Living in Turkey
Turkey has become a pure lifestyle destination for discerning expatriates who have fallen in love with its stunning landscape and fascinating history and culture
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Cost of Living In Turkey The cost of living in Turkey for the majority of goods, items and services is incredibly cheap and affordable. Any fruit or vegetable in season is likely to be cheap across Turkey – even in Istanbul or in the main resorts – because Turkey is such a large agricultural producer and the variety and quality of fresh produce in the many markets across the country is generally exceptional as well. |
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The only things that really cost more than in the UK are telephones, especially mobile phones and related call costs, petrol and the internet. Getting an internet connection is expensive enough but then the monthly rates are extortionate compared to what you might pay back home for example and petrol as well as the costs associated with owning a car in Turkey are quite high which is why many people with holiday homes in Turkey just rely on public transport. Eating out in Turkey can be incredibly inexpensive - so much so that for some people it’s cheaper than cooking! To eat cheaply and well go to restaurants frequented by local people or go to those serving local Turkish food. Even in the main resorts it’s possible to eat out for about GBP 15 a head – and this is considered expensive by the locals! In terms of alcohol, imported spirits, wines and beers are expensive but then that doesn’t matter because Turkey has fantastic local beer efes and wine and it even produces its own versions of popular spirits – if you ask for a local spirit and mixer you can be paying up to a third of the price than if you asked for a named brand like Bacardi and a mixer for example. |
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For a couple’s weekly shopping bill allocate between £50 and £60 (unless buying imported foodstuffs) and you can always reduce this amount significantly by shopping at the local butcher for meat, the market for fresh produce and avoiding supermarkets altogether. |
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Services and Utilities: Electricity The supply of electric in Turkey is 220 volts and plugs have two pins as opposed to three in the UK. With a suitable adaptor most electrical products from the UK can be used in Turkey. With the demand for electricity rising rapidly, the network for supply in some areas of Turkey cannot cope with the demand and there are often loss of electricity or fluctuating supply. Water Tap water in Turkey can be used for brushing your teeth, but it is not recommended for drinking. Instead you can buy bottled water from shops and supermarkets. Mains water is metered and bills are issued either monthly or quarterly. |
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Natural Gas Apart from big cities like Istanbul and Ankara who have a mains supply, natural gas for cooking and heating water comes in metal canisters. These are ordered from the local supplier and delivered direct to your door. |
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Communications: Telephone The Turkish telephone network is run by Turk Telecom. If you wish to have a telephone line, you will need to provide proof of address, your passport and bank details. Bills are issued monthly and can be paid by direct debit. Mobile Phones There are several mobile phone providers in Turkey. You can have a standard account or pay as you go with top up cards. These are available from local shops and petrol stations. |
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The Internet Dial up packages are available from branches of Turk Telecom. Broadband is also available in most areas, but is expensive compared to the UK. Food and Shopping Vegetable and Fruits are generally fresher and tastier than in the UK. Many come and go with the seasons. Tomatoes, Peppers, Bananas, Lettuce and Apples are available all year round. The best place to buy fresh fruit and vegetables is the local Saturday market. There are dozens of stalls selling, fruits, vegetables, , cheeses, fish, olives and nuts. The Turkish staple is bread, although potatoes and rice are commonly eaten. The main supermarkets in Turkey are Migros, Tansas, Carrefour and Kipa (Tesco) |
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