You’ll find adequate health care and English-speaking Turkish physicians in larger cities. Turkish law requires that a pharmacy remain open in every neighborhood 24 hours a day. It’s claimed that the local water is safe in Istanbul, but we stick with prepackaged or boiled drinks everywhere. Avoid ice as well.

Sanitary conditions in restaurants in central and eastern Turkey may pose problems for some travelers. Don’t hesitate to have a look at the kitchen of a restaurant before you dine—it’s a common custom. Most hot, freshly cooked food should be safe (especially if it’s included on a package tour), but peel fresh fruit and raw vegetables before eating, make sure meat is cooked thoroughly and avoid local dairy products.

Cholera is an annual problem, especially around Istanbul. Air pollution in Ankara in the winter will aggravate respiratory problems. Malaria has been reported in southeastern Anatolia, from the Mediterranean city of Mersin to the Iraqi border—ask your doctor about antimalarial precautions. You should also consider vaccinations against typhoid and hepatitis. The sun can be very strong, so use sunscreen liberally and wear a hat. Don’t forget to take along plenty of insect repellent and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.