Useful information about Turkey

The cost of living in Turkey is generally much cheaper than in other European countries. Grocery Costs are around a third cheaper than in the UK, for example. Utilities bills including electricity and water are much cheaper. Mains water is very inexpensive as there is no separate standing or sewerage charges, only a flat rate on your meter reading.

Can I live in Turkey?

Yes you do you can live and travel in Turkey if; You hold a legal passport, the country you live in has a reciprocal agreement and you are not forbidden to enter Turkey by law. You can enter Turkey with any of the following visas: Single entry, Multiple visas, Transit visa or a Tourist visa.

When you first enter Turkey you must bring a tourist visa. This visa is only intended for 'short' visits and will cover the person for up to 90 days. If you intend to stay longer you will need to one of the following:

1. Leave the country and then re-enter and buy another tourist visa, or

2. Get a residence permit.

Education in Turkey is controlled nationally by the Ministry of Education their website in English can be found at www.meb.gov.trThe Mediterranean region is an ideal base for those who love the sun, and like to visit it annually, with its hot dry summers which are typical of southern Greece and Italy, and the mild winters last only from December to March. The climate of the Aegean is similar though with slightly lower temperatures.

Just for example below is a list of Turkish National holidays for 2008. On these days or half days most banks, all schools and government offices will all be closed.

1 January - New Year.

23 April - Children’s Byram

19 May - Sport Byram.

30 August – Victory (Zafer) Byram.

29 September (afternoon) - 2 October  - Ramazan / Seker Byram

29 October – Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Byram).

7 (afternoon) – 11 December – Festival of the Sacrifice (Kurban Byram).

Ramazan will begin on the 1st of September 2008.

The banking services in Turkey are: Three types of banks in Turkey, 100% are Private Owned, 100% Government owned and then 50%/50% Government and Private.

In most tourist areas you can find banks with English speaking staff. Most of the banks also have websites with English sections. You can open a bank account using your passport and a tax number.

Local time: The country is equal to GMT + 2 hours

Power: Electricity in Turkey is 230V, with 50 Hz frequency. The system uses alternating current (AC).

Read more about owning or buying a property for sale in Turkey from Overseas Property Centres.

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