Turkey is without a doubt, one of the best destinations there is. And I don’t just mean for digital nomads, but every type of traveler. However, it goes to say that Turkey is quickly becoming a digital nomad hotspot, and on arrival here you will instantly see why. From the food, to the culture, to the exquisite natural beauty, it’s truly difficult to sum up the magic that is Turkey in a few words. As a digital nomad, you must visit for yourself. Here is the ultimate travel guide to Turkey for digital nomads!
Introduction
Turkey is an amazing country that would take several lifetimes to fully discover. This region has been at the center of numerous ancient civilizations throughout history. A case in point is Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople. This was the capital of both the Byzantium and Ottoman Empire, and has changed name a number of times throughout history. Just a visit to the Hagia Sophia shows how the power shifted in history, as its interiors show the influence of Christianity, which was later covered with Islamic motifs. Even in the modern cities, the historic landmarks still stand proudly to speak towards a deeply rich past. A visit to Turkey today is stimulation for the mind as well as the eyes, as it is also home to beautiful mosques, beaches, and natural wonders all around.
Practical Info
Visa
Certain passport holders are permitted to obtain a visa on arrival in Turkey. Up until recently, this was the method used for most Americans to obtain a visa. To obtain a visa on arrival, you just needed to have cash in the exact amount of 20 GBP, in pounds, lira, euros or dollars.
At present, Americans are no longer permitted to obtain a visa on arrival. Instead, US passport holders are among the countries eligible to apply for a Turkish e-visa. On a positive note, this makes obtaining a visa simpler and you can avoid the long immigration lines at the airport. All you must do is apply online, ideally 2 days before your departure flight. If everything is in order, you could have your e-visa within 4 hours of applying.
The downside, is that the e-visa fee is now $50 USD for American passport holders. This visa will allow a stay for up to 90 days. This makes it a bit expensive to enter Turkey for digital nomads, but it’s unlikely that the fee will go back to what it was before.
You can check the website here, for up to date information about how to get a Turkish Visa for your nationality.
Wifi
The wifi speeds can be hit or miss in Turkey for digital nomads. If you are staying in Istanbul, chances are you’ll have decent wifi. According to Speed Test, as of April 2021, Turkey’s wifi speeds average about 38 mpbs download speed on mobile, and 31 mpbs on fixed broadband.
If you leave the bigger cities and enter more rural areas, the wifi progressively get’s slower. When I was near the Syrian border, the wifi speeds slowed down considerably, to the point it was a challenge to send an email. The wifi really depends on where you are staying, so to be sure, I’d advise emailing your accommodation beforehand to ask about the wifi situation.
SIM Card
You should also get a SIM card on arrival, which will come with data packages at an affordable rate. If for some reason your wifi isn’t working, just use the hotspot to cover patchy wifi connections. I got a Telekom SIM card, as advised by my host. For about $35 a month, you’ll get a prepaid SIM card, with 15 GB of data. They have shops all around Istanbul, and most cities in Turkey where you can top up if needed.
Weather
Turkey has 4 seasons, which are largely varied by the region you are in. Most visitors generally visit in summer, but depending on what you’ll do this can be an uncomfortable time of year.
Winter
Some people are surprised to learn that Turkey get’s very cold in winter. The average day time temperature ranges from 4 to 15 degrees. However, in my monthlong stay in January one year, the temperature hovered closer to 0 for most of the trip!
You will almost certainly have snow in Istanbul and even more in Cappadocia. Even in the southernmost part of the country, such as in Mardin, it will snow. Likewise, many hotels will shut down for the winter season, especially along the coast. If your reason for visiting Turkey includes hiking, beach days or a lot of outdoor activities, you should reconsider visiting in this time of year.
Spring
Spring is a great time of year to visit Turkey. In fact, April and May are often regarded as the best months to travel Turkey. The weather is warming up, but remains mild, making it easy to enjoy exploring outside. The day time temperatures average at about 24 C in the city of Ankara (in the middle of the country). The crowds are also thinner at this time of year, making it ideal for visiting.
Spring also gets a bit more rain than other seasons. Depending where you go this may be something to consider.
Summer
Temperatures in Turkey average around 31 – 34 C in summer. This season is fairly hot and humid, so for those who prefer staying in the city, the weather can feel uncomfortable at times.
However, summer is a glorious time of year in Turkey, especially if you plan to spend time hiking or hitting the beaches. This is also the most crowded time of year to visit, as high season runs between June to August. Tourist hotspots such as Cappadocia will be completely full of tourist buses and people. It may also be harder to book activities or accommodation.
Autumn
Autumn may be the best time of year to visit Turkey, in my opinion. The weather is similar to spring, but with far less rainfall. The summer crowds will thin, and the heat subsides by early September. The autumn season in Turkey is generally thought of to last from September until the end of October. The month of November gets considerably colder, and the comfortable weather quickly disappears.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is very fair in Turkey for digital nomads. If you will stay in Istanbul or a major city, you can expect a monthly cost of living around $1500 – $2000 USD on the cheaper side. This includes a lifestyle of staying in an Airbnb, buying groceries some of the time, eating local foods, sometimes going out for drinks, visiting clubs or cocktail bars sometimes, and traveling on weekends. If you plan to travel extensively or party a lot, your budget will be on the higher end of that.
Accommodation
Accommodation off Airbnb in Istanbul will cost you at least around $500 – $700 USD for a private apartment. The cost can be lower, depending on the area of the city you are in. Generally, to be in a lively area with ample resources and amenities available close by, expect to pay at least $600 USD.
If you choose to stay outside of Istanbul, the price can decrease dramatically. However, bear in mind that in smaller cities, the wifi is not always as good, so it’s not always possible to work remotely from anywhere in Turkey.
Food
The food in Turkey is among the best in the world. Luckily, it doesn’t cost very much to eat well. You can get an authentic, amazing kebab for $2 USD in Istanbul. You can also visit a hot food bar, with ready-to-eat meals and dishes available for take away. These are my favorite places to buy food, as you can try so many local dishes at about $2 per dish. I usually bought 3 – 4 at a time to eat throughout the work day.
For groceries, you’ll be pleased to find that the prices are very fair. If you avoid buying too many western imported goods, you can easily spend below $40 USD a week, or $160 a month on groceries. If you are budget oriented, the key is to eat local goods. A few local goods to buy at the supermarket are manti, an inexpensive and AMAZING Turkish ravioli, and ayran, a turkish yogurt drink.
Transport
If you plan to live in Istanbul, you can easily spend $200 USD or less a month on transport. But you likely didn’t come to Turkey not to explore, so if you factor in traveling on weekends, or a couple times a month, budget to spend at least double that. I did 4 weekend trips during my last stay and spent about $450 USD on transport for the month.
Transportation within the city of Istanbul is actually amazing. If you spend a month or more here, you’ll likely use the metro, ferry and ride sharing services at some point. A one way ride on the metro is 3.50 Turkish Lira, or equivalent to about $0.40 USD. The metro is pretty clean and safe, and for this price it’s an amazing way to get around. A ferry ride across the Bosphorus River to the other side of Istanbul, is only 1.50 lira, or $0.20 USD. Not only is it fun to take the ferry, but it’s dirt cheap.
An Uber ride from the city center to Sabina Gokcem Airport usually costs around $20 USD. For travel around the country the prices vary. You can score a one way flight from Istanbul to Goreme for as little as $23 USD. Buses can be equally affordable options for destinations not near an airport.
Where to Stay
In most digital nomad destinations, there are usually several places I’d say are worthwhile contenders as your base. However, in Turkey, there is truly no competition. Istanbul is the best home base in Turkey for digital nomads. Trust me, this city is amazing in too many ways to count. For one, what other major city lies across two continents?! Factor in the fascinating culture, cosmopolitan shopping scene, and amazing people to connect with, and you will not regret choosing Istanbul as your base. Plus, it’s easy to fly to other areas within the country since it’s where the main airport is. Below are the best places to stay in Istanbul.
Şişli
This neighborhood is quiet and quite residential, but you are within walking distance from a posh and upscale shopping district, the hip neighborhood of Galata, as well as the tourist hotspot, Taksim Square. You are close enough to the hustle and bustle, but just far enough to have a safe and quiet place to come home to.
Galata
Not too far off, is my second favorite area in Istanbul for living. It’s been gentrified in a way, that it’s now home to a collection of hip bars, chic cafes to work from, as well as touristic points of interest. Plus, you are right next to the sea, and a walk across the bridge or along the waterfront at sunset is an amazing way to decompress after a day of working from home.
Kadikoy
If you are more adventurous, stray over to the Asian continental side of Istanbul. Here, you’ll find Kadikoy, home to a large student and younger population. The Asian side of Istanbul is generally cheaper, and you’ll pay less for both goods and accommodation. Kadikoy is home to its own handful of historic landmarks to explore during the day, as well as awesome nightlife for your evenings.
Things to Do in Turkey
When entering Turkey as digital nomads, you are likely to be given a 90 day tourist visa. Unfortunately this is no where near enough to see all hat Turkey has to offer. However, below are the highlights and some true hidden gems that shouldn’t be missed in Turkey for digital nomads.
Pamukkale
Nicknamed the cotton candy castle, this place is truly unique. Pamukkale is characterized as a limestone terrace of crystal blue hot spring pools. Depending when you visit, you may even get a chance to bath in the pools. While the water is warm year round, summer and warmer months often see huge crowds. It’s usually hard to find space, but if you wait until sunset, you’ll have it all to yourself plus a beautiful sunset view over the valley!
Unfortunately, the iconic photos of Pamukkale showing bright blue shades of hot springs, filling each pool on the terrace, it no longer looks like this. For whatever reason, most of the pools have dried up. You will still find the turquoise blue pools, just not as many as before. Regardless, a visit here is a must. Don’t forget to bring a bathing suit to soak in the healing waters of the hot springs!
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a place that hardly needs an introduction anymore. This is where you’ve seen the iconic photos of hot air balloons over rocky valleys at sunrise. Despite being an overblown tourist attraction, a visit here is easily a highlight of Turkey, and the world!
You should opt to spend a few days here to really enjoy everything Cappadocia has to offer. You can explore the historic rock hewn towns, unique rock formations, hike through the valleys and of course, take off to the skies in a sunrise hot air balloon ride.
Hot tip: if you are not afraid of snow or a bit of coldness, a visit in winter offers an offbeat but magical experience in Cappadocia. For one, you have hardly any tour bus crowds, which in summer are massive. You’ll also ave discounted prices for hotels. You can score luxury stay in a rock hotel of your dreams for a steal.
Mardin
Mardin is somewhat a hidden gem, depending who you ask. For some, it’s a must see when visiting Turkey. However, due to its location close to Syria and some radical terrorism that took place in the area, it seems people visit less these days.
However, a visit to Mardin is undoubtably one of the most authentic and striking places to visit in Turkey. The historic sand colored city, is one of the oldest remaining cities from the Mesopotamian empire. The history here is rich, and the culture as well. The city itself can often be regarded as an open air museum in itself. In Mardin, you’ll find a labyrinth of a city, with uniquely old buildings, telling the story of this historic settlement. You’ll find ancient forts and monasteries, the most notable one being the Mor Hananyo Monastery which is a must visit.
And in case that isn’t enough, Mardin is also known for it’s locally produced wine. Pair your visit with a stop in Midyat, or one of the other historic cities nearby for further exploration.
Side note: in 2021, it may currently be unsafe to visit this region of Turkey. Sadly, the resurgence in Turkeys involvement in the Syrian conflict has caused political unrest. This area has seen a number of terrorist attacks, and to be safe I don’t recommend it until things calm down.
Van
If you are willing to make the journey across the country, you can opt to visit the beautiful city and region of Van. This region is known as a Kurdish territory of Turkey. The kurds are indigenous people from an ethnic group originating from ancient Mesopotamia. Although they have lived in this area of Turkey since ancient times, they are not considered Turkish. In fact they have a very distinct cultural identity, despite not having a nation of their own.
In my experience, Kurdish people are among the most friendly and welcoming. If you are lucky to become friends with someone, you can gain significant insights into their culture, and their slightly tragic history.
In Van, you will have full exposure into Kurdish culture, as well as the breathtaking natural beauty of this region. The natural landscape here is characterized by mountainous terrain, as well as beautiful lakes. It’s close proximity to Armenia means you’ll also find some ancient Armenian landmarks here. he most notable one being the church on Akdamar Island.
Side note: unfortunately, this area can be perfectly safe and sees a number of tourists each year. However, you should stay up to date with any political conflicts or current events. Sometimes, it can be unsafe to visit this area during times of political unrest.
Mt. Nemrut
It’s a bit out of the way, but if you make it to Van, you should also pay a visit to Mt. Nemrut. This is a truly unique place dripping in historical value and beauty.
Mt. Nemrut is a mountain towering above the sky at 2,134 meters. You can either hike, or try to organize a tour to get up here. If you make it you’ll find the ruins of an ancient royal tomb from the 1st century. This place became famous for the large statue head that are still in tact here. The significance of this place in history earned it a title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Uzungöl
This place was recommended to my by a local girl in Istanbul. She described it as the Switzerland of Turkey. One may be surprised to find such landscapes in Turkey, but it definitely exists in the north of the country. The village itself is located idyllically next to a lake, where you’ll also find a mosque on the waters edge.
This area is best visited in warmers months, as a visit in winter will show you a frozen lake, and mountains deeply buried under snow. This area is a tranquil place to unwind in nature, or go hiking in the forests or up the mountains.
Visit the Turkish Riviera
If you are visiting during the warmer months, this area is a must visit. The Turkish Riviera is home to a beautiful stretch of coastline, stunning beaches and some of the most beautiful views in the country. With a nickname as the Turquoise Coast, it easily rivals famous coastal destinations in Europe, like the Amalfi Coast. But a visit here will mean cheaper prices and somewhat less crowds.
If you are into luxury and resorts, you can check out the northern stretch of the Turkish Riviera. Beach cities such as Izmir and Bodrum are popular among the rich folks of Turkey. For a more low key and less commercialized experience, head south to the likes of Fethiye, Alanya and Olympos.
If you are short on time, head to Kas, which is not far from Istanbul, and can be done as a day or weekend trip. It’s a picturesque fishing town with amazing beaches. Antalya in the south is a much larger city, but still holds onto an old world charm, truly reminiscent of Mediterranean coastal vibes. Here, you can find a waterfall flowing directly into the sea.
Ephesus
Ephesus is an ancient city, that is regarded as one of the most significant ones remaining in Turkey. For a glimpse into the height of the Roman Empire, a visit here can be like visiting an outdoor museum. From ancient monuments, temples and streets, you’ll find these all somewhat in tact here.
The complex of Ephesus itself is large and you can wander around exploring the ruins, and imagining its glorious past. If you love history, your mind will be reeling over the intricate historical significance this place holds. It’s not too far from Pamukkale and often done in one trip.
Ankara
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, and worth a visit for insight into its mix of cosmopolitan living amidst historic landmarks abound. Probably the most noteworthy landmark is Ankara castle, which can be seen from afar due to its central location overlooking the city from a hill.
For me personally, after spending so much time in Istanbul, I wasn’t very interested in Ankara. It’s a large modern city, but it can’t compare to Istanbul. I myself prefer the more cultural and natural parts of Turkey. However, you will likely pass through Ankara at some point if you choose to fly or travel to more Eastern parts of the country. So you can easily spend a day or two here en-route to your final destination.
Shopping
A huge thing not to miss in Turkey for digital nomads, is shopping in a bazaar or outdoor market. These are hectic, loud, and often over-stimulating for the senses. However, it’s a truly immersive experience that will keep you on your toes. Not all shopping areas are hectic. The one in Mardin was relatively calm, and I was able to find some beautiful jewelry in peace. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is huge and sometimes an overwhelming experience. Also, be sure to visit some Turkish carpet shops. These are beautifully made, and are world famous. You may just buy one or a few to send home, or as a gift.
Turkey for Digital Nomads
Although Turkey is one of my personal favorite countries to work remotely from, there are some clear positives and negatives to staying Turkey for digital nomads. Below are the pros and cons explained.
The Positives
Istanbul
This city is in my opinion, one of the best cities for digital nomads. There is so much to see and do, and endless things to discover, you’ll never feel bored. It’s also a city where many types of travelers and people end up. You’ll have no difficulty in meeting interesting folks, and having a community of friends. Honestly, just the people made me feel like I could live here full time some day.
The Costs
Turkey is not the cheapest digital nomad destination, but the prices you pay are beyond fair for what you get. You can eat well, enjoy nights out, travel, and enjoy a great standard of living at an affordable cost. When you leave the bigger cities, the prices become even cheaper, almost rivaling southeast Asia prices.
The Food
Food in Turkey is for sure in the top 5 of best cuisines I’ve had around the world. There is just so much to try, you can literally eat something new everyday while here and love every single dish. The food is also in line with the Mediterranean diet, so it feels pretty wholesome and healthy. Be sure to try the moussaka, everything with eggplant, and Midye dolmas (stuffed mussels).
The History
Even if you aren’t a history buff, it’s impossible to leave Turkey and not be in awe of the historical significance of this region of the world. This is literally the apex of so many ancient civilizations. Today, you can still see evidence of this, in the remains of these civilizations, all overlapping each other in the present day. It’s seriously mind blowing here to try to wrap your head around all the history that took place here.
The Nature
There are natural wonders in Turkey that are unlike any other place in the world. People flock to Cappadocia in huge numbers each year to witness the martian like terrain of this region. The coastal areas are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. You also have many surprises, like Pamukkale. You’ll see natural formations here that are unique to this country.
The Negatives
Mediocre Wifi
I won’t say the wifi isn’t good enough in Turkey for digital nomads , but it isn’t great. If you are in Istanbul, chances are you’ll be fine. When I was in Goreme and Cappadocia, it also worked fine. However, the more you travel, especially. to rural or less commercialized areas, the wifi gets worse. This could improve in the coming years, but just know that you should plan to do most of your working while in the bigger cities. When you travel around the country, I wouldn’t count on the wifi connection to be honest.
Censorship
Turkey is an interesting country, where certain things are banned from the internet. It’s not North Korea level by any means, but still enough to be really inconvenient. When I last visited in 2019, booking.com was banned. This made it a challenge to book accommodation while in the country. Also, while here say goodbye to Wikipedia. You can probably work around this if you have a VPN, but it’s still an extra hassle.
Political Tensions
We can’t gloss over the plain fact that sometimes, Turkey is not entirely a safe destination. Depending when you go, it can be pretty okay. However, when there is political unrest, or when radical groups start acting up, it can be straight up unwise to visit. Both times I visited, was during a lull in any major terrorist activities. However, just the year before I went there were bombings, including at the American embassy. So be sure to keep up to date with current events before going, to make sure you feel safe doing so.
Safety in Turkey for Digital Nomads
The safety statistics in Turkey can look pretty grim. According to the Global Peace Index, Turkey currently ranks as the 150th safest country in the world in 2021. For perspective, Afghanistan is the lowest ranking country on the list, at number 163. The USA is ranked at number 121.
The low safety ranking in Turkey can almost certainly be attributed to the political tensions in and surrounding Turkey. In 2019, Turkey re-entered the Syrian conflict, sparking more radical terrorism and general political unrest. Since then, there’s been ongoing political instability and as a result, protests are not unheard of. It’s unfortunate, because when the political issues are calm, Turkey is an amazing and generally safe place.
I will say that millions of people travel to Turkey every year and are fine. Even during the pandemic, as one of the only countries open to tourism, they continued to receive visitors. Most people who visit Turkey will be fine and encounter no problems. However, it pays to be aware of any political issues or current events.
Check up to date information about what areas to avoid, and follow the advice given. Also, this isn’t official advice, but a personal one. But when I am in Turkey, especially as a solo traveler, I avoid advertising the fact that I’m American, just in case. I’d recommend staying away from any protests while here too.
Safety for Solo Female Travelers
Turkey is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers. However in all honesty I must disclose the fact that it can be deemed as unsafe for some.
In 2014, when I visited Turkey for the first time as a solo traveler, I was followed almost every single day by some random man in the streets. Most times I didn’t even notice, until a local gently informed me that they see someone stalking me. Other times, it was impossible to ignore. I asked my American friend who was studying in Istanbul about it, and she informed me this is common, and that her experience as a blonde had her being followed and stalked daily.
In general, the stalking is harmless. The stalkers don’t usually intend to interact with the women they follow or do any harm. But it’s creepy as hell. For this reason, I’d advise caution to solo female travelers, especially inexperienced solo travelers. If it’s one of your first trips alone, this may be overwhelming.
My last trip to Turkey, this didn’t happen at all. I am unsure why, maybe because I am a more experienced traveler now, so people don’t see me as an easy target. Another theory, is that it was winter, and I was covered head to toe in thick winter clothes and no longer stood out.
Either way, my advice is to blend it and draw less attention to yourself to avoid unwanted attention. Turkey is after all, a muslim country. You should err on the side of caution and dress conservatively. Also, if you aren’t an assertive traveler, I’d advise not coming to Turkey as a solo female. You may bite off more than you can chew.
Final Word
And that wraps up this travel guide to Turkey for digital nomads! It may not be the safest country in the world, but in almost every other aspect it’s simply amazing. From the food, to the history, to the jaw dropping nature. I’d go back in a heartbeat if I could.
And what about you? Whats your opinion on Turkey for digital nomads? Let me know below!
Linda (LD Holland) says
We had only a quick visit to Turkey but it has been on our travel wish list for some time for a longer return visit. We have a lot of tourist sites on our plan. But I will take note that trying to work while we travel may be limited by wifi speeds in some places. Ok for a tech break! Good to know that food is relatively inexpensive – especially if we wanted to eat in local spots. What a great reminder of why Turkey is on our wish list. Lets hope that the political tensions remain low so we can get to visit when things open up.
bye:myself says
Turkey is such a beautiful country and has so much to offer. Since there are so many Turkish ex-pats including artists and journalists living in Germany, we are pretty well informed on life and politics in Turkey, and sadly, it’s not very safe for people working in the media – although I’m happy that Ahmet Altan has been finally released. Nevertheless, it’s a dreamy place and I so hope that things change for the better soon.
nicole says
Turkey is such a beautiful country and great for budgeting. Thank you for your honesty in this article. My mother had an awful incident over there about 10 years ago which really shook her up. Unfortunately my experiences of the country were for work and also quite negative. The company I worked for also pulled all it’s activity resorts in the country due to some incidents with female staff and guests, losing them millions each year still. This was 6 years ago now, but they have announced the reopening of them in the next two years. It’s such a beautiful country and from speaking with my friends who are from Izmir, Demre and Ortakent, the local authorities have been rapidly cracking down on the behaviours it became known for. I am excited to see how the country progresses to be a safer location for women in particular.
Claire says
I like how you included information about it being safe/unsafe, but also put it into perspective based on how safe other countries are. your pictures are stunning and I don’t think I would mind working from Turkey with all there is to explore there!
Carol Colborn says
The costs are so economical, the beauty is palpable, but safety is a concern. And wifi strength.is not ok.