apartment for less than $200.

Conversely, a property located in a pricy neighborhood like Bishektash in Istanbul could set you back over $1,000.

You can anticipate spending under $80 on essential utilities like internet and electricity as they are reasonably priced.

The cost of dining out varies between $2 and $10, depending on the category of the restaurant, while a public transportation pass can be purchased for approximately $15 each month.

In total, expect to live comfortably in Turkey for approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per month.

Thriving Expat Community

A further advantage of residing in Turkey is the ease with which you can establish friendships. Numerous locations within the country are popular among expats and digital nomads alike. These places comprise:

Istanbul
Antalya
Fethiye
Bodrum
Ankara

Individuals who enjoy the fast-paced and lively atmosphere of urban areas will find themselves in their element in Istanbul or Ankara, whereas those in search of a more tranquil way of life will find greater comfort in Bodrum or Antalya.

Outdoor Lifestyle

Turkey is an ideal location for those who desire a break from the pollution of urban areas and want to venture out of the workplace. As a result of the excellent climate, outdoor pursuits play a major role in Turkish culture. A range of outdoor activities such as paragliding, scuba diving, white water rafting, and skiing in winter can be easily found.

There are numerous picturesque locations ideal for hiking, and living alongside the ocean will make it challenging to resist the coast’s creamy sand beaches.

Regardless of whether it’s adrenaline-spiking activities you’re seeking or you just want to soak up some more vitamin D, you’ll find that the lifestyle in Turkey is perfect for reconnecting with mother nature.

Healthy Cuisine

Turkey’s healthy and tasty cuisine is one more benefit of residing there. Due to its climate, a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, and herbs thrive in the country, serving as the foundation for many Turkish meals.

A diverse range of colors and flavors are featured in meals, accompanied by fresh bread and yogurt as usual.

Due to the fact that the nation sits on the border of Europe and Asia, its cuisine showcases a mix of various cultural influences. A prominent example of this is Turkish coffee, a favored drink that hails from the Middle East, and baklava, a sweet dessert enjoyed in the Balkans.

Despite the presence of fast food establishments scattered all over the nation, the Turkish cuisine predominantly consists of nutritious and fresh meals. Among the renowned traditional dishes is the kebab or kebap.

Nonetheless, a genuine kebab is significantly distinct from the one obtained at a fast-food establishment during the wee hours of the morning following a night out. Skewered chicken or lamb meat is cooked on a rotisserie and accompanied by an assortment of options, including rice, bread, or vegetables.

Rich History

Everywhere you gaze in Turkey, there is a blend of modern-day existence with ancient culture. You can effortlessly come across Ottoman mosques and Byzantine ruins within close proximity.

Bodrum is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus – which has a history tracing back to the fourth century BC.

No matter where you choose to reside in Turkey, you will have the opportunity to witness its captivating history.

Cons Of Living In Turkey

Despite the many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to residing in Turkey. Prior to making a decision to establish roots in the country, it is important to weigh all of the factors.

Language Barriers

As expected, Turkish is the prevailing language spoken in Turkey. While English is used to some extent, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Istanbul, Marmaris, and Bodrum, Turkish remains the primary mode of communication for local residents.

Furthermore, it is imperative to acquire proficiency in the local language if you intend to carry out any formal activities such as purchasing a property or a vehicle.

Even though Turkish is a language that has roots in Latin and uses a version of the English alphabet with minor changes, it remains easy to comprehend words and expressions.

Learning Turkish can be made effortless with the aid of numerous online programs and applications.

Culture Shock

Moving to Turkey comes with a downside, as you may experience culture shock. You might have visited the country before and adored it, but relocating to Istanbul or Antalya with the expectation that your lifestyle will mirror that of a vacationer may not be realistic.

Adapting to the lifestyle in Turkey can be challenging for some expatriates due to the country’s relaxed attitude towards timekeeping. This can be particularly frustrating for those accustomed to punctuality.

It is common for a friend to arrive an hour later than the agreed meeting time of 10.

In addition, it’s possible that you’re unfamiliar with negotiating a better deal for your meal or encountering individuals who are curious about your personal affairs. Let’s not even begin discussing the restroom arrangements.

It is not widely known among westerners that squat toilets are prevalent in various regions of the world, and the unaccustomed may find themselves uncomfortably caught off-guard in public.

Paperwork Difficulties

There are numerous forms to complete and numerous obstacles to overcome when you need to obtain a work visa, purchase a car, a house, and other things. Adding to this is the reality that government buildings are typically available only for a few hours each day, resulting in a situation prone to frustration.

There is no specific visa for digital nomads related to visas. Most remote workers are permitted to enter the country without a visa for 90 days. Nonetheless, working in Turkey, whether on-site or online, without the proper visa is against the law.

Obtaining a temporary residency permit is feasible, which authorizes you to remain in the nation for a maximum of two years, for various purposes. These include:

For tourism
For education or student exchange programs
For Turkish learning programs
To establish commercial connections or a business

Although it may require some effort to determine which visa you are eligible for, the additional duration of your stay in the country will make the paperwork worth it.

Everything You Need To Know About Digital Nomad Visa When Moving to Turkey

1. What is a digital nomad visa?

A visa for digital nomads permits legal employment in a foreign country for extended periods, with fewer complications compared to a work visa and greater duration than a tourist visa.

The digital nomad visa allows freelancers and remote workers to reside in their preferred location for a duration ranging from 6 months to 2 years, with convenient renewal options.

2. Why get it?

Visa limitations and immigration are two of the most significant obstacles faced by digital nomads, as acknowledged by many of them.

Prior to the existence of digital nomad visas, the sole option for digital nomads was to obtain a travel visa. Regrettably, working in the country was prohibited for tourists with a travel visa, and they were typically only allowed a maximum stay of 90 days. Consequently, digital nomads and traveling freelancers had to disguise their work activities as sightseeing.

Upon the expiration of their travel visa, they are required to visit the immigration office, endure lengthy waiting times, and provide payment to restore their travel visa. In some regions, visa renewal is not feasible, leading digital nomads to rely on a scheme known as “visa run,” in which they travel to a neighboring country for a brief period before returning to obtain a fresh travel visa stamp. Certain countries do not permit this course of action.

After spending years as a digital nomad, these actions will eventually wear you down in every aspect, including physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.

It’s highly recommended that you consider applying for a digital nomad visa if you qualify. It gets rid of travel visa limitations, avoids prolonged wait times at the immigration office, and eliminates the need for visa runs. Plus, you get the opportunity to work in a new environment that can rejuvenate your productivity and imagination. So, what’s the procedure to obtain it?

Although the processes and requirements for obtaining a digital nomad visa vary by country, these are some general guidelines you can follow.

Find out whether you are eligible by going to the country’s immigration website or embassy office in your or a nearby country.
Prepare all the necessary documents such as bank statements, passport, and proof of being a digital nomad or freelancer.
Submit all documents either by applying online or at the embassy office.
Wait for approval and processing while planning the long-anticipated travel.
Collect your digital nomad visa, book your flight tickets, and begin your long-term nomadic lifestyle!

To determine the criteria and qualifications for every country involved, access the hyperlinks located at the conclusion of this piece.

4. Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?

The requirements to apply for a digital nomad visa vary by country, but in general, the following are necessary.

You are location-independent.
You can work digitally and remotely.
You have a stable flow of income and earn more than the minimum requirement.
You are from one of the eligible countries (e.g, Europe allows people from certain countries to apply).
You have proof of employment or ownership of a company.
You have travel or health insurance.

5. How long does the process take?

It can take anywhere from 3 to 4 months to complete the digital nomad visa application procedure, and the timeframe is influenced significantly by the destination country.

7. Can I bring my family members with me?

Certain digital nomad visas offered by certain countries come with an option to bring along your family members for an extra charge. The countries that permit family members to accompany include Anguilla (UK), Antigua and Barbuda (Caribbean), Dubai (UAE), and Estonia (EU).

8. What are the typical restrictions I need to be aware of?

The digital nomad visa is an authorized visa acknowledged by countries involved, and it should not pose any issues while navigating public spaces.

If you’re not seeking trouble, having a visa is insufficient to rescue you.

Final Thoughts On Living In Turkey

Having learned about the advantages and disadvantages of residing in Turkey, it is time to provide a summary.

For the majority of ex-pats, Turkey is a great option. If you can navigate the visa process, you will experience pleasant climate, diverse terrain, rich history, and a laid-back way of living.

It would be advisable for individuals who are not willing to learn the language of the area to consider living in an English-speaking nation.