I watched a movie last year. The Ottoman Lieutenant. I loved it despite the negative reviews you would find online.... I was drawn to it cos of the fictitious love story hinged on history. I found it fascinating. If the history was twisted, I do not know I enjoyed this particular movie just as a movie without its undertones. After seeing the movie, I was curious to know more so I decided to go online to read more about it and that led me to reading about Istanbul's history. Little did I know that it would soon become my reality. Istanbul, a major city in Turkey that reflects cultural influences of many empires. I wanna share few tips that would help... when you find yourself relocating to Istanbul. It sure did help me especially as there's little to prepare you online of what you might likely face.
First tip:
Ensure you keep checking how much your luggage weighs before leaving for the airport. If you don't have a scale at home, have a Ghana must go bag handy for your trip. This is for if your luggage needs to be split at the airport, if it weighs more than required. Or have sufficient cash to pay for excess luggage.
Second tip:
Ensure you keep checking how much your luggage weighs before leaving for the airport. If you don't have a scale at home, have a Ghana must go bag handy for your trip. This is for if your luggage needs to be split at the airport, if it weighs more than required. Or have sufficient cash to pay for excess luggage.
Second tip:
If you are going to be staying in Turkey for a long time, don't pack so many clothes. You can buy clothes in Turkey. You'd find affordable ones here. Less clothes will give you much needed space to carry Nigerian food that you will surely miss when you leave. The African shops don't sell everything and some items are pricey.
Third tip:
Third tip:
Connect with someone who can help even before you touch down. A friend, an acquaintance, someone who has been in the city for sometime and can advice on certain things. They can show you around and point you in the right direction.
If you are on your own and have no one, get a sim card and data. You would need it to use Google maps which is highly useful if you want to move around. Or download an app called Trafi.
Get a city card as well. You would need it for the bus, train and ferry. One card can be used for all public transportation. If that is not your thing and you have the cash to spend, if you don't have it already, download the Uber app and book rides to where you want to go.
Getting around can be a hassle especially when you don't speak the language and you get lost and need to ask for directions. What can come handy is Google maps. Most of the locals are friendly and you can ask them while using Google translate. I must add, sometimes Google translate fails to directly translate the right words you are trying to communicate. It failed each time we needed to communicate with the landlord, and then the neighbours, and the painter. And vice versa. Have a middle man who understands English and Turkish that you can call without them feeling you're a pest? Sure, go for it.
Fourth tip:
If you are going to be settling in, don't be in a hurry to get an apartment. You'd come across different types. If you hate exercise, you definitely don't want to be climbing many hills to your house. And some agents are looking to just make their fee and would eagerly pass off any house. Months later you might see a nicer place and regret your decision. Some of the houses have really old furniture so do take your time to get something really good if you prefer a furnished apartment. There are also other things you need to think about. Like distance from metro and shopping malls, schools, if you have a family......etc.
Fifth tip:
Not eager to learn the language but want to be able to say thank you, please, hello, have a good day, et cetera.....? Download a language app so you can learn how to say certain things in Turkish.
Sixth tip:
When going up to your apartment, don't allow anyone in that you don't know as a neighbour thinking they live in the building too. Let them get in with their own key. Don't let them in. Could be a thief who plans to rob you once both of you enter the building.
Final Tip:
The Nigerian currency is so bad. Don't drive yourself nuts by constantly comparing costs of things you purchase or services you pay for in Turkey with the local currency back home.
I would like to add:
Download an app: "letgo" if you wanna buy certain things at giveaway prices or join certain groups on Facebook. Brace up to seeing many cats on the streets. They are no witches. Big dogs as well. They are totally harmless. In need of some Nigerian food? Locate the African shops to buy stuffs from home.
Stay sane. Stay sharp. Avoid walking late. Best to take an Uber home if staying out late.
Join a social group you can hang out with occasionally. Would make your stay more exciting and don't forget to carry your own cash to pay for what you eat and drink during outings. Leave Naija method back home. Lol.
Cheers!
If you are going to be settling in, don't be in a hurry to get an apartment. You'd come across different types. If you hate exercise, you definitely don't want to be climbing many hills to your house. And some agents are looking to just make their fee and would eagerly pass off any house. Months later you might see a nicer place and regret your decision. Some of the houses have really old furniture so do take your time to get something really good if you prefer a furnished apartment. There are also other things you need to think about. Like distance from metro and shopping malls, schools, if you have a family......etc.
Fifth tip:
Not eager to learn the language but want to be able to say thank you, please, hello, have a good day, et cetera.....? Download a language app so you can learn how to say certain things in Turkish.
Sixth tip:
When going up to your apartment, don't allow anyone in that you don't know as a neighbour thinking they live in the building too. Let them get in with their own key. Don't let them in. Could be a thief who plans to rob you once both of you enter the building.
Final Tip:
The Nigerian currency is so bad. Don't drive yourself nuts by constantly comparing costs of things you purchase or services you pay for in Turkey with the local currency back home.
I would like to add:
Download an app: "letgo" if you wanna buy certain things at giveaway prices or join certain groups on Facebook. Brace up to seeing many cats on the streets. They are no witches. Big dogs as well. They are totally harmless. In need of some Nigerian food? Locate the African shops to buy stuffs from home.
Stay sane. Stay sharp. Avoid walking late. Best to take an Uber home if staying out late.
Join a social group you can hang out with occasionally. Would make your stay more exciting and don't forget to carry your own cash to pay for what you eat and drink during outings. Leave Naija method back home. Lol.
Cheers!
