Adana Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Internet

Turkey has three major mobile carriers: Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom. Turkcell generally has the best coverage.

Connectivity Facts

Purchase local SIM cards in authorized shops at Adana Airport or within the city.
Your passport is necessary for registration, and your phone must not be locked.
Wi-Fi is widely available and often free in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and malls.

Language & Translation

Turkish (`Türkçe`) is the official language. English is spoken to varying degrees in tourist-facing businesses.

Translation Tools

English is less common in local eateries or traditional shops.
Google Translate, with its offline Turkish language pack, is highly recommended.
Learning a few basic Turkish phrases is going to be appreciated.

Postal Services & Phone Rules

The Turkish Post (PTT), identified by yellow and dark blue signs, offers mail and parcel services.

Postal & Phone Guidance

Larger PTT branches also feature currency exchange.
Phones from abroad must be registered within 120 days or they will block Turkish SIM cards.
For brief journeys, this registration is usually not an issue.

ESIMs & Portable WiFi

Digital solutions to continue being connected without physical SIM cards.

Modern Connectivity

Consider an eSIM for easy setup: Airalo.
A portable WiFi device is another option: Solis Wi-Fi.
Learn simple Turkish phrases with Rosetta Stone.

Important Turkish Phrases

Basic Greetings

Merhaba (MEHR-hah-bah): Hello
Teşekkür ederim (teh-shek-KEWR eh-DEHR-eem): Thank you
Lütfen (LEWT-fen): Please
Evet (EH-vet): Yes

Useful Expressions

Hayır (HAH-yur): No
Ne kadar? (NEH kah-DAHR?): How much?
Afiyet olsun (ah-fee-YET ohl-SOON): Bon appétit
Tuvalet nerede? (too-vah-LET NEH-reh-deh?): Where is the toilet?

Language Tip

Making a genuine effort to speak a few Turkish words will be very appreciated by locals.

Business Hours & Etiquette

Plan your day knowing usual opening hours and local customs.

Shop Hours

Generally open from 09:00 to 19:00 or 20:00, Monday through Saturday. Malls operate from 10:FROM 12 to 22:00 daily.

Restaurant Hours

Lunch service typically 12:00-14:00, dinner 19:00-23:00. Many kebab shops open earlier and close later.

Museum Hours

Typically Tuesday to Sunday, from 09:00 to 17:00. The majority of museums close on Mondays. Verify specific times seasonally.

Banking & ATMs

Banks generally operate from 09:BETWEEN 12 and 17:00, Monday through Friday, with a lunch break.

Accessing Funds

Banking hours are weekdays 09:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:00.
ATMs are widely available 24/7 throughout Adana.
Currency exchange is also available at larger PTT branches.

Holiday Impact

National and religious holidays may alter business hours and public services.

Plan Around Holidays

During religious holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha), many businesses may close.
Public transport may operate on reduced schedules during holidays.
Public holidays can lead to increased domestic travel.

Greeting Customs

Common Greetings

A handshake is common for formal greetings.
Kissing cheeks is customary among friends and family.
Use "Merhaba" (hello) or "İyi günler" (good day).

Showing Deference

When greeting men and women, wait for the woman to extend her hand first.
Use "Bey" (Mr.) or "Hanım" (Ms.) after a person's first name for respect.
A genuine effort with Turkish using phrases is appreciated.

Planning Ahead

Verify specific museum times as hours vary seasonally.

Etiquette & Accessibility

Respect local customs and consider accessibility needs for your journey.

Appropriate Attire

Modest dress is the custom, specifically for religious sites. This indicates shoulders and knees must be covered.

Dress Guidelines

For women, a headscarf is customary at religious sites.
Avoid overly revealing clothing in more traditional areas or outside beach resorts.
Turkish society is generally conservative.

Dining & Photography

Observe local dining etiquette and seek permission for photographs.

Cultural Notes

Avoid pointing with your feet, considered disrespectful. Do not blow your nose at the table.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, most notably women and children.
Photography is strictly prohibited near military bases or government buildings.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Awareness of sensitive subjects helps avoid misunderstandings.

Subjects to Avoid

Show respect for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the Turkish Flag.
Avoid discussing sensitive political topics with strangers.
Do not point the soles of your feet at people or sacred objects.

Gender & LGBTQ+

Turkish society is generally conservative. Public interactions tend to be more gender-segregated.

Social Considerations

Women generally find respect, but solo female travelers may experience more attention.
Public displays of affection by same-sex couples are generally not advised.
Adana is less liberal than Istanbul; discretion is recommended.

Accessibility Challenges

Infrastructure Limitations

Adana's infrastructure might create obstacles due to bumpy sidewalks and staircases.
Older city parts and traditional markets often lack ramps.
Newer areas like plazas and modern hotels usually have better accessibility.

Transportation & Services

The Adana Metro is generally accessible.
Accessible taxis are rare; older buses and dolmuş are typically not accessible.
Specialized services for visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Planning for Accessibility

Prioritize Research

Research specific hotels and points of interest thoroughly in advance.
Contact establishments directly to confirm their accessibility features.
Guide dogs may not be widely accepted in all establishments.

Local Resources

Contact local disability organizations on Turkish soil for specific advice.
These organizations may provide valuable, up-to-date information.
Communication can be challenging where English is not widely spoken.

Accessibility Note

Adana's infrastructure can pose difficulties for those with mobility challenges. Pre-trip research is highly recommended.

Airport Services

Optimize your airport experience with these services.

Airport Lounges

Access to independent airport lounges can greatly improve your travel comfort.

Relax Before Your Flight

Enjoy comfortable seating, refreshments, and Wi-Fi.
Available at many airports worldwide.
Consider a membership like Priority Pass.

Flight Compensation

Seek compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.

Know Your Rights

Services exist to help process your claim.
Claiming compensation can mitigate trip interruptions.
Explore services like Compensair.

Language Learning for Travel

Before You Go

Start Learning Turkish

Daily Use

Simple greetings and questions will make possible local experiences.

Practice Daily

Cultural Connection

Show respect for the local culture through language efforts.

Connect with Locals

Airport Experience

For a more pleasant travel experience, look into the airport lounge access and understand your flight compensation rights.

Adana Travel Tips