What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Turkey. They wrote...
"Expats in Turkey often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the country's conservative values and customs can be difficult to adjust to, especially for those coming from more liberal backgrounds. Furthermore, the Turkish bureaucracy can be complex and time-consuming to navigate, making it difficult for expats to settle in. Finally, the country's strong sense of national pride can make it difficult for expats to feel accepted and integrated into the local culture," said another expat in Turkey.
"Getting used to the challenges of walking everywhere and dealing with traffic--pedestrians do not have the right of way here. It's also been difficult to deal with my children's schooling (I have two boys aged 11 and 8)," wrote a member who made the move to Istanbul, Turkey.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Turkey?
- How do I meet people in Turkey?
- What is life like in Turkey?
- Is there a lot of crime in Turkey?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Turkey accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Turkey like?
- Is the cost of living in Turkey high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Turkey?
- What are healthcare services like in Turkey?
- Is the cost of living in Turkey high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Turkey?
- What is the weather like in Turkey?
- Are there good restaurants in Turkey?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Turkey?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Turkey?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Turkey?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Turkey?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Turkey?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
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.


