If you’re going to one of the popular Turkish tourist resorts, it’s quite a given that you’ll be safe there. But do you have to worry beyond the walls of the resort? Is Turkey safe? What should you avoid doing to stay out of trouble?
Safety in Turkey
We have already written articles covering the shark situation in Turkey – tl;dr, you don’t need to worry about them. What about people? Well, there are a few things you should actually keep in mind this time.
What not to do in Turkey?
Beware of pickpockets and thieves on Turkish beaches
Keep an eye on your phone, wallet and documents
You’re very safe in hotels and other such infrastructures, but public beaches are a jungle. It’s easy to not notice that your phone is suddenly gone when you have to squeeze through the crowds of tourists also lounging around. Turkey, like any other tourist country, has a problem with pickpockets. As such, just use common-sense caution, maybe have a copy of your ID and passport just in case.
Behave appropriately in the mosque
Mosque etiquette
It is unlikely that you’ll be penalised for being culturally unaware in general, but mosques are a special place, of utmost sacred importance to Turks. If you don’t know the mosque etiquette, you may encounter not just disappointment but genuine frustration. Remember to take off your shoes before entering the mosque and to dress modestly – no swimsuits. There isn’t that much to keep in mind and it’s the least you can do as an outsider to show that you respect their culture just as much as you would like your own one respected at home.
Don’t obstruct a worshipper’s prayers
Etiquette towards a Muslim
Remember not to stand right in front of a Muslim who is praying and not to obstruct him from the front. Some Turks believe that the prayer will then be invalid and you will have to start from the beginning. Which is really frustrating when an oblivious tourist just decides that right in front of you is exactly where he’ll want to take pictures from.
Avoid delving into local politics
Be neutral
There have been cases of official intervention for criticising the Turkish government, be it on social media or in real life. Try to avoid political topics if you don’t need to delve into that, as Turks may feel uncomfortable with that too. Turks are generally very friendly and nice people, and if they want to share their political opinions, they’ll do so themselves.
Consider avoiding certain regions
Is the east of Turkey safe?
Turkey is generally quite safe, but there are select-few areas in the south-east of Turkey that are often advised against for tourists. This mostly refers to the Syrian border, where there have been terrorist attacks and military activity. Provinces with questionable reputation include Sirnak, Mardin and Hatay, though this does not mean that an average tourist would actually encounter anything dangerous there. More of a precaution for the paranoiacs.
Travel with someone
Or at least stay in touch
It’s always better to have someone with you if you were to fall prey to typical holiday scams; it’s an extra pair of eyes to help and possibly respond. This is a fairly universal advice for trips to anywhere in the world, not just for holidays in Turkey. When it comes to the riviera or central Turkey, you are unlikely to be bothered though.
Watch what you buy and bring out of Turkey
What should you not take with you out of Turkey?
Be careful not to buy unsuitable antiques, fossils or minerals at the markets. It is forbidden to export cultural and natural artefacts from Turkey. Also worth an add that you are probably just buying a fake. 🙂
Don’t drink till the heat death of the universe
Alcohol in Turkey
Turkey is an overwhelmingly Muslim country and alcohol is not drunk here like… in some places. Of course, alcohol in itself is allowed and you can safely drink in restaurants or hotels, but pub crawling and general public drunkenness is very unwelcome.
Travelling alone as a woman in Turkey
Can you feel safe as a lone woman?
Though Turkey may not seem like the safest of places for a lonely travel trip for a woman, most of the popular holiday destinations and big cities are completely safe for lone women. Just remember the basic safety rules which include everyone and you’ll be fine. As with general safety, Turkey’s reputation falls a bit when venturing east.
British Embassy and Consulate in Turkey
However, should something bad happen, here are the official addresses and telephone numbers for the embassy and consulate in Turkey in Istanbul and Ankara.
British embassy in Ankara
Address: Şehit Ersan Caddesi 46/A, Çankaya, Ankara
Phone: +90 312 455 3344 (from Turkey)
Contact form: https://www.contact-embassy.service.gov.uk/?country=Turkey&post=British%20Embassy%20Ankara
Consulate in Istanbul
Address: Meşrutiyet Caddesi No 42, Tepebaşı Beyoglu, 34435 Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 334 64 00 (from Turkey)
Contact form: https://www.contact-embassy.service.gov.uk/?country=Turkey&post=British%20Consulate%20General%20Istanbul
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