There are a number of police forces in Turkey, with responsibilities varying from traffic control to rapid response motorcycle units (Dolphin Police). The Jandarma, who are attached to the army, are responsible for policing rural areas. Special tourism police (Turizm Polisi)  operate in Istanbul. In smaller towns, the Emniyet Polisi  (Security Police) carry out law-enforcement duties.

It is obligatory to carry some form of identification with you in Turkey. Police or Jandarma carry out spot checks on cars, buses and trucks. A passport or driving licence is usually sufficient.

Police officers are usually very helpful, but should you need help, the first place to contact is your embassy. Most countries have missions in Ankara and some have consulates in Istanbul, İzmir or Antalya.

Do not wander off into lonely places, wherever you are. Do not pick up hitchhikers or offer to take people you don’t know across the border. Never act as a courier for anyone else, into or out of Turkey.

As Turkey continues to adopt Western standards, petty crime has also risen. Ankara is the safest city but in other areas you should be vigilant. Picking pockets and snatching purses are growth industries, often from speeding vehicles. Walk on the inner area of the pavement and use a large, secure purse, as Turkish women do.

It is not a good idea to leave valuables lying around at any time in your hotel. Police are helpful but petty criminals are rarely apprehended. Whether you are male or female, you should avoid lonely areas. This includes some tourist attractions. It is always best to travel with others in a group if you are planning to visit remote areas.

The army, Atatürk and the Turkish flag are three of the fundamental symbols of Turkish identity. Disrespect towards any of these is seen as an insult to the state.

Always ask permission before taking photographs in any public places or of individuals. Taking photos of military installations is strictly forbidden.

Before arriving in Turkey, be sure that your basic inoculations (diphtheria, polio, typhoid and tetanus) are all up to date. Check with your doctor about hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Mosquitoes are an annoying problem along most of the south coast. Few appear to spread malaria but many people are allergic to bites. Use mosquito repellent.

Some visitors experience digestive upsets due to the amount of oil used in Turkish cooking. Try to eat lightly for the first few days and keep alcohol intake to a minimum.

Bottled water is safer to drink than tap water. Grilled meat is sometimes served lightly cooked. Ask for it iyi pişmiş  (well cooked) and avoid foods that may have been sitting in the sun.

The Turkish health system has public and private hospitals. Private hospitals are well equipped and staffed, and are more comfortable than the state hospitals. Private hospitals may run their own ambulance services. Doctors at private hospitals are more likely to speak foreign languages. Go to http://ankara.usembassy.gov/consular/ acdoclist for lists of hospitals.

It is strongly recommended that you take out both travel and medical insurance before you leave, or a policy that incorporates both. It may also be useful to have a policy that covers repatriation in an emergency. The state health system has few reciprocal agreements with other countries. You have to pay for treatment and then claim the amount back from your insurance company. State and private medical facilities accept major credit cards.

Most non-prescription medications are available from an eczane  (pharmacy or chemist) at reasonable prices. Visitors are allowed to bring into the country sufficient quantities of medications that are required regularly. Turkish pharmacists are well-trained and professional; most are also trained to give iğne  (injections). Every area district has a nobetci ezcane  (duty pharmacist) outside normal business hours. The name is usually posted in a pharmacy window or displayed prominently in a public place.

Condoms are readily and easily available in almost all pharmacies, even if not on display. Ask for a prezervatif .

By far the worst pests are mosquitoes, particularly in coastal areas. Many local repellents are available, such as Esem Mat. Immunization clinics are the best place to buy anti-mosquito supplies. The Turkish for mosquito is sivrisinek  (sharp fly).

At the seaside, watch out for a sea anemone known as karadikiş  or deniz kestanesi  (sea chestnut) clinging to the rocks. If you step on one, do not try to extract the quills; seek medical attention right away. In rocky terrain, look out for scorpions and snakes.

Don’t approach, encourage or pet stray animals. If you are hiking in remote areas, you may come across shepherd dogs. These look fierce but are rarely aggressive unless you come between the dog and his flock.