Living Abroad as a Developer: A Review Series - Turkey

Over the past two years, I have lived in four different countries, and I’d love to share my experiences from a developer’s perspective.

First on the list: Turkey 🇹🇷

Pros:

✅ Affordable Cost of Living – A year ago, you could rent an apartment by the sea in a small town like Avsallar (Alanya) for around €500-600.
✅ Top Nomad Destination – According to NomadList.com, Antalya has been ranked as one of the most cost-effective cities in the world.
✅ Strong Expat & CIS Community – Finding fellow expats is quite easy.
✅ Visa-Free for CIS Citizens – No complicated paperwork required.
✅ Easy Crypto Transactions – Convenient deposit and withdrawal options with minimal fees.
✅ Fantastic Weather & Nature – Sun, sea, and a warm climate all year round.
✅ Depreciating Lira, Slow Price Adjustments – Currency fluctuations often make life more affordable.
✅ Warm & Hospitable Locals – Turkish people are incredibly kind and welcoming, though forming deep connections may take time.

Cons:

❌ Small Town Life Can Be Dull – Outside major cities, entertainment options are quite limited.
❌ Cultural Integration Challenges – Personally, I struggled to fully integrate into Turkish society.
❌ Legal Residency Challenges – Long-term stay options are complicated. Even property owners sometimes face visa renewal issues.
❌ Limited Local Entertainment – Many services cater primarily to tourists.
❌ Stray & Aggressive Pets – Large numbers of stray and sometimes aggressive animals can be a concern, especially for pet owners.
❌ Seasonal Price Hikes – Service costs can double, and rent prices can increase by 50% during tourist season.
❌ IMEI Blocking – Foreign phones get blocked after 120 days unless registered, forcing you to buy a local device at inflated prices (though workarounds exist).
❌ Common Scams & Contract Traps – Be prepared for overpricing, faulty rentals, and tricky contract clauses.
❌ Police & Legal System Bias – Disputes often favor locals, making conflict resolution challenging.
❌ Provincial Lifestyle Differences – If you're used to a fast-paced urban environment, adjusting may be tough.

Final Verdict

Despite its advantages, Turkey didn’t quite match my expectations. Life there felt somewhat monotonous, especially in smaller towns. While I later visited Istanbul and found it more appealing, I wouldn’t choose to return.

My Tips for Living in Turkey

1️⃣ Avoid peak tourist season – Arriving in winter allows you to secure better long-term rental deals.
2️⃣ Don’t stress over overstaying – Fines apply, but entry bans are temporary and not easily imposed.
3️⃣ Build local connections – Having friends on the ground makes life significantly easier.
4️⃣ Limit currency exchange to lira – The lira's volatility makes it unreliable for long-term savings.
5️⃣ Prioritize crypto transactions over money transfer services like Western Union or Koronapay.
6️⃣ Always Negotiate Prices – Whether you’re renting an apartment, shopping at a local market, or even dealing with service providers, bargaining is a must. Prices are often set with the expectation of negotiation, so don’t hesitate to ask for a better deal. It’s a common practice and can save you a lot in the long run!

What’s Next?

Living in Turkey was a unique experience, but how does it compare to other countries? In the upcoming posts, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on:
🇬🇪 Georgia – A digital nomad's paradise or just another expat hub?
🇮🇱 Israel – High-tech opportunities, cultural diversity, and the cost of living.
🇨🇾 Cyprus – The balance between European standards and a laid-back island lifestyle.

💬 Have you lived in Turkey or visited? What were your impressions? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Would you rather live in a budget-friendly country or one with more career opportunities? 🤔 Stay tuned for the next post! 🚀