Is It Safe to Travel to Turkey as a Woman?

Turkey is a wonderful travel destination not to be missed

Turkey is a thoroughly captivating destination, a country where East meets West and where modern living converges with the ancient world. Here, turquoise waters touch pristine beaches, and ancient ruins proudly boast of a classic past when ancient Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans walked the cobbled streets. The spicy fragrance of Turkish dishes hangs in the air in the bustling markets, where locals and tourists haggle over wonderful arts and crafts.

Turkey is not a place any serious traveler would miss in the quest to discover new and beautiful world destinations. The country attracts millions of visitors each year, many of them women. However, safety concerns sometimes arise, leading many women to wonder: Is it safe to travel to Turkey as a woman?

Know Your Destination

Some countries are safer than others, but no place is ever completely safe including your hometown. You should know something about your destination, wherever in the world you go. Here are some of the conditions to know before you leave for Turkey.

• Cultural Expectations: Turkey is predominantly Muslim and has conservative and modern influences. Dress codes vary by region. They’re more relaxed in cities like Istanbul and stricter and more traditional in rural areas.
• Tourist Hotspots vs. Remote Areas: Popular tourist areas like Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya are generally safe, but as with any large city take precautions guarding again pick pockets in crowded places. However, statistically pickpockets are more common in Rome, Paris and Barcelona. Take extra precautions in less-traveled areas and do not go close to the Syrian border due to political instability. Fewer people speak English outside the large cities, so you may struggle to be understood unless you have a good translator app.
• Most of us take the same precautions in our hometowns when walking alone, particularly at night. Or consider going with a tour group so you are not alone in the evening. Know which are the less savory parts of town before you wander the streets. Then, make every effort to avoid them.
• According to the Numbeo Crime and safety index which ranks 147 countries, Turkey is safer than the United States with a ranking of 91 (higher is better) compared to the US which stands at 59 or the UK at 61.
• The Turkish Ministry of Interior states that significant investment has been made in counterterrorism and security measures, especially around tourist landmarks and transportation hubs. Hence there have been no major terrorist incidents in Istanbul in the past 8 years.  
• Common Safety Concerns: Be aware of street harassment, scams, and pickpocketing. These happen in the streets of Turkey as they do elsewhere. Awareness and preparation should keep you safe and free of nuisance interference.

You can make informed decisions if you know what to expect. Better still, travel with a group of adventurous women. It’s a lot more fun, and it’s safer. Groups like Girls’ Guide to the World look after your every need and keep you safe and comfortable in every corner of the world.

Tips for Safe Travel for Women in Turkey

There are precautions you can take at every destination. Turkey is no different. Here are some tips for women to travel safely in Turkey. 

Dress Modestly

In the big cities and along the Mediterranean coastline, people wear Western-style clothing, so you’ll be comfortable dressed in everyday clothing. This is not as true in the eastern part of Turkey, where the dress is far more reserved. If you travel to these areas, you should dress modestly with knees, shoulders and chest covered. The same applies to religious sites, where wearing long dresses or pants is best.

Carry a scarf so you can cover your head when entering a mosque. Use the opportunity to invest in a scarf from the Grand Bazaar before you visit the Hagga Sofia. This way, you’ll have one at the ready whenever you enter a religious site and a souvenir of your Turkish travels. 

Stay in Secure Accommodations

Always choose reputable accommodation with good reviews and in decent parts of town. You’ll probably feel safer in areas frequented by tourists.

Be Careful with Transportation

Turkey has an excellent public transport system that connects most major destinations and is safe, efficient, and affordable. Still, taking precautions when using public transport on strange shores is always advisable. Here are some general tips: 

• Transportation Terminals: Stick to well-lit and busy metro stations.
• Taxis: Use official taxi services or apps like BiTaksi and pay on the app – when paying in cash you might get ripped off by the driver.
• Night Travel: Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar places after dark. Stick to well-lit areas with other people around.

Avoid Scams and Unwanted Attention

Scams happen in every country, and Turkey is no exception. Here are some tips for avoiding scams and unwanted attention:

• Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering help.
• Politely decline persistent shopkeepers or street vendors.
• Ignore cat callers and avoid confrontation.

Connect with Other Female Travelers

It’s so much more fun to travel with like-minded women. Consider joining a tour group, like Girls’ Guide to the World. The organizers have loads of experience in world travel and know the areas to avoid. They will also ensure that you stay in safe accommodation and arrange the transport during the tour. Lastly, there’s safety in numbers, so join your travel sisters and avoid difficulties at your destination. You won’t believe the fun a group of women can have together!

Practical Safety Tips for Women Traveling to Turkey

Every good journey takes planning. Factor your safety into these plans with these practical tips for traveling to Turkey:

Before You Leave:

• Research local customs and laws.
• Learn basic Turkish phrases or invest in a digital translator.
• Share your itinerary with family or friends.

In Turkey:

• Carry a crossbody bag to prevent theft.
• Avoid isolated areas, especially at night.
• Keep emergency contacts handy, including the local police number and your country’s embassy.

If You Encounter Issues:

Women travel alone to Turkey all the time, and there are very few issues. Still, it’s good to know what to do if you encounter problems.

• Ask the hotel staff or trusted locals for help.
• Visit a police station.
• Report incidents through your country’s embassy if necessary.

Is It Safe to Travel to Turkey as a Woman?

Don’t miss out on a fantastic travel destination. Take precautions and travel safely

Turkey is a fantastic travel destination – one you’ll never forget. In Turkey, you can visit the most incredible ancient cities in Ephesus and Troy, find local treasures in vibrant bazaars, enjoy delicious local delicacies and marvel at Nature’s beauty. So, if you’re wondering if it is safe to travel to Turkey as a woman. The answer is yes—with the right precautions.

Don’t miss out on one of the most fascinating cultures and world destinations. Plan your trip and go confidently or join a women’s tour group and let the organizers take care of the details.