Moving to Turkey solo

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator24 November 2021 05:37:33

13240

Hello everybody,

Moving to Turkey is a challenge in itself, but even more when you decide to go alone. If this was your case when you arrived, we would like you to share your experience. It might help other people who are also preparing for this new life in Turkey.

Do you have any tips for people who are about to move to Turkey on their own? Is the country suitable, for instance, for a single woman?

What was your state of mind when you arrived in Turkey?

What type of accommodation did you choose: house-share, self-contained accommodation or apartment complex?

How did your integration go once settled? Do you think that being alone made it easier to make friends?

Did you encounter any particular difficulties, being alone when you arrived? If you had to do it all over again, would you take a chance?

Thank you for your contribution!

Cheryl,
草榴社区 team

Kaplan_George Active member

Member since 29 January 2020

Kaplan_GeorgeActive member01 December 2021 09:38:19

I came to Turkey with my wife in 2014. But sadly she died in 2019. So I have lived alone for the past two years. Also I live in a traditional Turkish village and I am the only foreigner for many miles around. That said I have a long standing Turkish friend who is a neighbour. He speaks good English and is a safety net. My advice to people coming solo to Turkey is firstly to do a lot of homework before you come. I did plenty. The internet allows you to check out many things and gain experience especially from expat Facebook Groups and turkishliving.com. Then come first on a holiday and check out where you want to live. When you have found your ideal place come again in winter. The seasons may change your mind. Rent first before you buy. Try to learn the language. Even if you have a big expat community nearby speaking Turkish will gain you local friends and acquaintances and save you money. Visit Doc Martin鈥檚草榴社区 Surgery on Facebook for answers to every question you will have. Then read as much as possible from expats who have lived here. Author Lisa Morrow has written several books and I too have a book called Twelve Camels For Your Wife (on Amazon) that covers Turkey鈥檚 culture, customs, social mores, history and much more. You won鈥檛 regret your decision to move to Turkey.