Staying Safe in Turkey
Local Laws
When you're in Turkey, it's a must to have your photo ID with you at all times, like your passport or residence permit. You'll find the police do random checks and set up roadblocks, so keep that ID handy.
Turkey takes a very firm stance on illegal drugs. If you're caught with them, using them, or dealing them, you're looking at serious consequences, including long jail times.
Bringing along or trying to take out antiquities is a big no-no. You'll face hefty fines and potentially prison time if you're caught with them.
If you plan on visiting mosques or other religious sites, remember to dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees. For women, it's also important to cover your head.
When it comes to photos, steer clear of military sites or any official buildings. And if you want to take pictures of people, always ask for their permission first.
It's also important to know that saying or doing anything that could be seen as insulting to Turkey, its flag, the President, the government, or Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is against the law and can lead to jail time.
When it comes to showing affection in public, it's best to keep it modest, especially in areas that are more traditional.
You won't be able to smoke on public transport or in most indoor public spaces, as it's banned.
Finally, it's wise for tourists to stay away from any political events or protests. Getting involved in demonstrations that aren't authorized is illegal.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
While homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity are absent, leading to challenges for the LGBTQ+ community. Social attitudes tend to be conservative, particularly outside of major urban and tourist centers, where anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and political rhetoric are more prevalent.
In major tourist cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya, LGBTQ+ travelers generally experience more tolerance, especially within the tourism sector, but public displays of affection are broadly discouraged across all orientations. Exercising discretion and respecting local customs is advisable for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Scams
When visiting Turkey, it's good to be aware that some travelers have run into scams. You might see shoe shiners who "accidentally" drop their brush near you, offering a quick shine that turns into a request for an unexpectedly high price.
Taxi drivers sometimes have meters that aren't quite right, take you on a longer journey than necessary, or claim they don't have enough change. Be mindful of people who seem overly friendly, offering tours or inviting you for drinks, as this can sometimes lead to very expensive bills.
You might also come across currency exchange issues, where shops might charge you in a foreign currency or give you the wrong change. There are also people who sell fake tickets to attractions or ones that are much more expensive than they should be.
It's wise to be cautious if someone offers unsolicited help at an ATM, as they could be trying to get your card details. Some sellers might try to pass off machine-made rugs as authentic, handmade ones, or sell items that look like historical artifacts but aren't.
Lastly, be careful of individuals who pretend to be police officers and ask to see your ID, as their intention might be to take money from your wallet.
Crime
While Turkey is generally safe for tourists, it's wise to be aware of petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in crowded spots. You'll find these are more common in popular tourist areas, particularly around Istanbul's famous landmarks such as Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar.
Regarding more serious incidents, there have been reports of sexual assaults, mostly occurring in coastal resorts during the peak tourist season. These sometimes involve people tourists meet socially or even hotel or spa employees. Sadly, there have also been isolated cases of sexual attacks on children in public restrooms and incidents where date rape drugs may have been used.
Terrorism is still a concern in Turkey, and unfortunately, tourist spots, transport hubs, markets, and public gathering places could be targets. For your safety, it's best to steer clear of certain provinces like Sirnak and Hakkari, as well as areas within 10 kilometers of the Syrian border, due to ongoing conflict.
