Yes, İstanbul is a safe city for foreigners to live in. If you are planning on living in İstanbul as an expat, you are likely concerned about the safety of the city. Like all metropolitan cities around the world, İstanbul has its challenges. While many expats report having no significant safety issues when living in İstanbul, it is always wise to do your research before taking the leap. So, we created a comprehensive guide on safety tips, potential risks, and how to navigate life in İstanbul, Turkey.
Is İstanbul safe right now?
Yes, İstanbul is generally considered to be one of the safest metropolitan cities. One of the most common safety concerns about İstanbul relates to its geographical location. Situated at the western tip of Turkey, İstanbul bridges Europe and Asia, making it a vibrant but sometimes complex environment. While safety issues regarding the eastern borders have been debated, the western and southern borders in particular are not affected by the current events.
According to an index created by theworldtravelindex.com, İstanbul is generally considered a safe place to live. Common safety concerns include petty crime, scams, harassment, and traffic rule violations—issues typical in many major cities worldwide.
Safety Tips for Expats in İstanbul
Here are some tips to ensure your safety in İstanbul:
- Choose A Safe Neighborhood
This question is particularly important for families. Most neighborhoods in İstanbul provide a safe environment for both locals and foreigners. The best neighborhoods for expats in İstanbul are Sultanahmet, Kadıköy, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Eminönü, and Taksim. These are the most family-friendly areas in İstanbul and offer a vibrant atmosphere. These neighborhoods also have a lively environment to explore historical landmarks, have various social activities, and enjoy İstanbul nightlife. However, it's advisable to have additional caution in areas like Tarlabaşı, Dolapdere, and Fikirtepe, especially at night. While these neighborhoods are not highly developed like other regions, they are on the government’s radar for urbanization projects. Meanwhile, if you need to visit these areas late at night, it's best to stick to well-lit busy streets and public transportation routes.
- Get Insurance
Whether you are coming to İstanbul to live or holiday, get travel and/or health insurance beforehand. Insurance can cover stolen belongings. Also, the healthcare for expats in İstanbul offers high-quality standards and a big comfort in case of emergencies.
- Use Your Common Sense
One of the most common issues in İstanbul is scams that target foreigners and locals. Avoiding these scams is easy with your common sense. Make sure that the taximeter is on. Count your change in the local boutiques. Keep your belongings where you can keep them safe, and don’t accept food and drinks from strangers. Keep in mind that these rules apply to any place you are visiting or living in.
- Keep in Touch with Expat Communities
İstanbul is a marvelous city where culture, history, and traditions are blended. Thanks to this stunning landscape, the city is home to over 1.8 million foreigners. A great way to adjust to living in İstanbul as an expat is to get in touch with other foreigners. Look for social media groups or local meetups to find expat friends in İstanbul This way, you can benefit from their experience and easily adjust to the expat life in İstanbul.
- Know Your Rights
Search about all your rights before relocating to İstanbul. Some countries have special programs to ensure their citizens are safe in another country. Some examples include such as the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) by the USA and The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) by the UK.
- Learn about Rules and Local Practices
Knowing the local rules will help you feel and be more secure in İstanbul. For starters, save emergency numbers such as 155 (Police), 112 (Ambulance), and 110 (Fire Department). Learn about the traffic regulations, sales practices, and other local norms to be alert.
If you are not used to seeing stray animals, you might be surprised during your first days in İstanbul. All streets, cafes, and even historical buildings are surrounded by cats and dogs. While their presence may seem unusual at first, they are generally friendly and harmless. Stray dogs, in particular, like to assist you on your way home late at night!
- Choose A Safe Home to Live
To ensure your safety in İstanbul, it’s important to live in a secure environment. If your home is part of a residential complex, security is usually less of a concern. The safest areas to live in İstanbul are Sultanahmet, Kadıköy, Şişli, Beşiktaş, and Beyoğlu. Moreover, when buying a home, you can choose properties that come with additional security features. These may include 24/7 security services, CCTV cameras, encrypted entry systems, and smart home automation technologies.
Conclusion
With thoughtful planning, İstanbul can be both a safe and exciting place to live. By choosing a secure neighborhood, obtaining insurance, and familiarising yourself with the local customs, you can ensure a safe living in İstanbul Turkey, whether you are solo or with your family.
