Subaru transmission fluid

I couldn’t find the transmission fluid receptacle in 99 Forester, and was told by auto parts store there wasn’t one, that it had to be checked, added through the transmission by the dealer or mechanic. Is that true?

As far as I know, there should be a dipstick and tube on the driver’s side next to the starter motor, although it’s hard to access.
The passenger side, near the front, should have an access for gear oil, assuming this is an automatic transmission and the words “fluid” and “gear oil” are not being incorrectly used.

Any transmission shifting problems or fluid loss have anything to do with this question?

Automatic or manual transmission??