Drinking Water

Tap water is not used as drinking water; we recommend that you drink bottled water.

Emergencies & Health Services

Istanbul has some world-class hospitals and medical facilities, as well as many excellent doctors who speak English. Check our Emergencies & Health Services listings to find clinics, medical centers, doctors, hospitals, and more.

Following is a list of emergency phone numbers:

Ambulance: 112

Air Ambulance: (0212) 592 88 27

Night Ambulance: (0212) 240 39 14

International Hospital Ambulance: (0212) 663 30 00

International SOS Assistance: (0212) 230 96 38

Police: 155

Fire: 110

Pharmacies

Pharmacies in Turkey are independently owned, with several small pharmacies located in every neighborhood. They are easily recognizable with a large “E” or “Eczane” sign in red and white. Pharmacies take turns staying open on Sundays and throughout the night; therefore, local 24-hour service is always available. The information for the nöbetçi eczane (the pharmacy that is on call on evenings and Sundays) is posted on all local pharmacies’ windows.

Pharmacists in Turkey are qualified to provide certain basic medical services, such as cleaning and bandaging minor wounds, giving injections, measuring blood pressure, and suggesting medication for common ailments.

Many medications that are available by prescription-only in other countries are available over-the-counter in Turkey. Upon request, some larger pharmacies will order medication from abroad. Check our Emergencies & Health Services listings to find a pharmacy near you.

Tourism police

The Tourism Police department is where visitors report passport loss and theft as well as any criminal activity that they have been a victim of. The staff can reportedly speak English, German, French, and Arabic.

Address: Yerebatan Caddesi No. 6, Sultanahmet (they are located between the Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern); Phone: (0212) 527 45 03