Financial Assistance

The Military & Family Readiness Center has staff on hand to assist with basic personal financial readiness assistance like creating a budget, debt management and retirement/investing.  

There is no American banking facility in Izmir. Ensure that your pay is being automatically deposited to a stateside institution and that you have a checking account in place before your permanent change of station move. If married, it is advised to have separate accounts to avoid check bouncing. It is also highly recommended to have online banking services. Pick an institution that has web access where you can do your banking online.

It is advised to order personal checks so bring plenty of checks with you. Checks can be cashed at the Finance Cashiers Cage. Checks should be preprinted with name, rank, address, duty phone, branch or service.

Establish online access to your account before leaving the United States, as statements often arrive late. This applies to online bill payment as well. Late statements often arrive after their due date. This can lead to late fees and skyrocketing interest rates.

Remember to set up a budget with your spouse and family members. Make sure you have an ATM or debit card prior to coming and increase your daily withdrawal. Inform your credit card company that you are being assigned to Turkey so they won't decline any of your cards once trying to use them here in Turkey.

Have at least $3,500 to be able to cover your first month's rent and setup costs.

You may be entitled to the following while at Izmir:

• Family Separation Allowance, TypeR, for members with dependents.
• Civilian Clothing Allowance (for Air Force and Army) one-time entitlement (make sure it is authorized on your orders.)
• Temporary Lodging Allowance
• A one-time entitlement of a Moving-in Housing Allowance. 
• Check with your Finance Office about your entitlements.