How is security in Turkey

You have planned to travel to Turkey and have had certain doubts because you think that to go to Turkey is to approach to those countries of the Middle East where there are serious conflicts, he cares, here we are going to indicate you as it is the safety in Turkey, of which problematic you must take precautions, how it is the security in the principal cities of Turkey, as well as some advices in order that you enjoy your trip to the maximum.

You can’t miss visiting the country that is home to the sixth most visited city in the world: Istanbul.

Let’s get started!

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO TURKEY?

Turkey is not a dangerous country at all, but like any destination, tourists could fall victim to petty crimes, such as theft, robbery or pickpocketing. So let’s look at the main security issues in Turkey and try to avoid them on your trip.

MAIN SECURITY ISSUES IN TURKEY

1. STAFF

Scams are very common in Istanbul and southeast Anatolia. They can range from a well-dressed person taking you to a bar, to the offer of a drink with a pill or ingredient that can drug you to steal everything you have. All this kind of scam should be reported to the tourist police.

2. THEFT

There are also cases in which the mode of robbery is to drug you to make you helpless or unconscious, it has happened in trains, so do not try to accept anything to drink or eat from any stranger.

3. ANTIQUES

Perhaps you may inadvertently be involved in the theft of antiquities. Be careful with this mode, when you buy a souvenir in historical places like Ephesus and Pergamum, you may be sold a valuable object without realizing it and you may even end up in jail. Be very careful because there may be police elements who collude with the vendors. Don’t buy anything unless it’s from a licensed resort.

4. CIVIL WARS AND TERRORISM

Part of Turkey borders Syria, a country that suffers from civil wars, military abuse, paramilitary, terrorism (Daesh or Isis), among other complications that could threaten your safety in Turkey, and even your life. Try to avoid sightseeing in a Turkish city near this country.

5. AGGRESSIONS

They usually occur in lodgings, so always follow the recommendations of other tourists before booking. Sexual assaults have been recorded in central and eastern Anatolia in both women and men. If you travel alone, be very careful when looking for accommodation in remote areas.

6. DISEASES

Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes are very common, especially in summer, in cities like Istanbul or on the coast. If you are going to stay in such areas, make sure your accommodation has mosquito nets or has electronic devices that repel mosquitoes. It goes without saying that you should wear a repellent.

7. TRAFFIC

Some drivers can’t be all that careful and calm, you may be affected by chaotic traffic, motorists who don’t respect traffic lights or drivers who are aggressive and dangerous. While a pedestrian usually has preference for crossing, avoid conflicts and exposure to incidents (or accidents), and let the vehicles drive.

¿HOW IS THE SECURITY IN THE MAIN CITIES OF TURKEY?

1. ISTANBUL

It’s a safe city, but you should always be aware that a couple of years ago, strictly in 2016, a series of terrorist attacks took place, so it’s always advisable to get to know the city on a day when there are not so many people, whether it’s a holiday or an event. Try to walk around the old town and avoid areas such as around Taksim Square, Tarlabasi, Merter, Jasim Pasha and Balat.

2. ANKARA

Here the crime rate is one of the main problems, so you should be very careful, especially if you travel alone. As far as theft and burglaries go, there’s not much of a case here.

3. CAPADOCIA

It is very safe to rent a balloon to observe the natural beauty of the area from a good height, our recommendation is that you consult via the consulate, your accommodation and even acquaintances who provide good balloon agencies, not all are formal, good or take the appropriate precautions. Avoid accidents or exposure to tragedy.

4. BORDER CITIES TO SYRIA, IRAQ AND IRAN

Our best consideration is that you should not travel to any Turkish city or province that borders these countries, as the social and war conflicts in this area are not suitable for anyone, neither tourists nor locals.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP TO TURKEY

• Always carry your passport, especially on excursions, tours or when you go to an establishment. You might consider carrying a photocopy.
• If you are going to smoke, keep in mind that it is forbidden to do so in restaurants, bars, hotels and closed public spaces. Despite this, you will see that sometimes this rule is broken, this does not mean that if you are caught you will not be sanctioned.
• In cities like Istanbul there are often demonstrations, if you witness one, stay away from it, don’t go and get involved in a riot with clashes with the police.
• The laws are very strict regarding the image of the Ataturk (first president of the Republic of Turkey), the Turkish flag, the Turkish people and the Turkish republic, so don’t take these symbols lightly. Much less, make insulting insinuations or provocations to these elements in a public way, you can end up in jail.
• Be careful when you eat raw food, preferably wash it yourself with drinkable water or buy it from a trusted source, avoid a terrible stomach problem or end up in the hospital.
• When you do a tour, do it in small groups, and preferably travel at night and during off-peak times.
• When you go to the airport, try to do so a good number of hours in advance, bearing in mind that security filters have been intensified over the last few years due to terrorist attacks.
• Here the contact of the Spanish Consulate in Turkey: 14 270 74 10 / 14 270 24 65; email: cog.estambul@maec.es; address: Karanfil Araligi Sok. No. 16. 1 Levent.34330 Beşiktaş. Istanbul.