Communication: Trabzon

Mobile & Internet

Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom are main providers. Tourist SIM cards are available at Trabzon Airport or official stores. Passport registration is a must.

Access & Availability

Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, restaurants, shopping malls.
Local SIM provides reliable mobile internet.
Consider Airalo eSIM or Solis Wi-Fi for connectivity.

Postal Services

PTT (Posta ve Telgraf Teşkilatı) is Turkey's national postal service. Offices are in Trabzon city center. Look for the yellow PTT sign.

Services

Send postcards, letters, and packages.
Located throughout city center.

Language Barriers

Turkish is the official language. English proficiency can be limited outside tourist-focused areas. Arabic is sometimes spoken.

Translation Resources

Google Translate: Download Turkish language pack for offline use.
Small Turkish phrasebook for basic interactions.
Consider Rosetta Stone for language learning.

Important Phrases

A few phrases can enhance your interactions.

Basic Turkish

Merhaba (Hello), Teşekkür ederim (Thank you)
Lütfen (Please), Evet (Yes), Hayır (No)
Ne kadar? (How much?), Nerede...? (Where is...?)
Su (Water), Çay (Tea), Hesap, lütfen (Bill, please)

More Phrases

Interactions

Affedersiniz (Excuse me / Pardon me)
Türkçe konuşmuyorum (I don't speak Turkish)
İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz? (Do you speak English?)

Connectivity Note

Having a local SIM card offers mobile internet for navigation, translation, and communication outside of Wi-Fi zones.

Business Hours and Schedules

Familiarize yourself with typical operating hours to plan your days efficiently.

Shops

Generally open from 9 AM or 10 AM to 7 PM or 8 PM, Monday to Saturday. Shopping malls often until 10 PM, open Sundays.

Restaurants

Open for lunch (around 12 PM) until late evening (10 PM or later). Many cafes open earlier for breakfast.

Banks & ATMs

Banks typically 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday. Closed weekends/holidays. ATMs are widely available.

Public Holidays

Turkey observes several public holidays, including religious holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha) which follow the Islamic lunar calendar (dates vary).

Impacts

Government offices, banks, some businesses may close.
Transportation can be busy.
National Holidays also affect hours.

Seasonal Schedules

Some tourist attractions, especially in higher elevations, might have limited access or closures during heavy snowfall in winter.

Winter Travel

Sumela Monastery access road may limit access.
Museums and attractions might have shorter winter hours.
Check in advance for low season visits.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

Consider Priority Pass for airport lounge access.

Flight Compensation

For flight delays/cancellations, Compensair assists with claims.

Planning Ahead

Check public holiday dates before your visit, as they can affect service availability and transportation.

Etiquette and Cultural Norms

Navigate local customs with courtesy and cultural awareness.

Greeting Customs

A handshake is common. Close friends and family might hug or kiss on both cheeks.

Common Greetings

"Merhaba" (Hello) is standard.
"Günaydın" (Good morning).
"İyi akşamlar" (Good evening).

Appropriate Attire

Trabzon is more conservative. Modest dress is appreciated, notably for women.

Settings

Mosques: Shoulders, knees, and head (for women, Light scarf) covered. Remove shoes.
Churches: Respectful attire.
General: Modest dress.

Dining & Tipping

Customary to wait to be seated. Do not put feet on chairs or tables.

Practices

See Section 2.3 for detailed tipping information (if applicable, this section refers to it).
Showing sole of foot is disrespectful.

Photography

Generally acceptable for landmarks and public spaces. Ask permission before photographing individuals.

Guidelines

Ask permission, especially for women and children.
Avoid military/government buildings.
Be discreet, avoid flash during prayer times.

Taboos and Sensitive Topics

Avoid

Openly criticizing Atatürk or the Turkish Republic.
Gestures that might be misinterpreted (e.g., "OK" sign).
Public displays of affection are generally discouraged.

Gender & LGBTQ+

Dressing modestly is advised for women, especially solo travelers.
Homosexuality not widely accepted in conservative regions. Discretion is advised for LGBTQ+ couples.

Religious Site Etiquette

Inside Mosques

Remove shoes.
Women cover heads.
Modest dress (shoulders, knees covered).

Behavior

Maintain quiet, respectful behavior.
Avoid walking in front of worshippers during prayer.

Accessibility Information

Trabzon's infrastructure can present challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Infrastructure

Older parts of the city are generally not designed for easy accessibility. Sidewalks can be uneven, narrow, and obstructed. Ramps are rare outside modern buildings.

Modern Buildings

Newer buildings, shopping malls, some upscale hotels have elevators.
Accessible restrooms are available in newer constructions.

Accessible Attractions

Many historical sites involve stairs, uneven surfaces, or hilly terrain, limiting accessibility for wheelchair users.

Sites & Transport

Trabzon Castle, Sumela Monastery present challenges.
Trabzon Museum might be partially accessible on ground floor.
Public dolmuş and buses are generally not wheelchair accessible. Taxis are an option.

Sensory Impairments

Limited specialized services are available for travelers with visual or hearing impairments.

Support Availability

Few public signs are in Braille.
Interpreters for hearing-impaired visitors are not commonly available.

Accessibility Resources

Detailed accessibility information for Trabzon is sparse.

Recommendations

Contact specific hotels or tour operators directly to inquire about features.
Pre-trip research and direct communication are helpful.

Advice

Direct communication with service providers before booking travel is highly suggested for specific accessibility needs.

Communication