Best Savings Accounts For Expats In Turkey part 2 – Part one is here.
Requirements to Open a Savings Account in Turkey
Have you ever wondered, “Can I open a savings account in Turkey as an expat?” Well, hold your horses because certain requirements need to be met before you can do so. In this section, you will find out what those requirements are and a few other useful bits of information about savings accounts in Turkey.
- Hold a valid Turkish National ID card or any form of Turkish government-issued identification bearing your photo and signature (i.e., passport, military ID).
- Obtain proof of address (i.e., Turkish utility bill or change of address form filled out by a notary public)
- Present a letter of employment from your place of work, including the company’s registration number, identification number, official stamp, and signature (in Turkish). If you are self-employed, you will need to present articles of incorporation from the Revenue Office (i.e., Muhasebe Müdürlüğü) and your business license.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide proof of income (you will be able to fill out the application form if you bring it back with you after opening your account in Turkey – the type of document varies depending on the bank that you choose).
- Understanding the Advantages of living in Turkey
Understanding the Advantages of Living in Turkey
Turkey is a country with many advantages. While it may be true that there are some disadvantages associated with living in Turkey, the pleasures of traveling here more easily and not worrying about the currency exchange far outweigh these negatives. Without further ado, below are the advantages of living in Turkey.
Very Low Prices
When you come to Turkey for the first time, you usually feel shocked because everything is cheap. It’s not only food or clothes; services are also way cheaper than in your home country. You can have a good restaurant dinner for around 20 lira, which equals less than 10 euro.
Interesting Food Culture
Although most of the Turkish foods are similar to the ones that are known in my home country, but they have their unique tastes. You can find almost every kind of food with different spices and cooking styles. Meanwhile, it’s not like you can try all these foods in one week, but it is part of the fun.
Rich History
If you are a history lover like me, while living in Turkey, you can learn more about the ancient civilizations all around Anatolia and Mesopotamia, which means the whole Middle East region! It’s not like you need to go to another continent to see these amazing old cities; they are 500 kilometers away from Istanbul.
Amazing Nature
The reason why I love living in Turkey is because of its nature. There are so many places to go hiking, trekking, or even camping all around the country. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are some of the most popular places to find beautiful beaches with clear blue waters. Also, there are national parks where you can go camping in the mountains and the forests.
Warm People
Despite our different cultures, Turks are very friendly and helpful to foreigners like me. You don’t need to be brave enough to talk with them because they will approach you if you look lost or confused; they will try to help you even before you say a word.
Turkish people are not used to seeing foreigners, and they go out of their way to help you if they think that you need it, but that’s just how they are in general. I know that every nation has its own culture and history, and there might be some bad things about living in Turkey like traffic jams or pollution, but it is a great country to live in. I recommend you visit/stay in Turkey; you won’t regret it!
Easy To Find A Job
If you are young and educated, finding a job in Turkey is not difficult. Most of the jobs are indeed related to tourism, but there are many other opportunities. So it’s easy to start your own business or study further education after high school.
Best Places to Resides In Turkey for Expats
There are many factors to consider when living in a country, especially a new one. You need to look at the affordability and your quality of life, and how safe it is there for you to live. When talking about what’s best regarding where to live as an expat in Turkey, we have put together a list from our own experiences after living here for many years.
So without further ado, let’s get started with our list of the top five places to reside in Turkey, which you may find suitable for your taste and needs.
1) Alanya
Alanya is a small city located within the Turkish region of Antalya. This peaceful and quiet city has everything you could want in residence, including an affordable cost of living, pristine beaches, breathtaking views, and plenty of historical beauty to see. The weather here is ideal for those who like sunny summer days or warm winter evenings.
2) Bodrum
Located along the Aegean Sea, this is a beautiful town in Turkey that has plenty to offer expatriates who are looking for an excellent place to live. A small city with a large appeal, there is something for everyone here. Luxurious villas, picturesque beaches, and wonderful sights throughout the region are just some of the benefits of living in Bodrum.
3) Istanbul
If you’re looking for big city life, then Istanbul is the place you might want to consider living in. Home to more than fourteen million people, this major metropolis is one of the most populated cities in Europe, and it’s where all the culture and action are. Living here can be a bit pricey, but those who live in the suburbs will find an affordable cost of living.
Conclusion
Savings accounts are seen as an essential part of life for any expatriate. Whether to save money, transfer funds or even prepare for the future, they’re one way to facilitate this. Yet sometimes, there is confusion about how these accounts work when residing in Turkey. Nonetheless, this article provides the best guides.
