Turkey has a population of more than 85 million people, mostly honest people who are happy to help visitors to their country. However, crime does exist, and the best way to avoid falling victim is to be alert to your surroundings. Pickpockets operate on the trams in Sultanahmet, Istanbul, and other tourist centers, so pay attention to the people around you, particularly in crowded places. If someone stands too close to you, keep an eye on them and be obvious about it.
Whether you’re a solo traveler or not, whatever your gender, avoid dark, empty streets, don’t accept drinks from strangers and guys, going off with that friendly fellow who knows a bar will likely see you landed with an enormous check at the end of the night. Although Turkish men are physically affectionate with each other, Turkey is a very patriarchal hetero-normative society. Turkish LGBTQ +individuals generally try to fly under the radar, and you’ll have an easier and safer time if you do, too.
Many foreign women, especially fans of Turkish soap operas, are ready to be charmed by handsome local men. Flirt if you like, but remember, some Turkish men see foreign women as easy targets for anything from no strings attached sex to the chance of a new life overseas. Take everything, especially promises of love everlasting, with a grain of salt, and if your gut tells you something’s not right, listen.
