Retire or Live in Turkey (Türkiye) - the Straight Talk (Pros and Cons)

[@ismo5204]

I lived in Karamursel for a year and a half. That's about 10 miles east of Yalova. After I left there and went to Alaska, I actually felt homesick for a while. That;s the only time i my life I ever felt that way.

[@tacrewgirl]

Where in Alaska? I'm in Anchorage and loved traveling in Turkey for 3 months.

[@ismo5204]

@@tacrewgirl I was actually in Anchorage when I felt pangs of homesickness for Turkey.

[@tacrewgirl]

@@ismo5204 Are you still in Anchorage? They are the only two places I've seen mountains go into the ocean. I have a photo from Trabzon that looks like Turnagain Arm.

[@ismo5204]

@@tacrewgirl No, It has been many years since I was last in Alaska.

[@furkankaymaz1952]

why would you be in karamürsel dude :D i kow the place. :D

[@gryblk21]

I visited Istanbul in 2012 and found the people very welcoming. I agree the city has an energy that is quite visible. When I later visited Paris, I found that I preferred the company of the Turkish immigrants to that of the French natives.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

That happens to many expats when then return to their "home" country; it often does not seem as much like home anymore.

[@onurcan8434]

What sets us apart from other communities is that we are honest in our feelings, in thoughts and words. Anyway, the opposite is hypocrisy and insult. Whether you like it or not, we are a community that stands behind what we say. The reason for this is that we were raised in accordance with our traditions, customs and moral values. This is not a matter of faith. because you won't find this in communities that have the same beliefs as us. Who can trust and be friends with communities that smile at her but stab her in the back the moment she turns her back? The reason for this choice is not your birthplace or your own people, but your traditions and customs. That's why even though we are expatriates, you can trust us more than your own people. We are not the only expats, but there are those who complain about us, claiming that we cannot adapt. Who do you think should adapt to whom? Is the character structure you have the character structure you desire?

[@SecAk-nyc]

It is a helpful video. I live six months in Türkiye and other six months in the USA. When I was in Türkiye I stay eastern Turkey, I am over sixty five years old, I don’t like fast pace places like in big cities. I love small cities and towns in Türkiye because peoples are helpful, foods are always fresh and delicious. It is not hectic, it has relax atmosphere. There are some pros and cons. That’s ok, depends on the individual what he/she wants from the life. One other thing I like in Turkey, it has four seasons. Every season has different climate conditions and beauties. It makes you never get bored.

[@thebells516]

We lived in Istanbul for two years. I have a Turkish wife I met in London. We have traveled throughout the country. The people, food, and sights are wonderful. While skeptical at first, my family has accepted me completely. We have taken some of my American family to visit, and they had a wonderful time. We have discussed retirement in Turkey for years.

[@ishyandmikkischannel8811]

Turkey our favourite place of all. Lived in US, London, Asia, travelled everywhere but it is now our favourite place. A few things you missed out: (a) infrastructure (b) affordable quality health and dental care (c) hair transplants and orthodontics! Apart from Turkey, you two are a credit to Canada. Big thumbs up to Turkey and Canada!

[@hannaht212]

Wonderful straight talk video. Lots of helpful info and many mentions of the fact that Turkiye is much more than Istanbul and the tourist beach regions. I have a part time home in Eskisehir and will be there very soon for an extended visit. I found the Turkish people most helpful and wanting to converse and share their culture with me. Eskisehir has a younger population due to the universities there. My nieces and nephews have been taught basic English in school, thus have helped me communicate more than my translation books or apps would have done. I could be an advertisement for Turkiye. Right now, the inflation is bad, but there will be a change eventually that will improve things once again. I have always said that in order for a Turk to pass the drivers license test he/she must beep the horn upon entering the vehicle! And, I tease that my husband was born with a loaf of bread in each hand! I feel fortunate to have been in areas of our small village during times of celebrations, holidays and weddings. The pulling together of all the neighbors is remarkable. At night, after meal time, the neighbor ladies would come and visit with their needlework for a few hours and we would have tea and biscuits together. It is an experience like no other. Now that the internet has made the world so much smaller, times and people are moving forward at a fast pace. I often compare Istanbul to New York City. And most anything you can get in New York City, you can get in Turkiye nowadays. Your insights regarding the lack of imports and Turkish made items and even produce, is true. I have to buy produce according to what the sellers can bring to market seasonally. Thank you for a video well worth my time to watch. Oh...and there is no more visa for visitors from Canada, US and a few other countries. I don't know all the details, but it is very recent news.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

That is great news! Visa free travel is fabulous.

[@ВиталийСлонов-ч4ъ]

Thanks for sharing these useful insights into the country, its culture etc. Been meaning to visit but will have to hold off my decision until I've saved up enough to be able to afford to do so, as prices have gone through the roof across the board recently. Best.

[@kamelelkolli3331]

Hello, the video is great and very meaningful. I share a lot of what you have mentioned. I visited Turkey twice mainly the riviera side of it. I’m in love with it and have plans to start spending my winters in that area.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@Roguesta54]

I'm in my third year of living in Turkey. Major pro: the cats: they are everywhere, and the communities take care of them. Major con: This might seem minor, but it really bothered me: the motorbikes in the pedestrian areas. There are signs prohibiting the bikes, but they are ignored. They are aggressive and ride much too fast. It makes what should be a relaxing experience a nerve-racking one.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

The cats are awesome! I totally agree with you on the motorbikes - it is much worse in many parts of Asia though. Thanks for watching!

[@Roguesta54]

I don't know why, but the motorbikes in Asia didn't bother me so much. I lived in Cambodia for nine years. They are much more aggressive, in my opinion, in Turkey. They'll want to fight you if you show your disapproval or if you get in their way. I saw one want to fight an old lady after he almost hit her. Anyway, other than the motorbike riders, I love Turkey. @@livingoverseasonadime5933

[@lisac747]

I really wanna live there when I retire.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!@@lisac747

[@ezilmez1]

Great video about Türkiye.

[@nilgunsonat4170]

In Turkey you can find all kind of vitamins at pharmacies and also food from other countries at big supermarkets like Migros and Macro center. There is also international cusine but you have to know where to go. Especially in Istanbul and Ankara you can find everything.

[@sherylbawa408]

I’m planning on retiring in Türkiye in the next 7 years. Learning Turkish. Great video ❤

[@sherylbawa408]

Living in the Middle East , I found the call to prayer the most beautiful sound ❤❤❤

[@GuidenceofQuran]

Sheryl where re you from originally? My wife and I re Canadians and planning to retire in Turkiye

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Just found your channel. Great run down. 👍

[@trendtalklive]

I've lived in Turkiye since 1990 coming from the USA. The greatest advantage that I have is being a naturalized Turkish citizen. It opens all doors. The pro of living here is that my US social security paid in dollars, goes far. The con is that unless you have other assets, it's very difficult to afford to return to the USA again. You become an economic refugee. Another con is that Turks believe that you are rich because you are a foreigner. They'll shamelessly devise ways to separate you from your money or possessions and think nothing is wrong in doing it. After all, you are rich, therefore you are a fair target. Everyone is your best friend, so choose very wisely.

[@Alaminzaid1]

Thank you

[@stlmirela]

Im thinking of moving from.usa to turkey and im looking fo all help i can get.not money wise just to settle in

[@39racka]

I live in Antalya ​@@stlmirela

[@39racka]

How do you become a naturalized citizen?

[@trendtalklive]

@@39racka you must live in Turkiye continuously for 5 or more years. My Turkish lawyer handled everything for me.

[@tacrewgirl]

I enjoyed my time I'm Turkey. I was there solo traveling for 3 months from February-April 2015. I even went skiing near Bursa. It was nice not to have lots of tourists. But yes, I'd like to check it out in September when it's warm but less tourists. Met lots of locals in still friends with on Facebook. I was there in 2015 when it was 1 USD = 2.6 TL but I've heard it's dropped to 1 USD = 23 TL now. I guess that's why it's extremely popular now because it definitely wasn't in 2015. But it was still affordable back then. I loved loved loved the food. It's a beautiful country with a very rich history and culture. So many towns to explore.

[@snailtravelers]

Great video, very helpful and very accurate. Here in Izmir the temperature has been contantly 40-45 for the past week or two, and it isn't forecast to come down anytime soon. Nevetheless, we still think it's a great place to live. We enjoyed this video, happy travels!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thank you as always. Try and stay cool with some AC if you can. In truth, the negatives are very few with Turkey. If only we could figure out a way to navigate the visa without buying property. We will think on it if our other plans don't work out.

[@SanerKurbay]

I am 51 and living in US for the last 8 years, spent 43 years in TR . I can say that the video is really good. Unfortunately for locals who are earning TRY life is becoming more difficult everyday and this totals up an unhappiness in the society. I observe this more when i visit TR every year. We miss the food also hahaha..

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@gryblk21]

I have been thinking about what can improve conditions for people in TR. Do you think if they join BRICS that TR can do better than in Europe?

[@SanerKurbay]

@@gryblk21 yes possible.. will be a good couple with Argentina if they also join there..

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Maybe, it is ultimately the responsibility of the elected leadership to figure it out.@@gryblk21

[@vectorifix3218]

Not outgoing extroverts - us Finns see this as a huge pro! 😁 Nice vid. I’ve been in Alanya few times and loved it every second. The food… omg it’s great!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

The food is awesome. Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!

[@ishyandmikkischannel8811]

But in all polls Finns hate Muslims the most. Polls show 90% of Finns dislike Muslims while only 50% of the British do. Are you from the other 10%?

[@GuidenceofQuran]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 Are you two Canadians?

[@guyon2wheels808]

Short hop from Istanbul but with a culturally different experience try out Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire. In the Bursa region you have the shoreline of Mudanya, hot springs of Yalava, and the mountain terrain of Uladag. Little more conservative than Istanbul and Izmir but shares the famous Turkish warm hospitality. Oh, it is the home of the renowned Iskender Kabab, which best eaten at the original little blue shop in the Heykel area of Bursa. Expect to wait, you won't be disappointed.

[@ezilmez1]

Türkiye is absolutely fantastic.

[@maudyvictoria1598]

they have a lot of supplements i noticed, like vitamine . Nice video and loooovveee Türkiye !

[@daadirabbi]

To be honest Turkish people are very hospitable people if you know them I understand there is a language barrier I've been to turkiye 7 times love the palace and the people of course the foods are amazing too.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@monikawaldhauser8192]

Fantastic video. The Aura there must be amazing! Spirited and lovely place. Looking forward to hearing more.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We are so glad you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for ,ore Turkey content coming in the next few months! Thanks for watching.

[@angeladiaz5693]

Great video, very helpful. I love Turkiye, I only been to Antalya tho. I’ll be going back soon to Istanbul. I would love to be an expat in Turkiye one day.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

It is an amazing country. Thanks for watching!

[@GuidenceofQuran]

Angela go to Uskudar

[@colleenporter316]

Thanks for the video - great info and very pleasantly delivered! :)

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@lovedbysome5402]

Things changed July 2023 as other countries offer resident visas if you buy property etc. I lived in Bolu and previously, you just needed an apartment lease, health insurance and proof you could support yourself. It was easy, but, like all countries, you need to 'invest' in the country you move to and cant go as an economic refugee and stay long term. The planet is a crazy place, folks. Yes, I found the bread and produce to be much healthier in Turkiye too. If they could get a better leader who thinks about the economy with his head rather than goofing up and using his strong man / strong armed nationalism to grab votes, Turkiye could be the best place on earth. And I do miss it.

[@jimakcelik6486]

I’m Turkish and US citizen Turkey is lovely but I prefer US I reside in Newyork I love Newyork. We have lots a good stuff as well. Great video thanks❤

[@GreatCityAttractions]

Another great and thoughtful video guys - well done.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We are glad you are enjoying them and thanks for the comment!

[@Markhoca]

The aggressiveness comes from having to fight to survive in almost any arena. Foreigners born into this would be exactly the same imo 🌸[New Zealander living in Turkey]

[@mubashirjan5940]

Love from Kashmir the way u described is just like a poetry citing examples affordability and safety with cleanliness attracts with Moden facilities Best of Luck !

[@gbdffr392]

Haha! Funny that you guys mentioned the prayers. Even some locals find it so loud. 😂

[@Hamzacifcibasi11]

ben türküm ve memnun kaldığınıza sevindim birşy sormak isterseniz yazabilirsiniz

[@cris471]

Very insightful indeed Thank you

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We are glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@akram92792]

how hard is to get a residency in Türkiye for retired USC?

[@koseku3]

u said antalya doesnt have subway but there are actualy 3 tram lines

[@furkankaymaz1952]

Recently having a residence permit is a challenge for low income families. Just for your information.

[@wwlt.trevor0512]

TipTopTurkey and Commenters say prices have skyrocketed now, especially for medical assistance, unfortunately.

[@marlam3891]

Thanks for the informative video. Is Izmir hot and humid during summer?

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

When we were there it was not humid at all, it was very dry. However, it was really hot - around 35-40C.

[@marlam3891]

Thank you very much for prompt reply. So, which month were you there? I am from Toronto, and thinking to retire in Izmir. @@livingoverseasonadime5933

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@marlam3891 We were there in July. It is a great place and we really enjoyed our time there.

[@tijenhoca6371]

Hi, I live in Izmir. It gets hotter in July and August especially. So many Izmirians go to beaches and stay there during summer. Also it never snows in Izmir.

[@fikarme]

7:15 antalya has 3 tram lines

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Good point. However, we didn't really even notice them when we were there. The Nostalji Tramvay is a short line in the tourist area that wasn't really useful for us ( but nice looking), and the other lines were very much commuter lines that went out to the suburbs, and didn't go anywhere close to us. Thanks for watching!

[@marciemoo]

I know that you need to be aware, when moving there, that once certain neighborhoods reach 25% of foreigners, then you have to be looking into an area that has less. Also, as long as you have the accepted amount of money coming in each month, (I forget what it is right now) whether it’s from retirement or Social Security disability, you can qualify to move or invest in property, etc.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Yeah, this is an issue that people need to research if they are interested in living in Turkey long term. Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@gn9655]

Great video Thinking to spent in Turkey winter months. As here in upstate NY is very cold in winter. Just hard to decide to buy property or just rent for 3 mo. To buy means be involved in paying taxes, etc. What’s your opinion?

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@gn9655 It depends. If it is only for 3 months, I would just rent. The problem is that you will likely be stuck with AirBNBs or hotels, which have gotten a lot more expensive.

[@ВиталийСлонов-ч4ъ]

I'll probably try to steer clear of touristy places-where rip-offs are par for the course-and go off the beaten track.

[@sanaahmed3787]

I love ❤your video the best thanks alot

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@damis2372]

I am told that Turkey is getting expensive due to the 60% inflation in the past 2 years. Rent double, food double, etc. I was looking at Antalya. Is that a fact?

[@jasontang4603]

Great videos with lots of info for upcoming travelers. One primary question that I want to ask is: is that country safety enough to travel around?

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Turkey is very safe, we had no issues whatsoever. Just be careful of possible scams, as with anywhere.

[@hannaht212]

Turkiye is very safe, BUT you must always be alert for pick-pockets and grab and dash thieves...more so in the larger cities and tourist areas. There are elaborate Scams set up to rob you or make you pay more than you should. do not fall for the "i do not have change for that large bill" scam by taxi drivers. Do not fall in to buying an artifact. If it were real, you would be breaking a law by owning it. People are creative to get in to your purse!

[@hermes8258]

Same in eastern Europe - smiling and chatting with strangers is not normal. Re: call to prayer - unlike in Malaysia the call to prayer is rather sweet and non-electronic (human). Where I stayed in Kadiikoy, Istanbul, the Adhan was seldom too loud for comfort (though it does blare in nearby Iskandar). Turkey is more secular than many other Muslim countries. Turkey is *not* the Middle East, neither geographically nor culturally. In fact, due to refugee immigration from Syria and for historical reasons, there is some animosity between Arabs and Turks. I spend four months in Turkey in 2021 and am keen to return. But you 'scared' me a bit by hearing that Istanbul is very busy now. During COVID, I found it quiet. Yes, a long and varied history. Regarding vegetarians, lacto-vegetarians will do fine *for breakfast only*. Vegans will have challenges.

[@alohastateofmind3565]

I thought you were saying Turkey ay? Since youre from Canada

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

No, trying to be respectful of the actual name of the country.

[@wwlt.trevor0512]

Do you happen to know does Turkey tax North Americans on their pensions, retirement income, etc?

[@SSupernova]

Tax status of non citizen residents are quite similar to citizens. If the money is transferred to you periodically via bank account you have to pay tax. On the other hand, %30-35 of total economy is black market, government dont ask about source of wealth during big purchases like house, land or car. Plus, 10000usd per person can be brought as cash for each travel. There is bilateral aggreement between usa and turkiye to yearly exchange history of banking but i dont think they take action unless there is suspect of criminal activity. All in all, your effective tax rate will be either 0 or not more than %20

[@GuidenceofQuran]

Are you guys still in Turkiye?

[@jeffperry8827]

I experienced very little Turkish hospitality after living in Antalya for over two months. There was no eye contact and no respect for your personal space as they rushed by acting like you were not even there. The grocery store workers acted like I was bothering them instead of welcoming. Nobody ever said thank you after purchases. Nobody ever said excuse me as they nearly knock you over on the sidewalks filled with motorized vehicles, pedestrians, dogs, cats, baby buggies - you name it traveling on the sidewalks like a free for all. My overall impression was the public was not welcoming except for the aggressive shop and restaurant workers/owners.

[@ishyandmikkischannel8811]

Useful comment. Maybe they are becoming more Westernised then? Losing the traditional Islamic hospitality? Or maybe too stressed from the 70% annual inflation. For comparison, you should travel to Finland and compare with the reknowned Finish warmth, hospitality and openess

[@albertomelendez9848]

Does Turkey have train routes to the inland places ?

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Yes they do - www.seat61.com/train-travel-in-turkey.htm

[@yabaniiybn]

As a Turk, after I retire, I am unable to live on my pension even in the remotest part of Africa. I cannot even buy the material to commit suicide in Turkey or in all European/Asian/American countries. consider yourself lucky.

[@tiyes94]

Turkish here, I would like add to the list of cons that people do scam quite a lot.

[@nicolascas2380]

So one person can live there with 35 k tl ?

[@39racka]

Yes

[@SSupernova]

Minimum wage of %42 of paid workers is 500usd, majority of the rest earns around 1000usd unless working as a doctor or at a key job in a big company. If rent is not included it will be enough. If you want luxurees it is like the Usa, there is no ceiling.

[@Carlos-qy8io]

The first prayer is on sun rise 😂. Buying a property to live in Turkiye is $200,000.

[@OstasHs]

Retire in Turkey? Why?

[@ArifKaratayli]

Next time come Bursa

[@gulayguthre9939]

I'm American and live in Turkey for 20 years you forgot one thing the Turkish people I have never in 20 years have a Turkish person be rude to me the People Are Awesome and this is very low crime rate in Turkey and the con is the Turkish drivers or a joke very dangerous drivers here😂

[@anthonyburke5656]

Retirement to Turkey was my plan, then Erdogan was elected, I put the plan on hold. Now, in my view, the Erdogan regime has taken 2 generation of work off the Turkish people. I have cancelled my plan to retire to Turkey.

[@nigelgraham8890]

FFS Going to a muslim country and be surprised that there is a call to prayer? Then to say it’s not a problem and continue to winge about the “noise” it makes. Wake up.

[@mart872uk]

Turkey - ay ?? Call to prayer being annoying - playing white noise . Ha ha Hidden culture -- oh yes .

[@vivyrox7202]

Turkey is absolutely a heaving mess at the moment - would not recommend AT ALL

[@mrtannguyen1122]

The whole point of the adhan is to call people to go do their Fajr prayer. God was calling you but you ignored it and went back to sleep.🧐