Ankara Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Ankara.
Healthcare System
Ankara has a well-developed healthcare system with modern facilities, including numerous public and private hospitals. As the capital city, it hosts some of Turkey's best medical facilities and highly trained physicians, many of whom speak English. The city has both public hospitals (devlet hastanesi) and private hospitals (özel hastane), with private facilities generally offering higher comfort levels and more English-speaking staff.
Hospitals
Major hospitals for tourists include Ankara City Hospital (one of Europe's largest hospital complexes), Bayındır Hospital, Medicana International Ankara, TOBB ETÜ Hospital, and Hacettepe University Hospital. Private hospitals typically have international patient departments with English-speaking staff and can directly bill international insurance companies. Emergency rooms (acil servis) are available 24/7 at all major hospitals.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (eczane) are widely available throughout Ankara and easily identified by green or red cross signs. Many medications available by prescription-only in other countries can be purchased over the counter. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and many speak some English. At least one pharmacy in each district operates as a nöbetçi eczane (duty pharmacy) on a rotating basis for 24-hour service. Common medications are readily available, though you should bring prescription medications in original packaging with documentation.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended but not legally required. Turkey does not have reciprocal healthcare agreements with most countries, so visitors will need to pay for medical services. Private hospitals require payment guarantees before treatment. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is highly advisable, as quality care can be expensive for non-residents.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medication documentation in both English and Turkish if possible
- Private hospitals offer higher comfort and English-language services but cost significantly more than public facilities
- Keep your travel insurance policy details and emergency contact numbers easily accessible
- For minor ailments, pharmacists can provide excellent advice and recommend appropriate treatments
- Tap water is generally safe in Ankara but bottled water is widely available and inexpensive
- Ensure your insurance covers emergency medical evacuation, as this can be extremely costly without coverage
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in crowded areas, though less common than in Istanbul. Thieves typically target distracted tourists in busy environments.
Ankara has heavy traffic and driving standards may differ from Western countries. Pedestrians face risks from aggressive driving, vehicles not always yielding at crosswalks, and motorcycles weaving through traffic.
As Turkey's capital and political center, Ankara occasionally experiences political demonstrations and protests. While usually peaceful, some can escalate and police may use tear gas or water cannons.
While the risk has decreased significantly in recent years, Turkey has experienced terrorist incidents in the past. Ankara, as the capital, maintains high security but remains a potential target.
Ankara sits at approximately 850-900 meters elevation, which may affect some visitors. Winter air quality can be poor due to heating emissions and geography.
Ankara has a population of stray dogs and cats, most of which are tagged and vaccinated by the municipality. While generally harmless, caution is advised.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Tourists are befriended by locals who invite them to a specific bar or restaurant. The bill arrives astronomically inflated, sometimes with intimidating staff pressuring payment. Menus may not show prices or show them in a confusing way.
Taxi drivers may run the meter on the higher night rate (gece) during daytime, take unnecessarily long routes, claim the meter is broken and quote inflated prices, or swap large bills for smaller ones claiming you didn't pay enough.
Tourists are invited for 'just tea and conversation' or to 'practice English,' then subjected to high-pressure sales tactics for overpriced carpets, jewelry, or leather goods. Some shops may offer to ship items that never arrive.
Individuals posing as plainclothes police ask to see your passport and wallet to 'check for counterfeit money' or 'verify documents,' then steal cash or card information.
Unofficial money changers offer excellent rates but use sleight of hand to short-change tourists, or exchange offices display attractive rates that only apply to large amounts with hidden fees for smaller transactions.
A shoe shiner 'accidentally' drops their brush near a tourist. When the tourist picks it up, the shiner offers a free shine as thanks, then demands payment for an expensive premium service.
Fake hotel websites or listings on booking platforms take payment but the accommodation doesn't exist or is vastly different from advertised.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy's traveler program for security updates and emergency assistance
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) separately from originals and in digital form
- Learn basic Turkish phrases for emergencies: 'Yardım edin' (Help), 'Polis' (Police), 'Doktor' (Doctor)
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Keep emergency contacts and your hotel address written in Turkish
- Be aware that some areas may have restricted photography (government buildings, military sites)
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry only necessary cash and cards; leave excess in hotel safe
- Use credit cards for larger purchases for better fraud protection
- Keep small bills for taxis and small purchases
- Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch for passport and extra cash
Transportation
- Use the AnkartKart (transit card) for public transportation - it's cheaper and more convenient than single tickets
- The metro system is safe, modern, and efficient for getting around the city
- Only use official yellow taxis or ride-sharing apps; avoid unmarked vehicles
- If renting a car, get comprehensive insurance and be prepared for aggressive driving
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night; use taxis for late-night travel
- Keep taxi receipts in case you need to report issues
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques (cover shoulders and knees; women should cover hair)
- Remove shoes before entering mosques and some homes
- Avoid public displays of affection, especially outside tourist areas
- Don't photograph people without permission, especially women
- Respect prayer times and avoid loud behavior near mosques
- Show respect for images and statues of Atatürk - defacing or insulting them is illegal
- During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect
Communication
- Download offline maps before arrival (Google Maps works well in Ankara)
- Purchase a local SIM card for data and local calls (Turkcell, Vodafone, Turk Telekom)
- Free WiFi is available in many cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers
- Learn basic Turkish numbers for understanding prices and addresses
- Save important addresses in Turkish for taxi drivers
- Use translation apps for menus and signs
Health Precautions
- Drink bottled water or filtered water, especially when adjusting to local conditions
- Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer
- Be cautious with street food initially; choose busy vendors with high turnover
- Bring any prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions
- Consider travel insurance that includes medical evacuation
- Ankara's dry climate can cause dehydration; drink water regularly
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations in well-established neighborhoods like Çankaya, Kavaklıdere, or near Tunalı
- Verify your booking directly with the hotel before arrival
- Use hotel safes for valuables and passport
- Check that doors and windows lock properly
- Know the location of emergency exits
- Keep the hotel's business card with you for easy taxi returns
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Ankara is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers, and is considered safer and more conservative than Istanbul. As the capital city, it has a more formal, professional atmosphere with a large population of working women and students. Women travelers should experience fewer issues here than in tourist-heavy coastal areas. However, as in many countries, women may receive unwanted attention and should take sensible precautions.
- Dress modestly to blend in and avoid unwanted attention; locals in Ankara tend to dress conservatively, especially outside trendy neighborhoods
- Avoid walking alone late at night in quiet areas; use taxis for late-night transport
- Sit in the designated women's section on public buses if available, or near other women
- In the metro, women-only cars are available during rush hours - look for pink signs
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) to potentially reduce unwanted attention
- If harassed, respond firmly and loudly in public spaces - bystanders will often intervene
- Avoid making extended eye contact with men, as it can be misinterpreted as interest
- Be cautious about accepting invitations from men you've just met
- Book accommodations in reputable areas like Çankaya, Kavaklıdere, or Tunalı
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers safely
- Keep phone charged and have taxi apps ready
- In restaurants, solo women travelers are common and accepted, especially in modern districts
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Turkey and has been since 1858, but there are no anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. The legal framework provides minimal protection for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in public spaces
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Be cautious about discussing LGBTQ+ topics openly, especially outside private settings
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; international hotel chains are generally safer bets
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ communities through secure online platforms before arrival for current advice
- Be aware that dating apps may be monitored; use VPNs and exercise caution
- Ankara has fewer LGBTQ+-friendly venues than Istanbul; research safe spaces in advance
- Keep contact information for your embassy readily available
- Consider traveling with a trusted companion
- Be prepared for potential discrimination in some service establishments
- Trans travelers should carry proper documentation and be aware of potential issues at security checkpoints
- Monitor local news as LGBTQ+ rights climate can change rapidly
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Ankara and Turkey. Medical care for foreigners can be expensive, especially at private hospitals where tourists typically receive treatment. Turkey has no reciprocal healthcare agreements with most countries, meaning you'll pay full price for medical services. Insurance provides financial protection against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings, and other unforeseen circumstances. Given the region's seismic activity and potential for political demonstrations, comprehensive coverage offers important peace of mind.
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