You won’t go wrong going to Turkey. Turkey is a country in the Mediterranean, situated in the Anatolian region of West Eurasia. Turkey is safe to visit if you avoid some parts of it – namely those near the border with Syria. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops, and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists here, too.
Turkey is relatively safe to visit, but you do need to keep your wits about you when you go.
Watch Out for Pickpockets in Big Cities
This thing to consider goes along with being a hard target, but it’s still worth mentioning on its own. Pickpockets thrive on tourists in larger cities, so keep your eyes peeled for suspicious behavior, have your valuables in front of you at all times, and be wary of anyone touching or standing too close to you.
Avoid Cats and dogs!
Turkey is an animal-friendly country. Almost in every Turkish city, there are Municipality Centers for Street Cats and Dogs. They take care of feeding, shelter, and medical necessities such as sterilizations, vaccinations, and other medical checks. Stray cats and dogs are not only taken care of by local administrations, but also by people, who love them. Large cities like Istanbul are famous for their feline friends, and you’ll find cats and dogs both indoors and outdoors. Although most cats and dogs are friendly, they are not pets, so you should approach them cautiously.
If you get bit or scratched by a cat or dog in Turkey, visit your doctor immediately. You might have to get a rabies series or tetanus shot. Although rare, rabies is fatal in humans. Keep in mind never kick a cat or a dog on purpose, this is a criminal offense in Turkey.
Be Respectful of Religious Customs
To avoid any potential conflicts, it’s important to remain respectful of other cultures. Turkey is a Muslim country, and although places like Istanbul might seem a bit more liberal, it’s important to remember that you must respect customs and traditions, especially in holy places.
It’s essential to dress modestly for mosques, and women must cover their heads. Headscarves are usually available at the mosque, but you can also bring your own.
Respect the people in the mosque too. Never interrupt prayers or religious services, and keep your voice at a lower volume. It would be best if you also took off your shoes in a mosque.
Is Turkey safe for travel single women?
Turkey is relatively safe for women, especially in larger cities. However, women could experience some street harassment in Istanbul from shop owners. Usually, this harassment isn’t sexual in nature but is more based on attracting customers.
While offputting and upsetting, it’s rarely ever dangerous. Women could experience looks or even comments in more rural parts of Turkey, especially if they’re traveling through a more conservative region.
So make sure that you look up the customs in the place that you’re traveling and dress and act accordingly. To be on the safe side, women should use licensed taxis only and avoid arriving at destinations after dark.
Are taxis safe in Turkey?
Licensed taxis tend to be safe in Turkey, especially if you’re traveling from a larger airport. However, the taxi diver sometimes tries to rip you off by not using the meter or taking a long way around. Sometimes it is better to book your transfer with a travel agency that offers airport services. You will know directly what you pay and no discussions concerning the price.
A good tip before you take a taxi, always take a picture of the number plate of the taxi or a picture from the side of the car. All taxis have their number plate written on the sides of the car situated on the doors.
Are there venomous animals in Turkey?
There are some dangerous animals in Turkey, specifically snakes. Although the vast majority of Turkish snakes are non-venomous, roughly ten of the 45 species are, so it’s a good idea to avoid them as a general rule.
You’ll also find scorpions, sides, and mosquitos in Turkey. Some mosquitos carry blood-borne illnesses like malaria or dengue. Use insect repellent, especially if you’re out in more rural areas, and sleep in a tent or under a mosquito net outside.
There are also a lot of stray animals in Turkey. Although most of them are harmless, some could carry diseases. You must go to the doctor if you’re bit by any stray animal. While most animals are fine, some do carry sicknesses, including rabies.
Unfortunately, humans have a very small window in which to get their first rabies vaccination. Preferably, you’ll get your first shot within 24 hours of the encounter. Although the rabies vaccination series isn’t fun, it can and does save people’s lives.
Is Turkey safe for LGBT?
Some places in Turkey are more LGBT-friendly than others. For example, Istanbul tends to be a progressive city, and LGBT will find plenty of welcoming spots on the coast too. But unfortunately, there is some homophobia in Turkey, and same-sex marriage isn’t legal there. As such, LGBT might feel a little bit uncomfortable, especially in more rural areas.
Is Turkey Safe to Visit in 2023?
As we can mentioned, there is nothing unsafe about traveling to Turkey, if you avoid some parts of it namely those near the border with Syria. And if you stay aware of your surroundings at all times and make it difficult for criminals to target you you will have the best time during your travels in Turkey.