Some Frequently Asked Questions about life in Fethiye
Q: What are the banks like?
What are the banks like?
A: You will need to open a bank account when you buy a house. You need only
your passport and a minimum sum of money to open a current account. After
that you can open an interest account and the bank will juggle your money
between the two. You can obtain a cash card, but cheques are not in general
use in Turkey.
Top Next
Q: What is the cost of living like in Fethiye?
What is the cost of living like in Fethiye?
A: The cost of living is significantly less than in the UK but varies by
product. Petrol is not much cheaper, and electrical goods may even be more
expensive. However, basic products like food and clothes are much cheaper
as is eating and drinking out.
Previous Top Next
Q: What about healthcare?
What about healthcare?
A: There are two private hospitals and a state hospital in Fethiye. The
standard of healthcare is high and many doctors speak English. Care can be
paid for when necessary or private health insurance can be obtained, with
various levels of cover. There are also many dentists working in Fethiye
and their charges are generally much less than in the UK.
Previous Top Next
Q: What are the schools like?
What are the schools like?
A:
There are both state schools and private schools in Fethiye. The standard
is high but all teaching is in Turkish (there
are no international schools).
The private schools are better able to cope with foreign students and to
give them extra Turkish lessons to speed their learning. Costs are currently
around £1500-2000 for the year.
Previous Top Next
Q: Can I claim my UK pension and benefits if I live here?
Can I claim my UK pension and benefits if I live here?
A: It is still possible to claim UK state pension while living in Turkey,
and even to have it paid directly into your UK bank account. It is, however,
illegal to claim UK benefits while living abroad.
Previous Top Next
Q: Can I get work in Turkey?
Can I get work in Turkey?
A: In theory it is easy to find work as many places are looking for foreign
staff. Foreigners working in Turkey must have a work permit and it is the
responsibility of your employer to get this. However as it is expensive they
may be reluctant to do this unless they are sure you will stay for the year.
Be prepared for low wages compared to the UK!
Previous Top Next
Q: Can I import my car from the UK?
Can I import my car from the UK?
A:
It is not advisable to bring your car unless you plan to take it out
of the country again. UK- registered vehicles can only
be kept in Turkey
for 6 months, and re-registering a vehicle is expensive. Once you have a
residents’ permit, you can buy a Turkish-registered car.
Previous Top Next
Q: Can I import my belongings from the UK?
Can I import my belongings from the UK?
A:
Once you have a residents’ permit, you can import furniture and
other personal possessions. There are a few companies in the UK specialising
in shipping things abroad. The closest port is Izmir (about 4 hours drive
away). You will be charged import tax on your things; beware – the
charge for electrical goods can be quite high!
Previous Top Next
Q:
How do I gain my residents’ permit?
How do I gain my residents’ permit?
A:
If you are based mainly in Turkey, it is easy to obtain a residents’ permit.
As with much official business here, it involves a bit of paperwork which
we at Agm Properties are happy to guide you through. A five-year permit currently
costs about £750 and takes about 6 weeks to come through.
Previous