Living in Istanbul as an American expatriate is very different from living in any other part of the world. The people are warm and welcoming to tourists, but they are firm about their privacy laws. For most Americans visiting Turkey for business or pleasure, this might not be a problem. But, for those who are looking to visit Istanbul for an extended period of time: especially the people here are used to having their privacy invasions checked.
A typical day in Istanbul is full of activities for the entire family
It doesn’t matter if you are visiting with the family for only a few days or if you plan to make this your permanent home. There is always something fun to do here whether you want to play a few rounds of golf or go shopping. In addition to the many cultural activities that take place in this country, there is always the opportunity to indulge in a variety of sports.
Istanbul has many different water sports for the water lover
There are many lakes in the country so if you love boating or you are just looking for an easy way to get around on the lake, there are many ways to do it in Turkey. You can hire a water ski boat or you can just go jet skiing on the water. There are so many activities for you to enjoy when you are visiting Turkey. The beauty of this country is its mix of European and Turkish culture.
The food of Istanbul
The food of Turkey is just as varied and delicious as the culture that abounds here. It is just as simple to find a local eatery as it is to get some gourmet cuisine. Many families who have made life living in Istanbul as their home for over 30 years have been cooking there for this long. You can find every type of meal imaginable here: from simple home-cooked meals to gourmet meals. As an American expatriate, you will feel right at home with all the cuisine you are served.
Istanbul has beautiful nightclubs
Most Americans who have lived here for a while know that the beaches are just minutes from the many nightclubs, bars and other entertainment options. These places get very busy at times but it is still worth a trip out of your way to check them out. As an expatriate, you might consider spending a few days relaxing by the sea side either with your family or friends. It is a well-known fact that Turkey is a very safe country. So much so, in fact, that you can even bring your pet out of the country and live in it with you.
Black Sea resort towns
If you want to be able to experience the true essence of Istanbul, you must make your way to the Black Sea resort towns. There you will find some of the most authentic Turkish hospitality available. The shopping, dining and nightlife here will match that of any of the major cities in the world. Just make sure that you take the time to check out the hotels in Istanbul before you actually get there.
Istanbul is also quite welcoming to tourists from the United States
There are a number of different visa categories that Americans can apply for. In fact, if you really want to make it easy on yourself, you can simply get a non-immigrant visa. This category allows you to live and work in the country for a limited period of time. If you are unable to leave immediately, however, you can extend your stay by getting a special tourist visa.
With all of the benefits that come to you when you live in Istanbul as an American, you should really make the move. The rates are great, the job opportunities are excellent and the lifestyle is amazing. No wonder more Americans are choosing to make their home in this part of the world. You might want to consider hiring an expatriate to help you get settled as well. You never know how much they can do to make your transition into Turkey as smooth as possible.