Job Discussion Forums

[BJWD]

Hi,
My lady and I are moving to Istanbul in about 5 weeks and will be working in the Esentepe area and know absolutely nothing about it. From what our employer says, it is about 3 stops away from Taksim. Where would you recommend we live? We are looking for a fairly quiet area (understanding that Istanbul is a major city) and one that is safe. Ideally, we would be close to restaurants, pups and scenic areas for evening walking.
If any of you would be able to suggest an area, please do! Also kindly include an approximate amount that we should expect to spend on rent.
Should we expect, for about 600$USD a month A/C and a washing machine/dryer?
Thanks in advance to any who reply.

[Mike_2003]

Hi there,

I don't know anything about that area in particular. Taksim is the "centre" of Istanbul where you can find an array of restaurants and pubs of all types and prices. You can move down the hill towards the water for the more expensive Nisantasi bars. From Taksim you can easily get to the nice Bosphorus locations, such as Ortakoy or Emirgan, which are quite pleasant for walking, although I have to say that Istanbul isn't the greenest city. You could also go to Sultanahmet, the old town, in the evenings and find a nice terrace bar overlooking the historical centre. The islands are wonderful if you want to get away from it all, although try to go there on a weekday to avoid the rest of Istanbul following you with their radios, mangals, noisy kids and rubbish.

Most of Istanbul is "safe" as far as large cities go. You don't get a lot of trouble so I wouldn't worry too much about that.

Depending on your budget, you could choose to live around Etiler, which is popular with foreigners as it's close to the Taksim area where many work or if you wanted something a little more trendy you could try Besiktas, or even move a little up the water to Ortakoy or Bebek (expensive, but depends on your pay package). If you want to get a reasonable idea of the prices of various locations, try http://www.sahibinden.com. You'll need a dictionary handy if your Turkish isn't up to scratch, but if you search for a specific neighbourhood you'll get an idea of the quality and prices of apartments there.

The majority of apartments in Istanbul are unfurnished but large, typically with a huge living room. Most people buy (or are bought) all their furniture and appliances when they get married and move from place to place with them. This includes everything except perhaps the kitchen sink. Some places won't even have light switches! Don't expect to have AC or a washing machine unless you are looking for a fully-furnished apartment (and even then, despite the weather, AC isn't guaranteed). There are furnished apartments available but you do have to pay more (perhaps 25%) for them. However, you mentioned having $600 to play with. If this is the case you should be able to get something reasonable and furnished in a decent area. The Asian side is a little cheaper, but you'll have a long commute to work.

Most places ask for a month up front and a deposit which is normally about 1-2 months' rent. If you go through an agency you'll have to pay 10-12% of a year's rental (so just over a month's rent). Look for places to rent in the newspapers, on websites (like the above), through an agent (lots of those advertised in the papers and websites are from an agent, even if they say they are direct from the owner so look out), or just walk around the streets looking for the "kiralik" sign ("for rent").

In addition to the rent you have to think about the other expenses. In addition to the water, electricity and phone bills you can expect to be asked for "aidat" every month. This can vary in price depending on the building. This covers the cost of the "kapici" who cleans the communal areas, tends the yard, collects the rubbish, makes some minor repairs, etc. His duties (and so price) vary from building to building. The aidat also covers the electricity for the communal areas and most importantly the heating.

If your building has "merkez" (central) heating, then you pay a monthly share of the fuel bill, which is added to the aidat. This can be pricey if you don't like to have the heating on full blast from October-May (as most Turks do) because you are paying to keep everyone else warm. A better system is "kombi" which allows you to pay for the gas used only to heat the rads and water for your own flat. This is another thing you should think about when choosing an apartment.

I hope this has been useful. I'm sure someone else can give you a better idea of that end of Istanbul and what the prices and locations are like.

Take care,
Mike

[dmb]

Esentepe is on the metro so that makes getting to and from work. around Esentepe there are places like Şişli which is a safe and a reasonable neighbourhood. Other places around Esentepe are a bit soulless I feel. Mainly busıness districts.
In the past few days I've seen about 30 flats. I looked mostly in cıhagır and Beyoğlu. Prices and quality vary alot so shop around. We found a duplex with a massive teras and Bosphrous vıew behind Sent antoin church for 850 dollars

[BJWD]

Thanks so much for the detailed replies. We are very excited to begin our search!

Alas, we have but one more question. What is an appropriate salary, hourly, for a teacher in Istanbul? I have a degree, a TESOL course and one-year experience teaching English in Seoul, South Korea. What should we expect?

[ghost]

[dmb]

15 million is low. a turkish English teacher would probably get that. If you are looking at language schools then look for the 25 million rate. However finding privates on your on is more profitable. I was offered a new private today 50 dollars for 1.5 hours.

[ghost]

[dmb]

That is not so much. That's 9 pounds at today's rates. Bear in mind this also covers prep time and travel time. EFL teachers are the worst paıd expats. What other professionals living abroad need to take a second job?(privates) The language schools I'm talking about aren't stupid. Think how much money the school owners are making out of you. I guess we are the stupid ones.