Turkey is a beautiful country making it a captivating and exciting tourist destination. With many terrorist attacks in recent years and the nearby Syrian conflict, you may be wondering exactly how safe Turkey is to travel.

So, is Turkey safe to travel? **Turkey is safe to visit and travel in 2020. We advise that you travel smart and stay within the major destinations in the West, such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Cappadocia. The Southwestern Aegean coastal destinations are also safe to travel, too.**

As a travel destination, Turkey has a lot to offer; however, there are some areas of the country you should avoid and also be a smart and vigilant traveler to avoid any [potential scams](/posts/common-tourist-scams-istanbul).

How Safe Is Turkey?
-------------------

Turkey has for long been a nation that thrives on tourism. In 2014, Turkey was the 6th most popular tourist destination in the world, with more than 42 million tourists visiting.

Unfortunately, there is no arguing that terrorism is a growing threat throughout the world. Several terrorist attacks from 2015-2016 saw the [international perception](/posts/common-misconceptions-turkey) of safety and security in Turkey change, causing a huge drop in tourism numbers. Along with recent conflicts in Syria, the Western media shifted the perspective that Turkey is not safe.

As tourism is a major industry for the economy in Turkey, the government has prioritized safety for tourists with increased airport security along with police and military security around tourist hotspots.

**Thanks to increased security measures, as of 2022, there have not been any serious terrorist incidents in Turkey’s popular touristic destinations in the past four years**.

This has caused a recent spike in tourism numbers back up to 39 million visitors coming in 2018 (source: Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism).

It is still important to mention that incidents can happen anywhere and anytime, so it's crucial to exercise caution when traveling to tourist destinations, **no matter where in the world you are at.**

It would be crazy to completely miss out on a beautiful country and culture due to the conflict going on in a completely different region thousands of miles away.

**Many major destinations in Turkey such as Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, Bodrum, Izmir, and Ankara are all safe for tourists.**

**However, there are parts of Turkey that are not safe for tourists and should be avoided**. Many Western countries have placed strict no-travel warnings to specific areas in the East and the Syrian border. Do not go anywhere within 6 miles (10km) of the Syrian or Iraq border.

There are travel warnings for places along the Syrian and Iraq borders in the Southeastern region for the following provinces:

*   Batman
*   Bingöl
*   Bitlis
*   Diyarbakır
*   Gaziantep
*   Hakkari
*   Hatay
*   Kilis
*   Mardin
*   Şanlıurfa
*   Siirt
*   Şırnak
*   Tunceli
*   Van

These can all be potentially dangerous territories which you should avoid. You can check out the updated US travel.state.gov travel advisory updates or the UK travel advisory updates.  

The good news is that you do not need to go in that direction since you are a tourist. Chances are you will be visiting one of the major cities in the West of the country: Istanbul, Cappadocia, or Ankara.

You can also visit a beautiful coastal town in the Southwest: Antalya, Izmir, Bodrum, Marmaris, or Fethiye, where you can find [many interesting things to do](/posts/best-things-to-do-in-fethiye). Or one of the many other hidden gems of the country, including Konya, Bursa, or the Black Sea Region.

Recent years of terrorist incidents and political unrest may have made Turkey seem unsafe, but tourism in Turkey is returning to its peak. In major tourist destinations in Turkey, the worst thing you need to worry about is petty theft or [a taxi scam](/posts/common-taxi-scams-turkey).

Just as you should be in any major city or tourist destination, be smart, be prepared and [know what to expect](/posts/what-to-know-before-visiting-turkey), and be vigilant when traveling.

Travel Safety Tips
------------------

Since you are taking the time to read this article, you are already a smart and well-advised traveler. Here are 15 simple travel safety tips you should follow when visiting Turkey for the first time:

1.  Be aware of scams - [scams come in all forms.](/posts/common-tourist-scams-istanbul) Scammers can be very experienced and prey on the naive or solo traveler. Exercise caution at all times. You can also see this article on [tips for women traveling solo in Istanbul](/posts/istanbul-safe-solo-female-travelers).
2.  Avoid political demonstrations - stay clear of anything that may seem like large groups protesting, religious celebrations, or a large police presence. You don’t want to get caught up in something potentially dangerous.
3.  Keep your valuables safe - pickpocketing and theft are very common in crowded tourist areas. Exercise caution and awareness by wearing a money belt and keeping all valuables close and secure on your person.
4.  Stay away from drugs - illicit drugs in Turkey and not taken lightly and can carry a heavy prison sentence. Not worth it.
5.  Learn some basic Turkish phrases - you can find [English-speakers in Turkey](/posts/do-people-speak-english-in-turkey), but knowing a few simple Turkish phrases before you go will help you when navigating in a taxi or when you get lost. Locals will also appreciate the fact you took the effort to learn their language.
6.  [Dress respectfully](/posts/what-to-wear-in-turkey) - especially when [visiting a mosque](/posts/mosques-to-see-istanbul). Most mosques request both male and female visitors to observe a simple, modest dress code such as long sleeves and either long skirts or pants. Neither men nor women should wear shorts or sleeveless tops. Visiting women are requested to cover their hair.
7.  Don’t drink too much - be aware of [cultural attitudes towards drinking alcohol](/posts/drinking-alcohol-in-turkey). Drinking alcohol is 100% legal in Turkey, but an excessive binge drinking culture does not exist. Drink responsibly so you can stay safe and aware of your surroundings.
8.  Don’t insult the Turkish government - government censorship is very common. Insulting the republic, government, or national heroes such as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk are forbidden and punishable by law.
9.  Carry identification - always carry some form of identification that shows your nationality as police will perform random checks.
10.  Be respectful during Ramadan - if you are traveling during Ramadan, be respectful of those fasting and avoid drinking and eating during the day when out in non-touristic spaces.
11.  Watch your step - it’s common for sidewalks and pavement to be under construction or unfinished in big cities. Exercise caution around construction sites as they may not be cordoned off at all.
12.  Get a prepaid SIM card - these are readily available at the airport from several providers (Turkcell or Vodafone). Cellular data is very affordable in Turkey (7-8 TL per GB). This will help you with calling your accommodation, navigation, or any potential emergencies that may arise.
13.  [Stay hydrated](/posts/best-drinks-turkey) - weather in Turkey in the summer months can be HOT. Stay hydrated by [drinking bottled water](/posts/tap-water-turkey-safe-to-drink) (it’s cheap).
14.  Protect your skin - whether you are at the beach or traveling in the city, always protect your skin with sunscreen to avoid bad burns and looking like a lobster tourist.
15.  [Don’t drink and drive](/posts/drinking-alcohol-in-turkey) - another big “no-no.” Drunk driving can carry a hefty fine and penalty. Legal BAV (blood alcohol volume) limits are .05%, which may be much lower than your home country.

If you worry about getting scammed or encountering mishaps during your travels, travel insurance might be a good option to feel safer. Some travel insurance providers may even offer fraud/scam coverage up to a certain amount.

Remember to always buy travel insurance when planning a trip to Turkey, just to be safe!

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### Final Thoughts

From its rich culture and history to its natural landscape and beauty, Turkey has so much to explore and discover. **With all its beauty and culture, Turkey is worth the extra caution and should not be missed.**

There are many sources that can warn you about [the dos and don'ts in Turkey](/posts/dos-and-donts-for-turkey). Just so your research, be prepared, travel smart, and be vigilant just as you would when away from home, and you will be able to enjoy everything this amazing country has to offer.

crowd-istiklal-istanbul.jpg

Turkey is a beautiful country making it a captivating and exciting tourist destination. With many terrorist attacks in recent years and the nearby Syrian conflict, you may be wondering exactly how safe Turkey is to travel.

Is Turkey Safe to Travel?

In larger cities such as Istanbul, which is home to more than 20,000 taxis, taking a taxi can be an affordable and [convenient means of getting around.](/posts/best-way-get-around-istanbul) The majority of taxi drivers in Turkey are honest and fair; however, there are some drivers looking to take advantage of unknowing tourists whenever the opportunity arises. We’ve created a list of the most common taxi scams and how you can avoid them so they won’t happen to you.

So what are the most common taxi scams in Turkey?

Extending the Ride
------------------

This is a common trick pulled on tourists in most big cities. On both long and short trips, the driver can extend the duration by making a huge and unnecessary detour. As a tourist, you probably do not know the direction of [where you are going](/posts/best-way-get-around-istanbul) or how much it should cost.

*   How to Avoid - this can be hard to avoid if you don’t speak Turkish or know the area well. Here is a [Taxi Fare Calculator](https://www.taxi-calculator.com/) you can use for an estimated fare to expect. You can follow along using the maps feature of your smartphone to get a general idea of the time and direction you should be going.

The Sneaky Note Swap
--------------------

A driver will swap out the Turkish Lira notes for that of a lower denomination. If your taxi ride costs 25 TL and you hand him a 50 TL note, he will quickly swap the 50 TL note for a 5 TL note while you are not looking. He shows you the 5 TL note and waits for you to hand him the remaining 20 TL.

This can result in quick confusion as you were expecting change and unfamiliar with the currency notes.  You now have just paid 70 TL for a 25 TL ride.

*   How to Avoid - be sure to carry plenty of low denomination notes (5 TL and 10 TL) along with coins so you can give the exact amount. If you do need change, show the driver your note first before you hand it to him so he can prepare the change for you. If possible, try to familiarize yourself with the currency and note the different colors between different banknotes.

“I Have No Change”
------------------

You need 5-10TL worth of change from the driver. He shows you that he only has 2-3 TL in coins, trying to score an extra bit on top of the fare.

*   How to Avoid - Ask the driver to go into a shop to change the note. Usually, the change suddenly appears out of thin air. You can also let it go as it may only be a few liras worth if you don’t want to put up the fight.

An “Agreed” Price
-----------------

You agree with the taxi driver on a fixed price to your destination before getting in. He may tell you there is a lot of traffic, so it will be a better deal, rather than sitting in traffic running the meter up. He may tell you he can take a shortcut to save you time.

Unfortunately, you are now at the mercy of the driver’s discretion. He can easily change the previously “agreed upon” price, and you may be stuck in a situation with an angry driver asking for a higher than usual amount.

*   How to Avoid -  insist on using the meter, no matter what. Meters in taxis are required by law. If the driver refuses or claims the meter is “malfunctioning,” immediately get out of the taxi and find a new one.

Per Person Fare
---------------

If you’ve already made the above mistake of agreeing to a fixed fare with the driver, this can be an add-on scam. Let’s say it’s a short trip and you agree to 15 TL for your group. Once you arrive at your destination, the driver will argue that the fare is for each person in your group.

*   How to Avoid - taxi fares are always per vehicle and should never be per person. Stick to using the meter from an official taxi and don’t agree on the fare ahead of time unless you know the exact route of how to get where you are going and how much it should be.

The “Private” Taxi Driver
-------------------------

There are nearly 20,000 registered and licensed taxis in Istanbul alone. There are also thousands of taxi drivers who are not licensed or operate as “private” drivers.

You may find these unlicensed drivers working in different hot spots of the city hawking customers instead of waiting at a taxi rank. They may claim to offer a better deal than official taxis, but in the end, most will not.

*   How to Avoid - only take official taxis which are yellow or blue. They will have a “_taksi”_ sign on the roof and have a meter built into the mirror or dashboard. They will also be clearly labeled with their affiliation to an airport, hotel/resort, or neighborhood taxi rank. Most hotels will be able to call one for you or direct you to the nearest taxi rank. Also, an official taxi will allow you to get a receipt or “_fatura_” if needed.

The “Nightime” Fare
-------------------

The taxi driver may switch the meter to the “_gece_” (nighttime) rate during the day, which is more expensive. **Nighttime rates are no longer allowed, and all taxis operate at a standard rate regardless of the time of day.**

*   How to Avoid - make sure the meter says “_gündüz_” (daytime). If you do not see this, speak up, get out, and find a new taxi.

Higher Starting Fare
--------------------

Let’s say your taxi driver just dropped off another customer after a short trip, leaving a small fare on the meter (10-20 TL).  Instead of resetting the meter, your driver leaves this as the starting fare, so you end up paying more than you should.

*   How to Avoid - be sure to check the meter upon entering and when you start moving. The meter should display 4 TL as the starting flat rate. The fare should increase by 2.5 TL with every kilometer. If stuck in traffic not moving or waiting for you, .30 TL will be added per minute.

The Rigged Meter
----------------

This may not be as common as the other tricks, but it is still something you should watch out for. The meter will be at the bottom of the dashboard by the gearshift, and it may have been previously rigged up by the driver.

The driver may covertly touch a button on the meter while you are not looking as he rests his hand on the gearshift. This can add to or bump up the fare increment.

*   How to Avoid - if you are in a group, have one person sit upfront so they can keep a close eye on the meter. Be sure to check the meter every 5-10 minutes and make sure you are going at the correct fare.

What to Do If You Get Scammed
-----------------------------

If you are the victim of a taxi scam, you may be feeling angry or upset but do not panic. Take a deep breath and remember that [scams are very common](/posts/common-tourist-scams-istanbul) and happen every day to unknowing tourists.

Fortunately, most taxi scams will not be for a significantly large amount. Therefore, it’s best to put it behind you and learn from your mistake, so it doesn’t happen again.

Should You Tip the Taxi Driver?
-------------------------------

Most locals do not tip taxi drivers but will round up the fares. A fare of 24.20 TL will become 25 TL. If the driver carries the luggage to and from the car, they will tip.

Some taxi drivers may expect a tip from a tourist, but do not feel pressured if you were not happy with the service. Many drivers will be very friendly and talkative and even offer you advice on the city, so if you wish to tip a small amount or round up your fee, that is your choice to do so.

Taxi Alternatives
-----------------

BiTaksi is a taxi app you can download on your phone. The app is very similar to Uber or Lyft and has only registered taxi drivers that offer standard meter rates.

The [BiTaksi app](http://www.bitaksi.com/en/) is now available in English and is pretty straightforward to use if you are familiar with Uber or Lyft. We recommend this if you have a smartphone with a data plan.

Staying Safe
------------

Petty theft and muggings are rare in Istanbul but you should be extra cautious when in crowded touristic areas of the city such as Grand Bazaar. The most common thing to watch out for are pickpocketers and other [types of tourist scams](/posts/common-tourist-scams-istanbul).

Remember to always buy travel insurance when planning a trip to Turkey, just to be safe! [World Nomads](https://www.worldnomads.com/Turnstile/AffiliateLink?partnerCode=TURK3YN0M4D&source=link&utm_source=TURK3YN0M4D&utm_content=link&path=//www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance/) has a large selection of travel insurance available.

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Final Things to Remember
------------------------

The meter should display 4 TL as the starting flat rate. The fare should increase by 2.5 TL with every kilometer. When you are stuck in traffic not moving or the taxi is stalled waiting for you, .30 TL will be added per minute. The minimum fare is 10TL so you can’t take super short rides. There's no difference between day and night rates.

If you are coming from [the New Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport](/posts/which-istanbul-airport), know that there are other travel options than just taxis. Keep in mind that not all taxi drivers will speak English, so it will help to have your destination address written down or a smartphone available.

Have Turkish liras readily available as some taxis may not be able to take payment by card. Always look for officially licensed taxis that are yellow or blue with “_taksi_” written on the roof.

The majority of taxi drivers are honest, hardworking, and want to help. This guide on common taxi scams is not to scare you but to give you some insight so you can prevent one from happening to you.

It's always a good idea to have more insight on [things you should know about Turkey before your visit](/posts/what-to-know-before-visiting-turkey), and now you have it. We wish you safe and scam-free taxi travel in Turkey!

turkey-taxi-large.jpg

Discover the most common taxi scams in Turkey and learn how to avoid them. Find out what to do if you get scammed and explore alternative taxi options. Stay safe while traveling in Turkey.

The Most Common Taxi Scams in Turkey

Many travelers coming to Turkey for the first time will often ask whether drinking alcohol is legal or safe. Turkey being a country that is straddling Europe and the East, it's only natural to ask such questions.

So can you drink alcohol in Turkey? **There is no problem with drinking alcohol as a traveler in Turkey. Drinking is a rich part of Turkish culture and cuisine in some regions, however, there's also a large portion of Turkish people who do not drink alcohol for religious reasons.**

Although the sale and consumption of alcohol in Turkey are 100% legal, there are still some specific regulations regarding the sale of alcohol and cultural drinking [norms you should adhere to](/posts/what-to-know-before-visiting-turkey). Certain alcoholic beverages are also a wonderful part of Turkish cuisine and should not be missed.

Drinking Alcohol in Turkey
--------------------------

The dominant religion in Turkey is Islam; however, alcohol is still legal and consumed by locals. Many Turkish people, both young and old, will enjoy a friendly drink or two during the evenings.

Local attitudes shy away from excessive binge drinking, and instead, most alcoholic beverages are commonly served with a portion of small finger foods to graze on (nuts, appetizers, etc.).

The sale of alcohol in Turkey is strictly regulated by the time of day. You cannot buy alcohol from shops between 10 pm to 6 am, however, alcohol can still be sold in bars, restaurants, and hotels 24 hours a day. Depending on the city, many bars and nightclubs may stay open and serve alcohol until 5 am with most restaurants closing earlier around 1 to 2 am.

It is not uncommon, though, to find restaurants in smaller towns/cities or in more conservative neighborhoods that do not serve alcohol at all. But if you are in one of the more populated cities, such as Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir, you should not have any problem finding a drink. It's always a good idea to check out [what to expect in certain neighborhoods](/posts/where-to-stay-in-istanbul) of the city you're traveling to.

**The legal drinking age is 18 years old in Turkey**. You may have to show some identification for proof of age if you do not look of age to the bartender. It is worth noting that it is illegal to sell alcohol within 100 meters of a mosque or school.

You may also notice that advertising of alcoholic beverages is also restricted in both print and television. As common in many countries, liquor bottles and alcoholic beverages have warning labels for the potential harm of alcohol.

Legal permission is required to produce or sell alcohol in Turkey, which is regulated by the Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock. Avoid buying alcoholic beverages from street vendors as you may not know what they are made of. In the event you come across non-labeled alcohol, stay away and instead buy from a safe and reliable source such as corner shops, supermarkets, liquor shops, or bars and restaurants.

Drunk driving laws in Turkey are strict. **The legal alcohol limit for driving is .05% BAC (blood alcohol concentration).** This only applies if you are driving alone. If you have a passenger you must not have any alcohol in your system.

Police have the power to administer random alcohol tests on drivers at any time. If you are caught driving over the legal limit, you will be hit with a hefty fine by the police and your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of 6 months of the first offense.

If you are traveling in Turkey, it is advised to stay away from any form of drinking and driving. It’s not worth the potential legal headache and can ruin a great holiday.

Depending on the city and municipality, drinking alcohol in public places such as streets, parks, or beaches may be allowed. If you are unsure, be sure to ask a local nearby establishment or look around and do as the locals do.

If you are traveling in Turkey, be respectful of locals, [learn what to do and not to do](/posts/dos-and-donts-for-turkey), and realize they may have different attitudes towards alcohol than those in your home country. Just as in your home country, there are still laws in place for disturbance of the peace of others, so drink responsibly.

Where to Buy Alcohol
--------------------

Alcohol can be purchased in corner stores called “_tekel_” where a selection of local beer, wine, and spirits along with tobacco can be found. Supermarkets will generally have more cost-effective prices for alcohol with most imported and popular brand name spirits costing much more. In 2014, a tax on alcohol was raised, depending on your home country and exchange rate, prices may seem higher or more affordable.

At the supermarket, .5L of domestic beer will cost around 10 TL, a bottle of local wine 40 TL, and a bottle of mid-range liquor 200 TL. As per normal, these prices will be higher in a restaurant or bar with .5L of domestic beer costing 20 TL and a bottle of local Turkish wine costing 100 TL. Keep in mind that these prices may fluctuate with changes in the local economy.

Drink as the Locals Do
----------------------

If you are traveling to Turkey, be aware of cultural norms and attitudes towards alcohol.  While many Turkish people will consume alcohol, there may be a large portion that chooses not to because of religious reasons.

Turkish cuisine is very rich and best complemented with local alcoholic beverages, although [they have many delicious soft drinks](/posts/best-drinks-turkey) as well. Turkish wines are not to be skipped out on, as there are many producers and local grapes due to Turkey’s diverse topography and climates.

Some popular Turkish varieties include Kavaklıdere Yakut (Boğazkere - Öküzgözü), Paşaeli 6N Karasakız (merlot), and Vinkara Yaşasın (sparkling white). While Turkish beer may not be the best-tasting in the world, you will still find some delicious craft brews along with more familiar Western brands.

The national drink is called “_rakı_” which is a spirit twice distilled from grapes and made with aniseed very similar to Greek ouzo.  Nicknamed “lion’s milk” for its white color when mixed with water and ice, _rakı_ has a strong anise flavor and is commonly served with seafood or “meze” -  a collection of small dishes served as appetizers. Think Spanish tapas Turkish style.

**A warning to first-time _rakı_ drinkers as it can pack a punch, with most brands in the 80-90 proof (40-50% ABV) range.**

A “_rakı_” table is a common social gathering in Turkish culture and is to be enjoyed during moments of celebration or pain with both friends and family. When at a restaurant, you will be offered a choice of different delicious meze to start your meal.

After your meze selection arrives, the waiter will ask you if you would like to open a bottle of _rakı_. If it is your first time drinking _rakı_, ask for a small bottle (35cl) and tell the waiter you each would like a small shot (4cl).

After pouring the _rakı_ into a highball glass, the waiter will ask if you want ice and water. Take both water and ice as this will make the drink much lighter and more enjoyable for novice raki drinkers. Graze on your meze and continue to sip _rakı_ as you enjoy the rest of the main courses of your meal.

What About During Ramadan?
--------------------------

Ramadan or “_Ramazan_” is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting from dawn until dusk. This includes not eating or drinking and abstaining from pleasure while praying to become closer to god.

It is also a time for families to gather and celebrate. Islam is the predominant religion in Turkey, so many locals may be fasting during this time.

**During Ramadan, alcohol is still sold in markets, restaurants, and bars as per normal**. When in public spaces or non-touristic areas you should be conscious and respectful of those who may be fasting during the daytime.

raki-alcohol-turkey-large.jpg

Learn about the regulations, cultural norms, and where to buy alcohol in Turkey. Is it legal and safe to drink alcohol in Turkey?

Can You Drink Alcohol in Turkey?

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