Latest 2021 Personal Practical Guide to Traveling in Turkey: Safety Chapter

Turkey is indeed a great place worth visiting, home to two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum of Mausolus. The Temple of Artemis, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, Fairy Chimneys, Topkapi Palace, Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia, and the ancient city of Ephesus. World Heritage sites include the Historic Areas of Istanbul, Goreme Valley and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia, the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi, Hattusa, Nemrut Mountain, the Xanthos-Letoon ruins, Hierapolis and Pamukkale, and the city of Safranbolu. Fairy peaks and stone camels in the Cappadocia fairy chimneys... There are many exciting things to do: paragliding, diving (sea), hot air balloons, etc. Okay, there are too many travel introduction posts, so I'll spare another ten thousand words (because there are already many guides online)...... Today, I will only share the most important point: safety.

Since this trip was for business, I had plenty of time. Coinciding with the pandemic, it could be considered an in-depth tour, especially in Istanbul, the most populous historical city. I stayed there for nearly a month, exploring every area, attraction, and street, and experienced all kinds of real situations. So while everyone is enjoying a happy journey, besides strengthening personal epidemic prevention and control, you must also pay special attention to safety (don't fall into traps), so as not to affect the overall travel experience. After all, every tourist city has two sides. The main points are as follows:

1. About traffic safety. My previous travel notes also mentioned that when taking a taxi, remember to use an app to call a car, download the local APP, pay online, use navigation while riding. If someone offers to help you carry your luggage before getting in the car, be sure to agree on terms. If taking public transportation, watch out for pickpockets, because Turkey is an open country, and there are also refugees from neighboring countries entering. The government has shortcomings in managing the floating population. Keep your belongings safe, especially documents. It is recommended not to carry them with you. During the pandemic, as foreigners, we are rarely stopped and asked for identification, so avoid unnecessary trouble.

2. About shopping and spending. If you go to the trendy market Grand Bazaar or tourist attractions for shopping, with hundreds of thousands of shops and a dazzling array of goods, besides the quality of the goods, always remember to bargain down to 40% or less of the asking price to get the real price, so you won't feel cheated. Because Turks are known as shrewd businessmen, especially towards foreign tourists like us, they won't be polite. So don't be soft when bargaining, enjoy the sense of accomplishment from bargaining slowly. As for what to buy, it depends on personal needs. There are many century-old dessert shops worth buying as souvenirs, but be sure to go to chain specialty stores to get genuine goods.

3. About safety when going out at night. If you choose to stay in the old town, especially in the area around Istiklal Street and the Galata Tower, due to the terrain, the alleys are small and numerous, the slopes are steep, and many roads are one-way. There are no patrol police seen throughout the day, and there is no public security surveillance on the streets. The floating population lives in a very mixed area, with many underground bars, sex venues, etc. At night, all kinds of people appear, even some drug users. Even locals and taxi drivers say they dare not go there at night, especially the small alleys. Therefore, when choosing accommodation, it is recommended not to choose the central part of that area; try to choose brand chain hotels or good homestays near the main road. Do not stay out too late at night; it is recommended not to be later than 8:30 PM, and never go out alone at night.

4. About street begging. If you encounter a group of children begging on the street, ignore them first, because some of them work as a team. If you give to one, immediately a group will surround you and demand that you give to each. Most of these children are refugees from neighboring countries, such as war-torn countries like Syria. After all, Turkey is relatively friendly among Middle Eastern countries. What I say here is not to advocate that we should not be charitable, but being in a foreign country, we must first learn to protect ourselves. Of course, if you have food or water with you, you can give it to them. At most, say you have none left, and after they see that, they will not insist. If you are willing to give money, it's best to give small change or give individually when there are not many children around. They are indeed very pitiful, so we should be grateful for the good life at home. In short, we have deeply experienced this, so you must pay attention to safety.

5. About scams by young people. This is the key point of this article. I have encountered this situation at major attractions, especially in the old city of Istanbul, at least 6 or 7 times. The same routine is specifically targeting foreign tourists like us. If you stay alert and analyze carefully, it is actually easy to see through. First, they observe the target on the street. If it is a single person, they send one person to approach suddenly, pretending to ask for directions or a lighter, and then start asking where you are from, whether you are on vacation or business, etc., a series of ingratiating topics. They will walk with you and chat along the way. Finally, they will find an excuse to invite you for a drink. If it's a man, they suggest alcohol; if it's a woman, they suggest tea or coffee. If you agree, you will easily fall into the trap. As for what happens next, you can imagine: in a foreign country, they take you to a completely unfamiliar place, set various traps and force you, ultimately swindling your money (this I heard from local Turkish clients). Once, near the Blue Mosque, I met three Chinese compatriots who had fallen for it. Anyway, I never agreed, because I have lived in Guangzhou all my life and have seen all kinds of people. The details: the first time, someone asked for directions at the foot of the Galata Tower. I was walking alone when someone came up from behind and asked me what time the Galata Tower closes. I thought he might be a problem because the tower was only a dozen meters ahead. I said I wasn't sure and suggested he go ask himself. Instead, he didn't go but started various conversations... Finally, I said I had something to do and couldn't go, politely declining. Seeing my firmness, he said 'Beybey' and turned away. The second time, again near Galata Tower, I was alone. This time two people came and asked for a lighter. I said I don't smoke, sorry no. Then one of them started the same conversation as before. The other was coordinating. I realized they were a team with the same aim... Finally, I politely said I'm meeting a friend, pretended to open a map and said I was going somewhere. He looked, gave wrong directions, and then asked, 'Is it a Turkish friend?' I said yes. They immediately said 'SEE YOU' and left. The next few times were at the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. Same young people around 20, same approach, same script, sometimes one, sometimes two, but I used the same excuse to decline. Sometimes I secretly laughed to myself—for people living in a first-tier city, such tricks are too childish. So, when traveling, never agree to strangers who approach and invite you.

In summary, these are my real experiences during this in-depth trip to Turkey. I believe many friends online see only beautiful pictures and texts, and it's undeniable that these edited images and texts are really professional and beautiful. Overall, Turkey is still a very good tourist destination. Most locals are kind and friendly. Otherwise, the stray cats of Istanbul are said to be one of the city's souls. Those who have lived there for a while will feel this deeply. Perhaps due to the impact of the pandemic, many businesses have closed, people have lost jobs, the economy is sluggish, and it's hard for everyone. But since we have such a rare chance to travel, being in a foreign land, we must never let down our guard against others. Safety is always the top priority.

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