Ankara, Turkey Report of what it's like to live there - 04/04/14
Personal Experiences from Ankara, Turkey
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Germany.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Virginia - 20-30 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government. Non-DOS.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Apartments. Most of them good size and in good locations spread out in the city.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Widely available, cheap.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Yes and cheap. They all deliver! Download yemeksepeti on your smartphone.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
No issues.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO. We had many things not arrive or with items removed from the package. Things have changed though.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available. Around US$50 a day
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, we use Joya.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Safe so far.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Some. I took private lessons.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. The city is hilly, ramps are few and badly constructed.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, cheap but not all that safe. Drivers are maniacs!
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
All wheel drive is highly recommended. Something with high rating for crashes is also good. Turkey is the "European" country with most traffic-related fatalities.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, around US$40.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Vodafone.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No. Great vets. And cheap!
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Not really. I was offered jobs at local schools provided I didn't apply for the work permit...
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Many from refugee work to pet shelters.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Feels smart casual in the Embassy.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
The Embassy was bombed a year ago. Few occasions of potential threats afterwards.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
None, great hospitals.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
The air quality oscillates from almost breathable in the summer to horrible burnt smell air in the winter.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
4 seasons ranging from hot summers to mild winters.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Many schools available with varied curriculums. Our children go to Oasis which runs the U.S.-led curriculum. We are very happy with the school. The teachers are always making sure they fulfill their assignments, communication flows well and targets are accurately assigned. Contrary to other surveys, the school is not that religious nor do they persecute non-religious folks such as us. They have bible study which is optional and it has very broad subjects mostly related to character traits. The school was very receptive to criticism about its security and has upgraded its system. More security guards and surveillance systems were added this year. Our children were made to feel at home from the moment we arrived.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
None.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, both on the economy and at the base. My children were able to do swim classes, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, tennis.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Big community, mixed views. Embassy needs more happy hours for sure.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Many, from movies, concerts, opera, etc.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes for all.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not aware.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not aware.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Travel. Had more visitors here in two years that in 6 years in Germany.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Walks around Eymir Golu (Lake), trips to old town ULUS, Lavish lunches at Liva or Elizinn.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Carpets, ceramics, wood carved furniture, etc.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Travel. We have traveled quite a bit since getting posted here. Turkey is filled with historical sites. Incredible ancient history coming back to life from Antep all the way to Efes.
10. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Employment opportunities are far less than in Germany.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
High heels.
4. But don't forget your:
Travel guides.
