Although Istanbul is more or less a safe city, there are situations and places to watch out for when visiting this part of Turkey. Some tourists don't know what to expect and can easily become the target of fraud or robbery.

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In this chapter, we will give you tips on how to behave in Istanbul so that you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest and without any worries.

Crime

Istanbul is considered to be a relatively safe city, although of course, like any other oracle city, you may encounter pickpockets and petty thieves. The easiest defence against theft is to follow basic security rules. If you're in crowded places (such as on public transport), keep an eye on your luggage and don't put anything valuable in your back pockets. A good option can also be a security kidney and dividing your cash into several different places so you never lose everything.

Istanbul and Turkey are also often mentioned in connection with terrorist attacks. Terrorist attacks in Turkey are not primarily aimed at tourists, so too much fear is not out of place. Nevertheless, it is advised to avoid large crowds and be more careful in public areas. At the moment, the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Istanbul is warning against terrorist attacks on churches, synagogues and foreign embassies in the city. The embassy says caution is especially important in the Beyoglu, Galata, Taksim and Istiklal districts.

What places to avoid?

There are a few places and neighbourhoods in Istanbul that are not very safe and are best avoided. These neighborhoods won't be a very good choice for accommodation either, you'd better pay a little extra and stay in a safer place. Which neighbourhoods in Istanbul are best avoided?

• Tarlabasi - The Tarlabasi district is right next to Taksim Square, so you can easily wander here. However, it's one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Istanbul, notorious for violence and prostitution.
• Dolapdere - North of Tarlabasi you'll find this very poor neighbourhood. Violence and rioting are the order of the day here.
• Gaziosmanpasa - A very young neighbourhood without sufficient infrastructure that is often considered a breeding ground for extremists.
• Kuştepe - This rather dangerous neighbourhood is a centre of drug trafficking and many refugees from eastern Turkey are drawn here.
• Laleli-Aksaray - The area on the border of these two neighbourhoods is not directly dangerous, but it is recommended that unaccompanied women do not go here.

Some other neighborhoods on the outskirts of Istanbul may also be dangerous. However, it is highly unlikely that you would visit them as a tourist for any reason. Apart from the most touristy places, you need to be careful at night, when even during the day perfectly safe places can be quite risky.

Scams in Istanbul

With the amount of tourists heading to Istanbul every year, there have been a number of scams on tourists. If you know about them, they can be easily avoided. So what are some of the scams you may encounter?

• Bar scams - In any bar, you may be charged a ridiculously high amount for a drink. So check the price in advance. Similarly, don't respond to anyone approaching you on the street and offering you a friendly visit to the bar.
• Driving without a meter - Taxi drivers count on tourists not knowing the local area and sometimes "forgetting" to turn on the meter. Always insist on switching on the meter when getting into a taxi and also check the route in the sat nav so the taxi driver doesn't take you on an unnecessary detour.
• Shoe Shiners - At some tourist sights, you may find that the shoe shiner drops the brush in front of you. Most tourists will then call out to him and he will start cleaning their shoes as a thank you. Unfortunately, this thank you is never free.
• Restaurant Scams - Restaurants are a common place for scams. Sometimes they will bring you food you didn't order and claim you have to try it. Of course, you will also have to pay for it. It also often happens that if you pay with a larger bill, you will never get it back.

Is Istanbul safe for women?

Wondering if Istanbul is a safe destination for women alone? Istanbul is full of local emancipated women as well as European and American tourists. Still, some caution is in order if you plan to move around the city alone.

As for clothing, you can wear whatever you want in both parts of Istanbul . You'll see everything from niqabs to shorts and tank tops on locals. If you want to avoid stares, opt for longer pants or skirts, but you won't be reprimanded for wearing shorter clothes. It's a good idea to remember that you'll need loose long clothing and a headscarf when entering the mosque.

Single women should also avoid wandering around Istanbul at night and visiting bars. You will definitely feel more comfortable in a group, even walking through the more secluded streets. When visiting a bar, do not accept drink invitations from strangers.