Warnings & Dangers in Turkey
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Turkey is a relatively safe country to travel. You will not face any problems at all in closed resorts. In the rest of the country, it is enough to use common sense and always keep an eye on your belongings to stay safe.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport is relatively safe in Turkey, but there are a lot of pickpockets. Be very careful. Taxis are reliable and secure but only use licensed taxi services. Make sure the driver turns on the taximeter or negotiate a price in advance.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
There are a lot of pickpockets in Turkey, and you should be on the alert all the time. Use anti-theft backpacks and do not carry valuables with you. It's also best not to take a lot of cash with you. There are a lot of pickpockets in bazaars and train stations. Avoid beggars - they can be pickpockets.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Turkey is vulnerable to many natural disasters, including earthquakes, landslides, and floods. Examine the weather conditions in this country before your visit here.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
The risk of armed attacks and kidnapping is not very high in Turkey. However, in rural areas and in large cities - in remote areas - this is still possible. Don't go out late at night alone or get drunk in local bars.
TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM
Terrorists are likely to try to launch attacks in Turkey. There is an increased risk of terrorist attacks against the aviation industry in Turkey. Study the political situation in the country before your visit here.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
A common scam in Turkey is to get a tourist drunk and then force him to pay scummer's bills. Also, souvenir sellers often cheat with the prices of goods, and taxi drivers inflate fares and do not want to turn on the taximeter. Be attentive and watch your surroundings.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Women traveling alone need to take extra care when traveling to Turkey. Dress modestly, do not walk alone late at night, do not draw attention to yourself with loud conversations and behavior.
How Safe Is Turkey for Tourists?
Turkey is considered a very safe country to travel to.
The crime index is at a low level here.
The main problems are associated with petty theft and corruption.
In Turkey, petty thefts, bag snatching often occur, and pickpockets are found on almost every corner.
Travelers are advised to keep their personal belongings with them.
Be careful at crossroads – pickpockets often snatch bags from the hands of passers-by while driving past by motor vehicles.
In bazaars and train stations, there is a large concentration of beggars, who often turn out to be pickpockets.
As elsewhere, common sense is recommended.
Avoid dark and deserted alleys at night.
If you know you need to go through such a place at night, do not take extra money with you, but put it in the safe in your hotel.
Do not participate in street demonstrations and stay away from them.
Keep your wallet and money in front pockets, not back pockets, backpack, or shoulder bag.
Drivers in Turkey generally ignore traffic regulations, including driving through red lights and stop signs and turning left from the rightmost lane; these driving methods cause frequent traffic accidents.
Be careful and double-check your restaurant and bar bills – cheating customers by inflating food and drink bills is a common scam in Turkey.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Turkey?
Visitors to Turkey must obtain a visa from one of the Turkish diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the 78 visa-exempt countries and territories or one of the 42 countries and territories whose citizens are eligible to apply for an e-Visa online. A valid passport is a must.
Which Currency Is Used in Turkey?
The Turkish lira is the currency of Turkey and the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The lira is divided into 100 Kuruş.
How's the Weather like in Turkey?
The best times to visit Turkey for ideal weather are mid-April to July and September to November. Average temperatures in Turkey vary drastically and the weather feels cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a very low chance of rain or snow throughout the year.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Turkey?
Istanbul Atatürk Airport is a general aviation and cargo airport in Istanbul. It used to be an intercontinental passenger hub and closed to commercial passenger flights on 6 April 2019 when all flights were transferred to the new Istanbul Airport.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Just like anywhere else, the travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Turkey?
Turkey is a state in the southeast of Europe and southwest of Asia, whose culture combines ancient Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman traditions—in cosmopolitan Istanbul, stretching along the shores of the Bosphorus. Tourists are attracted by the famous Hagia Sophia with its soaring dome and Christian mosaics, the majestic Blue Mosque of the 17th century. And also the country is renowned for its resorts and all-inclusive resorts.
Is the Water in Turkey Safe to Drink?
Turkey is well provided with water and drinking resources. However, drinking tap water is not recommended.
Is Uber Safe in Turkey?
There is an Uber taxi in Turkey. You can call a taxi from the app on your phone. The price of the trip will depend on the time of day and distance.
