Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Hello,
I wonder how living in TRNC compares with living in Coastal Southwest Turkey? Apart from the resident visa, what do you consider to be the main advantages and disadvantages of the former. Are the locals as friendly and helpful?

To introduce myself, I've resided in Antalya for a short period, but dislike complicated visas and compulsory health insurance. I'm retired and sixty something. Small village life is great, but it's not for me.

I know some of you have also lived in Turkey. What (besides the visa) made you choose Cyprus and in what ways is it so different/similar to live in, say Fethiye or Kas and in TRNC?

I'm looking for a larger town by the sea with plenty of international expats. And I dislike driving, bars, and streets full of touristy shops.

Thank you or replying.

At the moment, 163 people read this post but not even 1 Replied. I wonder why.

Don't be shy.

Maybe because no members have moved here from Turkey! From your post it does not really sound as if TRNC is for you maybe you should consider Western Med countries?

I looked at your thread and decided that the likes and dislikes are incompatible

"I'm looking for a larger town by the sea with plenty of international expats. And I dislike driving, bars, and streets full of touristy shops."

Please don't think me unfriendly, but I do agree, North Cyprus does not seem to be the ideal destination for you. Most of the people I know live and love their small villages, and whilst they have lots of ex pat friends, do try to support the local communities, ie bars, restaurant etc. also to TRY to communicate with the local as best as possible.

Everything is subjective so why don't you just fly over from Turkey and stay for a week or so in Kyrenia, hire a car and you can see for yourself, flights from Turkey are very cheap.

I have never lived in Turkey, which is why I didnt reply. But from visits I would say public transport is better there and you say you dont like driving! You also say you are over 60 - how long do you think of living here, and will you be able to walk long distances in, say, another 10 years time! Do visit as guru says but dont hire a car - see how you get on without one. In my view however it needs a lot more than a week to start to understand the place! I am still trying to after 18 years!

Girne (Kyrenia) fits as a town with lots of expats (or at least in surrounding villages), but it is not so big by Turkey standards and it does have lots of bars and touristy shops. In fact the tourist industry is growing and if you read some of the posts here you will see some of us are distressed at its affects.

Also read the posts about residence to see the complications and frustrations here!

Thank you ALL

I don't think you as unfriendly, I feel so so welcomed.

I don't see, however, the alluded contradiction in my likes and dislikes as the dozens of expats I've met also dislike bars and restaurants.

I get the impression I'd have only one town to consider, Girne.

I cannot drive, that's why. And I do love small villages but since I will live alone, I don't see that geography as fitting with my needs.

Any other opinions from those who know Turkey and can compare? What made you choose TRNC and not the mainland, for example?

And I never implied that most of my friends wouldn't be natives. In Turkey they are. But I like international folks, wordly, and native English speakers to add to the nice social mosaic.

Thank you.

Some of us expats and even some swallows dislike the amount of restaurants , bars and other touristy excrescence that have been increasingly spoiling this country since 2004, but many do and the fact is they are there, particularly Girne, and not likely to go away! Unfortunately the political isolation of the TRNC means they have to cash in on the natural attractıons for the tourist trade and income from expatriates and swallows (people who spend part of the year here and part in their home country) and cater to their trade and tastes - thus imho killing the goose that laid the golden eggs.

There are also Famagusta (which is a very attractive town with a lot of historical interest) and Lapta and even Lefkoşa (if you dont mind not being by the sea) but I dont know them well enough - I hope someone who does will come on here. Girne and its surrounding villages is where most of the British expats live.

I strongly suggest before you think about living here you do a serious study of the history of the TRNC (the outlook of mainland Turks is sometimes slightly at variance). Sadly so few people do and it does sometimes help to understand the (to British eyes) sometimes illogicality.

I think if you cant drive it is sensible to live in a town: accessibility to doctor, dentist, chemists (off hand I cant think of a village with a chemist!) is important.

Do you speak Turkish? It will help a lot if you do, but you will find the accent and some vocabulary different - a bit like the difference between British and American English