GUIDE FOR
Turkey has become an increasingly popular destination for expats, retirees, and digital nomads thanks to its warm climate, affordable lifestyle, rich culture, and strategic location between Europe and Asia. With stunning coastlines, vibrant cities, and a welcoming atmosphere, Turkey offers an exceptional quality of life for newcomers. Whether you’re dreaming of relaxing on Mediterranean beaches, exploring ancient ruins, or enjoying Istanbul’s bustling urban energy, Turkey has something for everyone.
To make your transition smooth, it’s important to understand the country’s culture, work environment, practical logistics, and relocation costs.
This guide provides an overview of Turkey, including culture, work life, language basics, and essential tips for moving.
How much does it cost to move to Turkey ?
Moving to Turkey can vary significantly in cost depending on your origin country, shipment volume, and transport method. Below are typical 2025 price ranges to help you plan your relocation budget.
Average moving costs by region of origin
From within Europe: €1,500 – €4,500
From the UK: €2,000 – €5,000
From North America (USA/Canada): €4,500 – €9,000
From the Middle East: €2,500 – €5,500
From Asia: €5,000 – €10,000
From Oceania: €5,000 – €11,000
From Latin America: €6,000 – €12,000
Costs change depending on the size of your shipment, whether you choose shared container (groupage) or full container service, and add-ons such as packing, customs handling, insurance, or storage.
Factors that influence your moving cost
Distance and country of origin
Volume of belongings (m³)
Transport method:
Sea freight – more economical
Air freight – faster but more expensive
Seasonality: higher demand in spring and summer
Additional services: packing, customs assistance, insurance, vehicle transport, pet relocation, temporary storage
A Glimpse into Turkey
Geography and climate
Turkey sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offering an incredibly diverse landscape—from the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts to the volcanic terrain of Cappadocia and the snow-capped mountains in the east.
Climate varies across regions:
Mediterranean & Aegean coasts: hot, dry summers and mild winters
Central Anatolia: continental climate with hot summers, cold winters
Black Sea region: lush, green, and rainy year-round
Eastern Turkey: harsh winters, cooler summers
With so many climate zones, Turkey offers environments to suit every preference.
A snapshot of history
Turkey’s history spans thousands of years and is shaped by iconic civilizations, empires, and cultural influences.
Key historical highlights:
Ancient Anatolia: home to Hittites, Romans, and Byzantines
Ottoman Empire (1299–1922): one of history’s longest-lasting and most influential empires
Republic of Turkey (established 1923): founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who modernized the nation
Modern Turkey: a dynamic mix of tradition and modernity, with bustling cities and preserved historical sites
From the Hagia Sophia to Ephesus and Cappadocia’s cave dwellings, the country’s layered past is visible everywhere, making daily life feel like a journey through history.
Diving into Turkish culture
Turkish culture is warm, social, and deeply rooted in hospitality. Relationships, traditions, and community are at the heart of everyday life.
Food and drink
Turkish cuisine is rich, diverse, and incredibly flavourful. Some iconic dishes include:
Kebabs & döner
Meze (small shared appetizers)
Baklava & Turkish delight
Menemen (Turkish-style scrambled eggs)
Simit (sesame bread rings)
Çay (Turkish tea) served all day
Sharing meals is an important cultural ritual, and guests are always warmly welcomed.
Festivals
Turkey celebrates a wide range of festivals, from cultural to religious to modern arts events:
Republic Day (29 October)
Ramadan & Eid festivals
Istanbul Film Festival
International Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival
Whirling Dervish ceremonies
These celebrations highlight the country’s vibrant energy and strong traditions.
Lifestyle and social norms
Turkey values community, hospitality, and respect. Some lifestyle elements include:
Warm social culture: people are friendly and eager to help newcomers
Tea culture: offering tea is a sign of kindness and connection
Family orientation: family ties are strong and central to daily life
Relaxed pace in many regions: coastal and rural areas enjoy a slower, more Mediterranean lifestyle
Modern yet traditional cities: Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir blend cosmopolitan living with heritage
Understanding these cultural norms will help you integrate smoothly.
Working in Turkey
Turkey’s work culture varies by industry but generally blends professionalism with strong interpersonal relationships.
Business culture
Personal connections matter, networking is important
Hierarchy and respect play key roles
Meetings often start with casual conversation
Punctuality is valued, especially in corporate settings
Job opportunities for expats
Education (English teaching)
Tourism & hospitality
Engineering
IT & technology
International trade
Real estate and property services
Turkey is also becoming more popular among digital nomads, particularly in cities like Istanbul and coastal hubs such as Antalya and Izmir.
Türkçe (Turkish) made simple
Learning basic Turkish will greatly improve your experience, even though many urban residents speak some English.
Common Turkish phrases
English | Turkish |
|---|---|
Hello | Merhaba |
Goodbye | Hoşça kal / Güle güle |
Thank you | Teşekkür ederim |
Please | Lütfen |
How are you? | Nasılsın? |
I don’t understand | Anlamıyorum |
Where is the nearest…? | En yakın … nerede? |
Can you help me? | Bana yardım edebilir misiniz? |
How much does this cost? | Bu ne kadar? |
Do you speak English? | İngilizce biliyor musunuz? |
Even simple phrases can make daily interactions much smoother.
Final thoughts
Turkey offers an incredible blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, warm hospitality, and affordable living. Whether you're seeking coastal relaxation, vibrant city life, or historical exploration, Turkey has something special to offer every newcomer.
Immerse yourself in its culture, enjoy its welcoming communities, and discover why so many people are choosing to call Turkey home.
Türkiye’ye hoş geldiniz! (Welcome to Turkey!)
Sponsors
APRIL International provides flexible international health insurance for expats, travelers, students, and businesses, offering worldwide coverage and easy access to quality healthcare.
Abroad Experience connects international professionals with multilingual career opportunities in the Netherlands, offering recruitment support and career guidance.
ActiveQuote is a health insurance comparison platform that helps individuals and businesses easily compare and choose the right health plans.
Aetna provides comprehensive health insurance plans for individuals, families, and businesses, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness solutions worldwide.
We connect people and businesses across cultures and languages, helping organizations build strong international relationships and expand globally.
AIMS provides immigration and relocation services, specializing in visas, residency, investment migration, and global mobility solutions across Asia.
APRIL International provides flexible international health insurance for expats, students, travelers, and businesses, offering worldwide medical coverage and digital support.
Apt Wealth Partners provides personalized wealth management, financial planning, and investment advice to help individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals.
AvD is Germany’s historic automobile club, promoting road safety, motorsport, driver support, and the preservation of classic vehicles.
AXA Global Healthcare provides international health insurance, giving members worldwide access to quality medical care and ongoing healthcare support.
Load More
Start now
