Expat Life in Istanbul

Editor Istanbul

Oct 19 681 read

Expat Life in Istanbul

If you are considering living in Istanbul as a foreigner, whether as a tourist or an expat, it is a fantastic lifestyle choice. Istanbul, being Turkey's biggest city, has a lot to offer, including a cheap cost of living, a distinct culture, some of the finest nightlife and shopping in the nation, and a plethora of tourist and historical sites. To relocate here is to embrace an alternate way of life to that of the Western world while being on the cutting edge of fashion. Take our word for it, but don't take our word for it.

Many working expats select the city to further their careers, while other retirees pick it as a temporary home base to experience a city that has influenced global events throughout history. While some individuals advise to simply pack your bags and arrive, we always recommend that even well-traveled expatriates prepare beforehand. So, in this post, we'll go over the essentials of moving from your native country, such as residence permits, health insurance, and the finest locations to live, among other things.

Healthcare for Expats

Keeping with the priorities, start the process of applying for a residence visa once you've found a place to live. People visiting Turkey on a tourist visa may only remain for 90 days out of 180 days, therefore it's better to start the residence procedure as soon as feasible. Your initial application will be approved for a year. Expats in Turkey over the age of 65 are not required to get health insurance, although many do so for peace of mind. Because private insurance may be expensive, most people choose for the government's SGK scheme for foreigners.

Where to Live as Expat in Istanbul

The first step is to choose whether you want to rent or purchase a home. Some individuals rent for six months while they research the market, while others go right into homeownership. The good news is that Istanbul has 39 administrative districts, giving residents a broad range of options. Some have a special reputation for expertise in a certain field. Levent, for example, is renowned as a commercial area that draws working professionals.

Meanwhile, Sariyer, on the European side's northernmost point, draws residents with its renowned seafood eateries and is a favorite retirement resort. The prestige of Besiktas draws affluent families, whereas Kadikoy on the Asian side is home to a significant student population. In general, property located on or near the Bosphorus fetches a premium rent and selling price.

Public Transport in Istanbul

Because the roads get crowded, you'll need all of your wits at this point. Avoid traveling during peak hours if at all feasible. Locals utilize tiny buses to travel around small neighborhoods. They are inexpensive, but they are packed. To travel about the city, there are 400 bus routes, yellow cabs, and two trams that cover the major locations on the European side.

The Istanbul Metro, which has undergone significant growth in the past 10 years, is used by many residents. Ferries visiting tiny towns and villages on the Bosphorus's coasts, on the other hand, are a local custom. On the Anatolian side, Uskudar and Kadikoy, as well as Eminonu on the European side, are important ferry terminals. We suggest purchasing an Istanbul Kart and filling it with credit to save money on transportation. The public transportation system of Istanbul.

Explore the best historical places in Istanbul with transportation, and discover Bosphorus, Galata and more!