Is Turkey safe? 9 Pieces of Travel Advice when Travelling to Turkey

Safety in Turkey is a common concern for many travelers. Most people think it is similar to Middle Eastern countries but that isn’t really the case.

When I first moved abroad the first question my brother asked was “Is Turkey safe?” because he had spent time in the Middle East and had a different perception.

Often, people have pictures of a war-torn landscape and war going on but that is not what it is like here.

While you may see some rough areas, especially if you are in the earthquake zone or close to the Southern or Eastern borders, it is still quite different than what most Westerners have in mind.

For instance, if you’re in a very touristy area, you may encounter more scams than you ever would out in the rural parts.

Perhaps out in the rural area in some places you may overpay what my mom always called a “stupid tax” for not knowing better.

Regardless of what country you are in, no place is perfect. Every country has people who will try to take advantage of others.

It is important to note that on the whole, however, Turkish people are so helpful and they love visitors. In all my years living here, I have never felt unsafe actually.

Even as I have traveled to more “unsafe” parts of Turkey, I haven’t felt unsafe.

And what will make you even more welcome is if you speak even a little Turkish. If you try to embrace their culture.

So much of “safety” is determined by your comfort level. Each of us is comfortable with different experiences.

If you have traveled extensively, you may likely be more comfortable because of your experiences.

If, however, this is your first trip abroad or you are still new to international travel, there are things that you can do to make yourself more comfortable.

In this post, I’ll share nine practical tips to help you feel safe and to have an enjoyable visit to Turkey.

Latest Turkey Travel Advice

According to the US Department, Türkiye’s travel advisory is at a level 2 (and has been for the whole time that I have lived here) which means exercise caution. That being said, most countries would say something similar.

You can stay up to date on the travel advisory status by checking this page.

There is and has been an ongoing concern for safety with travel to within 6 miles of the border with Syria but other than that, there are no strong concerns.

Many countries and organizations including FCDO recommend canceling and avoiding non-essential travel to Sirnak or Hakkari province.

Terrorism and Terrorist Attacks

Often what is cautioned is against a threat of terrorist groups taking action but as we can see quite clearly, that is worldwide, not specific to Turkey.

The majority of terrorist attacks in Turkey have been along the Turkey/Syrian border, Ankara, and Istanbul. The US Government suggests that terrorists may target places visited by foreigners such as places of worship, major cultural events, and the like.

As always I will mention again, be aware of your surroundings, just as you would when you travel anywhere.

Is the Israel/Gaza war impacting Turkey’s safety?

So far, no, there have been no major impacts of the war in Turkey. Turkey doesn’t share a border with Israel and Hamas doesn’t have a presence in Turkey.

The one caution would be where protests and demonstrations are involved.

There have been protests in Ankara and Istanbul but the number is quite small compared to the population.

As always, exercising caution will take you quite far. Also, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for restraint against aggressive actions.

3. Know a few phrases

Turks are always impressed when someone even tries to speak Turkish. Being able to say a few things will take you a long way!

Make sure you check out my other language posts, especially this one about Turkish for tourists. I will also have a survival Turkish course coming soon!

While I’ll cover emergency phrases and the Turkish language in a couple of different blogs, here are a few phrases that will be helpful while you’re out and about and come across trouble.

4. Keep your items close in Istanbul

Make sure that you don’t leave your bags unattended and that you can see them if you’re standing still or in a crowd.

Pick-pocketing, like in most other countries, can easily happen in crowded areas.

• Don’t leave your stuff alone in a coffee shop/cafe, or any other place for that matter.
  
  Trust me, I get it. Sometimes you’re by yourself at a super cute coffee shop and you just want to run to the bathroom really quick.
  
  Don’t do it without grabbing your stuff first. Just make sure that you go to the bathroom before you sit down.
  
• If you’re traveling on public transportation and you’re wearing a backpack, I recommend that you pull it around to the front of you.
  
  Firstly, it keeps your stuff where you can see it. Secondly, it keeps you from accidentally unknowingly whacking someone else with it.
  
• I also recommend a bag, especially for travel like this day backpack or this Travelon purse.
  
• Make sure you keep your passport and insurance coverage with you at all times. This should either be in a money wallet or well-secured in your travel bag.
  
  Also, have a copy of your passport back at the place you’re staying in a safe if possible.

5. Know when to act like a local and when not to

Typically when traveling it is best to blend in and look like the locals. I highly recommend this. There are, however, a couple of instances I would recommend that you don’t do so.

• Firstly, if you see a protest or a fight or anything of the like, it would behoove you to walk away. Turkish people are very curious and inquisitive.
  
  They will walk up and look around and try to find out what’s going on. As a foreigner, it just isn’t safe to do so.
  
• Secondly, you may find yourself in a group of Turks talking about their political opinions.
  
  It is important to realize that the same American Freedom of Speech is not a worldwide held standard.
  
  While I can’t tell you what to do, it is better to avoid such conversations and just avoid trouble altogether.

6. Be aware of potential scams

This is more taking advantage of the naive than actual safety concerns.

That being said there are some things that it is better to just avoid and be aware of so you can avoid that “stupid tax”.

I have an entire blog on scams coming out. Check back soon!

That being said, an overarching rule is to be careful about who you hang out with and always make sure you check your bill and the amounts being charged if you’re using a card.

Being aware of your surroundings will protect you most of the time.

7. Don’t Drink and Drive

While in the States, you can have a drink and then drive as long as your blood alcohol content is below .08 percent. But in Turkey, if there is any alcohol in your system it is illegal.

It would be better to just hop in a taxi and get home safely.

Make sure you don’t drink with strangers and that your Taxi meter is running for safety (see more on the potential scams post).

If something does happen, make sure you work with a lawyer you can communicate with. I have a friend who only works with foreigners. You can email Pelin here.

Make sure you tell her Kimberly sent you. I say that not only for you but for me. Turkey is all about relationships. When there is a connection you will get better service because they know it is for a friend.

If you can have a recommendation from someone who knows the person you’re recommending, you will not only get better service but it will also build in accountability.

8. Drinking water

While the water in Turkey has come a long way and no longer has viruses and bacteria it is still not recommended to drink daily.

Because the pipes are so old, the water has a high heavy metal content. Heavy metals can greatly negatively impact our bodies.

So what should you do? I have two recommendations.

• If you’re staying at a house with a 5-gallon water dispenser (you know like the ones you would see in an office) then you can use a regular water bottle and fill it up before you head out for the day.
  
  Make sure you have a good-sized water bottle with you like this Nalgene beauty or Contigo if you’re a fan of straws.
• The other is to purchase a water bottle that specifically targets heavy metals and other harmful elements that might be in tap water.
  
  There are two great options though I am preferential to the first.
  • Epic Nalgene OG – This filter removes 70+ contaminants (such as cysts, heavy metals, chemicals & pharmaceuticals), has a recycling rewards program, and even has a filter life of 75 gallons, more than double the standard 20-30 gallons.
    
    They also have a glass version for the filter with a different bottle.
  • Epic Vostok – This bottle removes only 20+ contaminants, has a 30-gallon life span, and comes in a nice steel bottle. Beware this one is recommended to not tip.

9. Watch how you interact

For Americans, at least in the South where I am from, it is almost considered rude if you don’t smile at people or ever make eye contact.

While standing in a grocery store line I am usually the person who is chatting with the next person or telling them how cute their baby is.

Here, however, the culture is much different.

I have learned to be much more aware of with whom and how I am interacting. It is especially important when engaging with the opposite sex.

Because there isn’t a lot of cross-gender interaction, if you pay someone of the opposite sex direct attention, it will often be misunderstood as interest.

If that is what you’re looking for, well kolay gelsin (take it easy).

But, if that isn’t what you’re looking for, be careful especially when you’re alone or only with one other friend. Hanging out in groups is much safer.

Also, that is not to say you shouldn’t engage. Again the main thing I would drive home is to BE AWARE of your surroundings, interactions, and body language.

They may send messages you don’t intend if you’re not aware.

Make sure you read about the potential scams blog for a little more insight on this topic.

FAQs on Is it safe to travel to Turkey? 

Final Thoughts on Safety and Security for Travel to Türkiye

Turkey is a beautiful country.

The people are incredibly kind and generally quite hospitable. While there are certain parts of the country that are more dangerous than others, it is a pretty safe country.

In the years I have lived here, I have never felt unsafe.

As an American, there have been times I have been more afraid while back in my home country than while being here.

You may find yourself uncomfortable at times but I bet you will enjoy your visit or move to this incredible country.

Make sure you check out the Packing Travel Hacks so you don’t miss anything!

Do you have any specific questions? Let me know and I’ll try my best to help you find an answer. Catch ya on the next post!