8 replies to this topic

[ersatz]

I was wanting to get some information as to whether US military retirees can move to and live in Turkey. Is retiree pay affected? Is Tricare standard available? Can retirees get APO addresses? How is social security affected, if at all. I tried to send Ken a PM as one of his posts indicated, but for some reason I cannot.

Thanks.
E

[Cukurbagli]

I sent him a PM asking him to answer your questions, I'm sure he'll be in touch soon.

Welcome to Turkey Central.

[ersatz]

Thank you very much. For both the welcoming and forwarding my request.

[Ken]

Hi Ersatz,

Sorry about that... new members can't use the PM system until they've made a few posts, it gives us time to catch people with bad intent! I see you're now in the members' group so you can PM me, but please don't PM me about anything which could be posted in the forum, since that's what it's here for. Anyway to answer your questions:

Certainly you can move to and live in Turkey, your retiree pay won't be affected, nor will your social security. With some countries, retiree pay can be sent to a foreign bank, but not Turkey. You'll have to have it paid into a US bank account. However you can always transfer money to a US dollar account in Turkey, change it to Turkish Lira, and have an account here. I just use the ATM regularly and have done that for years.

Check with Tricare to be sure, but when I've used the health care system (it's excellent), I paid for the treatment, sent in my receipts, and was reimbursed for 80% of the fees. As I understand it, you can do that most anywhere, but some things may have changed...

You can get an APO box in Izmir, but nowhere else. The APO proper is at Sirinyer Garrison some distance from the city center, and you won't be able to access it, however the commander has authorized a small "mini APO" in the city center where retirees can have mail boxes. They only provide mail services (with a postal worker) on Fridays from noon till 3:00 PM. You can pick up whatever the postal worker has posted in your mail box any time, but if you want to send packages, etc., you can only do it during that time on Fridays. All incoming and outgoing mail is limited to 16 ounces. If you receive anything heavier than that they might send it back. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. At Izmir, you can use their facilities, but not the BX or Commissary.

Incirlik has very tight security, it is a Turkish Air Base with a US military presence, and the Turks run everything. You won't be able to get onto the base unless you are sponsored or have an appointment. Adana is not a place I would want to live, Izmir is FAR better, reminds me a little of San Diego or New Orleans, with lots to do, and some great beaches on the peninsula. Probably the main drawback is the winters, they can be pretty dreary with overcast skies and rain throughout, it will make you appreciate spring when it finally comes! Anyway, Izmir is definitely the place to be for military retirees.

Thanks for posting these questions, I think this is the first topic we've had concerning this and probably lots of people could use this information. I'm going to "watch" this topic for a while to make sure I don't miss your questions... Also I'm moving it to the "Moving to and Living in Turkey" forum but will also leave a link here so people can also welcome you. Welcome to Turkey Central!

[sunny]

Welcome to our forum Ersatz. You can learn lots more about Turkey by browsing the forums.

[ersatz]

Welcome to our forum Ersatz. You can learn lots more about Turkey by browsing the forums.

Thank you sunny. I am just beginning my trek around the forums and hope to garner much information and knowledge.

[Abi]

Hi Ersatz and welcome to our forum. I was wondering if you had been to Turkey before and if you haven't what it was that made you consider making a move here and where you my be thing of settling. If you can't find what your looking for feel free to ask away. I see Ken has got you off to a good start.

[mitchmoud]

I was wanting to get some information as to whether US military retirees can move to and live in Turkey. Is retiree pay affected? Is Tricare standard available? Can retirees get APO addresses? How is social security affected, if at all. I tried to send Ken a PM as one of his posts indicated, but for some reason I cannot.

Thanks.
E

Tricare depends upon your age {which coverage and office} Any claim filed in Turkey is covered under Tricare standard out of the Europe office. Medicare cannot be used anywhere outside the US, and if you have VA disability the VA will pay 100% of any service connected treatment anywhere in the world AFTER you register with their Colorado office to verify disability, Good luck!! I have yet to need it, but did the leg work and registered.

[ersatz]

Tricare depends upon your age {which coverage and office} Any claim filed in Turkey is covered under Tricare standard out of the Europe office. Medicare cannot be used anywhere outside the US, and if you have VA disability the VA will pay 100% of any service connected treatment anywhere in the world AFTER you register with their Colorado office to verify disability, Good luck!! I have yet to need it, but did the leg work and registered.

I am currently covered in the states under Tricare standard. I am not Medicare eligible yet. I have been retired from the USAF for about 13 1/2 years thus far.

Hi Ersatz and welcome to our forum. I was wondering if you had been to Turkey before and if you haven't what it was that made you consider making a move here and where you my be thing of settling. If you can't find what your looking for feel free to ask away. I see Ken has got you off to a good start.

No, I have never been to Turkey before but remember many conversations among active duty friends about the country. I am currently investigating a move with my girlfriend, who holds dual citizenship as she is half Turkish, although she is not currently residing there. I am in the investigation stages of how it will affect us. Thanks for the kind welcome.