Need some advice about living in Turkey

Turkey is going through a certain period which might see some restructuring in near future, as always happens when amendments are made.

Having said that, a small private business is always a good idea, though I am not sure if a guest house would be feasible since the tourist influx has considerably decreased in last year. Also keep in mind that there are online alternatives available now to the guest houses as well. At this point in time, the major booming business in Turkey is construction, however, for that, you need a lot of connections.

Regarding your question about best thing to sell online, is what you have readily available that you can deliver to the client. Everything is being sold online now. Buying a business, or starting a new one totally depends on the current condition of your ability to make it run better.

Language.. is MUST. Period.

Hops this helps,
Good luck

Thank you for replying, what do you mean by online alternatives available now to the guest houses as well. ? Do Turkish people buy often things online? I don't need to speak Turkish for that?

No problem. ..
Alternatives such as airbnb etc..
Yes, people do buy things online. You don't need to speak Turkish for that, but your online shop will definitely need to be in Turkish. Very few people speak English in big cities here. Still majority, I mean majority of people don't, and that includes people with university degrees too.
So in order to interact with your customers,  your suppliers, you'll need to rely on the language.

From what you described what you want to do, I am not entirely sure Turkey is the place for you.  Here are some barriers to your plan:

1.  Language
You simply cannot live let alone make any sort of business without learning the language, even if Turks do speak English they prefer not to.  There is no second language here and they are stubborn to consider a second one anyway.  You will have to learn and operate any sort of business in Turkish or you won't get very far.

2.  Connections
This country runs like a big mafia, if you know the right people you could just make millions, if you are a lone wolf out here it is very difficult to survive.  I have seen foreigners struggle to even live and adapt and I know of one who started an online business selling handmade bags and whatnot.  I have only heard of businesses that are successful if they are surrounded by the right people.

3.  Online business is growing, but not the go-to way to shop in Turkey
From my experience its only the upper middle class to rich class that even buy online.  I have never heard of the middle class or lower even thinking thats an option.  Most Turks arent well off and owning a computer is becoming more normal but still a luxury, online shopping hasn't fully taken off like it has in the West...so I am not sure if its good to stay ahead of the trend, or whether Turks at all even prefer to do online shopping.

4.  Your not the only foreigner with a business in a tourist area
Unless your business/online concept is entirely unique and somewhat of a demand here in Turkey then you will already have competitors.  With a small amount of capital, and an average business concept again it will be really, really difficult to find success here.  There are much bigger fish in the sea, Turks prefer the brands and companies they know, they arent't afraid to try something new, but it depends on the product entirely.

My advice:
If you really want to live in Turkey here is my practical guide for what you want to do in life
1.  Learn Turkish, courses here are expensive and it would be good to get started, afterall this country is....Turkey.
2.  Save up Money, then save up more Money.  If you were really wealthy they have incentives for foreigners here but thats if you are a millionaire. 
3.  Plan which cities you plan to live to.
4.  Go be a tourist in the city you like, walk the streets and enhance whatever business idea you have, see what the city has, what it could need.
5.  Make Turkish friends now (who speak English) start building connections wherever you are.  Building connections is the key to your success and survival to make life very easy for you.
6.  Make a business plan and research your visa allowances.  Coming here on a work visa is a nice way to secure your long-term future while making some cash and building connections.

I hope this helps.

Thank you, it helps a lot. What do you think about a site who sales cosmetics? I mean lots of types, creams, whitenings, etc...?

Again, while the clientele would comprise of a few who can afford it as Anthanasia pointed out, you will still need to make it in Turkish.

Also perhaps, she can give you a response from a girl's point of view on cosmetics purchase in Turkey.

Thank you. What about a guest house? Do I need to speak Turkish as well?

Assuming you are going to hire a local staff, buy everyday stuff from local market, get local services such as electrician/plumber/handymen, cater to majority of local clientele...
I guess you will?

Thank you very much. That helps a lot ;-)

I mean...

Turkish women are really big on cosmetics and I believe nearly all of the market on that is foreign to begin with.  The thing is, having natural beauty producs is big here, so is bringing Western brands to Turkey; yet you aren't the only ones on that trend here and one could ask what would make your products special that they cant just go buy at a mall here?

There is a huge interest and hot trend that is emerging on Korean beauty products (South Korea being the new beauty center of the World).  If you were to do a business of something not done, and on trend you can really be a hit.  Turks (moreso the younger population) are big on Korea and Japanese culture, and their beauty products are globally some of the best.

The thing is, if you are doing an idea already done...then forget it, you are just a drop of water in the ocean, but bringing a new trend, or a business not done can make you widely successful here.   Turkey is moving into a globalistic, trendy, open-minded young market and if you keep these buzzwords in mind with your business, seeing that Turkey has a huge young market its hard to fail.

Thanks, but to make that website, do I need to make it in Turkish?

if u need help for make website in Turkish, i can help design and language.

I'll remember that, thanks

No problem..
But yes.. with all the detailed answers so far... Yes, the website will have to be in Turkish and YOU should learn and know the language.
Language is just a starting point. Trust us. There will be a lot more to handle after that.

Excuse me? Maybe you mean Turkish?

Thank you!! Yups... re-edited my post!! : )

Bgcpost wrote:

Excuse me? Maybe you mean Turkish?

Thank you all for your replies, now I can study the case better

No problem... Good luck

I prefer you put your money in a bank and you will get good amount of interest, Ak bank gives 11 percent and is bank gives 10.50 percent ,to live on till you learn the language in Tomer or Istanbul university foreign languages center, and during this period you can travel around turkey to study the market and see what you can do.Language is a must in any country you plan to move to.

maby better for business you will visit Georgia ?most safe and touristic country.with old and interesting culture .for more information text me

How cheap is Georgia and which language is used, I.e do they speak english or any latin language

its normal,u can speak in english but we have our language georgian.

Well it doesn't suit me at all

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Thank you all for your interesting and useful comments.
I have a question please:
If I can buy an apartment in Bursa to live in with my wife (no children), and I have a monthly income of 700 $ US, would this be enough to live basic life (for two persons) there?
Thank you again.

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FredCanadian wrote:

Thank you all for your interesting and useful comments.
I have a question please:
If I can buy an apartment in Bursa to live in with my wife (no children), and I have a monthly income of 700 $ US, would this be enough to live basic life (for two persons) there?
Thank you again.

It means you dont need to pay for house right?
Is 700$ for 2 people?
If for 2 people and you have no expense to pay too much it can be enough but you need to safe money. But it's small money for two people.

Hi, you may get in touch and we can assist you with your real estate requirements and a complete cost of living for two. $700 a month is too less if you have rental apartments.

700 $ US is for living expenses only. Not for rent. I mean for groceries, bills, electricity, internet, water bills....
I am planning to buy an apartment. so I will not pay any apartment rent.
So.. Would 700 $ be enough for living expenses for two persons in Bursa (without rental)?

FredCanadian wrote:

700 $ US is for living expenses only. Not for rent. I mean for groceries, bills, electricity, internet, water bills....
I am planning to buy an apartment. so I will not pay any apartment rent.
So.. Would 700 $ be enough for living expenses for two persons in Bursa (without rental)?

for water,electric, internet around 120-150 $ actually it's enough but just cooking at home sometime.
because for vegetable is very cheap.

$700 US more then enough for 2 people in Bursa, vegies cheap you can cook once a week or twice, I have confortable living $500 a month

Thank you all for your very helpful answers.
I have to ask another question: Do you think that the results of next Turkish elections will affect the circumstances through which expats can get residency in Turkey? I mean, do you think that it may become more difficult to get such residency than in the past?

FredCanadian wrote:

Thank you all for your very helpful answers.
I have to ask another question: Do you think that the results of next Turkish elections will affect the circumstances through which expats can get residency in Turkey? I mean, do you think that it may become more difficult to get such residency than in the past?

I think not different. I think the current government is gonna win next period again. Now they are really opening example for refugees, international students, Alumni international students. they're gonna give work permit to international students who is successful in Turkey. and another campaign is gonna launch creatively.

What about buying a car in Turkey? I heard that tax are high, but expats can buy cars from each others without paying high taxes.

Yes you can search such cars like this

yabancıdan yabancıya satılık araba or
yabancıya satılık araba

Thank you very much. This forum is great. It can give people like me very valuable information before coming to Turkey.
Thank you all.