What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Turkey?
We asked people in Turkey if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"It is important to be respectful of the culture and customs of Turkey. It is considered rude to show the soles of your feet, so avoid sitting with your feet pointing towards someone or putting your feet up on furniture. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid discussing politics or religion in public, as these topics can be sensitive. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs when it comes to eating and drinking, such as not eating with your left hand or drinking alcohol in public," commented one expat who made the move to Turkey.
BlueCross BlueShield Global SolutionsGet Quote
BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
BlueCross BlueShield Global SolutionsBlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote
"I told my students in class one day that I was afraid of something, but I actually said that I "smelled bad"--the words are similar in Turkish," remarked another expat in Istanbul, Turkey.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Turkey?
- How do I find a place to live in Turkey?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Turkey?
- What is the average cost of housing in Turkey?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Turkey?
- What should I pack when moving to Turkey?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Turkey?
- Why do people move to Turkey?
- What are healthcare services like in Turkey?
- What are medical services in Turkey like?
- What are typical rents in Turkey?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Turkey?
If you live in Turkey, newcomers to Turkey would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
