There are no special programs for Ukrainians in the country, and housing prices — rather high
During the war between Russia and Ukraine, most of our citizens go to the EU countries, but there are also many who decide to go to more southern countries. For example, to Turkey. Almost every EU country has similar reception schemes for our citizens.
We tell you whether Ukrainians should consider this country as a place where they can stay for a while, fleeing hostilities.
How to get to Turkey from Ukraine today
Ukrainian refugees in Turkey should only count on their own, the correspondent of the publication immediately asks to take into account. According to her, in the conditions of closed airports in Ukraine, it is possible to get to the country only through neighboring EU countries. For example, a flight from one of the cities in Poland.
There are also bus flights from Lviv, Chernivtsi, Odessa, Kyiv and other major Ukrainian cities to Istanbul or Antalya.
If travel across Ukraine on evacuation flights and also on trains in Europe for refugees is mostly free, then here you have to pay. The fare for one person is about $150. You can also try to travel to Slovakia, Moldova or Romania, and from there fly to one of the Turkish cities.
«Unlike European countries, Turkey does not have any program to receive Ukrainian refugees. Ukrainian women, children and old people who arrived in any Turkish region should rely only on their own strength. Or to help relatives living there», writes journalist Anna Bredikhina, who herself happened to visit Turkey at the height of the war in Ukraine.
«Here we are like tourists». There are many Russians on the streets of Istanbul
Today, there are many Russians on the streets of Istanbul, popular before the war among Ukrainians, the author of the publication notes.
«Ruso tourist» habitually storm clothing stores of European brands and fiercely argue about discounts. For many residents of Turkey, both Ukrainians and Russians are just tourists who can earn money on this difficult time. You can most likely hear words of support and sympathy from those who have relatives in our country who understand the bloody reality of this war», writes Anna.
Interviewing local residents, she notes that almost everyone sympathizes with the Ukrainians and prays for peace to come as soon as possible. However, some people still think that a civil war is supposedly going on in Ukraine.
Payment is requested immediately. What are the housing prices in Turkey
The cost of renting a simple standard apartment in Istanbul, far from the historical center, is about $400 per month. The closer to the center, the more expensive.
According to the Airbnb travel app, the average monthly rental price in Istanbul is over $2,000, slightly higher than the average price in the resort of Antalya — $2,400. Much lower prices for accommodation — in the capital of Turkey, Ankara. There, according to the author of the article, a good apartment closer to the city center can be rented for $800.
«While in Istanbul, it was extremely difficult for a Ukrainian family to rent a house for a short period of time: for a month or two , after all, standard contracts are concluded from one year. The owners ask for payment immediately for the entire short stay, and also add a commission in the amount of the monthly cost of the apartment», writes Anna.
At the same time, there are still budget options for living in a hostel or in separate rooms.
«But then the comfort and safety that vulnerable women and children need becomes a big question», the journalist warns.
It is not easy to find a good job without knowledge of English
Those who want to get a job in Turkey officially, first need to obtain a residence permit and confirm a diploma of higher education. Since this option is difficult for those who are fleeing the war today, many are looking for informal work or additional earnings on the Internet.
Also in Istanbul, finding a stable and well-paid job without having a high or at least an average level of English, extremely difficult.
«In advertisements, Ukrainian women are often offered a job as a nanny or a nurse with a salary equivalent to just over eight thousand hryvnias. You can also earn extra money by providing services to your own compatriots, for example, there is a big demand for the services of hairdressers or manicurists», Anna Bredikhina describes the situation.
Of course, offers of a different nature have also become more frequent. Hot oriental men scouring in search of naive Ukrainian women promise to solve «all problems», but such stories traditionally end in tears.
Food prices are approximately comparable to the cost of food in Ukraine. It all depends on what and where to buy. One trip to the supermarket to buy food for several days will cost about 600-800 hryvnia.
It is worth adding that travel in Turkey is not very cheap. For example, in Istanbul, the price for a one-time trip in public transport — 18 hryvnias in our currency.
In what cases is it still worth fleeing from the war in Turkey
The author lists the main factors, in her opinion, that may prompt a trip to this country while Russia waging war against Ukraine.
- you already have a job in this country. For example, some Kyiv companies temporarily relocate with their employees, are ready to help them with housing in a new place, and at the same time continue to pay salaries;
- in Turkey, you have relatives or friends who can provide you with housing and food ;
- if you have savings that will allow you to live and not work at least for a while. But such, alas, are a minority, the correspondent notes.
In her opinion, Ukrainian refugees in all other cases in Turkey will face difficult times.
« weeks of wandering, many begin to look for ways to return home, and even ask for help with tickets for the return trip,» she notes.
The soft and comfortable Turkish spring always attracts Ukrainians, who go here even in mid-April in winter coats. And most importantly, they live in fear of falling under the shelling of Russian barbarians, writes Anna. However, she warns that it is worth thinking carefully before deciding to go to Turkey as a refugee. After all, help, most likely, may not be on the spot.