Job Discussion Forums

[tarte tatin]

Thanks everyone for taking an interest! I do seem to remember some posters on the thread a while back saying they drove here, that is why I asked the question. Mymerhaba might be a better bet if I can face the illiterate psychos on there, I just like you better so I asked you first!

Can't blame anyone in Istanbul for not wanting a car. My situation is a bit different, the only affordable housing we could find in Samsun with heating and a reasonable degree of comfort is on a new government development in the foothills of the Pontic mountains. The view is lovely (seaviews from every window) the air is fresh but only one bus an hour which is a bit limiting.

The dolmus is great for riding round in cities but if I had a car I could explore the mountains more and access other cities easily (although the coaches do a good job).

Gin was apparently first produced as a medicine to act as a diuretic and I am sure that would not be good for the Sheikh in desert climes.

[dmb]

One of my students has recently lost his license. He thinks it is the best thing ever. It costs him a 1000 ytl a month to have a driver 24/7. Not only does he get driven around but he can use him to take/pick up his daughter. Give his wife a lift to the shops. Deliver documents to his clients(saves him time).Doesn't have to worry about parking. But best thing of all he says he can go out, get trashed and not worry about how to get home.

(yes thrifty I know this is beyond a EFL teacher)

[Lewis Collins' tortoise]

I have a car, but I put it in my wife's name who has Turkish Citizenship.
I have heard no end of problems from people who have tried to buy a car abroad and bring it into the country.
Apparently you need to apply for special plates to display on the vehicle and you have to apply to Ankara every year for a permit to keep the vehicle here. You can only sell it to another foreign national here in the same situation. etc..
If you are intent on buying a car I would advise you to buy a car here and if possible have the car registered in the name of someone you trust who has Turkish citizenship.


Driving here is a completely different kettle of fish though.

[tarte tatin]

Thanks Lewis Collin's Tortoise, that was exactly the advice I needed. I thought it would be a hassle importing a car but people keep telling my husband that his foreigner wife can import a car cheaply.

The driving is really scary you must need really fast reactions.

[dmb]

One of my friends drove here from England almost 2 years ago. Like him, his car had a 90 day visa. He sorted out his paperwork but the car was too lazy to do it itself. He is legal but his car is not. However it is fine with being illegally driven around. So far the car hasn't had any problems.

(It's only a guess but I reckon there are more illegal cars in Istanbul than there are illegal teachers)

[tararu]

.....perhaps a nice merlot or shiraz would tickle your fancy then..

[Rabbinical]

Do what I did and buy a motorbike for 300ytl, and pay 9ytl to fill it up every 55 km. No driver's liscence, no registration, no plates... no problem--I'm buddies with the Jandarma (but not the Police). Of course, this is probably the only positive thing about living in Kelkit...

[justme]

[bigbadsuzie]

T.T its no big hassle having your own car .Don't bother to import one over here , get a local one . If you have it in your own name they stick an m e or m f plate on coz you're a foreign type person . I live in Izmir and the traffic takes some getting used to just drive like them and you'll be ok . After 16 years all I've had is three minor bumps but my old Sahin is still holding up .Gonna change it in the next academic year though ,fancy something with ac and central locking . Out of interest what sort of budget do you have ? Pm me if you want any ideas how to get a good un !

[dmb]

[Baba Alex]

[tarte tatin]

Thanks Bigbadsuzie, if I need your help I will PM you. I live far far from Izmir, although from time to time I try to persuade my husband to move there. Off to the UK for a couple of months (at least) will be car hunting when I get back.

[calsimsek]

I've had four cars up to now..Two in my name and the other two in my wifes name..

If you have a work and residency permit, you can buy and sell a foreign plate car. Key problem is that it's recored on your passport and you have to put it a bonded depo or take it with you when you leave the country...

If you want you can buy a local plate car and as long as you have a residency permit you can get insurance..

Prices for second hand cars are coming down. When you buy, make sure you get a local built car. The parts and service are much cheaper.. I spent over 700 on my car today.
If it was some foreign import it would have cost a hell of alot more..

[Laura777]

How much is it to bring a car into this country? I can get a great car from home but just wonder what are the hoops I will have to jump through besides registering it in this country? What if my fellow has it in his name? Would it make a difference?

Miss so much taking drives and seeing the countryside without using public transportation.

[calsimsek]

Noting as long as you leave the country every six month stay out for more than a day and then returne...

The key cost is bring it here, to have it transported is not worth it..

drive it accross your self or take the car ferry from Italy to Izmir...

If your ''fellow'' was out of the country for at least three years he can bring in a foreign plate and have it transfered to a local plate the car must be less than three years old and you only pay less than half or the import charges..

Get the Turkish D.News there are alot of companies that help you out with the paper work..

Driving here is alot less stress than you would think...