Antalya Customs and Etiquette - What to do and not to do

Antalya is a tourist city and so there is much forgiveness given to tourists when it comes to customs and etiquette.  But to play it safe, let's look a few.

Dress Appropriately

There is appropriate dress for every occasion.  On the beach, you can expect the same as you would at most popular beaches around the world.  But there are of course limits.  Turkey in general has very conservative values and modesty is at a higher level than most.  For women, topless sunbathing is certainly unacceptable, especially at public beaches.  

Here is a typical beach scene in the summer in Antalya.

On the opposite end of the scale, you must exercise caution when entering a mosque, even as a tourist.  Women should cover their shoulders and arms and avoid wearing such things as a mini skirt.  Men should also avoid being overly casual or sloppy.

Don't Take Pictures of Certain People

Besides being a little rude, older ones do not like it.  Particularly if it is someone engaging in worship or any woman wearing a veil.  Also, taking pictures of Turkish children that you don't know is forbidden.  

Feed the Cats

In 2018 there were approximately 3.4 million cats registered as pets.  But this number is far higher as you will see stray cats everywhere.  The amazing thing is they usually all have enough to eat because the local feed them.  Join the tradition. Embrace it!

Don't Show the Bottom of Your Feet Publicly

This mainly applies to when you are in a Turkish neighborhood and older ones are around.  It is generally considered rude to show someone the bottom of your foot.  I had first hand experience and had a Turk come up and slap me!  Yup.  Then he told me to uncross my legs so as not to show the bottom of my foot to him.  This of course wouldn't apply so much in tourist areas.

Do Not Buy Antiques

The antique stores in Antalya are a virtual treasure store.  Artifacts can date back thousands of years.  You can buy them but do NOT try to take them out of the country.  Even coins.  The reason is that it is illegal and several tourists have ended up in jail for doing so.  

Antique store - Antalya

Be Careful When Crossing the Road

Cars generally do not stop for crosswalks.  In fact, people need to look out for themselves on the road as cars anticipate you getting out of the way quickly when they drive.  Once you have this understanding - that the roads are for cars and the sidewalks for people - you will be just fine.

Those are just a few that I have discovered over the past couple of years in Antalya.  

Best Apps for Daily Living in Antalya, Turkey

These apps provide you with the essentials for public transportation, food and your mobile phone.

1. Antalyakart
The official app for public transportation in Antalya.  There are many other apps that can be used but this is the only one officially issued by the city.  I have used Moovit and several others, but they fall short of this one.  Even better, you can use your phone to make payment if you set it up in advance. Here is what the app looks like:

Antalyakart for Android

Antalyakart for Apple

2. Yemeksepeti

Most restaurants will deliver in Antalya, including restaurants like McDonald's and Burger King.  It usually costs around $1 for delivery.  Once you have this app set up with your delivery address and payment, you can select from hundreds of restaurants.

Yemeksepeti for Android

Yemeksepeti for Apple

3. Hesabim
This is the official app for Turkcell.  Most of the phone companies here are quite competitive, but this one is, in my opinion, the best value for the money.  To get this sim card and get set up in Antalya, follow this link.

This app will tell you the essentials, such as data and time remaining.  Having the app also allows you to receive a bonus once a week which is usually and extra gigabyte of data or minutes.

Hesabim for Android

Hesabim for Apple

4. Migros Sanal Market
If you want to get fancy and order your groceries online from the largest grocery store in Antalya, here it is.  You can order almost anything in the store except alcohol (what a pity!).  I used this app but I have found it very buggy.  I prefer to do it directly from the website which is at https://www.sanalmarket.com.tr/.  It costs about $1.50 for delivery.  Totally worth it. At any rate, here are the apps.

Migros Sanal Market for Android

Migros Sanal Market for Apple

5. Hebsiburada
The equivalent of eBay or Amazon in Turkey.  It is the most widely used online site.  Great for electronics, but almost anything can be found.  I have used eBay a lot and I find it almost exactly the same.  Shipping times are really fast.

This app is great for electronics which are generally quite expensive in Turkey due to tariffs.

Here is what it looks like:

Hepsiburada for Android

Hepsiburada for Apple

There are plenty more apps related to Antalya, but most are self promoting and for tourism.  The apps related above are for daily living in Antalya.  I hope you find them useful!