Bree Holter, who covers the digital nomad lifestyle on her YouTube channel One Bag One World and was previously based in Turkey for one month, says “the real benefit of digital-nomading in Turkey was getting outside of the major cities.” Exploring less-crowded and more affordable destinations like Izmir was a highlight of her time in Turkey, she tells Traveler, noting the historic coastal city is great for those looking for a slower-paced lifestyle.
If you’re interested in a more lively seaside city, Bodrum might be more your speed, which is world famous for its vibrant nightlife scene. The Aegean coastline gives way to neighborhoods lined with whitewashed buildings, stone-paved streets, and top-notch restaurants. Expect to mingle with jetsetters visiting Bodrum’s glamorous five-star beach resorts and swimming in the city’s azure waters.
Tips for being a respectful digital nomad in Turkey
Given the current exchange rate in Turkey, the cost of living for Americans is dramatically lower than in major cities across the US. In Istanbul, the average monthly cost for a single person is about $542, excluding rent, according to Global Citizen Solutions, a consultancy firm that helps facilitate investments abroad. In a smaller city, like Izmir, the average cost of living drops to about $435 without rent for a single person. Prices for everyday purchases, like food at a restaurant, taking public transportation, or seeing a movie, are generally more affordable, too.
However, it’s important to note that the economic situation in Turkey is currently volatile, with national inflation rates climbing to almost 70% and leading to financial difficulties for many Turkish citizens. That’s something prospective digital nomads should certainly bear in mind and be sensitive to before arriving in the country, such as prioritizing spending money with local businesses.
In Turkey, most of your monthly budget will likely go towards rent, which can become more expensive in larger cities. “Rent is one of the most significant expenses, but prices remain low,” an analysis by Global Citizen Solutions says. “You can expect to pay $331 monthly on a modest three-bedroom apartment on the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines.” If you’re interested in living in Istanbul, expect that price to more than double, especially in the more affluent neighborhoods.
Digital nomads should also keep in mind that in some parts of the country, modest dress and behavior might be more common among locals. “Turkey has also become more conservative in the last 20 years, especially in the small cities and towns, so one must be cognizant of this fact and be respectful for their beliefs,” Kadaste says.
Expats from the US shouldn’t worry too much about the language barrier in Turkey, as English is widely spoken in most major tourism hubs. “Most tourists who come to Turkey are able to get around the country without knowing the Turkish language, and digital nomads are no exception,” Kadaste says. “Cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Cappadocia especially often have vendors—hotels, restaurants, shops—who speak English and other languages. That being said, many people in Turkey do not speak English, such as taxi drivers. This situation can be managed by using apps like BiTaksi and Uber to get around.”
Visitors should, of course, try to practice their Turkish—even mere attempts at speaking the language are appreciated by locals. “Turks are an incredibly warm and hospitable people, so they tend to welcome foreigners—especially those who want to spend an extended time living and working in Turkey—with open arms,” Kadaste says. “Small gestures such as learning a few key phrases in Turkish like tesekkur ederim for thank you, and merhaba for hello will earn you instant praise.”
