How to avoid troubles in Istanbul

The first and the most important thing - Istanbul is NOT a criminal city. Of course, it is not inhabited by angels, but simple people. Of course, people sometimes commit crimes wherever those same people live, and Istanbul is no exception. But crime in Istanbul is not a rule, but an exception. There is no organized crime here. The streets of the city are safe as far as a modern metropolis of 20 million inhabitants could ever be safe. So, having learned it, adopt the rules of conduct that will relieve you from the unfortunate and random incidents which although rare, but still occur in Istanbul.

Do not walk at night in the port. If you want to enjoy the sea in Istanbul at night, go to any cafe on the coast or just sit down on a bench on the waterfront. Here you can sit till the very morning, it is absolutely safe, but in the port - as in any other city - you can run into criminal story.

Do not use the services of prostitutes. Unlike Amsterdam for example, prostitution is ILLEGAL in Istanbul. They shut their eyes to it, but it is outlawed. Therefore, contacting with venal women you are risking your purse. In Istanbul there are two main red-light districts - in the alleys aside Istiklal Avenue and near the bridge of Aksaray Square. Avoid these places and also the area which was chosen by the Gypsies, it is called Sulukule. If you want so much to look at Istanbul Gypsies’ life, buy a tour "On the inner side of Istanbul" - there are lots of them from various travel agencies. You will have a ride through the area in a bus with a guide and guards, safe and sound.

Do not be afraid. Myths about the Turks who throw themselves on women’s neck are no more than myths. Istanbul is full of police, courteous and helpful to tourists and merciless to the hooligans. The Turks know it. Maximum thing that can threaten a lonely woman is an invitation to a restaurant. By the way, you can refuse.

Do not take money. Well, more precisely, a lot of money. That’s what a hotel safe is made for. Unfortunately, there are pickpockets in Istanbul (there are a lot of people and crowds in many places). So do not keep your wallet in your hip pocket.

Do not drink with strangers. This universal rule is applied in Istanbul. You can begin drinking with a stranger and finish by your own in a pub in a deserted area where your new "friend" will bring you and where you will be made out a huge bill.

Check the bills. Compare the menu prices with prices on the bill. Then ask for the cash voucher. If it didn’t bring to reason the restaurant owners who are trying to deceive you, call the police. Then, with a probability of 99 percent, the cheats’ claims will be declined.

Do not buy, sell or use drugs. There are VERY strict rules in Istanbul concerning this.