Cankaya Ankara, Turkey Travel Guide
Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom are the main mobile operators. Turkcell typically has the best coverage and speeds. Purchase SIM cards at Esenboğa Flight center or official brand stores. A passport is required for registration.
Wi-Wi-fi is common in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls. Many establishments present free Wi-Fi for customers. Public Wi-Fi hotspots sometimes require a Turkish mobile number for authentication.
The official language is Turkish. English is spoken by staff in large hotels and tourist-oriented shops. Outside these areas, English proficiency is limited.
ATMs are widely available 24/7 in Ankara's urban areas. Banks generally operate during weekday business hours.
Religious holidays like Eid-Fitr and Eid al-Adha mean businesses may close. Verify operating hours for attractions, especially during low season, for a smooth visit.
Navigating local customs deepens your experience in Ankara.
Handshakes are common upon meeting, especially among men. Close friends and family may exchange kisses on both cheeks. Address elders with respect using formal titles.
Casual clothing is acceptable for nearly all public spaces. Modesty is appreciated. For religious sites like mosques, women cover heads, shoulders, and knees; men wear trousers. Remove shoes before entering prayer areas.
Communal dining, especially mezze, is common. Accepting tea from shopkeepers shows politeness. Use sayings like "Afiyet Olsun" (Eat well) and "Ellerinize sağlık" (Health to your hands) to show appreciation.
Always seek permission before taking photos of individuals. Be discreet when photographing religious rituals. Some museums may prohibit flash photography. Observe signs showing restrictions.
Avoid discussing politically charged topics or speaking negatively about religion. Pointing with a finger is rude. Do not point the soles of your feet at someone. Remove shoes when entering homes or mosques.
Thoughtful gestures, like asking permission for photos, reflect appreciation for the cultural environment.
Travelers with mobility challenges or other special needs should note Ankara's infrastructure.
Newer buildings, shopping malls, and some modern metro stations include elevators, ramps, and accessible toilets. Older parts of the city feature uneven cobbled roads and numerous stairs.
Anıtkabir is largely accessible with ramps and elevators. CerModern and some sections of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations may present better accessibility. Newer EGO buses have ramps, but availability varies. Taxis provide non-stop transport.
Limited specialized services exist for travelers with sight or hearing difficulties impairments. Travel with a companion or confirm specific assistance with your travel company. Public announcements in transit are typically in Turkish.
For travelers needing accessibility features, research and organization are fundamental. Focus on newer areas and confirm direct connections having sites and transport providers for a more comfortable journey.
