Can you survive with English in Turkey?

FAQs. Can you survive in Turkey with English? Absolutely! English is widely spoken in cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, as well as smaller towns like Bodrum and Izmir.

Can you work in Turkey if you only speak English?

However, English-speaking foreign workers are in high demand in the teaching and tourism industries. Fluency in Turkish is not essential, but a good grasp of the language is helpful to succeed in most jobs. Despite the low cost of living, most graduate salaries in Turkey only cover basic living costs.

Is English widely spoken in Turkey?

About 17% of Turkey can speak English as a foreign language. It is more common to see English-speaking people in tourist areas such as Istanbul and Antalya. As stated by the English Proficiency Index, Turkey ranked 69 among the top 100 English-speaking countries in the world in 2020.

Can you live in Turkey without speaking Turkish?

But if you're planning to settle down in a tourist-oriented area, you may be able to get by without needing Turkish. It's possible to live comfortably without the language if you're surrounded by people who understand English, German and Russian.

Is it hard to live in Turkey as a foreigner?

With its reasonable cost of living, landscape, weather, and friendly people, Turkey is becoming a top destination for foreigners. Moving to Turkey is possible, but it takes a few steps. The following article will serve as a guide for those interested in moving to Turkey in 2023.

I teach you English in Istanbul - Turkey 🇹🇷

Can I live in Turkey as a US citizen?

After obtaining your work permit and work visa, U.S. citizens planning to remain in Turkey for more than 90 days must also obtain a residence permit after arrival in Turkey. Residence permits are available through the Directorate of General of Migration Management (DGMM) website.

What are disadvantages of living in Turkey?

Perhaps the most important disadvantages of living in Turkey is related to the language, as the Turks prefer to communicate in their language and love those who speak it, therefore, the residents in Turkey face difficulty in communication, but the Turkish language is one of the languages that can be learned very ...

How is life in Turkey for foreigners?

The cost of living in Turkey is lower than in many European countries. In particular, public transport is cheap and housing is good value for money compared to the rest of Europe and the USA. Buying food at a local market is the cheapest option.

Are Turkish people friendly to foreigners?

YES, locals are definitely very friendly with foreigners. It is deeply anchored in the Turkish culture to welcome everyone, and provide assistance whenever needed. You will often see for yourself locals asking you to sit for a small chit chat, have a small cup of coffee.

Can you just move to Turkey?

Anyone wishing to move to Turkey for more than 90 days must apply for a Turkish visa. The type of visa depends on the purpose of the trip to Turkey: Study visa – this type of visa is issued by Britons who are going to Turkey to get an education, for an internship, to attend courses or for other educational purposes.

Is Istanbul English friendly?

Turkish is the official language of Turkey and English is widely spoken in Istanbul; visitors are often surprised by the relatively high level of English spoken by most Turks. An attempt to use Turkish is very much appreciated and considered good manners, though. See more information on the Turkish Language here.

Can I show my tattoos in Turkey?

Although it is a Muslim dominated country, Islamic laws does not apply to the social life. You can drink alcohol, you can get as many tattoos as you wish, you can have sex before marriage, you can wear whatever you want, you can kiss your date publicly and the list continues…

Where do most English people live in Turkey?

The majority of white-collar worker Britons are found in Istanbul and Izmir, with smaller populations scattered throughout the capital Ankara. British residents living in smaller urban centres are mainly occupied in the textile and energy sectors. Especially Muğla is a preferred region for retirees.

Is it safe to go to Turkey right now?

It depends on where you're travelling to but most regions in Turkey are safe and tourist-friendly. However, the Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria, and all but essential travel to the Sirnak and Hakkari provinces.

What are the top 3 languages spoken in Turkey?

The languages of Turkey, apart from the official language Turkish, include the widespread Kurdish (Kurmanji) and Arabic, and a number of less common minority languages.

Does Istanbul speak English?

You won't have any trouble in Istanbul with the language, many people speak English and/or German and French. People will also be very appreciative if you do use Turkish as often as you can, so keep up the learning - I know it's not easy!

How strict is Turkey?

Turkey is a Muslim country with strict customs and traditions, so a tourist should not dress openly, this rule applies to both men and women. Also, being on municipal public beaches without a bathing suit is prohibited by law.

Can Turkish people kiss in public?

In Turkey, public displays of affection, including kissing, are generally acceptable in more liberal and touristy areas. However, it's important to be mindful of local customs and traditions, particularly in more conservative regions.

How safe is Istanbul for tourists?

It is predominantly safe in Istanbul for tourists, whether solo travelers or family travelers. There are some potential crimes and scams that you need to look out for during your stay. Turkish authorities are aiding in preventing these petty crimes to keep tourism alive in the city.

How much money do you need to live a comfortable life in Turkey?

How much money do I need to live comfortably in Turkey? That depends on a place you're moving to. In Istanbul it is better to have at least $2,000 per month to live comfortably, as it is the most expensive city in Turkey. In Ankara or Izmir, $1,500—$2,000 will be enough.

Is Turkey a happy place to live?

Turkey has slid back eight spots to 112th place in the 2022 World Happiness Report, which measures the happiness levels of 146 countries.

Is Turkey a cheap place to live?

The average cost of living in Turkey in USD for foreigners is $600 per month for a cheap lifestyle or $1,500 per month for someone who prefers more luxuries and entertainment. Turkish health insurance is extremely cheap for foreigners.

What is it like to live in Turkey as a woman?

Women in Turkey: Gender Equality

In Turkey, women are free. Free to dress how they want (no head scarfs required, except when entering a mosque), go where they want, drive, work, etc. On the surface, some parts of Turkey (parts of Istanbul and Izmir for sure) feel like Mediterranean Europe. But it's not.

How much money do I need to move to Turkey?

Choosing to live in Turkey, you can really save some money, because the country has a warm climate and always fresh products. You can find out more about the peculiarities of life in Turkey at the link. A family of 2 people in Turkey should count on a budget of 10,000 - 15,000 lira (€500-750) per month.