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Guide
Mersin, Turkey πΉπ·
#299
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Mersin is a coastal city in southern Turkey, known for its beautiful beaches and rich historical heritage. |
π₯ Population | approximately 1 million |
π» Internet Speed | average speed around 30 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 30 TRY, 1 USD β 27 TRY |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/E sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include Turkcell, Vodafone, and TΓΌrk Telekom. Prepaid SIMs are widely available. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Foreign debit and credit cards accepted widely. Try Δ°Ε BankasΔ± and Garanti BBVA for local banking. |
π Accommodation | Options include local rentals, Airbnb, and guesthouses across Mersin. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in shops and restaurants. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services offer various short-term accommodation options. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Mersin Backpackers' provide affordable lodging. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Visit the historical Tarsus area for cultural sights and close proximity to beaches. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider staying in the city center where cafes and coworking spaces are plentiful. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Mersin Coworking Space offers fast internet and a collaborative environment. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe NiΕasta, known for its cozy atmosphere and free WiFi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized via local Facebook groups focused on technology and entrepreneurship. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Join 'Mersin Expats' on Facebook for updates on local events and gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | BiTaksi and Uber are popular for hassle-free transport. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is available, and various local shops offer rentals. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Mersin Beach, easily accessible from the city center. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Turkish Airlines operates regional flights from Adana Airport. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Multiple international carriers fly into Adana Airport which is about 60 km away. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Main access via the D400 highway, connecting to other cities. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Mersin Railway Station serves as the primary transit hub for train services. |
π Public Transport Passes | Mersin offers an affordable public transport card valid for buses and trams. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Bus services connect Mersin to nearby cities like Adana, Tarsus, and Silifke. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Mersin University Hospital, well-equipped for various medical needs. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House Mersin offers classes for all levels. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit Mersin and other local gyms provide various fitness programs. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | There are numerous laundromats available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Getir and Yemeksepeti are popular for food delivery in Mersin. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Kebab and tantuni are must-try local dishes. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie Cafe and Vegan Mersin provide diverse menu options. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Try the famous tantuni at local dessert spots like CafΓ© SΔ±cak. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit Mersin's local markets for budget-friendly groceries. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Trendyol and N11 are popular online shopping platforms. |
π Grocery Delivery | Getir offers fast grocery delivery. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Mersin Marina features several popular bars and nightlife options. |
π» Local Brewery | Mersin does not have a prominent brewery but craft beers can be found. |
π· Wine Bars | Visit local wine shops for Turkish wines and tastings. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell a variety of local snacks at bustling markets. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Local options for pizza and Chinese cuisine are available in city centers. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Tarsus Waterfall, Cleopatra's Gate, and the ancient city of Soli-Pompeiopolis. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Mersin Museum showcases history and culture dating back to ancient times. |
π° Historical Sites | Explore Tarsus and its various archaeological sites. |
π Religious Sites | St. Paul's Church is a notable Christian site in Tarsus. |
π Annual Events | Mersin Municipality organizes festivals celebrating local culture and art throughout the year. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Tarsus and downtown Mersin offer rich cultural experiences. |
π Theater Venues | Mersin State Theatre hosts various performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The Mersin market is well-known for spices, cheeses, and local vegetables. |
πΌ Music Scene | Various cafes and venues offer live music events frequently. |
π¨ Street Art | Street art in urban areas reflects local culture and artistry. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Culinary classes are offered in local community centers. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Municipal Art Gallery hosts exhibitions of local and international artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Explore the Old Mersin Mosque and the historical train station. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Mersin is known for its ancient civilizations and cultural diversity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Cappadocia is a few hours away for amazing landscapes and hot air balloon rides. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | GΓΆksu National Park offers hiking trails and birdwatching spots. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths along Mersin Beach are ideal for cycling and walking. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Visit Tarsus's cliff overlooks for stunning views of the Mediterranean. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Mersin has various wetlands that serve as crucial habitats for migratory birds. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach allow for bonfires, especially on weekends. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | PTT Kargo and Aras Kargo provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Kinoko Service offers electronics repair in Mersin. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Check out local community centers for table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Various language schools offer Turkish language classes for foreigners. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Visit the Mersin City Library for a quiet study environment. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Local community centers frequently hold events and activities for expats. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Various gaming centers available in Mersin, popular with the younger crowd. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Mersin does not have casinos, but gaming lounges may have gambling machines. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 50 mΒ² = β¬60,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬950 per mΒ² (e.g., 50 mΒ² = β¬47,500) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 70 mΒ² = β¬105,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 70 mΒ² = β¬84,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 90 mΒ² = β¬144,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 90 mΒ² = β¬117,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 22% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
π¦ Tax System | Modified territorial tax system for foreign residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% |
π§Ύ VAT | 18% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for foreign subsidiaries. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 4% standard rate on property purchases. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Up to 50% tax exemptions available on global income for expats based on residency. |