Job Discussion Forums

[misskaty]

I've been offered a job in Istanbul for a year and have a few weeks before starting.

Can anyone recommend things I should buy or do before leaving? What is expensive there that I could buy cheaply in the USA or UK? Make up? Clothes? Feminine products?

How's the chocolate there? Is it easy to buy English language magazines and books? Any other advice?

Thanks.

[snowite]

Well, everything is more expensive here in Turkey. Make up- perfume- shoes ( stylish)- clothes.. electronics. You are better off shopping in the States. The hairdresser is alot cheaper in Turkey:)

[keitepai]

Hi,

You can buy most stuff here you need at various shops, yes there are English books and magazines available at D&R, Macro centre.
I disagree that toiletries and make up is expensive here - depends on the brand I guess. Most UK brands are reasonable and there is a good range at department stores in the malls. Marks & Spencer, Next all stock the normal range of underwear/clothes.

Tampons are sometimes difficult to get, some supermarkets do not stock them at all but you get to know where to go. Just bring a decent supply with you until you get to know your local area.

Other stuff we can't get but can live without; vegemite, custard powder, decent cream, proper sausages, the icing sugar we are used to, here it is grainy and not nice.
Stuff that is expensive so we don't buy it; bacon, real ham, parmesan (any imported cheese in fact), salon shampoo & products, good wine.
Chocolate is ok here you can get enough brand variety and the pistachio chocolate is nice.

Safe travels