Adana, Turkey Report of what it's like to live there - 09/23/25
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?
This is not my first expat experience. I've also lived in Rome, Lima, Bogota, and Dhaka.
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?
My last home city was Washington, DC. The trip was from Dulles to Munich (about nine hours) and then from there to Adana (three hours). Adana does not have many flight connections mostly to Istanbul, Ankara, and a few other places like Beirut and places in Germany during the "season" when the expats return home.
3. What years did you live here?
2025.
4. How long have you lived here?
Two months.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
My housing is nice. Three bedroom, 2.5 bath. Light and bright. In a quiet area near the old town and also near fancier 'going out' areas a few streets away. The apartments are generally 10 to 20 minute commute. All the housing is apartments. Most have balconies including some that have several balconies of good size. Most of the apartments are in areas with restaurants, shops, parks, etc.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
The prices are cheaper here but very expensive for the locals. Compared to Washington, DC, the prices are about a quarter to 50 percent for food. Uber costs about a third. Internet costs about a third ($35 per month). Going out to eat can cost from $9 to $60. There is minimal tipping so that saves some money.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Curry powder. The variety of food here is limited. They are obsessed with sushi rolls so that sort of food is available. There is curry powder but I would have brought my favorite brand.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are lots of restaurants, food delivery services, and takeout options. Pizza is a big thing here and a few places have good pizza. The pepperoni is beef. The "bacon" is more of a cured beef slice.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not that I've seen. What is annoying is that one fly that aims straight for your mouth when you step outside.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
For those at the consulate, there is diplomatic mail. There is also Turkish mail.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
The cost of household help ranging from $8 to $14 an hour (but 14 is high!). There is help around and you can hire someone for as little as four hours per week.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes, it's safe, but the traffic is awful, the roads often have no sidewalks, and biking is risking your bones. There are paths and parks where you can go biking.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are gyms. The consulate has one.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are widely used as is apple pay. ATMs are common but most do not take foreign credit cards. ING has one that works for foreign cards.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Very few people speak English, so the more Turkish you can understand and speak, the better. That said, google translate is getting better and better.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. The sidewalks and roads can be rough.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes. They even have a subway. It doesn't cover most of the city, but it's there. Taxis work on the Uber app so it's quite easy. Use Uber and a yellow taxi shows up in about three minutes. Rides cost about $2 to $14 depending on where you go.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Toyota. A small SUV. Expect it to get scratched. There are electric stations around so I guess you could have an e-scooter... but it's treacherous in traffic.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
100 mbps is available. 50 is the norm. Consulate installs it for us.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Google FI works. After a few months to a year, the government of Turkiye will want you to register your foreign phone or pay tax of around 1,200 dollars but the diplomats get one free per person.
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?
Lots of dogs and cats are cared for by the city and people in general. They like cats and dogs here. You might adopt one...
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?
Most seem to be telecommuting jobs.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Some at the air force base. There probably are in the city as well.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
People wear suits and nice shirts for work. Outside of work, people wear whatever they want here from short shorts and tube tops to burqas. Formal dress is required for official events, but it's a fairly casual city.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Lots of dust so allergies may be a problem. In the summer, it is HOT. In August, the daytime temps can be 109 F. June-September are hot.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Acibanda is a good health center and hospital. Turkiye is a place people travel to for hair implants so some of the medical services are good.
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?
Bad air. Dusty.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
One of the local dishes is made of hand-formed bulgar wheat so you have to hope the hands that made them are clean. This is a meat-loving town, but there are vegetarian and pescatarian options.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
It is very hot and sunny here. The traffic can make you need to get out of town once in a while.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Four months of weather from 96 and up. Then wonderful.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
None. The base school closed and it would take a few years to get it re-started if they wanted to.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very few expats. Mostly the consulate staff and the air force base. Most on the base stick to the base.
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?
Most of the expats socialize with each other. Very small group. Games groups, restaurant group, and other types of groups are available.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
If you speak Turkish, you could mix and mingle. The locals are friendly. One has to make one's fun but there are bowling clubs, kayak clubs, etc. so you can do all the things you would normally do but in Turkish. Many of the expats marry locals. I'd guess about one every three years.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Again, most do not speak English so making friends depends on the language you speak. There is almost no diversity here so no black people, no Asian people, and few non-Turks. There are some Syrians.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Seems fine. This city is pretty open.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Gender equality is probably still true, but I don't see it. As an expat, some people stare and some ignore me. Fairly friendly in general.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
I love being in a city that is not touristy.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are all the ancient places in Turkiye, but mostly I like Adana because it is not touristy.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
You can buy handmade furniture, carpets, etc.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It's hot and easy living as an expat.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Can't think of anything but I am surprised that I got used to the heat.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
motorcycle and bike. And snow suit.
4. But don't forget your:
willingness to try new things and chat with new people.
5. Do you have any other comments?
Many people here, both natives and expats, do not like Adana. It is dusty, hot, far away, and the traffic is wild. The traffic is still not like in Dhaka, but turning left from the right lane is the norm here too.
