Side Mediterranean Coast, Turkey Travel Guide
Turkey's main mobile operators are Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom. Turkcell typically gives broad coverage. SIM cards purchase at major airports like Antalya Airport or official stores. Passport presentation is a requirement for registration. Tourist SIM packages commonly include data, calls, and SMS for a specific validity period.
Some providers may offer eSIM options, which may be a more convenient alternative for modern smartphones. Portable Wi-Fi devices are also available for consistent internet access.
The official language of Turkey is Turkish. English is widely spoken in tourist-centric areas of Side, including hotels, larger restaurants, tour operators, and shops. German and Russian are also commonly spoken in Side's tourist areas.
PTT (Posta ve Telgraf Teşkilatı) is Turkey's national post and telegraph directorate. PTT offices are available in Side and Manavgat for sending postcards, letters, or packages internationally. Look for the distinctive yellow and dark blue PTT sign.
Learning a few simple Turkish phrases shows respect and makes interactions with locals more engaging. Consider a platform like Rosetta Stone for language learning.
Schedule your daily activities around typical operating hours, banking services, and holiday closures.
Generally open from 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM. Tourist-oriented shops in the ancient city and promenade often stay open much later, sometimes until midnight in high season.
Lunch service typically begins around 12:00 PM, and dinner service from 7:00 PM. Many restaurants are open until late, often past 11:00 PM or midnight, especially in tourist areas.
Typically operate from 9:00 AM or 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM or 7:00 PM, with longer hours in summer. Many state-run museums are closed on specific days, often Mondays; check specific times before your visit.
Banks generally operate Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, commonly with a lunch break around 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Banks are closed on weekends and during public holidays.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available 24/7 throughout Side and Manavgat. You will find ATMs from major Turkish banks like Ziraat Bankası, İş Bankası, Garanti BBVA, Akbank, and Yapı Kredi.
During sacred and public holidays, banks and government offices close. Tourist areas generally remain open, but expect busier transportation.
Interact respectfully to render your experience richer and show appreciation for Side's heritage.
Handshakes are common upon meeting. Closer friends and family exchange kisses on both cheeks. Show great respect to theders. Casual wear is acceptable in most tourist areas. Modest dress for mosques: cover shoulders and knees for all, head for women. Remove shoes before entering.
Wait for hosts to seat you. Do not waste bread; it is sacred. Accepting offers of tea is polite. Photography is normally fine in public places and archaeological digs. Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women and children. Be discreet when photographing in religious settings, notably during prayer times.
Show deep respect for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Avoid discussions on Turkish politics, the Kurdish issue, or Cyprus. Be respectful of Islam and its practices. Keep public displays of affection discreet. Do not point the soles of your feet at anyone. Remove shoes when entering mosques or private homes.
Turkish society is generally conservative, but tourist areas like Side are more relaxed. Solo female travelers are generally safe. Homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, but public acceptance varies. In tourist resorts, there is generally more tolerance, but public displays of affection are not advisable. Discretion is recommended outside of private spaces.
Embrace local customs with an open mind. A little effort to adapt demonstrates respect and makes interactions more engaging.
Travelers with mobility challenges or special needs consider Side's accessibility infrastructure.
The ancient ruins of Side are largely uneven, with cobbled paths, worn stones, and significant steps (e.g., at the Roman Theatre). This has a challenge for wheelchairs and those with limited mobility. Some parts of the modern town and the central promenade along the coast are quite flat and more accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. Newer holiday resorts and 5-star hotels tend to feature accessible rooms and facilities.
Accessible options are limited. Some parts of the Side Museum might offer wheelchair access. The harbor area is generally flat and easy to navigate. Public dolmuş are typically standard minibuses and are not designed for easy wheelchair access. Taxis might be a possibility, but space for mobility aids can be limited. Private transfers are the most reliable option for accessible transport.
Clearly let them know about any specific accessibility needs to your accommodation and tour operators before arrival. This aids preparations.
