How can travelers keep passports, cash and valuables safe from pickpockets in Istanbul?

From messages by 3 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 28 days ago

TL;DR

Pickpocketing can occur in Istanbul’s tourist areas, so keep your passport and cash in a concealed wallet or a hidden backpack pocket. Police may ask for identification on the street, and travelers should not rely entirely on a hotel-room safe for valuables.

What the community said

Keep your passport and cash on you, using a concealed wallet or an internal hidden backpack pocket. Street ID checks by police can happen in Istanbul, so keep your passport secure but available.

28 days ago Concealed wallet

Pay particular attention to bags and pockets in tourist areas, where pickpocketing can occur; this does not mean the whole city is unsafe. In regular neighborhoods, local shopkeepers may even leave goods outside.

34 days ago Istanbul tourist areas

Keep your backpack under close control while traveling from the airport into the city: an attempted theft from a backpack was reported on this route. Do not leave exterior pockets or zips unattended.

35 days ago Airport-to-city journey