Many foreigners are employed by Turkish companies or choose to set-up their own businesses. In the coastal areas most employment is in the tourist industry, although with the current property boom there also lots of jobs in real estate too.
İstanbul has far more diverse employment opportunities and wage rates are higher. However the cost of living is also significantly higher than other parts of the country.Other large cities, like İzmir and Ankara, may also have a variety of jobs suitable for foreigners.
There is a long official list of occupations that a non-Turkish person cannot engage in, including tourist guide and photographer. Work in other fields such as medicine, requires special permission.
Native English speakers are always in demand by private language schools and some Turkish universities. A degree and teaching qualification, such as a TEFL certificate, is generally required, although some schools may employ you without. Rates of pay are low by European standards, typically £400-£1,000 per month, depending on where you are and how much you work. But the schools often provide free accommodation and flights home on the successful completion of your contract. To work in Turkey you or your employer will have to apply for a work permit (çalışma izni). The application process can take several months, or even longer, but you can normally start working while the application is in process. You can also apply in the UK at least 2 months before your departure. Further information can be found at:www.turkishconsulate.org.uk.
Foreign nationals can set-up a limited company in Turkey, with or without a Turkish partner. Talk to a Turkish solicitor, or find basic information’s on establishing a company at:www.hazine.gov.tr/realsectorleg.htm
GETTING AROUND TURKEY
Traveling from place without a car is easy thanks to an excellent bus network and domestic flights.
DOMESTIC FLIGHS
Turkey is a large country and flying is the fastest and most convenient way of traveling long distances. Turkish Airlines operate an extensive domestic network with flights from İstanbul and Ankara to all cities and most provincial centers .Services to the main cities such as İzmir depart regularly throughout the day. Smaller airports like Dalaman and Bodrum are served by fever daily flights, which can become very booked up during the summer months and at peak times, such as at the weekend.
A number of private airlines now operate domestic routes from İstanbul but the services are less frequent than Turkish Airlines. These include Flyair, with flights to Antalya, Bodrum and İzmir, Onur Air with destinations including Kayseri(Cappadocia),Antalya,Bodrum and Izmir. Tickets range from £20-£45 one –way and can be bought online (see right)
DRIVING IN TURKEY
Thanks to huge investment the country’s road network, particularly around the main cities and tourist areas, has improved greatly in recent years. The intercity highways are now mostly dual carriageway and the main coastal road has been widened for much of its length cutting journey times and making driving far safer. Even so, driving in Turkey can be quite a challenge thanks to bad road conditions and the poor standard of many drivers. As most of the country’s freight is transported by road, slow-moving, heavily laden trucks are another common hazard. Needless to say, the country2s accident rate in very high, making careful, defensive driving a must. However, once away from the main towns and cities, the traffic is light compared to the UK and driving can be extremely pleasurable.
Breakdown cover and information about importing and driving your car in Turkey is available from the Turkish Touring and Automobile Association, Tel:0 212 282 81 40, www.turing.org.tr
If you enter the country on a tourist visa, you can bring a car with you and drive it for a maximum of six months in any calendar year. Details of the car will be entered in your passport, and if you want to leave the country without the car during that time, it must be left at a customs Office. You will be charged a daily parking fee fort he privilege. In addition to your driving license you will also need the car’s registration documents and an international green card from your insurance company.
Buses
Turkey has a very efficient private bus network with modern buses plying routes between towns and cities across the country. Because many people can’t afford a car, buses provide the main form of long distance transport and are very reasonably priced. They are generally air-conditioned and passengers are served hot and cold drinks on board. Smoking is not permitted anymore, although buses make regular stops for refreshments.
Train
Turkish trains except fort he modern expresses operating between İstanbul and Ankara, are, slow old-fashioned and frequently late. Run by the state-owned TCDD, the train network also only gives scant coverage of the country with no line along the western Mediterranean or Aegean coasts.
Ferries
Turkish Maritime Lines operate ferries along the Black Sea coast from İstanbul to Rize and back each week in summer. Potentially more useful for property hunters is the overnight service between İstanbul and Izmir each weekend.