Bringing along their cherished possessions helps many expats make themselves at home in their new country. Besides, if you do not intend to live in Türkiye, taking with you the personal belongings you want to keep may prove less expensive than renting a storage unit.
Traveling to Türkiye: Formalities
If you are traveling light
If the bulk of your packing list is composed of clothing or other light items, you may consider flying with them. Many airlines entitle you to 30kgs of free-of-charge luggage, with the possibility of increasing your baggage allowance for an extra fee.
You can otherwise ship small quantities of goods through your local post office or a private shipping company.
If you are traveling heavy
Following a specific procedure will allow you to import heavier items (furniture or other household goods such as carpets and ornaments, for example) without paying import duty, provided you hold a valid residence permit.
Import duty exemption and restrictions inTürkiye
As we've mentioned above, to import personal goods without paying import duty, you must have a valid Turkish residence permit. This exemption is designed to facilitate the relocation of expats to Türkiye.
It's important to declare these heavy items to the Turkish customs department within six months of your first entry into Türkiye. Delaying this declaration could lead to the forfeiture of your duty-free privilege.
Prepare the necessary documents, which should include:
- Proof of Turkish residence matching the delivery address;
- A comprehensive inventory of items being shipped detailing each item. If you're shipping electronic devices, include their serial numbers;
- A power of attorney if you are appointing someone else to receive your shipment.
Note that you are not allowed to sell personal goods to local residents since they are imported duty-free in the first place.
Choosing between air freight and sea freight inTürkiye
Air freight
Air freight is ideal for smaller, more urgent shipments due to faster transit time. However, it's generally more expensive than sea freight and may have stricter size and weight limitations.
Sea freight
Sea freight is a cost-effective solution for larger shipments, such as furniture and household goods. While less expensive, it has longer transit times and requires advanced planning. Container shipping can be a practical choice, offering either a full container load (FCL) or a shared container (less-than-container load, LCL).
How to choose a moving company when relocating to Türkiye
Many international moving companies provide tailor-made services, including door-to-door pick-up and delivery, tracking systems, and diverse insurance plans covering the accidental damage that might occur during transportation.
It is advised to ask several moving companies for quotes based on a full, detailed shipping list specifying the value of the goods. In any event, you should always read your moving contract carefully before signing the waybill. Your list should mention whether any items are fragile and if anything needs to be handled with caution.
Good to know:
The number of electrical items you can import free of duty is limited. Once the quota has been reached, you will be charged a special custom tax on each additional item.
Important:
Goods shipped to Türkiye without prior notice to the customs office and worth over EUR 30 are subject to a duty of about 20%.
Some moving companies offer assistance with customs clearance in Türkiye, which can be particularly helpful for navigating the import process and ensuring compliance with Turkish customs regulations.
Some of the popular international relocation companies include:
Crown Relocations, specializing in international relocations, providing services like packing, visa assistance, and settling-in support.
Santa Fe Relocation, offering a full range of international moving services, including immigration and relocation services tailored for moves to countries like Türkiye.
AGS Worldwide Movers, known for its extensive global network, specializing in international relocations and offering services including packing, storage, and assistance with customs clearance.
Allied International, a well-known name in the moving industry, offering comprehensive international relocation services.
How to prepare your items for shipment in Türkiye
Start by preparing a detailed shipping list. This should include descriptions, values, and special instructions for handling fragile items.
Before signing any contract with the moving company, thoroughly read through it. Understand your responsibilities and the services provided by the movers. Pay special attention to clauses regarding liability, insurance coverage, and delivery timelines.
Special care is needed for handling fragile items like glassware, artwork, or electronics. Use high-quality packing materials and consider custom crating for extremely delicate or valuable items.
For valuable items, it's a good idea to have photographic documentation and appraisals before packing. This can be crucial for insurance purposes and customs declarations.
Relocating to Türkiye with your pets
Moving to Türkiye with a pet involves understanding and complying with specific procedures and regulations to ensure a smooth transition for your furry companion.
Before moving, ensure that your pet has an up-to-date pet passport or animal health certificate. This document should include details about your pet, its health history, and vaccinations.
Türkiye requires pets to be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit pet microchip. This should be done before the administration of the rabies vaccine.
All pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days, but not more than 12 months, prior to entering Türkiye. Ensure you have a valid rabies certificate.
Pets can enter Türkiye via air at designated airports where veterinary officials are present. It's advisable to check with the airline for any specific pet travel arrangements and requirements.
Important:
Note that Türkiye is considered to be in the Red Zone when it comes to rabies risks. This means that once your pet enters Türkiye, they will need additional documents to travel back to most countries, including the member states of the Schengen area. The most important document you will need to provide is the rabies FAVN test. This requires you to submit the blood work for your pet and have it tested in specific labs. In Türkiye, this process generally takes about three months - so it's essential that you take this into account when planning further travels.
Upon arrival
Moving to Türkiye offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich and diverse culture. Adapting to Turkish culture and customs may take time, but it's a rewarding process.
Preparing for your relocation to a new country is not only about packing your belongings, booking tickets and making accommodation arrangements. Mentally preparing yourself for a different environment is just as important as making physical moving arrangements.
Before moving, read about Türkiye's history, traditions, and social norms. Understanding basic cultural practices, such as greetings, dining etiquette, and social interactions, can significantly ease your integration.
Start by getting a general idea of Türkiye as a destination and what it can offer to newcomers.
While many Turks in urban areas speak English, learning Turkish can greatly enhance your daily life and interactions. Even basic proficiency in Turkish is appreciated and can open doors to deeper cultural understanding.
Make sure you research and understand other aspects of living in the country. This includes healthcare, banking, driving, leisure activities, and more.
Once you have taken care of your necessities, it may be worth looking into expanding your network and building local connections.
Participate in local events, festivals, and social gatherings. It's a great way to meet locals and understand the Turkish way of life.
Join expat communities, which can be found in major cities. These groups are valuable for support, advice, and socializing with those who have similar experiences.
Some organizations offer cultural orientation programs for expats, which can be beneficial in the initial stages of your move. These programs often cover local customs, language basics, and practical tips for living in Türkiye.
Maintaining health and wellness is another important step in a new environment. Türkiye offers various options to ensure your physical and mental well-being.
Upon arrival, familiarize yourself with the local healthcare system. If employed, your employer may provide health insurance that covers both public and private healthcare services.
Research and identify hospitals, clinics, and English-speaking doctors in your area. It's also beneficial to understand how to access pharmacies for prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
All emergency services in Türkiye are centralized under one number, which makes it simpler for people to memorize and utilize in an emergency. Fire stations, police departments, and ambulance services can all be reached by calling 112. In order to communicate effectively in an emergency, non-Turkish speakers need to learn a few fundamental words in the language. This service is available around the clock, and operators generally speak and understand basic English.
Another essential priority when arriving in Türkiye will be setting up a dependable internet connection and mobile services. A variety of internet service providers (ISPs) with different packages cater to varying demands and budgets are available in Türkiye. Providing fiber-optic and broadband internet services, Türk Telekom, Vodafone, and Turkcell are some of the top Internet service providers.
Upon moving to Türkiye, you will also need to open a bank account and get acquainted with the Turkish banking system. Most expats will benefit from knowing how to handle money, from paying for goods and services to filing taxes. Opening a bank account in Türkiye is quite straightforward – however, regulations may differ between different banks, cities, and even bank branches. Another thing to take into account is the local currency and its fluctuations. The Turkish Lira has been highly volatile over the recent years, and expats are generally advised to keep their money in foreign currency to avoid financial loss.
An expatriate's everyday life in Türkiye can be greatly impacted by driving and transportation. Getting a driver's license in the country is straightforward. However, importing or buying a car in Türkiye is substantially more expensive than in most European countries. Keep this in mind if you plan to settle in the country for the long term.
If you are moving to Türkiye with your family, you may also need to look into the country's education system as well as the availability of international, private, and public schools. All Turkish residents, including foreigners, have access to the extensive public education system. However, instruction in public schools is only available in the Turkish language. This is why a lot of expat families prefer international schools, which are mostly available in big cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
Mental health resources
Moving to a new country can be challenging. Seek out mental health professionals if you need support. Many expat health insurance plans include mental health services.
Look for counseling services that cater specifically to expatriates. They are familiar with the challenges faced by people adjusting to a new country and culture.
Finding an English-speaking mental health professional in Türkiye shouldn't be a problem if you are moving to a big city like Istanbul. However, in smaller towns, your options will be substantially limited. In this case, you may want to consider online therapy sessions with professionals back home if needed.
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