Getting to know the country and its culture are the immediate priorities of "Izmir Blogger" as she and her husband settle down in Izmir, Turkey. Here, she shares tips with people who are considering moving to and living in Turkey on things like what to be on one's guard for and what to anticipate in this country.	Izmir Blogger

-Where were you born?
Southeastern Europe

-In which country and city are you living now?
Izmir, Turkey

-Are you living alone or with your family?
With my husband and our dog

-How long have you been living in Turkey?
I arrived in Izmir in June, so let's see... nearly 4 whole months!

-What is your age?
33 years old

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Turkey?
Both my husband and I have lived in various countries both in Europe and overseas--and our families are scattered across the globe--so it never seemed like something unheard of to do. Due to his job, we knew that we would be offered the possibility of living abroad, we just didn't know which country would be "the one." We liked the idea that neither of us had ever lived here before, so it would be a place to discover together. Also, Turkey is near enough to immediate family, so we can keep in touch and visit quite easily.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
No, it was done via my husband's employer.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
Not at all, we arranged it so we could have International Health Insurance.

-How do you make your living in Turkey? Do you have any type of income generated?
We came here via my husband's employer, and he still works for the same company he worked for back home. I'll be looking for a job myself, once my Turkish is past the basic beginner level.

-Do you speak Turkish and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Not yet! But we're learning. I'm taking intensive classes and hopefully it'll improve quickly. It's much tougher learning a language when you're in an expat environment than if you're a student or working for a local company. Now we have satellite TV and Internet - although Internet in particular makes life so much easier especially in the beginning when you don't know anyone!

It's definitely important for expats to try to respect local customs, although sometimes we make mistakes unknowingly and unwillingly. Likewise, I think it's important for countries welcoming foreigners, to help them integrate without judging them if they do not share the same beliefs, values or religion.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
YES! We are planning a short trip home next month. Mostly, we miss friends and places that made home, "home" - it takes time to make friends and find your favorite restaurant, bar or park for walking your dog.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
Well, we've just arrived, so for now, we're concentrating on making the best of the present and getting to know this country, its culture and language. We'll probably travel around Turkey in the immediate future. However, who knows what can happen in a couple of years?

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We are renting a house here. The rent is very expensive as it's been adapted to our "expat status" - but thankfully my husband's employer contributes to the rent. Buying property in Turkey however, is very reasonable compared to Western Europe. Of course, buying in Istanbul or in the key spots of the Aegean coast is more expensive, but still very affordable... however prices are rising so I recommend you browse the Web for a ballpark figure.

-What is the cost of living in Turkey?
It all depends on what you like to do. As in most developing countries, living like in Western Europe is going to be as expensive, if not more expensive than back home. If however, you are willing to eat locally produced food, typical dishes, live among locals, then the cost of living is comparable to the prices in Portugal for instance. (Again, if you are talking about Istanbul, then it's more expensive than out in the south, except for the key tourist areas.)

-What do you think about the Turkish people?
Turkish people are generally very friendly, (even too friendly sometimes! It gets hard to be asked if you like Turkey 25 times a day, and if they can practice English with you!). They will however take every opportunity to make a quick buck and test your price elasticity! So whatever price you're asked to pay, begin by halving it - in poorer areas, a foreigner is synonymous to wealthy, and they will always try to charge you more for electricity, rent, car repair, a hairdo - you name it. Once they realize you live here, they become a bit more reasonable.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Turkey?
The climate is great, except for the month of August, which can be hellishly hot. The food is good, and notwithstanding what I said above, generally a Turkish person will always help someone in need. They are very hospitable. On the downside, their driving is completely suicidal and lawless, so it takes some time getting used to (read more from an expat trying to adapt to local driving habits). The seismic activity is quite significant in the Izmir area of Turkey, and our neighbors who have been here for nearly three years said the earthquakes were terrifying. Also, recently, the bombings by the PKK targeting the tourism industry are disquieting.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Turkey?
Learn to be patient, things take time to get done here. Be extra careful driving and expect the unexpected on the roads. Also, learn the language basics quickly - it's always nice to see people trying to adapt. And beware that your foreign mobile phone requires a resident permit if you're planning on staying longer than a month!

Don't travel to the East of Turkey on your own - especially if you're a woman.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Turkey?
Izmir Blog: a Blog by people living in Izmir
Turkey Travel Planner: all you need to know to help you plan a trip to Turkey
Zephyria Yachting: for a blue cruise you'll remember
Not-so-desperate-yugowife: for an expat's musings on Turkey and other stuff