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UNDER FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE (FCDO) GUIDANCE PEOPLE VISITING TURKEY SHOULD BE AWARE OF THESE EIGHT THINGS 07:31, 31 May 2025 It's important to remain vigilant
while traveling anywhere - from keeping your passport close by to avoiding drinking excessive alcohol. The government has issued a new travel warning for anyone heading to Turkey over the
next few months. Under Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) guidance, anyone visiting the country should be particularly cautious when it comes to travelling around. READ
MORE: MAJOR BIRMINGHAM BIN STRIKE UPDATE AS COURT RULES ON PICKETS BLOCKING LORRIES Here are eight key pieces of advice: 1) TAXIS The new guidelines warn people that “accepting lifts from
drivers of unofficial taxis is highly risky”. This might seem obvious, but it's important to be aware that the department urges travellers to instead “find a taxi, note the registration
number before entering, and ensure the fare is metered”. The FCDO explained how app-based taxis and pre-booked taxis are also widely available. 2) BELONGINGS Other pieces of vital
information included in the travel guide to Turkey include being aware of your personal belongings to avoid pickpockets and not accepting 50 or 100 US dollar bills in change, reports the
Liverpool Echo This is because there has been a reported surge in counterfeit banknotes of these denominations in the country, so it's important to be aware. 3) STRANGERS Travellers
should be wary of strangers approaching them, in particular in relation to changing money or if people offer to take them to a restaurant or nightclub. The FCDO said: “If strangers offer you
food and drink, these could be spiked. Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them.” 4)ALCOHOL Counterfeit alcohol is also something to be aware of, as people have died or suffered
“serious illness” after drinking illegally produced local spirits as well as counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol in areas like Ankara and Istanbul. To stay safe, you should make sure to
only buy alcohol from licensed liquor stores and at licensed bars and hotels. It is important to avoid homemade alcoholic drinks and to make sure bottle seals are intact. You should also
check bottle labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling, as these can be signs that it is counterfeit. 5) PASSPORT When travelling in Turkey, you should always carry your passport
or residence permit with you. It is illegal not to carry some form of photo ID and you could be stopped for ID checks by the authorities, particularly in busy areas like Istanbul, the FCDO
warned. 6)SMOKING Travellers may not be aware that smoking is illegal in Turkey on public transport and in all indoor public places and workplaces. It is also restricted in some outdoor
areas where cultural, sports, artistic, or entertainment activities are held. 7)STRAY DOGS Many of Turkey’s towns and cities have stray dogs, which can sometimes be aggressive and people are
advised that they should not approach them. If you get bitten, you must seek medical advice straight away, as the FCDO said that rabies and “other animal borne diseases are present in
Turkey”. 8)DEMONSTRATIONS Currently, there are demonstrations and protests being held in Istanbul and other cities around the country. Government advice warned: “Demonstrations may become
violent. The police response has included use of tear gas and water cannons.” Article continues below It said: “Avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport
routes may be disrupted.”