Is Cappadocia Safe To Visit [2024]? Top Safety Tips For Every Traveler

Do you want to visit Cappadocia but are concerned about your safety? Cappadocia is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey, so I highly recommend seeing it.

I visited Cappadocia for 4 days while exploring Turkey, and I always felt safe. In fact, Cappadocia felt the most safe of all the places I visited in Turkey.

Overall, Cappadocia Turkey is also very safe for visitors. So, in this article, I’ll answer all your questions about safety in Cappadocia, places to go, and things to avoid. It’ll also give you extra safety tips for your visit. So, let’s dive into it.

Is Cappadocia Safe To Visit? Answered!

Yes, Cappadocia is very safe to visit right now. It’s one of the most popular traveler’s destinations in Turkey and one of the safest places you can visit. So you shouldn’t be concerned.

Emergency Numbers In Cappadocia

👉 If you’re subject to crime or need any help, contact local police at 155.
👉 Use the emergency number for all medical emergencies 112.

Is Cappadocia Affected By Earthquake Right Now?

Luckily, Cappadocia wasn’t affected by the latest earthquake in Turkey in February 2023. Nothing has been damaged, and the place still offers unforgettable experiences as usual. So it’s safe to visit Cappadocia right now.

Cappadocia is located in a region with the lowest earthquake risk (4th-degree earthquake zone). The last earthquake in Cappadocia occurred in 1900 and it didn’t manage the area a lot. So this region is very safe from earthquakes.

Is Cappadocia Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

Yes, Cappadocia is safe for solo female travelers. You can get around qeasily, people are super friendly, and you can’t face much danger in Cappadocia as a solo female traveler. I’d only avoid hiking alone in remote areas, too far outside the towns.

Is It Safe In Cappadocia For Families With Kids?

Yes, Cappadocia is safe for families with kids. It’s a very family-friendly destination. Kids would love the hot air balloon and activities that this place offers. Walking around and hiking with kids in the area is also safe.

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👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Turkey Itinerary 10 Days

Top Safety Tips For Travelers In Cappadocia

To help you prepare for your visit to Cappadocia, here are my top safety tips for you. As I mentioned before, Cappadocia is a very place to visit. So this section will just give you extra information and safety in each travel aspect.

Entry Requirements For Cappadocia Turkey

You might need Visa to enter Turkey and Cappadocia. See if you need a Visa for Turkey by clicking this link or the box below to see all the travel documents you might need for Cappadocia.

Otherwise, you can travel to Cappadocia only with a valid passport and don’t need anything extra.

Crime in Cappadocia

LOW RISK

There is a minimum danger of crime in Cappadocia. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing might happen, but if you’re aware and keep your belongings with you, there is no need to be afraid.

With that said, here is what you should do to stay safe from pickpockets in Cappadocia.

Pickpockets & Scams In Cappadocia

LOW TO MEDIUM RISK

One thing you should be aware of in Cappadocia is pickpockets and scams. To be safe from pickpockets, make sure not to walk around with too many things. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and clothes, as this makes you stand out, and you’ll be like a magnet for pickpockets.

Have your backpack closed at all times. Have a smaller backpack or a purse that you can carry and watch at all times when walking in the towns.

You should also be aware of scams. Even though in Cappadocia, I felt the safest of all places in Turkey. But generally, these are possible scams that can happen to travelers in Cappadocia:

• money scam – wrong change & fake bank notes
• shopping scam – vendors convince you to buy something even if you say no – be direct and walk away
• taxi scam – negotiate the price for a taxi ride before getting into the taxi

Otherwise, I didn’t experience pickpocketing or scams in Cappadocia, nor have I heard stories from other travelers. So you should be fine.

PRO SAFETY TIP: Don’t wear too expensive jewelry and clothes, and ensure your backpack is always closed. Also, use common sense when traveling to avoid any scams.

Terrorism Risk In Cappadocia

LOW

Cappadocia is one of the safest regions in Turkey when it comes to terrorism. Terrorist attacks aren’t common, and it’s generally very safe to visit Cappadocia. So don’t be afraid.

Terrorist attacks have been common in southeastern Turkey, on the border with Syria. So Cappadocia is safe from terrorism.

Safety When Hiking & Walking Alone In Cappadocia

SAFE

Be prepared if you go to remote areas and hike outside the town. Dress accordingly and take a lot of water with you. You can hike alone, and it’s safe, but it’s easy to get lost, and you might not see any people. So download an offline map on your phone and check the route before.

PRO SAFETY TIP: Download Maps.me for hiking and walking around Cappadocia.

Money Safety In Cappadocia

SAFE

Regarding money safety in Cappadocia, it’s safe to withdraw from local ATMs. Avoid using the Euronet (blue-yellow ATM); it’s a touristy one and charges a much higher fee than any other local ATM.

If you want to exchange money in Cappadocia, do so in an official place. Avoid doing money exchanges on the street; you never know if the bank notes aren’t fake.

PRO TIP: Before exchanging money, check XE.com for the official rate and how much you should get for the USD or EUR you want to exchange. It’s a great way to avoid any money scams.

Risk Of Natural Disasters In Cappadocia

LOW

Cappadocia doesn’t have a high risk of natural disasters either. Generally speaking, Turkey can be subject to earthquakes, drought, and floods.

Luckily, Cappadocia has one of the lowest degrees of earthquake risk in the country. It can rain a lot in this region, so some floods might occur. But again, the danger is not big in Cappadocia regarding natural disasters.

Health Risks In Cappadocia

LOW

There are no health risks in Cappadocia either. A possible threat might be malaria, but it’s more dangerous in the southeastern part of Turkey, so not in Cappadocia.

The biggest health risks are tap water and raw food in the country. Avoid drinking tap water. Also, make sure to always eat in a clean place. Raw foods and tap water in Turkey can cause stomach problems for you.

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Is It Safe To Drink Tap Water In Cappadocia?

It’s not safe to drink tap water in Cappadocia. Generally, Turkey doesn’t have the best tap water, so I didn’t even try it to avoid any health problems. I always bought bottled water in Turkey. Drinking tap water in Cappadocia might cause you some stomach problems and diarrhea.

👉 READ ALSO: Istanbul Itinerary For 3 Days: Self-Guided Walking Tour + Tips For Bargaining In Grand Bazaar

Safest Places In Cappadocia & Where To Stay

Cappadocia is generally a very safe place, so you can stay anywhere. Here is a list of the safest places:

✅ GÖREME – Göreme is the center of Cappadocia and the main tourist hub. This is the most beautiful village in the region, where you’ll find the top cave hotels with amazing restaurants. It’s also the safest place to stay in Cappadocia.

✅ UCHISAR – Uchisar, just 5 kilometers from Göreme, is another nice and safe town. It’s much quieter and less touristy.

✅ ÜRGÜP – Another very safe place in Cappadocia is Ürgup. It’s another great area with fancy hotels. It’s also a good place to stay in a traditional cave hotel.

👉 READ ALSO: Where To Stay In Cappadocia: Best Areas & Hotels

Places & Things To Avoid In Cappadocia

Central Cappadocia doesn’t have any dangerous places. So as a traveler, you’ll be fine anywhere. Nearby cities such as Askaray and Kayseri have a higher crime rate but are not part of central Cappadocia, nor do travelers visit them.

❌ One thing I’d avoid is walking alone too far from the cities. While it’s not so dangerous, it’s easy to get lost, and you might not see people when hiking too far. So be careful.

❌ Also, some people might start talking to you and invite you for coffee or tea. And after, they leave you to pay for everything. So if this happens to you, refuse the invitation, be direct, and walk away.

Travel Insurance For Turkey

After years of traveling around the world, I’ve learned that travel insurance is one of the essential things I need to have.

I’ve been using Safety Wings as my travel insurance as they are cheap and flexible. I was always annoyed when the insurance back home caused me problems because I wanted to stay longer in a destination or they didn’t leave me to claim a case.

The Safety Wings insurance is directed specifically to all nomads and travelers; you can extend it while traveling.

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27 Best Things To Do In Cappadocia:
Ultimate Guide

Check out my full guide about Cappadocia, where it’s located, how to get there, and the best things you can do in the area. It includes ideas from my experience, the best attractions and activities, restaurants, and so much more.

Or join one of these organized tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia to skip the planning process.

FAQs

I’ve also answered some popular questions to help you plan your visit and stay in Cappadocia, so check them out below.

Is Cappadocia Worth Visiting?

Yes, Cappadocia is 100% worth visiting. It’s one of the most charming places in the world. The cute rock formations and chimneys and the magic of waking up in a cave hotel and seeing those hot air balloons above you is truly an experience of a lifetime. This place has an amazing atmosphere like no other.

👉 READ ALSO: Is Turkey Worth Visiting? Answer + 12 Best Things To Do In Turkey

Is Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Safe?

Yes, Cappadocia hot air balloon ride is safe, and you should experience it when you come here. For the past 26 years, only 8 hot air balloon accidents have happened, which is very low. Over 100 balloons are flying in Cappadocia every single day. So the chance of an accident is almost zero.

Is It Safe To Walk In Cappadocia At Night?

Yes, it’s safe to walk in Cappadocia at night. While you should always be careful everywhere, Cappadocia is one of the safest places in Turkey, and people, including tourists, usually walk outside even at night. I felt safe walking in Cappadocia at night when I visited it.

Is Cappadocia Expensive?

Cappadocia is one of the more expensive places to visit in Turkey. Still, if you compare it to other European destinations, the prices are reasonable, and you can get high-quality, affordable meals. The activities are also reasonably priced.

The only thing which is quite expensive is the hot air balloon and an overnight stay in a cave hotel.

Wrap-Up: Visiting Cappadocia

As you can see, Cappadocia is a very safe place to visit in Turkey. Everything is tourist-friendly, the locals are very nice, you’ll experience great Turkish hospitality, and generally feel well in this region. So I highly recommend visiting Cappadocia, you’ll be amazed.

If you have any questions, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you or design a customized travel itinerary for you.

Happy Travels!