Ankara, Turkey Report of what it's like to live there - 09/02/25
Personal Experiences from Ankara, Turkey
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Not my first expat experience. I have also lived in Costa Rica, Colombia, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Mexico.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
My home city is Washington, DC which is about 11 hours flight to Ankara with a layover either in Istanbul, Frankfurt or Munich.
3. What years did you live here?
Presently still in Ankara
4. How long have you lived here?
One year
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Embassy housing is generally good but limited to two main options: Park Oran or Park Vadi.
Both are apartments in high-rise buildings and on a complex. Park Vadi is closer to the Embassy, about 10 min commute with low traffic, 35-45 min with heavy traffic. Park Oran is on the outskirts of the city, but generally about a 20 min commute, and also easier for getting out of town for weekend getaways.
Apartments are large, mostly 4 bedrooms but usually only 2 bathrooms, and limited closet space. Park Oran has a free gym and pool on site, as well as a supermarket, and is right next door to a large shopping mall and many restaurant options. Park Vadi is more spread out (not all on the same site). It has a large gym right next door, but it is expensive and getting even more expensive. It has a very large & beautiful park in a valley at base of the complex. It's also closer to other points/attractions in the city.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are generally less expensive than in the United States, especially local products like fruits & vegetables. Imported goods are more expensive of course. There is also a commissary and liquor store on the U.S. military base that U.S. Embassy families may use. It offers many U.S. goods at subsidized prices.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None. You can find most anything and/or order online if you work for the U.S. Embassy and have access to the diplomatic post office (DPO).
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are many local and international restaurants, but the selection is not as abundant or diverse as in Istanbul. Restaurants are generally expensive and getting more expensive due to inflation.
If you like hanging at cafes, the city is heaven! There are cafes everywhere, including Starbucks and other well known chains, but also many boutique cafes, which offer good coffee, tea, pastries and more, and co-working space.
There are delivery apps that can be used for food and shopping deliveries. The most popular are Yemeksepeti and Gotur.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
I have not experienced any.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
As a U.S. Mission member I use the diplomatic mail system.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Local household help is abundant and you can find whatever you need: housekeeper, nanny, pet sitter, dog walker. If you are part of the U.S. embassy community, join a WhatsApp group or Community Liaison Office (CLO) newsletter to see the ads and get recommendations. You can also find household help online. Many Turkish household help have little to no English, but there are also many from third countries (e.g. Philippines) that speak English.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Ankara is a very safe city. Women can walk, run, hike by themselves or be out late without having to worry. There aren't many places to hike though. You have to go out of town for that. There is a lake just outside the city (about 10-20 minute commute) which is about 10 mile around and is good for walking, biking, and running. The city itself is not great for biking because there are no bike paths and the city is very hilly. However, there are lots of parks with short running tracks as well as many with space for exercise and exercise machines.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
See above for information on Park Vadi and Park Oran. Generally, gyms are expensive and the large ones are becoming outrageously so. Recently, we decided not to renew at Sports International because their prices keep going up and their offers vary depending on whom you talk to or who they think you are. My husband just changed over to MacFit, which is smaller but very modern and more reasonable prices; it's just not as conveniently located if you live at Vadi.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes, international credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but fees will vary depending on your banks. These are often preferred to cash, except in small, local shops, and even then they usually accept cards. ATMs are okay to use, but occasionally they will eat your card and you cannot get it back. For some purchases online you will need a local bank account, such as train tickets.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
The U.S. base has a church with an American pastor. There is also an Anglican church at the UK embassy which offers Sunday services.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It helps to have some basic Turkish or to take language classes if you have time. Ankara has fewer English speakers than Istanbul. However, you can get by without it, especially with Google translate or other translation apps.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Ankara is a fairly accessible city for those with physical disabilities. Most building have ramps and elevators, and parking spaces for the handicapped. However, I haven't seen many restrooms that includes stalls for handicapped and there are many broken sidewalks and streets with no or even narrow sidewalks.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Public transportation here is good and very affordable, buses especially. There is a metro, but the area it serves is very limited. Taxis are ample and easy to get. Prices have been going up, but is still much cheaper than in the U.S. or Europe. Uber is also an option for about the same price as a taxi.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
The highway infrastructure in Turkiye is very good, so four wheel drive is generally not needed. There are many tunnels going through mountainous areas and they are impressive! Electric vehicles are becoming much more common and the EV infrastructure is keeping up. You can find EV charging stations in many apartment complexes and around the city and between cities, including at rest stops.
Availability of parts will vary depending on the type of car you import, but there are good mechanics and generally cheaper than in the U.S. In Ankara, winter tires are required.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. The internet in Ankara is good and very inexpensive compared to the U.S. Installation is usually pretty quick, but you should make arrangements in advance of arriving if possible. In large apartments, an extension will be needed to have it reach the back rooms.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I kept my home country plan as it works overseas and makes traveling outside of Turkiye easier. Having a local plan though makes life much easier and local phone plans are very cheap compared to back home.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Vet service in Turkiye is excellent and much cheaper than back home, although some services can be more expensive such as lab work. Not many speak English, but they can be found. There are good pet hotels, not cheap but cheaper than back home, such as Capo Pet Hotel ($30/day). Even home pet sitters will charge this amount. No quarantine is needed to bring a pet into the country.
There are many street dogs and cats. This can be an issue for walking dogs, especially when you first arrive and your dog is still new in the neighborhood. Some street dogs are territorial, especially when traveling in a pack. It takes time to figure out where is safe to walk and/or have street dogs get used to you and your dog. Dog bites are also not uncommon for both pets and humans! It happened to me within my first week in country. We usually walk with a stick if we are in an unfamiliar area.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Most expat spouses either work at the Embassy, if with the U.S. Mission, or have a remote work situation.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
These appear to be limited due to language issue, but there are international organizations here and local organizations that need help. For example, many vets do charity work for street animals and can use all the help they can get.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Western business attire is the norm, but can be more casual depending on the company.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Dog bites as noted above, but generally the street dogs are friendly, mostly because they are treated well by locals and expats.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is very good and inexpensive compared to the U.S. International health insurance is generally accepted at major hospitals. Turkiye is becoming more of a medical tourism draw for this reason.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air quality is generally good. I have not experienced any issues with it in Ankara.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Many restaurants and groceries stores are offering more options now for allergies, especially gluten free options.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
None that I know of. except boredom for some. Ankara does not offer much to do compared to Istanbul, but there are enough options if you look for them.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Ankara has four seasons. Winters alternate somewhat. Last winter was long, cold and had some early and late snow, others can be mild. Summers are hot, but not humid.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Fairly large since there are many diplomatic missions here.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
If you're part of the U.S. Embassy, we have a very active Community Liaison Office with social activities regularly offered. Not sure about other diplomatic missions, but there is also a community WhatsApp group started by an expat American that regularly shares information about events and activities.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
For single people, Ankara can be a lonely and boring city. Great for couples and families.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
It depends on the individual and language abilities. At Park Vadi and Oran there are many Turks and families from other countries. They are generally friendly, but it takes effort on one's part.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Within the expat community yes, but LGBT groups and individuals have been targeted more recently by the government. Pride parades have not been allowed in years even in Istanbul.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
None that I've experienced, but I know that these prejudices exist - and not just among the Turks!
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Travel! Incredible country to explore and so many options of where to go. From Ankara, Cappadoccia is about a 3-hour drive and one of the most fascinating places to visit worldwide. Lots of place you can drive to from Ankara, including Istanbul, Antalya, and the Black Sea. Also, easy to travel to many other countries in the region, although most flights will take you through Istanbul.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
See above.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Great place for shopping! From Turkish rugs and towels to leather goods and many other options. Shops in malls also often have big sales going on, up to 70% discounts.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The people are very kind and friendly and honest. Food is great.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Save up for all the travel!
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely!
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
prejudices of what Turkish is/means. This is a highly developed country and educated population.
4. But don't forget your:
effort to learn a bit of the language
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Watch some Turkish shows. There are many. Learn about the history of Turkey and the Ottoman Empire. It's fascinating and you can still see much of it around the country, including in Ankara.
