dirtfisher23
Jr. Member
- Jul 14, 2013
- 64
- 6
- Primary Interest:
- All Treasure Hunting
Living In Turkey Things Expats Need to Know
The laws and rules expats and travellers need to know to fit in when living in Turkey
You're here: Home » Living Abroad » Living in Turkey » Living In Turkey Things Expats Need to Know
Living In Turkey Things Expats Need to KnowWith strains between the Muslim world and the West still quite high, many would be expatriates are wondering what it might be like living in Turkey at the moment. This country, on the brink of European Union ascension, has long been a favourite holidaymaking destination for visitors from around the world. It even holds a strong draw for expats with nearly 40,000 Brits calling this country home, along with thousands from other countries around the world. Despite its draws, living in Turkey does come with some cautions.
In this article we’ll explore some of the customs and rules expats need to know about before deciding to live in Turkey. Overall this country is very welcoming and tolerant of foreigners, but there are some differences in philosophy and ways of life that Western Europeans are likely to notice.
Some of the major things that expats should be aware of before moving to Turkey include:
Terrorism threats. Whilst it’s true that most countries around the world have high terror warnings at present, Turkey has been attacked more than once. Some attacks have occurred in high security areas, but others have focused on tourist areas and the places that expats frequent. Caution should be used when travelling or living in Turkey.
Crime. The British government tells its citizens that crime in Turkey is generally fairly low. Petty robberies are generally the worst people face whilst living in Turkey. Still, sexual assaults in tourist areas have been reported and the British government does ominously point out the murder of three people at a Christian publishing house in Malatya in early 2007.
Politics. This is a gold-star area for living in Turkey. The government here is considered very stable and quite in control. Still, the democracy does see its share of demonstrations. Expats and travellers are advised to steer clear of getting involved.
Driving. Road conditions in Turkey are considered quite poor and serious accidents are not at all uncommon. British drivers will need an International Driving License to operate a vehicle. Drink driving in Turkey is highly frowned upon and can result in very steep fines.
Drug use/trafficking. Whilst upstanding citizens need not worry about this one, pleasure seekers should heed the warnings. Turkish officials do not take illegal drug use lightly. It can result in serious fines and prison sentences of up to 24 years. Get caught and British authorities are not likely to be able to help much at all.
Photo ID. It is against Turkish law not to have photo ID on one’s person whilst out in public. The British government recommends its citizens carry a photocopy of their passports at all time.
Metal detectors. The Turkish are very protective of their antiquities. Exporting them can result in a serious prison sentence. Even using a metal detector is considered a crime.
Dress. To respect the culture, it is suggested that expats and holidaymakers alike dress conservatively. This is especially so if visiting a mosque or other religious destination.
Respecting the country. It is a serious crime to insult the Turkish nation, its flag and its currency. Even tearing up money can be seen as a serious affront.
Millions of holidaymakers a year visit Turkey without any incidents. Thousands of expats too live within the country without concerns. Before picking up sticks to move to Turkey, it does pay to carefully study the country, its laws and culture. This ancient land is the ideal home for some expats, but others simply are not comfortable here.
The laws and rules expats and travellers need to know to fit in when living in Turkey
You're here: Home » Living Abroad » Living in Turkey » Living In Turkey Things Expats Need to Know
Living In Turkey Things Expats Need to KnowWith strains between the Muslim world and the West still quite high, many would be expatriates are wondering what it might be like living in Turkey at the moment. This country, on the brink of European Union ascension, has long been a favourite holidaymaking destination for visitors from around the world. It even holds a strong draw for expats with nearly 40,000 Brits calling this country home, along with thousands from other countries around the world. Despite its draws, living in Turkey does come with some cautions.
In this article we’ll explore some of the customs and rules expats need to know about before deciding to live in Turkey. Overall this country is very welcoming and tolerant of foreigners, but there are some differences in philosophy and ways of life that Western Europeans are likely to notice.
Some of the major things that expats should be aware of before moving to Turkey include:
Terrorism threats. Whilst it’s true that most countries around the world have high terror warnings at present, Turkey has been attacked more than once. Some attacks have occurred in high security areas, but others have focused on tourist areas and the places that expats frequent. Caution should be used when travelling or living in Turkey.
Crime. The British government tells its citizens that crime in Turkey is generally fairly low. Petty robberies are generally the worst people face whilst living in Turkey. Still, sexual assaults in tourist areas have been reported and the British government does ominously point out the murder of three people at a Christian publishing house in Malatya in early 2007.
Politics. This is a gold-star area for living in Turkey. The government here is considered very stable and quite in control. Still, the democracy does see its share of demonstrations. Expats and travellers are advised to steer clear of getting involved.
Driving. Road conditions in Turkey are considered quite poor and serious accidents are not at all uncommon. British drivers will need an International Driving License to operate a vehicle. Drink driving in Turkey is highly frowned upon and can result in very steep fines.
Drug use/trafficking. Whilst upstanding citizens need not worry about this one, pleasure seekers should heed the warnings. Turkish officials do not take illegal drug use lightly. It can result in serious fines and prison sentences of up to 24 years. Get caught and British authorities are not likely to be able to help much at all.
Photo ID. It is against Turkish law not to have photo ID on one’s person whilst out in public. The British government recommends its citizens carry a photocopy of their passports at all time.
Metal detectors. The Turkish are very protective of their antiquities. Exporting them can result in a serious prison sentence. Even using a metal detector is considered a crime.
Dress. To respect the culture, it is suggested that expats and holidaymakers alike dress conservatively. This is especially so if visiting a mosque or other religious destination.
Respecting the country. It is a serious crime to insult the Turkish nation, its flag and its currency. Even tearing up money can be seen as a serious affront.
Millions of holidaymakers a year visit Turkey without any incidents. Thousands of expats too live within the country without concerns. Before picking up sticks to move to Turkey, it does pay to carefully study the country, its laws and culture. This ancient land is the ideal home for some expats, but others simply are not comfortable here.