Istanbul - Post Report Question and Answers
Can you save money?
Not if you are a spendthrift. - Oct 2010
I save 3/4 of my income, but I don't try to live like a foreigner either. - Jan 2010
Not here. London prices and Middle Eastern quality in return. Very expensive city. - Jan 2010
Yes, if you live modestly and avoid nice meals and trips, but then what's the fun of being here? - Dec 2009
Absolutely not, unless you live like a hermit. The cost of living is extremely high here. As a diplomat you can get items tax free, but only if the merchant knows how to file the paperwork or wants to. It's a huge process and most merchants will claim they can't do it. Taxes on food are low 5%-12%, and high on services 23%-33%. - Dec 2009
