 | Istanbul warnings for women Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 25 |  |
 | |  |  | warnings for women: Do be careful but don't be nervous | Tip Rating:    |  |  | |  |
Istanbul is a fantastic place and everyone I met was polite, courteous and friendly but, as a single women traveller, you may find you gain some attention. In my experience most of it was the usual kind of approaches i.e. invitations to visit shops, asking if you wanted a guide to sites and attractions. Only on a couple of occasions did I feel that there may have been an ulterior motive. However, even then I never felt threatened. My response most times was a polite "No thank you" or a "Sorry but I'm on my way to meet friends". Just use your common sense. Dress appropriately and respect the customs and conventions of the country you are in. What might not stand out on Oxford Street may stand out in Sultanahmet. Walk purposefully and if you are out at night stick to main, well-lit roads (I ate out every evening in and around Sultanahmet and had no problems walking back to my hotel at night) Don't 'advertise' your valuables i.e. camera, phone etc.. or money, make sure they are in a well zipped up bag or pocket. All advice that pertains to a lot of places not just Istanbul. You will probably get stared at but just ignore it. If things do go further and you do find the attention becomes a bit too much (I did get somone trying surreptitously to slide there hands down to my bottom while they were selling me a bag!) then a loud and firm "No" or "Don't do that please" usually has the desired effect. Again I have suffered much the same on the London Underground and, again, a sharp no (though usually preceded by an expletive) works well! Be careful, be aware but don't let it stop you from having a good time Leave a Comment
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| | | | warnings for women: Men in Sultanahmet - warning for women | Tip Rating: | | | | |
It won't take you long after arriving in Sultanahmet to realise that alot of the guys think they are Casanova! Propositions of dinner, drinks, massages, tour guides, english lessons, almost everything, spring forth when a foreign woman walks the street, especially alone. I have to admit I did get really sick of it, and one night, I was almost in tears because I couldn't go anywhere without being harrassed (not that I have tickets on myself!!! It happens to woman of all ages and types, as long as they are foreign!!). All of the restaurants and bars have men outside trying to get passerby's in. They learn where you are from, where you are staying and your name and NEVER forget! Also you are followed relentlessly around the streets and bizarre's as well. I learnt these guys are usually the ones that spread your origin, accomodation details and name around because they know everyone. But let me tell you, it doesn't take long to realise that all roads lead to a carpet store! Basically the street hustlers are carpet sellers and also have deals with the local restaurants and shop owners to get you into their carpet stores. Sometimes its about accommodation scams but mostly carpets! It may be scary but its usually harmless, as long as you don't go anywhere with them, give them no money or information about yourself and if you are alone, it may pay to pretend that your boyfriend is around somewhere or on his way!. If you get suckered in and end up sipping apple tea in a carpet shop with one of these fellows who are refusing to take no for an answer, just claim you can't make a decision without your boyfriend being there! You may also wish to decline his final attempt at keeping you there "Ok, do you want a massage instead?"..............ummmm...............no!!!!!! Leave a Comment
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| | | | warnings for women: I don't mean to persuade... | Tip Rating: | | | | |
I don't mean to persuade anyone not to goto Istanbul, but feel it necessary to give a few tips to help you avoid some unpleasantries while there. If you are a woman traveller in Turkey, you must be prepared! Do not wear shorts or short skirts and do not wear sleeveless or tight-fitting clothing. Try to wear loose clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. Try to travel with a male companion if you can. The touristy areas are not as bad, but if you venture away from the major tourist sites, you can be a prime target for being groped even if you are wearing clothing that covers you well. This can really spoil a trip to Turkey. During the day, traditionally women are at home and you will see only the men and children out on the streets in the non-touristy areas. Many Turkish men will try to grope you simply because you are a foreigner and they can get away with it. In certain areas of Istanbul this is more prevalent than others so pay attention to where you are walking. Strolling through a section of workshops where all you see are men, all by yourself, even in the middle of the day may lead to your being groped. Also, any signs of public affection might not be taken very well. In general, it is best to be very conservative when traveling in Turkey. Be careful walking around late at night, too. The police may sometimes question people out late at night and this can be quite a scare. Leave a Comment
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