If you’ve been stopped by policeman in Istanbul

Basically, such cases are very rare, but theoretically they are possible. It is better to know how to behave in such cases. Remember this: policemen in Istanbul and in Turkey in general do not take bribes. And if you’ve done something, don’t try to give money to the guardsman, it will only aggravate your fate. But of course we are talking about ordinary tourists who are unlikely to mess things up in Istanbul on something other than resting and getting acquainted with the country. Does the police stop them? Yes, very rarely, but it happens. Turkish law machinery has the right to stop you and check documents as in any other country.

Should you take passport for such cases? Of course you don’t have to. First, these cases as we have already said, are very rare. Secondly, your passport is a valuable thing and it can be useful at the airport. But in Istanbul you can easily lose it if you carry it around. So, simply make a xerox copy of the document. The policemen are completely satisfied with this. And also carry the business card of your Istanbul hotel which they must give you at the reception. You can show their cards as well.

Policemen in Turkey are friendly, calm, despite the threatening look because of their equipment, and extremely peaceful. You should treat them in the same manner. You can simply ask the policeman in Istanbul the time, the way to a certain sight or just ask for help.

Attention! If you booked hotel in Istanbul on our site or through our company, make sure you have the phone number of our Istanbul office: +90 (212) 293 33 83 or +90 (533) 692 02 11. In case of any trouble in Istanbul, call us and we’ll help you.