Turkey Travel Safety Guide for Travelers

So - you're looking into destinations for your next big adventure, and Turkey seems to be a big contender. You've started building your Turkey itinerary, you're gearing up for a hot air balloon trip, and you're looking into the ideal time of year to travel - but, you're unsure how safe Turkey is to visit as a tourist. You're not alone - visiting anywhere new can be scary sometimes - and it certainly pays to be safe rather than sorry.

So, as seasoned travelers to the region ourselves, we've put together a Turkey travel safety guide to break down some of the advice currently available from official offices, and some tips you should always keep in mind before getting off the plane.

Is Turkey safe for tourists?

For the most part, Turkey is safe for tourists to visit - particularly if they stick to tourism-focused regions like Istanbul and Antalya. The biggest danger to tourists lies at the border with Syria, because there may be a risk of terrorism due to local conflicts. Therefore, traveling within 10-15 km of the border is not recommended.

Otherwise, whether you visit Turkey beaches or head out into the cities, the biggest concerns you should prepare for are threats of pickpocketing and scams. Keeping your valuables close to you and ensuring you are aware of potential overcharging is key - otherwise, follow the advice we have to offer below.

Safety tips for traveling in Turkey

Before traveling to and around Turkey, be sure that you're safe on your chosen transportation, that you're aware of tourist scams, and that you're in a zone that's safe for tourists. Otherwise, we recommend keeping abreast of health notices and making sure you have full travel insurance coverage.

Transport safety

Much transport safety in Turkey revolves around keeping aware of scams and overcharging - which we go into more detail on below - but firstly, make sure you get an Istanbulkart so that you can pay for public transport rides without having to handle cash.

Should you get a taxi, try to use Uber or a local alternative - as you will always know how much your ride is going to cost, and that your driver is verified. Never get in a taxi unless you can see the meter running!

If you're driving around Turkey, be aware of erratic traffic changes, and if you must travel in the dark in rural regions, drive conservatively - as you may not be able to account for stray animals or broken vehicles due to low illumination.

Tourist scams to avoid

Unfortunately, there are some scams currently running in Turkey that target tourists who may not know any better. For example, as mentioned above, if a taxi driver doesn't run a visible meter, they could charge you a high, flat rate. There's also a risk that, if you use cash, a high bill may be swapped out - and you may be accused of underpaying.

As with many city areas, you should also watch out for people who invite you for drinks, only to leave you with a high bill - the same applies to fake hotel transfers made by taxi drivers.

Do also be careful when buying souvenirs - many scammers sell counterfeit coins and other pieces of historical interest at high prices. You won't legally be able to take important artifacts out of the country, so avoid these traders at all costs!

Finally, avoid sitting in restaurants, bars, or cafes where there are no visible menus - you may be scammed into paying high rates for food and drink.

Safe areas for travelers

Most areas in Turkey are generally considered safe, barring the aforementioned border with Syria, and towards the southeast. Of course, practicing basic travel safety, especially if you are alone, is key - but you can expect safety, on the whole, when exploring Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Turquoise Coast.

Health and travel insurance

The golden health tip for Turkey tourists is to avoid drinking from the faucet - stick to bottled water. That goes for drinking, making ice, and even brushing your teeth!

What's more, you'll need to protect your skin carefully from the sun when exploring Turkey in general - sunscreen at a high SPF of at least 30-50 is a must, as is wearing hats and sunglasses. You should also consider avoiding the midday sun and instead observing a siesta!

On top of this, make sure your travel vaccinations are up to date, and always avoid contact with wild animals - there is a rabies risk in Turkey, meaning if you are bitten, you must wash your wound and seek medical help as soon as possible.

Above all, make sure to take out travel insurance just in case you need to pay for medical treatment during your vacation.

Solo travel safety in Turkey

Traveling solo in Turkey carries just as much risk as anywhere else - particularly after dark. Therefore, always try to travel in a group if you can, or if you absolutely must go solo, always keep in contact with loved ones.

One of the best ways to do this is to download an eSIM for Turkey. Rather than muddle around with local SIMs or public WiFi, install a prepaid eSIM to your phone and you will always have access to the best available network, provided you have data left.

Staying connected to others, even if you are far away, is always important. Keep your phone charged up with a portable battery where possible, and always take note of emergency numbers in Turkey.

The most important emergency number you will need to remember is 112, which will connect you to police, fire services, and emergency ambulance support if needed. If you have an accident while abroad, it is also vital to have the number for your insurance provider available - as they will be able to move your case along in the right direction.

Remember, too, that English isn't widely spoken across Turkey as a whole. However, if you are in tourist-heavy areas like Istanbul, Bodrum, or Antalya, you will likely come into contact with people who speak English phrases and who can help you.

Practical travel safety tips for Turkey

Let's close our Turkey travel safety guide with a few final practical safety tips for exploring and enjoying the region (without letting things spoil your trip).

• As delicious as Turkish food is, always try to make sure meals you order are piping hot throughout (if they are meant to be!). A good measure of a restaurant or vendor being safe is to check TripAdvisor or local reviews before you dine out.
• Always dress modestly, i.e., cover as much skin as you can, when you are visiting mosques or are close to them.
• Turkish authorities expect citizens to carry photo ID with them - random checks are to be expected, so always make sure you have a valid driving license and/or passport to hand in case police need to ask you questions.
• Try to avoid large crowds where they are not usually expected - in particular, demonstrations or protests. In these scenarios, there may be violence which you could be subject to completely innocently. Try to stick to the typical tourist areas - and, again, in groups of people you know and trust, where possible.