Safety
Turkey is generally a safe travel destination for tourists. Millions of Germans travel there without problems every year. As everywhere, common sense and a few regional peculiarities apply.
General
- Petty crime: Pickpocketing in Istanbul (Taksim, Sultanahmet, Grand Bazaar), overpriced bills in tourist bars, scam taxis. Keep valuables in the hotel safe, use only licensed taxis (Taksi sign on the roof, make sure the meter is on!).
- Scams in Istanbul: "Friendly strangers" inviting you to a "great restaurant" — resulting in a bill of hundreds of euros. Politely decline.
- At night: Most tourist areas are safe even at night. In Istanbul, Beyoğlu/Taksim, Kadıköy, and Beşiktaş are lively until late. Avoid dark side streets away from the centers.
Regional Notes
- Border regions with Syria and Iraq: Follow travel warnings from the Foreign Office. Do not travel to the provinces of Hatay, Şırnak, Hakkâri.
- Demonstrations: Avoid political gatherings. Do not photograph police or military.
- Earthquakes: Turkey is in an earthquake zone. Pay attention to escape routes in hotels.
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 155 |
| Fire Department | 110 |
| Emergency Doctor / Ambulance | 112 |
| Tourism Police (Istanbul) | +90 212 527 4503 |
| Coast Guard | 158 |