Job Discussion Forums

[microbabe]

Hi,

Just a quick question. Would 8-10,000 (Tyl) be enough to live on in Istanbul or Ismir till jobs are found at the end of Aug/ Sept 2012 ?

Thanks.

[lucia79]

Starting from when? Unless you live very frugally the answer is no. Startup costs in Turkey tend to be expensive. After you are established then the costs drop, unless you live high on the hog.

I know Turkish families who live on a 1000 TL a month, but it's probably not practical nor comfortable for a yabancı.

[microbabe]

From end of August 2012 for about (hopefully) 2-3 months till jobs are found.

How much should we be looking at ? (� or TL)

Thanks.

[lucia79]

I'm sorry, yes it is way more than enough to live on for a couple of months. I was thinking you meant from January to Aug./Sept.
Yes, you'll be fine with that amount of money.

[microbabe]

Thanks for the info.

[Moonshadow_51]

I disagree - it is not nearly enough to pay for transportation, food and rent. Transportation is costly in Istanbul - you can easily spend 150 TL a month on buses. Food? It depends. Rent and utilities? 700 with everything. Bath soap, personal hygiene products, toothpaste, Kontours for your mobile phone.... what about the emergency visit to the pharmacy for flu meds?

The figures you ask about are very low for living without discomfort.

[istanbulian]

*****

[microbabe]

The guy would have between 2500TL - 3250TL a month to live on. Really are you serious 'discomfort'?

So, what you seem to be saying the above amount is OK.

I see that rent is expensive, what about utilities, food and transport ? What costs would you suggest ?

Thanks.

[Moonshadow_51]

Sorry about that. I glanced too quickly and saw 8-1,000 TL per month. 8,000-10,000 TL would set up anyone quite well.

the responses were so modest, no wonder I read it wrong. Why didn't you tell this person that 8,000 TL, alone, is more than young people earn at professional jobs.

To the original poster: young Turks who earn 5,000 per month are quite proud of their wages. You'll do fine with 8,000 - 10,000 TL, but if you have to spread that out over a few months, at 2400... you still have to watch it. Accidents happen, needs for emergency medical care can pop up (I know; I know)... and there is always the surprise costs that rainy days bring on.

[lucia79]

[istanbulian]

*****

[lucia79]

[Moonshadow_51]

No apologies necessary. I'm the one who goofed when I looked at the OP's (typo edited) figure.

Let me tell you about emergencies. I have a job and was told my insurance was effective one day before I was hit by a taxi. Not true. The insurance went into effect 30 days after the accident, the xrays, the emergency room fees, and not only that, I was encouraged to forget about prosecuting the driver, who hit me in a parking lot entrance (a pedestrianized area) because it would embarrass my school if I sought recovery.

One never knows what sort of emergency can arise, and after 16 years of 'safety' in the EFL world (other than a few robberies), this accident cleaned me out, financially.

Another factor for you to consider is how much money you will have after you apply for a residence permit. Granted, you will have two months on you tourist visa to cover you until you get a job, but many employers will ask that you cover these costs. In order to obtain the permit, you'll need to prove that you have X number of USD or British Pounds in the bank when you apply for it, so please allow room for that necessity in your budget.

[istanbulian]

*****

[lucia79]

That's amazing! I certainly will check out the gov. hospitals.