Be Safe in Ankara

Turkey poses a fairly high risk of terrorism. There have been three terrorist attacks in the last three years and there are known terrorist groups working throughout the country.

It is a predominantly Muslim country and the local people are therefore fairly conservative in their attitude towards women. Women are encouraged to avoid wearing clothing that is revealing and always try to keep your shoulders to your knees covered. If you are visiting a religious site, it is adviseable to cover your head as well as all parts of your body.

Women are advised to be careful if walking alone at night as it is not a common sight in Turkey and you may find yourself being hassled. However, as much as this might be an unpleasant experience, the Turkish men will not do more than pass loud comments.

Be aware of touts who will say they can lead you to the cheapest places to get drinks and entertainment for the night. These are usually scams and once you get to the bar you will end up paying more! Tourists are also advised not to carry their passports and all their money with them but to leave them in the safe deposit boxes that are available in most hotels. There have been, as in any other cities, some incidents of pick pocketing and bag snatching so you should be particularly careful if you are planning to visit the busy market areas in the Old Town.

Sunburn is a very real threat in Ankara. Many people dont realise how strong the sun is and if you get sunburnt early on in your holiday, it can hamper your enjoyment. Try to avoid sunbathing or swimming for a few hours from midday onwards as this is when the sun is at its hottest.

Be careful when drinking the Turkish alcoholic drink, raki, as it will hit you when you least expect it. The drink is about 45 per cent alcohol content and the after effects the next morning will be quite unpleasant. Drink only bottled water and if you are prone to food poisoning, try to avoid eating at the stalls. There are many hospitals with excellent facilities in Ankara, and many of the doctors have a good grasp of English.

Travel insurance

Just like any other city or popular tourist destination, there are always incidents of petty theft including pick pocketing and bag snatching. Also, due to language difficulties and the unfamiliarity of a new country, it is quite easy to miss your bus, train or flight so to avoid the stress of having to panic in these situations; travellers are always advised to have a good travel insurance policy that covers all these areas. It is adviseable to travel with a comprehensive travel insurance policy that also covers medical and other emergencies.