Job Discussion Forums

[eclectic]

Istanbul- 1000 ytl
Ankara- 800 ytl
Bursa- 600 ytl
Adana- 500 ytl

can anyone confirm this in general?

[fishmb]

In Istanbul ( and probably the other cities) it depends on which neighborhood you live in. You could go cheaper or more expensive. It depends on length of stay (at least a year or less than a year), furnished or not, and location location location.

[coffeespoonman]

As far as Istanbul goes, I'd say 1000 TL is about the norm for a decent sized, refurbished or new-ish apartment. But, as fishmb pointed out, it can vary a lot. I just lucked out with 750 for a nice two bedroom flat with a decent back porch, and I'm a 10 minute walk from a metro stop and a 25 minute walk from Taksim Square.

So, shop around, and check out sahibinden.com (with a Turkish speaker). Alos, you can save a lot of money if you don't go through a real estate agent.

[AndreaR]

Hey Coffeespoonman,

Your situation sounds Great! I'm currently in Prague but hoping to find a TEFL job in Istanbul. I've got experience, and all the necessary paperwork. Sure would appreciate your insight as it sounds like you've got it going on!

Thanks!!

[coffeespoonman]

Well, it's not bad, but Ferik�y is no Prague, that's for sure! If I could get a decent job there, I'd go back in a second... How I miss smazny syr and beer gardens...

[eclectic]

25 minutes from Tasksim, you did luck out, a waiter in my favorite Italian restaurant in NJ was from Istanbul, and I remember him saying anything within 30 mins walk of Taksim is prime real estate. 750 is a steal, I can say that even without having rented there.

How the f%$# will my wife and I rent/get a co-signer if we are there on tourist visas? If it takes 30 or 45 days to get something decent, we cant afford a hotel for that long. ANy advice for "illegals"?

[TeachEnglish]

Try staying at a hostel if you can find one. I know of one in the Taksim/Galasaray area. From what I understand, it is very clean and the people running it are very friendly. Private me if you want more information about it. That might give me time to get the web address.

[coffeespoonman]

Residence/co-signers are only necessary if you have an official contract. If you rent from owner (sahibinden), it's not strictly necessary. You could use craigslist to find something like that (though flats on that website tend to be a bit pricy). Start out in a hostel (stay away from the ones in Sultanahmet - but the one in Galata is really nice, as TeachEnglısh said), and get some help when you get here finding a flat.

By the way, I did luck out, but not sooo much. My area (Ferik�y) isn't really prime real estate. 750 is a pretty normal price for my area, which is safe but is full of refugees from Iraq and Somalia, which lowers the real estate prices. However, I did luck out in the fact that my flat is refurbished, which isn't so common for the area. If you're interested in the area, PM me when you get here/start looking for a flat and I can give you more details/show you the area. I'm happy here.

[fishmb]

My girlfriend and I are paying 1300 lira a month + electricity for a small, one-bedroom apartment. Some of the reasons it's expensive is because it's in a nice part of town - sort of like the Manhattan of Istanbul, and also because it's a month by month lease and came fully furnished. Our apartment manager is also fluent in English and advertised in English.

[eclectic]

I m astounded at that 1300+bills. Thats 1000 US dollars, no? Holy macaroni, I paid less than that living in Union City, NJ, about 1/2 mile from the Lincoln Tunnel into Manhattan.

[fishmb]

Yes, that's about what it comes to.

And you were in New Jersey...

[eclectic]

it must be the Pasha's Palace with a balcony to boot. Hey be sure to invite me for your next indoor barbecue/toga party. Atleast post some photos here!

[fishmb]

Eh, it's OK. I've got my eyes open for other options, but I've been too busy entertaining family, working, and doing my CELTA apartment shop any more. This is already the third one we've been in! There is a very small balcony, but it doesn't have a view, and the whole apartment is very small with a closet for a kitchen. I'm sure once I get more settled I'll find something better.

[big3bc]

I live in Atasehir which is kind of out of the way unless you work in Kadik�y. Apartment buildings are going up like crazy there. I pay 1100TL/ month for a small apartment in a 16- story building. It came partially furnished- new stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. With any new apartment building here in Istanbul, a major cost that you will incur is security. I have to pay 300TL/ month for the security/ maintenance at my building. I think that Turks have become obsessed with unnecessary security measures.
The building has a health club downstairs, a three-story fountain inside (yes, it's three stories high) as well as a 24-hr/ day on duty concierge. There is also a giant lounge on the ground floor where residents can drink tea/ coffee/ soft drinks or eat small pastries any time of the day free of charge. I also get free accident insurance should something happen to me inside the building.
These types of places are sprouting up all over Istanbul, and there are lots and lots of vacancies.

[eclectic]

where residents can drink tea/ coffee/ soft drinks or eat small pastries any time of the day free of charge. I also get free accident insurance should something happen to me inside the building.