Adana, Turkey Report of what it's like to live there - 01/26/15
Personal Experiences from Adana, Turkey
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Yes.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
DC is our home base - about 13 hours DC-Munich-Istanbul-Adana.
3. How long have you lived here?
1 year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government, U.S. Consulate.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Moderate sized apartments mostly in the downtown area. Typical commute time is around 20 minutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Full range of groceries are available and anything you are really craving for from the States can be picked up on base at the BX. Fruit and veggie markets rotate throughout the city and are a lot of fun to go to for fresh produce. Prices at the markets are extremely cheap.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing, everything is available
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Typical fast food chains and great restaurants. Everything is very cheap.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO on base.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Widely available. Average about US$50 a day.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Many gyms are available as is a gym at the Consulate. Gyms are similar cost to those in the States.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Can use without issue. May want to get a chip and pin CC before coming.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
The base provides English language religious services.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is not widely spoken. The Consulate is the only Diplomatic Mission in Adana. Basic Turkish is a must.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes and yes.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Any car is fine.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Approximately US$70 a month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Either bring an unlocked phone or purchase here.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
No.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Multiple opportunities. Many centered around the Syrian refugee issue.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business to business casual. In public people generally dress slightly more conservative than the States.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Adana is a few hours to the Northern Syrian border, so certain travel is tightly controlled. That being said, we have felt totally safe in Adana. Crime has not been an issue.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Private hospital is available and provides great service. English translators are on duty 24/7.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Fine during warmer months but gets bad during winter time due to coal/trash burning.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
During the winter months the air quality is poor due to coal/trash burning.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very hot and humid during the summer. Winter doesn't get too cold.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There is a DoD school at a nearby base that everyone with kids utilizes. They seem to be happy with it.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not sure but assume the DoD school makes adequate accommodations.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes but minimal English speaking options. Higher end day care can run around US$500 a month.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, on the military base.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small expat community but everyone is happy.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Restaurants, hiking, live music, and traveling.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for all. Adana is a smaller city but has a decent nightlife and plenty for families to do.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Nothing too serious.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling to Izmir, Cappadocia, and many other places. The people have been extremely friendly. Great fresh food.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Walking through old town is a great way to spend a day. Hiking any of the nearby castles. Beautiful beaches are a short drive away. Flying within Turkey is inexpensive.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Carpets, scarfs, jewelry, food!
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Very cheap to live, great food, and amazing history all over the place.
10. Can you save money?
Absolutely!
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Definitely.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes.
3. But don't forget your:
Turkish dictionary, walking shoes, and appetite for kebab!
4. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Do you have any other comments?
We have really enjoyed our time in Adana. We have a small child and the people are extremely kid friendly.
