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

In this video Jenny and Noel talk about retiring ( or living ) in Turkey (Türkiye). Information is given on the cities of Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir. We give you the straight talk about retiring in Turkey: the pros and cons.
We discuss the many different pros and cons of retiring in Turkey. We also talk about whether or not we think Turkey is a good place to retire or live long-term. We include a discussion of the different areas in Turkey: Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir.

Пікірлер: 98

  • @gryblk21
    @gryblk2110 ай бұрын

    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

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    10 ай бұрын

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

  • @ismo5204
    @ismo52047 ай бұрын

    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

    @tacrewgirl

    6 ай бұрын

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

  • @ismo5204

    @ismo5204

    6 ай бұрын

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

  • @tacrewgirl

    @tacrewgirl

    6 ай бұрын

    @@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

    @ismo5204

    6 ай бұрын

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

  • @thebells516
    @thebells5163 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @SanerKurbay
    @SanerKurbay11 ай бұрын

    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

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    11 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @gryblk21

    @gryblk21

    10 ай бұрын

    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

    @SanerKurbay

    10 ай бұрын

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

  • @livingoverseasonadime5933

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    10 ай бұрын

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

  • @hannaht212
    @hannaht2126 ай бұрын

    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

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    5 ай бұрын

    That is great news! Visa free travel is fabulous.

  • @secaattinakyuz6778
    @secaattinakyuz67785 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @rogermichaelwillis6425
    @rogermichaelwillis642510 ай бұрын

    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

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    10 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @rogermichaelwillis6425

    @rogermichaelwillis6425

    10 ай бұрын

    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

    @lisac747

    10 ай бұрын

    I really wanna live there when I retire.

  • @livingoverseasonadime5933

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    10 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching!@@lisac747

  • @kamelelkolli3331
    @kamelelkolli33317 ай бұрын

    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

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @livingworkingoutsidebox
    @livingworkingoutsidebox5 ай бұрын

    Just found your channel. Great run down. 👍

  • @monikawaldhauser8192
    @monikawaldhauser819210 ай бұрын

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

  • @livingoverseasonadime5933

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    10 ай бұрын

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

  • @GreatCityAttractions
    @GreatCityAttractions11 ай бұрын

    Another great and thoughtful video guys - well done.

  • @livingoverseasonadime5933

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    11 ай бұрын

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

  • @colleenporter316
    @colleenporter3169 ай бұрын

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

  • @livingoverseasonadime5933

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    9 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @ishyandmikkischannel8811
    @ishyandmikkischannel8811Ай бұрын

    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!

  • @snailtravelers
    @snailtravelers Жыл бұрын

    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

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @tacrewgirl
    @tacrewgirl6 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @cris471
    @cris47111 ай бұрын

    Very insightful indeed Thank you

  • @livingoverseasonadime5933

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    11 ай бұрын

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

  • @maudyvictoria1598
    @maudyvictoria15986 ай бұрын

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

  • @vectorifix3218
    @vectorifix32189 ай бұрын

    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

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    9 ай бұрын

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

  • @ishyandmikkischannel8811

    @ishyandmikkischannel8811

    Ай бұрын

    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%?

  • @Adnanseethetruth
    @Adnanseethetruth10 ай бұрын

    Excellent information and great vedio. I like it .Thanks 👌

  • @livingoverseasonadime5933

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    10 ай бұрын

    We are glad you enjoyed it.

  • @daadirabbi
    @daadirabbi10 ай бұрын

    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

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    10 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @mubashirjan5940
    @mubashirjan59405 ай бұрын

    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 !

  • @sanaahmed3787
    @sanaahmed37877 ай бұрын

    I love ❤your video the best thanks alot

  • @livingoverseasonadime5933

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    7 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @angeladiaz5693
    @angeladiaz56938 ай бұрын

    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

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    8 ай бұрын

    It is an amazing country. Thanks for watching!

  • @jeffperry8827
    @jeffperry8827Ай бұрын

    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

    @ishyandmikkischannel8811

    Ай бұрын

    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

  • @trendtalklive
    @trendtalklive6 ай бұрын

    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

    @Alaminzaid1

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you

  • @stlmirela

    @stlmirela

    22 күн бұрын

    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

    @39racka

    6 күн бұрын

    I live in Antalya ​@@stlmirela

  • @39racka

    @39racka

    6 күн бұрын

    How do you become a naturalized citizen?

  • @trendtalklive

    @trendtalklive

    6 күн бұрын

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

  • @tiyes94
    @tiyes947 ай бұрын

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

  • @koseku3
    @koseku35 ай бұрын

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

  • @hamzaciftcibas2442
    @hamzaciftcibas24423 ай бұрын

    ben türküm ve memnun kaldığınıza sevindim birşy sormak isterseniz yazabilirsiniz

  • @jasontang4603
    @jasontang460310 ай бұрын

    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

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    10 ай бұрын

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

  • @hannaht212

    @hannaht212

    6 ай бұрын

    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
    @hermes825812 күн бұрын

    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.

  • @fikarme
    @fikarme9 ай бұрын

    7:15 antalya has 3 tram lines

  • @livingoverseasonadime5933

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    9 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @marlam3891
    @marlam38919 ай бұрын

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

  • @livingoverseasonadime5933

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    9 ай бұрын

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

  • @marlam3891

    @marlam3891

    9 ай бұрын

    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

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    9 ай бұрын

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

  • @tijenhoca6371

    @tijenhoca6371

    7 күн бұрын

    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.

  • @marciemoo
    @marciemoo11 ай бұрын

    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

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    11 ай бұрын

    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

    @gn9655

    11 ай бұрын

    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

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    11 ай бұрын

    @@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.

  • @albertomelendez9848
    @albertomelendez98486 ай бұрын

    Does Turkey have train routes to the inland places ?

  • @livingoverseasonadime5933

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    5 ай бұрын

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

  • @damis2372
    @damis23723 ай бұрын

    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?

  • @ArifKaratayli
    @ArifKaratayli3 ай бұрын

    Next time come Bursa

  • @lovedbysome5402
    @lovedbysome54022 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @alohastateofmind3565
    @alohastateofmind356511 ай бұрын

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

  • @livingoverseasonadime5933

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    11 ай бұрын

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

  • @nicolascas2380
    @nicolascas23802 ай бұрын

    So one person can live there with 35 k tl ?

  • @39racka

    @39racka

    6 күн бұрын

    Yes

  • @Carlos-qy8io
    @Carlos-qy8io2 ай бұрын

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

  • @anthonyburke5656
    @anthonyburke56562 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @mart872uk
    @mart872ukАй бұрын

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

  • @muskegmudsuck
    @muskegmudsuck9 ай бұрын

    Thanks!! Did you see many people busking?

  • @livingoverseasonadime5933

    @livingoverseasonadime5933

    9 ай бұрын

    A fair amount - but almost all were locals.

  • @mrtannguyen1122
    @mrtannguyen11226 ай бұрын

    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.🧐