Living in Istanbul: the ultimate expat guide

Passion taking flight

My name is Maureen, but I commonly go by Moe (or Meryem locally). I was born in Germany and have dual citizenship with America. Already balancing two cultures I added a third when I moved to Istanbul in early 2009 from Seattle and currently living in the "old" European side.

Jane in Mersin: "The locals are still the most welcoming people on earth"

Jane comes from Sydney. Married to a Turk, she has been visiting their family in Turkey for years before finally deciding to move to Mersin in 2012. In this Interview, she tells us about her daily life in her new home.

How a Kiwi expat found home away from home

Teacher Alan Scott first moved to Turkey in 1995 and, when he returned to New Zealand, he realised that Istanbul had become the place he called home, so made the move a permanent one in 2001. When he's not teaching, he's writing on his blog or working on his autobiogrpahy. He talks to Expat.com about how he came to adopt Turkey as his home. 

Expat life in Turkey: It's a perfect ten

We most often talk about learning a foreign language and the challenges we face, but what about learning foreign numbers? Sounds familiar — that time at the till in a foreign country when we are expecting the cashier to punch in the amount we have to pay and turn the calculator so we can see. Jason, an American expat in Turkey, speaks to Expat.com about his slow-paced life in Izmir, Turkey, the benefits of being your own boss, and his application, 'Foreign Numbers'.

Expat life at the crossroads of civilisations

Leonard, a writer, an educationist, a history-lover, and an avid reader and traveler, has found everything he needs to lead a fulfilled life in Turkey — where two opposite cultures meet and thrive together. He established his new home in Turkey in 2008 by some quirk of fate, and today, ten years later, he knows that his future is tied with Turkey. To find out more about his expat life in this magical country, follow us as we unfold Leonard's story.

Author Melanie Cheng discusses the impact of a bicultural upbringing on identity

Join us as we explore the journey of Melanie Cheng, a writer profoundly influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong and Australia. Her unique bicultural background has deeply shaped her perspective and voice as a storyteller. Today, Melanie shares insights into how navigating two distinct cultures has enriched her writing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay of language and tradition in her work.

How different countries approach midday breaks

Lunch breaks are more than just lunch. They can also be a cultural phenomenon, especially when you consider how different a lunch experience in a different country can be. Today, we are looking into what lunch breaks are like across the world and which countries take them most seriously.

Understanding inheritance law and taxes

The cross-border inheritance of assets presents a complex legal and financial terrain for expats with families in other countries. No two nations share identical inheritance laws, and the specifics of bilateral tax treaties vary as well. So, how can you navigate this minefield without losing access to your inherited assets, complicating the donation of your assets to your children, or facing excessive taxes? Here are some tips.