Erica Riley, Author at Travels with Erica

September 20, 2023September 18, 2023

How to Easily Travel from Chiang Mai to Pai

Pai is one of the most popular towns for tourists to visit in Thailand. Most people travel from Chiang Mai to Pai because Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand.

Luckily, it’s super easy to travel to Pai from Chiang Mai.

The easiest way to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai is by taking the bus. It’s affordable, reliable, and safe to use. You can also take a private transfer, go on a guided tour, or drive to Pai. But, taking the bus to Pai is the best option for most travellers.

While Pai technically has an airport, it doesn’t service commercial flights. If you’re trying to travel to Pai from southern or central Thailand and want to avoid a long bus ride, you’d have to fly to Chiang Mai and then follow the steps outlined in this article to get to Pai.

Even though it’s tough to get to Pai directly from Bangkok, it’s worth the effort. Northern Thailand is my favourite part of Thailand, and I always recommend people take the time to visit it.

If you’re interested in seeing more of Northern Thailand than just Pai and Chiang Mai, be sure to read my articles about travelling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and about the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai.

Anyways, you’re here to learn about travelling from Chiang Mai to Pai!

This article will cover all the different ways you can travel between the two cities as well as important tips and tricks about taking the bus.

Everybody I know who has visited Pai absolutely loves it. It’s one of the most beautiful and unique places in Thailand.

The importance of gap year travel insurance

Taking the Bus from Chiang Mai to Pai

The bus is the easiest way to travel within the different regions of Thailand. If you’re visiting multiple cities in Northern Thailand, the bus if the best way to travel. If you’re travelling from, say, Northern Thailand to Southern Thailand, planes are the best way to travel.

Since Chiang Mai and Pai are both in Northern Thailand, the bus is by far the best way to travel between the two cities.

There are 12 buses that run from Chiang Mai to Pai every day, so it’s easy to find a time that works best for you and your travel needs.

Plus the buses in Asia are so nice and comfortable. They often have a 1 by 2 seat configuration giving everybody way more space than you get on a normal bus in Europe or South America.

It’s important to note that most of the buses that run between Chiang Mai and Pai are actually mini vans. These are smaller vans that sit between 6 and 9 passengers in a 3 by 3 configuration.

They aren’t as nice or comfortable as the full size buses, but they’re still comfortable enough and get you where you need to go.

top tip

Installing an esim on your phone is the easiest way to get phone data in Thailand.

How Long Does the Bus from Chiang Mai to Pai Take?

Chiang Mai and Pai are 130km apart, which is pretty far.

The bus from Chiang Mai to Pai takes anywhere between 3.5 hours and 4 hours depending on traffic and the number of stops it makes.

That’s not bad considering the distance travelled and that the bus most likely will make stops between the two cities.

Sit back, relax, and put in an audiobook. You’ll be in Pai quicker than you realize.

How Much Does the Bus Cost?

The price of your bus ticket to Pai varies a bit depending on what time of day you travel. Off peak travel times will cost you slightly less than peak travel times. The difference isn’t very large and shouldn’t be a deciding factor on what bus you choose to take.

You can expect to pay between 200 Baht and 240 Baht for your ticket. That’s between between $6 USD and $7 USD.

That’s pretty dang affordable for a 3.5-4 hour bus ride!

Do You need to Buy Bus Tickets in Advance?

Yes! I highly, highly recommend you purchase bus tickets in advance. Most other blogs on the interest suggest that you can simply show up at the bus station the day of departure and get a ticket for the next bus from Chiang Mai to Pai, but that isn’t the case anymore.

Bus tickets sell out quickly, and you don’t want to end up in a situation where you arrive at the bus station and find out all the buses for that day are sold out.

I know some people like to travel super spontaneously, but you don’t need to buy your ticket too far in advance. Even a day or two in advance should be enough to guarantee you can get on the bus you want.

You’ll want to purchase your ticket further in advance if you’re travelling on or around a major Thai holiday though.

Where to Buy Bus Tickets in Advance

There are two options for purchasing your bus ticket in advance. The first is to go to the Chiang Mai bus terminal and purchase a ticket there. The other is to purchase it online.

The Chiang Mai bus station isn’t in the heart of Chiang Mai near the old city where most tourists stay. You need to take a Grab there and back. That’s annoying because it costs time and money.

I prefer to purchase my bus tickets online in advance. The downside to doing that is you have to purchase your bus ticket through a third-party website. The third-party is super reliable and legitimate, but it does cost slightly more than purchasing your bus ticket at the bus station.

However, if you consider the cost of going to and from the bus station to get your bus ticket, it ends up being cheaper (and more convenient) to purchase your ticket online.

12Go is the third-party you should be using to purchase all your bus tickets in Southeast Asia. They’re the most reliable third-party on the market.

I’ve used them lots of times and have never, ever had an issue with the ticket I purchased. Some other sites are less reliable, and it’s important to make sure you’re using a reliable site to purchase your bus tickets.

You don’t want to use a shady site to save a small amount of money then find out you don’t actually have a ticket for the bus you thought you did.

So, even though there is a small increase in prices to cover 12Go’s services of helping you get a bus ticket, it’s still the better option compared to buying your bus ticket in person at the bus station.

Purchase Bus Ticket

Where Does the Bus Depart from in Chiang Mai?

All buses from Chiang Mai to Pai depart from Chiang Mai Arcade 2.

That’s the main bus station in Chiang Mai. There are three different terminals at the bus station, so you want to make sure you’re in the right location.

Even though the bus station has three terminals, it’s fairly small. Even if you end up at the wrong terminal, it doesn’t take long to find where you need to be.

Just wander around for a while looking for the departure gate number on your ticket. If you still have trouble finding where you’re supposed to be, there is a help desk you can ask to point you in the right direction.

Where Does the Bus Arrive at in Pai?

All buses arrive at Pai Bus Station.

It’s a small station in the centre of the city. A lot of first time visitors to Pai choose to stay close to the walking street. If you’re staying near the walking street, you’ll be able to easily walk to your hotel from the bus station.

If you’re staying anywhere else in Pai (south Pai is another popular area to stay), you’ll want to take a Grab or TukTuk to your hotel. It’s most likely too far to walk. Especially in the heat.

Safetywing vs World Nomads

Taking a Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai

Your next option is to take a private transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai.

This is the most expensive option on this list, and it certainly isn’t the best choice for everybody. Especially not budget travellers.

There are definitely some benefits of taking a private transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai. The biggest is the freedom and flexibility it gives you.

You’re able to completely customize your trip. You have the driver for up to 8 hours. That gives you lots of time to stop and see things on your way from Chiang Mai to Pai.

If you have the financial means or travelling in a larger group of people and can split the costs, it’s one of the best ways to see Northern Thailand.

If you’re a solo traveller like I am, I don’t think it’s worth the cost.

It’s also a great option for people who may get motion sick or have mobility issues. A private transfer picks you up at your hotel and drops you off at your hotel. It takes a lot of the guess work and hassle out of travelling to Pai.

It’s definitely the most convenient way to travel between the two cities, but it’s also the most expensive.

Book Private Transfer

Taking a Guided Tour from Chiang Mai to Pai

The next option is to take a guided tour from Chiang Mai to Pai. The difference between a private transfer and a guided tour is that the guided tour is a day trip, and you’re dropped back in Chiang Mai at the end of the day.

A guided tour is a great option for people who have very limited time in Northern Thailand and don’t necessarily have the time to spend multiple days in multiple cities.

A one day guided tour to Pai will be rushed because there is a lot to see and do in the area, but it’s better than nothing.

Although if you can only do one day tour from Chiang Mai, I recommend taking a trip to Chiang Rai. You’re able to see and do more on that guided tour than the one to Pai.

I think that Pai deserves more than a single day to explore. The guided tour doesn’t include all the highlights you’d want to see in Pai, but it gives you a taste of the region.

Doi Suthep Mountain Scenery Chiang Mai Thailand

Book Guided Tour

Driving from Chiang Mai to Pai

Your final option is to rent a car or scooter and driver from Chiang Mai to Pai.

I don’t recommend this option. Especially for people who haven’t driven in Southeast Asia before and/or haven’t driven a scooter before.

A lot of tourists say “there aren’t any rules of the road” in Southeast Asia, but that’s simply not true. There are rules and driving conventions. You just don’t know them as a tourists.

Since you don’t know the driving conventions, you put everybody on the road at a higher risk of being in an accident.

I think it’s unsafe for tourists to drive in Southeast Asia. But if you choose to drive to Pai from Chiang Mai, I suggest renting a car not a scooter.

The roads are windy and sometimes not always the best maintained if you get off the major roads.

A car also gives you more protection than a scooter does in case you get into an accident. It’s also way easier to store your luggage in a car than on a scooter.

Renting a car and driving to Pai is definitely less expensive than hiring a private driver, but there are a lot of cons that come along with it to.

I only suggest people who have lots of experience driving in Southeast Asia rent a car to travel from Chiang Mai to Pai.

Rent a Car

The Importance of Internet Safety

You rely on public wifi when you travel, and that puts you at risk of having your online information stolen. Even if you install an esim on your phone, you still rely on public wifi at hotels (at a minimum).

Even if a wifi network has a password on it, you’re still at risk of having your online information stolen. Anybody who knows the password can access the network and steal your personal and private data if they choose to including your banking information.

Trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to deal with the headache of having your banking information stolen while you’re abroad. You can’t get new cards, and you’re forced into a really uncomfortable position.

The only way you can stay safe while using public wifi networks is by installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially puts an invisible forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to see your personal online information. It makes using public wifi networks as safe and secure as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

Installing a VPN on your devices is one of the simplest travel safety steps you can take and not enough people do it.

I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect yourself and your private information by installing a VPN on your devices.

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of different VPNs over my many years of travel. Honestly, I’ve hated most of them.

VPNs are notorious for slowing down your internet speed, and you can really feel the lag in your connection. I’d often get so frustrated with how slow my internet was that I’d turn off my VPN and put my personal information at risk.

All that changed when I started using NordVPN.

It’s the fastest VPN on the market, and you can really feel the difference between it and other VPNs.

I’ve never felt any internet slow down or lag when using NordVPN, and I’ve been using it since 2018. I’ve renewed my subscription with them once already and plan to renew it again next year when my current subscription is up. I honestly have no plans of ever switching from them.

The other great thing about NordVPN is that you can protect up to six devices with a single subscription. You can keep all your devices safe with one subscription.

Because of my job as a blogger, I use a lot of different technology. I have five different devices I use on a regular basis and am able to keep them all protected with one subscription.

If you have fewer devices than I do, you can potentially keep your whole family protected with one subscription, which is a great deal.

A two-year NordVPN subscription costs less per month than a single Starbuck’s latte, so you have no excuse not to protect your devices when you travel.

It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind and security you get knowing that prying eyes can’t access your personal online information.

Learn More About NordVPN

Conclusion

As you can see, there are lots of different ways you can travel from Chiang Mai to Pai. I think the best option is taking the bus. It’s reliable and affordable. No matter your budget, the bus won’t break the bank.

You also have the option of taking a private transfer, a guided day tour, or renting a car and driving yourself.

Out of those options, I think the private transfer is the best choice. It gives you the most flexibility and convenience, but it’s also the most expensive option.

The guided tour is a great option for people who don’t have the time to overnight in Pai but still want to get a taste of the area.

Finally, renting a car and driving isn’t recommend unless you’ve done a lot of driving in Southeast Asia.

How you travel from Chiang Mai to Pai is ultimately your choice. Each option has it’s pros and cons. Each option also suits a different style of travel.

No matter how you choose to travel to Pai, you won’t regret it. It’s an absolutely stunning town and everybody who visits falls in love with Pai.

September 13, 2023September 7, 2023

How to Easily Travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are located in Northern Thailand and are two of my favourite cities in the country. Luckily, it’s super easy to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai!

The easiest way to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is by taking the bus. You can also take a private transfer, go on a day tour, or fly to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai. Although I don’t recommend flying. The two cities are very close, and taking the bus is more convenient (and less expensive) than flying.

Since it is so easy to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus, that’s what most people do. We’ll talk about it more later, but there are tons of buses each day that run between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. They’re quite busy, so you need to book your bus ticket in advance.

I’ll explain how to get your bus ticket in detail in the section talking about taking the bus to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, but I wanted to mention it up front as well just in case you don’t make it to that section of the post.

Chiang Rai is famous for it’s stunning temples. The White Temple is the most popular, but you also need to visit the Blue Temple.

I know there isn’t tons of things to do in Chiang Rai, but it’s 100% worth a visit. Especially since it’s so easy to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

No trip to northern Thailand is complete without stopping in Chiang Rai, so let’s go over how to get there from Chiang Mai!

Travelling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by Bus

As I mentioned earlier, I think taking the bus to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai is the best way to travel between the two cities.

It’s quick, has many departures per day, and is comfortable. I don’t know why, but the seats on buses in Asia are so large and comfortable. They’re way better than taking the bus in Europe, North America, or South America.

top tip

Installing an esim on your phone is a way easier way to get reliable internet access compared to buying a local sim in Thailand.

How Long Does the Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Take?

The two cities are 186km apart, and it takes between 3.5 and 4 hours for the bus to travel between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

It just depends on how busy the traffic is and the stops along the way. Most of the time the trip is closer to 3.5 hours than it is to 4 hours.

How Much Does the Bus Cost?

The cost of a bus ticket varies based on a number of different criteria.

There are three different buses that run between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai (all operated by the same company). They are: Greenbus, Greenbus Express, and Greenbus VIP. The Greenbus is the least expensive, followed by Greenbus Express, and Greenbus VIP is the most expensive.

It doesn’t really matter what bus you choose to take. They’re not that different so grab whatever one suits your time schedule the best.

The price also depends on where on the bus you sit. The first two rows of each bus are more expensive than the other seats. I think they’re more spacious, but I don’t think it’s worth paying more for a front seat unless you have motion sickness issues.

You can expect to pay between 250 Bhat and 450 Bhat for your bus ticket to Chiang Rai. That’s approximately $7USD to $13 USD.

Do You Need to Purchase Bus Tickets in Advance?

When I was figuring out how to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, every blog I read said you can just show up at the bus station the day you want to travel and get a ticket for the next bus.

That was very, very wrong information. There are a lot of people who travel between these two cities- both tourists and locals-, and the buses are busy. I showed up at 8am hoping to get on the 8:45am bus, but the first bus that had available seats was for 1:45! I got one of the last tickets, and there was a long line of people waiting behind me to get tickets.

You absolutely should purchase your tickets in advance for the bus to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai. Especially if you’re only visiting Chiang Rai for one day and need to arrive at a certain time to see everything you want in the city.

top tip

Install a VPN on your phone to keep your private online information safe and secure

Where to Buy Tickets in Advance

Now that you know you need to purchase tickets in advance, you need to know where to purchase those tickets.

There are two ways you can purchase your bus tickets in advance: at the bus station or online through a third-party provider.

Purchasing tickets at the bus station is pretty straight forward. You just go to the bus station a day or two before you want to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and purchase your ticket.

The downside to this is that the bus station isn’t walkable from the core part of Chiang Mai where all the tourists hang out. You’ll have to take a Grab to get there and back. Not only does that add to the price of the ticket, but it also eats into the time you have to explore Chiang Mai.

Purchasing tickets online through a third-party provider is easier but a little more expensive. Since you’re purchasing through a third-party provider, there is a bit of a mark up on the price of tickets.

But, in my opinion, purchasing tickets online is worth the small additional price for the convenience. Plus when you add in the cost of a Grab and the time it takes to get to and from the bus station to purchase tickets, it’s probably cheaper to purchase them through a third-party provider.

The most reliable third-party bus ticket provider in Southeast Asia is 12go. They’re honestly the only third-party company I trust to purchase bus or train tickets in Southeast Asia. They’re reputable and reliable. I’ve never had any issue using them.

Purchase Bus Tickets

Where Does the Bus Depart from in Chiang Mai?

The bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai departs from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3.

You’ll have to take a Grab to the bus terminal, and it takes between 10 and 20 minutes to get to the station depending on where you’re staying in Chiang Mai.

The importance of gap year travel insurance

Where Does the Bus Arrive at in Chiang Rai?

The bus from arrives at the Chiang Rai Bus Terminal.

It’s right in the heart of Chiang Rai. You’ll likely be able to walk to your hotel in less than 10 minutes if you’re staying in the main touristy area and not across the river. You should definitely stay within walking distance of the bus station in Chiang Rai. It’s close to the night market and amazing restaurants.

Taking a Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Getting a private transfer to Chiang Rai isn’t the best option for everybody, but it can be a good option for larger groups or people on a time crunch.

You can select your pick up time, and a driver will arrive at your hotel and drive you directly to your hotel in Chiang Rai.

The selling feature for private transfers is you can customize your trip. If there is a place you want to stop and explore between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, you can arrange with your driver to stop there.

It gives you the ability to see more of Thailand than you would if you took the public bus.

I think a private transfer is best for three types of people:

Someone who isn’t on a strict budget (we love convenience!)

People with mobility issues or need to get out and stretch along the way

People who want to stop and see something between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

If you’re able to split the cost three or more ways, then it doesn’t feel too expensive and can be within most people’s budgets.

A private transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is definitely more expensive than taking the bus, but I know a lot of people are willing to pay more for the convenience of getting picked up and dropped off at their hotel.

I took my parents to Vietnam for a month, and they loved the convenience of taking private transfers between cities rather than the public bus. It’s hard to say no to convenience someitmes!

Book Private Transfer

Taking a Guided Tour from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Booking a guided tour to Chiang Rai is the best way to see Chiang Rai if you only have a day to see the area.

Not only do you get to visit Chiang Rai and it’s famous temples, but you also get to explore parts of Chiang Rai province that are harder to get to with public transportation. You’d need to rent a scooter to get to some of the places the tour takes you.

The guided tour to Chiang Rai packs a punch, and it’s a long tour. You leave at 7am and get back to Chiang Mai around 9pm. You’ll be tired by the end of it, but it’s well worth it. I don’t think you should go to northern Thailand and not see Chiang Rai.

The guided tour takes you to six different attractions:

Hot Springs

White Temple

Blue Temple

Black House Museum or Mei Sai city

Golden Triangle by boat

Karen Hill Tribe

It’s impressive that they can pack so much into one day. You won’t get to spend tons of time at each location, but you’ll be able to get a taste of them. Seeing them is better than not seeing them.

I do think that spending a couple days in Chiang Rai is worthwhile, but I know not everybody has that type of time in their Thailand itinerary. If you only have time for a day trip to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, it’s still worth it in my opinion.

Book Guided Tour

Flying from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have airports. You could fly from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, but I don’t recommend it.

It’s not the best use of your time or money.

It’s way more expensive than the bus and likely a similar price to a private transfer. Flying is time consuming, and there are rarely direct flights between the two cities. You normally have to fly to Bangkok then transfer to another flight to Chiang Rai.

It’s a headache that isn’t worth it so don’t fly to Chiang Rai. Take an overland method!

Driving from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Your final option is to drive to Chiang Rai.

I don’t recommend this option for tourists.

Driving in Thailand (or anywhere in Southeast Asia) isn’t easy. You have to know the local, unwritten rules of the road, and tourists don’t.

I truly believe that tourists driving make the roads more dangerous in Southeast Asia. I don’t recommend it unless you’ve spent a lot of time in the region, are very familiar with the local driving rules, and hopefully have had some sort of instruction on driving in the region.

So, while you can drive to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, I don’t recommend it. It’s better to take any other option on this list.

Safetywing vs World Nomads

Conclusion

I hope this article helped you figure out the best way to travel to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai.

There are lots of different ways to travel between the two cities. It’s up to you to figure out the best way based on your budget, travel needs, and how much time you have to explore Chiang Rai.

I personally like taking the bus, but I know a lot of people opt for a private transfer because of the convenience and relatively affordable price.

If you only have one day to explore Chiang Rai, taking a guided tour is your best option. You’ll see more and have a more relaxing time than trying to put together a day trip by yourself.

No matter how you choose to get to Chiang Rai, it’s well worth it. I loved Chiang Rai. It’s a beautiful and unique city. I don’t know anybody who has visited Chiang Rai who hasn’t loved it.

September 5, 2023September 2, 2023

Is Singapore Safe for Tourists? An Honest Opinion

Singapore is the smallest country in Southeast Asia. Over 14 million tourists visit Singapore each year, and one of the biggest questions people ask when deciding whether or not to visit Singapore is is Singapore safe?

Singapore is a very modern country. It’s also a very rich country. The government has spent a lot of money building the country up, modernizing it, and making it a desirable tourist destination.

There are also strict law in Singapore. People know that there are harsh punishments for even the smallest and most seemingly innocent of crimes.

This means that the answer to the question is Singapore safe is yes.

Singapore is a very safe country for tourists. It has a good tourism infrastructure, low crime rates, safe roads and public transportation, low risk of natural disasters, and no political unrest.

So, if Singapore has been on your bucket list, and you weren’t quite ready to pull the trigger and book your trip because you weren’t sure if Singapore was safe for tourists, I’m happy to tell you that it is!

However, there are a few things you need to be aware of when travelling in Singapore. Just like any country there are things you need to be aware of when travelling in Singapore and things that could make Singapore less safe than it otherwise is.

I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about safety in Singapore in this article, so you’re aware of what to watch out for and have to stay safe in Singapore as a tourist.

Top Tip

Esims are the best way to access the internet while travelling. My favourite esim Airalo doesn’t currently offer packages for Singapore. Drim Sim is the best esim option for tourists visiting Singapore.

Is Singapore Safe for Tourists?

Just in case you skimmed the first part of this article (I don’t blame you), I want to reiterate that Singapore is a safe country for tourists to visit.

There is very little petty crime, the tourist areas are safe to walk around in both during the day and at night, and the Singaporean people are incredibly kind and welcoming.

It is definitely one of the safest and easiest countries to travel to in Southeast Asia.

Plus I found it to be one of the cooler countries in the region, which was a huge plus. It’s still super hot, but I didn’t feel like I was melting as soon as I walked outside. Surprisingly, it was much cooler than it’s northern neighbour Malaysia. It doesn’t really make sense since they’re less than an hour drive apart, but, again, I’m not complaining about a less intense climate.

Overall, the answer to the question is Singapore safe is yes absolutely it is safe!

Buy your Gardens by the Bay ticket online in advance to save time and money!

Is Singapore Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

I’m a solo female traveller, so I feel extra qualified to speak about this next point.

I never once felt unsafe during my solo trip to Singapore. Even when I was walking around at night, which is saying a lot because I hate being out at night.

Yes I’m a woman in my 30s who is still afraid of the dark. Haha.

I never felt unsafe using the metro, walking around, or being in the underground walkways/malls, which are another place I tend to feel on edge.

Singapore is rated as one of the safest countries in the world. I think that since it’s so safe and easy to travel in, Singapore is a great place for people wanting to take their first solo trip.

It’s similar to Dubai where there is low crime rates, easy transportation, English is widely spoken, and it doesn’t feel too different or “exotic”. You’re able to get your feet wet and learn how to travel alone without being too overwhelmed.

Things nobody tells you about travelling alone

Is Singapore Safe for LBGTQIA+ Travellers?

The Singapore government doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to LBGTQIA+ rights. In late 2022, they decriminalized same-sex relations, but same-sex marriage is still illegal in the country.

Even though the government doesn’t have the best stance towards the LBGTQIA+ community, that isn’t reflected in the community.

Hotels gladly accept same-sex couples, and the community in general is accepting of same-sex couples.

That being said, PDA isn’t a big thing in Singapore. Even between heterosexual couples.

Small signs of affection like holding hands for a brief period of time or a very quick kiss are becoming more acceptable and common in Singapore.

It isn’t common to see large displays of affection or constant contact between couples in Singapore. Affection tends to be something that’s done behind closed doors and in private in Singapore.

Even non-consensual hugging is a “soft crime” in Singapore.

So, while it may be socially acceptable to be in a same-sex relationship in Singapore, it isn’t common for anybody to show affection in public. The reason you get weird looks in public may not be because of your relationship but because you’re showing affection in public.

So, while the law may not be on your side, Singapore is still a friendly place for LBGTQIA+ travellers. You shouldn’t face discrimination when checking into your hotel or if you’re out and about with your partner.

Is Singapore Safe for Family Travellers?

Yes! Singapore is absolutely safe for family travellers. It is one of the cleanest and most modern cities in the world.

It’s safe for children to walk around and take the metro. The streets are wide and not super busy with pedestrians, so there isn’t much of a chance of them wandering off in a crowd if they’re younger.

The one thing that parents need to watch out for is dehydration.

Singapore is hot. You need to drink more water than you normally do and make sure you spend time indoors in the air conditioning when possible. You especially need to watch out for dehydration in your children if you’re doing outdoor activities like visiting Universal Studios, taking a boat ride, or visiting the observation deck at Marina Bay.

You’ll get hot and dehydrated really quickly doing those activities. Children don’t always know how to recognize when they’re dehydrated so be sure to check with them more often than you normally do and have lots of water on hand. Carrying a fan also comes in handy.

Another way to help beat the heat is by taking a hop on hop off bus tour. Lots of them have a covered portion on the top that make them cooler, and there is always air conditioning on the bottom level.

A bus tour is a great way to see the city without having to rely on the metro or walking around in the heat to get place to place.

But other than the heat, there isn’t anything that parents need to be overly aware of or cautious of when visiting Singapore. Use normal precaution and keep a close eye on your children, and the answer to the question is Singapore safe for family travellers will be yes!

PS- Try to arrive at the airport early, so you can visit the Jewel. It’s a crowd pleaser (especially with children), and it shouldn’t be missed on your visit to Singapore! You can buy your tickets online in advance to save money and time!

Top Tip

Buy you hop on hop off bus tickets in advance to save up to 15%

Universal Studios Singapore Puss in Boots Ride

Is Singapore Safe for BIPOC Travellers?

I’m not a BIPOC traveller, but I spoke to a lot of BIPOC travellers about their experiences in Singapore before writing this post.

Overwhelmingly, nearly everybody I spoke to agreed that they felt safe when travelling in Singapore.

Singapore is a multicultural country. There are three main ethnicities in Singapore: Malay, Indian, and Chinese. People are used to diversity.

That doesn’t mean that there aren’t people with prejudices though.

No matter where you are in the world, unfortunately, there are racist, and Singapore is no exception.

A few people I spoke to mentioned being stared at occasionally and sometimes feeling unwelcome or uncomfortable. Nobody said that it went beyond feeling uncomfortable. Nobody was confronted and nobody was physically harmed.

Overall, the experience in Singapore was a positive one, and everybody said they would recommend it to other BIPOC travellers.

So, the answer to the question is Singapore safe for BIPOC travellers is yes. You shouldn’t face any physical or verbal abuse, but you may get a few stares, unfortunately.

Is Singapore Safe at Night?

You might be wondering is Singapore safe at night? Most places in the world tend to get a bit shadier at night, but that isn’t the case in Singapore.

Singapore comes alive at night. Between the Hawker centres and the night shows at Gardens by the Bay and Marina Sands, there is an endless supply of things to do in Singapore at night.

It’s also cooler at night than during the day. Locals tend to come out and spend time outside during the evenings after work and when it’s a more agreeable temperature.

There is a lot to see and do at night. Most people only spend a day or two in Singapore. The best way to see everything that Singapore has to offer at night is by taking the night bus tour.

It’s three hours long and makes multiple stops throughout the city, so you can experience Singapore’s vibrant nighttime culture. It’s also a great way to learn about the city.

Plus if you’re a solo traveller or family traveller that doesn’t want to be exploring alone at night or wrangling children around at night, the night bus tour is super helpful.

Plus you’ll be tired at the end of the day after all the walking and sightseeing, so it’s nice to sit down and be guided through the city for a few hours.

Anyways, I’m getting off topic now.

Singapore is one of the few cities in the world that I’ve felt completely safe and comfortable walking around at night as a solo female traveller. The other cities are Seoul, Kaohsiung, and Kuala Lumpur.

So, the answer to the question is Singapore safe at night is yes. And that’s coming from somebody who hates the dark and being outside, so you can trust my opinion.

Top Tip

The night bus tour sells out quickly so be sure to buy your tickets in advance.

Most Common Scams in Singapore

Unlike many other popular tourist destinations like Paris, there aren’t many scams in Singapore you need to be on the lookout for. Even petty crime isn’t too common in Singapore.

That being said, there are a few things I want to bring to your attention. They’re pretty common scams all over the world, so if you’ve done any travelling before, you’re probably aware of these scams.

These scams aren’t all that common or terribly serious (except for the last one), and they don’t change the answer to the question is Singapore safe from yes to no.

For a major country and tourist hub, they have some of the lowest crime rates and scams.

Taxi’s Overcharging

This is a scam in basically every country in the world. It’s not terribly common in Singapore but always make sure the taxi meter is running. Singapore is having a shortage of taxi drivers right now, so it can be hard to find a taxi to drive you where you need to go. Most people use Grab anyways, and that’s what I recommend you use. Just be sure to download the app and input your credit card information while you’re in your home country. You’ll run into major issues if you try to create a Grab account when you arrive in Southeast Asia.

The Picture Scam

This is a very common scam in Italy and has started showing up in Singapore as well. Someone will offer to take your photograph for a smell fee. It seems reasonable until they take 30 photographs and then charge you the small fee for each photo. If someone comes up to you and offers to take your photo for a fee, just politely say no thank you.

The ATM Helper

This is the most serious scam in Singapore you need to be aware of. If you’re taking money out of an ATM in Singapore and someone offers to help you get money out without you being charged a bank fee, leave immediately and find a different ATM. They’re actually trying to steal your banking information from you. Most places in Singapore accept credit cards, but if you do need to take cash out, it’s best to use an ATM at a bank instead of a free standing ATM.

Safetywing vs World Nomads: How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for You

Singapore Safety Tips

There isn’t too much you need to know to stay safe in Singapore, but I’m going to share a few Singapore safety tips with you anyways!

Stay Hydrated

Singapore is hot. It’s not as hot as other places in Southeast Asia (like Thailand), but it’s still extremely hot. You’ll be surprised at how much water you drink while in Singapore.

Even if you’re not walking outside too much because you’re taking the metro or a bus tour, you’re still going to be sweating a lot.

There are tons of places to buy water throughout Singapore so make sure you’re popping into a convenience store a couple times a day to purchase a water.

They also have fresh squeezed orange juice machines out and about in popular areas. I highly recommend you try at least one orange juice. I don’t like orange juice, but I was obsessed with it. It’s so fresh and delicious. Plus it’s only slightly more expensive than a bottle of water, so why wouldn’t you get a fresh orange juice instead?

Don’t Chew Gum

I think the one thing that most people know about Singapore is that gum is forbidden. You can’t buy it in Singapore, and you’re not allowed to bring it into the country.

There are actually fines if you’re caught chewing gum. As a tourist, you may be given a warning and told not to, but you could also be charged a fine anywhere between $500 and $1,000.

That’s a lot of money for something as simple as chewing gum. It can put a real damper on your holiday.

So, leave your gum at home and get used to using mints if you need to freshen your breath while you’re out and about in public.

Don’t Litter

Similar to not chewing gum, littering is a big no no in Singapore. Frankly, it’s a big no no everywhere in the world, and you should never litter.

There aren’t a ton of public trash bins in Singapore, so you need to be prepared. Most people carry a small plastic bag in their purse that they can use for any trash they may acquire while out and about during the day. Then they discard it when they find a trash can.

It’s not always fun carrying around a small bag to put your trash in, and it’s not terribly practical for people who don’t carry purses with them.

Most of the time if you’re buying street food, there will be a trash can near the seller. Stick around until you’re done eating your food, and stick your trash in there.

Shopping malls and metro stations also tend to have a couple public trash bins you can use.

The most likely item you’ll be carrying around is a water bottle. At least they’re easy to carry in your hand or stick into your pocket.

Just be prepared to not stumble across a trash can while you’re walking around.

Carry Your Passport

I’m always surprised by the number of people who tell me that they leave their passport in the hotel when they go out for the day.

I always take my passport with me whenever I travel. You never know when you’ll need it.

Sometimes you can save money on attraction tickets if you show your passport. You’ll need it if you are in a situation where you have to call the police or go to a hospital. And in some countries (like China or Turkey), a police officer can stop and ask you at any time to prove you entered the country legally.

You never know when you’ll need your passport so be sure to take it with you whenever you leave your hotel.

I know some people are worried about losing their passport when they travel. I like to put it into the inside zipper pocket in my purse. There is no way a pick pocket would be able to steal it.

It’s a little more complicated to store it if you don’t carry a bag with you. You can put it in your pocket between your wallet and phone to keep it safe from pick pockets as well.

The Importance of Internet Safety

I can’t talk to you about the safety of Singapore without reminding you that it’s so important that you remember to be internet safe as well.

You rely on public wifi as a traveller. Even if you use an esim, you’ll still be using public wifi when you scroll the internet at your hotel. Using public wifi puts you at a high risk of having your private online information stolen.

Even if the wifi network has a password, that doesn’t mean you’re safe. There are countless people who have the password and can access the same internet as you do. All it takes is one person with bad intentions, and your online information is compromised.

Trust me when I say you do not want to be dealing with the headache of having your banking information stolen while you’re abroad just because you didn’t protect your online safety. It’s a headache that I don’t wish on anybody.

The only way you can be safe while using public wifi is by installing a VPN on your devices. It essentially puts a forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to access your personal online information.

A VPN makes using public wifi just as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

It’s one of the simplest and easiest ways you can ensure you’re safe while travelling.

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of different VPNs over my many years of travel. Honestly, most of them are awful.

VPNs are notorious for slowing down your internet speed, and you can really feel it with most VPN providers.

I’ve had many instances where I turned off my VPN and put my online data at risk just because I got frustrated with how slow the VPN was making my internet.

All that changed when I started using NordVPN. It’s the fastest VPN on the market, and I’ve never noticed a lag in my internet speed when using it. I’ve been using it for almost five years at this point, and I have no plans of switching to a different VPN provider.

You can protect up to six devices with a single NordVPN subscription, so you can protect all your devices for one low price. One account to rule them all as Gollum would say.

The best part is how affordable NordVPN is. A two-year subscription costs less per month than a single Starbuck’s latte. That’s a super small price to pay to keep your private online information safe while travelling.

I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect yourself with a VPN.

Learn More About NordVPN

My Top Singapore Travel Tip

I couldn’t let you leave without sharing what I think is the most important Singapore travel tip.

Buying tickets online for attractions through Klook will save you time and money.

I think a lot of people assume that if you’re buying tickets through a third-party like Klook that you’re being charged more, but that isn’t the case.

Every single attraction and activity I wanted to do in Singapore I bought tickets in advance through Klook.

There were long lines at Gardens by the Bay, but since I bought my tickets online in advance, I just skipped the line to buy tickets and went into the line to have my ticket scanned. I also paid less for my ticket than I would have if I bought it at Gardens by the Bay directly.

For the night bus tour I took, it was essential to purchase tickets in advance. The tour sells out almost every night. Showing up to the departure point and trying to buy tickets the same day as the tour likely won’t work.

Klook is primarily an Asian brand so not a lot of people who live outside Asia know about it. A lot of my friends I told about Klook were confused about whether it was legit or not because the prices are so affordable.

If you haven’t heard of Klook and are weary, don’t be. It’s a very legit company. I’ve used it dozens of times and have recommended it to everybody I know who travels to Asia. All the tickets and tours on Klook are legit, and their customer service team can help you if you run into any issues.

The other thing I love about Klook is that you pay in your home currency. That means you save money on the exchange rate and conversion fees applied by your bank if you were to purchase the tickets with your card at the attraction itself.

Trust me when I say that if you’re not using Klook to purchase your Singapore tickets, you’re wasting time and money!

Get Discounted Tickets with Klook

Conclusion

I hope this helped answer the question is Singapore safe?

By every metric, Singapore is safe. It’s an easy country to travel in, has lots of interesting things to do, and travellers don’t face discrimination based on skin colour or sexual orientation.

I think Singapore is a great introductory country to Southeast Asia. It is cooler than most other countries in the region and doesn’t have as much hustle and bustle.

If it’s your first time to the region, starting in Singapore then branching out to Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc. is a great option.

But no matter where you’re travels take you, Singapore is a great option and a very safe place to travel.

It’s one of my mom’s favourite countries in the world, so it has to be worth a visit right?

August 23, 2023August 22, 2023

Safetywing vs World Nomads: Travel Insurance Battle

If you’re looking to purchase longterm travel insurance or travel insurance for your gap year, you’re probably trying to decide between Safetywing and World Nomads. The question of whether to use Safetywing vs World Nomads is a big decision and can have major consequences down the line if you don’t choose the right option.

Not too many years ago, World Nomads was the main insurance provider for digital nomads and longterm travellers. That changed when Safetywing came onto the market.

It didn’t take long for the Safetywing vs World Nomads battle to begin.

Each company has their pros and cons, but for me there is a clear winner.

I think when choosing between World Nomads and Safetywing, Safetywing is the winner. It is more affordable, has amazing customer service, and offer coverage in your home country when you return from your trip.

That by no means Safetywing is perfect, and it may not be the right choice for everybody.

That’s why we’re going to have an in-depth discussion about each insurance program, their pros and cons, and then compare them head on to help you decide what travel insurance is best for you.

Hopefully by the end of this article, the Safetywing vs World Nomads question will be answered, and you’ll have a better idea who to trust with your health while you’re travelling the world and making memories.

Safetywing Overview

Safetywing offers three different types of insurance called Nomad Insurance, Nomad Health, and Remote Health.

Each product is designed to suit a specific need, but most people looking for travel insurance find that Nomad Insurance is the best choice for them. It’s the insurance designed specifically for people who travel longterm.

Nomad Health is their newest product and is designed for people who both travel and live in a different country. Think expat. It’s the type of insurance you’d get for the first year you move to Europe when you’re required to have insurance before you’re able to access the insurance provided by the country you moved to.

Their final product is likely something you won’t need. It’s insurance designed for companies that have remote workers worldwide that require a specialized product to offer to their remote team. Unless you’re operating a business, you won’t need this one.

What Makes Safetywing Different

Payment

What sets Safetywing apart from it’s competitors is their payment model.

They have a monthly fee instead of paying for your trip all at once like most other travel insurance providers including World Nomads. I love this method because it gives you a lot more flexibility.

I know a lot of people who have set out on a world trip and then come home earlier than expected. Either because they didn’t enjoy longterm travel as much as they thought they would or something unexpected happened that they needed to return home for.

If you prepaid for your travel insurance in full ahead of time and had to return home early, you wouldn’t be able to get a refund for the amount of time you’re not using your insurance for.

With Safetywing, you simply cancel your policy if you have to return home early. You simply cancel your account, and you won’t have to pay the next instalment of your insurance.

You, unfortunately, won’t get a refund for any amount of time you didn’t use in the month you’d already paid for, but it’s better to overpay for a couple weeks of insurance than for potentially a couple of months.

One thing to note is that Safetywing has a policy to charge you for your next month’s instalment three days before it actually comes due. If you’re charged for your next month and know you won’t need it, be sure to contact Safetywing as soon as you realize you won’t need that insurance. If you contact them within three days of the charge and your new month hasn’t actually kicked in yet, they’ll happily refund you.

You just need to make sure you email them within that three day period. They send you an email every month letting you know that they’ve charged your card and giving you the dates of the next cycle. Check your emails often and make sure you don’t procrastinate in getting in contact with them.

Home Country Coverage

The other thing that sets Safetywing apart that I really like is that they cover you in your home country for up to 30 days as long as you’ve been out of the country for at least 90 days before returning home.

This gives you you opportunity to visit your friends and family at home without losing health insurance. It also gives you a month to try to find a job that provides medical insurance if you’re done your travelling.

This is a great feature that other travel insurance providers don’t have that makes Safetywing stand out.

It gives you peace of mind that you’re going to be covered when you’re in your home country and takes away a little bit of stress that you might have about coming home for a visit or coming home to transition to full-time employment.

You can use your home country coverage as many times a year as you need it. The only criteria is that you’ve been outside your home country for at least 90 days before you return to your home country. Your coverage for your home country only lasts for 30 days. If you’re in your home country for longer than that, you need to find other insurance or be uninsured during that time.

Safetywing Nomad Insurance Highlights

Coverage can be purchased while you’re already abroad

Includes trip delay, trip cancellation, and lost baggage insurance

24/7 customer service that is friendly and helpful

Home country coverage included for 30 days after being abroad for at least 90 days

Physical therapy and chiropractic coverage provided if ordered by a doctor

Emergency dental procedures covered

The Downside of Safetywing Insurance

Just like anything in life, Safetywing isn’t perfect, and there are some downsides to the product. I think the upside of Safetywing outweigh the cons, but that’s for you to decide!

Deductible

This is one area of the Safetywing vs World Nomads debate that Safetywing loses.

Safetywing has a $250 deductible that comes along with their Nomad Insurance policy.

This means that if you make a claim or multiple claims throughout your policy term, you need to pay the first $250 in medical charges before your insurance kicks in and covers the rest.

I don’t like this. You’re paying a decent amount of money per year to have travel insurance, and I wish that there wasn’t a deductible. Most other travel insurance companies, including World Nomads, don’t have a deductible.

A year’s worth of Safetywing cover is typically less expensive than a year’s worth of World Nomad coverage, but if you have to pay the $250 deductible for Safetywing, the price of both providers is pretty similar.

USA Coverage is Extra

It’s pretty common knowledge that medical treatment in the United States is absurdly expensive.

If you’re travelling in the USA, you need to pay extra for your Safetywing travel insurance. The price you pay doubles if you want to include travel in the United States.

I think this is absurd and way too much of an increase. Even though I understand from Safetywing’s perspective that they’ll end up paying more for any treatment you need than anywhere else in the world, paying double the amount than anywhere else in the world for coverage is a bit hard to swallow.

I don’t travel to the United States very often. I normally go once every year or two to go to Disney World or Disneyland. When I do go to the USA, I normally just purchase a single trip policy from the AMA that costs less than $20 CAD for the week I’m gone.

It’s way more affordable than increasing my Safetywing coverage to include trip to the USA. That’s what I recommend you do as well if you’re only visiting the United States for a short period of time.

If you’re staying in the USA for a longer period of time, Safetywing probably isn’t the best choice for you. I’d look at other providers like World Nomads or getting a single trip policy from the AMA or your car/house insurance provider.

Learn More About Safetywing Nomad Insurance

World Nomads Overview

World Nomads offers two different types of insurance: Standard Plan and Explorer Plan. The two plans are based off how much coverage you’ll be provded.

The Standard Plan is their base plan. It has lower limits, and, honestly, will be the policy that most people will need. The Explorer Plan has much higher limits, but I don’t think many people will require those higher limits since World Nomads has such high limits anyways.

What Makes World Nomads Different

Higher Limits

One major advantage World Nomads has in the Safetywing vs World Nomads debate is their coverage limits.

They’re consistently higher than Safetywing’s limits.

This, however, isn’t as straightforward as it seems. The reason World Nomads is able to offer such high coverage rates is because if you make a claim, they claim some of it back form your local, home provider.

For example, I live in Alberta. If I were to make a claim through World Nomads, they would turn around and make a claim to Alberta Health Services to be reimbursed for the amount that Alberta Health Services would have paid if I were injured in Alberta.

Not only does this make the claims process more complicated and drawn out, but it also makes it more invasive.

My dad made a claim through a travel insurance provider who also claimed a portion of the money back from Alberta Health Services. He had to give his insurance provider permission to request all of his medical records from his doctor and access all of his previous Alberta Health Services claims.

It was a long process, and he ended up dropping his claim and not being reimbursed for the medical expenses he paid when he got hurt in Dubai because he got fed up with the process, and his costs weren’t that high.

I’ve never made a claim through Nomad Insurance, so I don’t have first-hand experience with their claims process, but I imagine the process would be similar. I have heard from other people I know that it took them a long time to be reimbursed by World Nomads.

The other thing to keep in mind when signing up for World Nomads is that you have to have GHIP insurance in your home country. This means that you need to be covered by whatever healthcare is available in your province or state (e.g. Alberta Health Services).

If you’re not eligible for coverage through your home’s universal insurance provider, your coverage decreases drastically. You end up with significantly less coverage than you do with Safetywing.

On the flip side, if you do have the proper home coverage that World Nomads requires, you have a huge amount of coverage and don’t have to ever worry about hitting your lifetime maximums and running out of coverage.

USA Coverage

When you sign up for World Nomads, you have to select where you’ll be travelling and requiring travel insurance. You can select regions (such as Asia or South America) or select world wide.

From playing around with the numbers, I find that selecting world wide nearly always results in a lower price than selecting a bunch of specific countries or regions.

There isn’t a significant increase in price if you include travel to the USA compared to when you don’t include it.

This is fantastic if you travel to the USA multiple times a year or for long periods of time. It makes long-term travel insurance that includes the United States so much more affordable than Safetywing.

I think the reason they’re able to provider insurance for the USA at such an affordable rate is because they know they won’t be on the hook for all of the costs and can claim back a lot of the costs from you home insurance provider.

Without a doubt travel insurance for the United States is one place World Nomads shines in the Safetywing vs World Nomads comparison.

World Nomads Insurance Highlights

High coverage limits up to $10,000,000

Trip delay, trip cancellation, and lost baggage coverage

Emergency dental coverage

Stipend for an emergency companion to fly to support you if you end up in hospital longterm

Affordable coverage for travel in the United States

The Downside of World Nomads Insurance

Just like Safetywing Nomad Insurance, World Nomads doesn’t offer perfect travel insurance either.

Up Front Payment

One of the major downsides to World Nomads is that you pay for the entirety of your coverage when you first sign up.

You select the length that you require your insurance (up to 364 days) and then pay for the total amount quoted. The quote depends on how long you’re gone, your age, your home country, and where you’re travelling to.

If you come home from your trip early, you don’t get refunded for any of the time you already paid for but don’t need travel insurance for.

Claims Process

The claims process is a little bit more complicated and time consuming with World Nomads than Safetywing. That’s because World Nomad makes a claim against your local healthcare provider (e.g. Alberta Health Services) to repay a portion of the claim you make.

This means there are multiple levels and organizations your claim has to go through, and the process can take a long time. Sometimes multiple months.

The flip side to the more complicated and time consuming claims process is that you get a huge amount of coverage. There is a bit of give and take between the claims process and the amount of coverage. A little bad with the good.

But, if you aren’t in dire need of any money you pay up front for a medical emergency or have family who can help you while you wait for reimbursement from World Nomads, it doesn’t have to be a major negative.

In the Safetywing vs World Nomads battle, I think that Safetywing wins when it comes to how easy and quick the claims process is.

Waiting Period

The final thing you need to be aware of with World Nomads is that there are waiting periods if you purchase your insurance while you’re abroad and after you’ve left for your trip.

The waiting periods aren’t long, and you can read about them in depth here. The most important thing to note is that there is a 48 hour period after you sign up before your coverage kicks in.

World Nomads says that this helps protect them from fraud and people who get insurance to immediately make a claim for something that already occurred.

Safetywing doesn’t have these waiting periods. You’re insured as soon as you pay for your first month’s worth of coverage.

A 48 hour waiting period isn’t a huge amount of time and isn’t the end of the world. It is something to keep in mind though. If you’re already abroad and know that you’re going to be partaking in an activity that make cause injury (e.g. going on a long hike), you want to make sure you sign up for coverage at least two days before that planned activity.

If you purchase World Nomads insurance before you leave for your trip, you don’t have to worry about any waiting periods. You can pre-purchase your travel insurance and select a date for it to automatically kick in (the first day of your trip). This way you can check getting travel insurance off your list a few weeks in advance and not have to worry about it right before you leave.

Learn More About World Nomads Insurance

Safetywing vs World Nomads Comparison

In the below table, I’m going to compare the main features of Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance and World Nomad’s Standard Plan. These are the two plans that most people will be choosing between when choosing between Safetywing vs World Nomads.

	Safetywing	World Nomads
Max Limits	$250,000*	$5,000,000*****
Deductible	$250	$0
Payment	Monthly	Up Front
Hospital Visits	Up to max limits	Up to max limits
Ambulance Rides	Up to max limits	Up to max limits
Physio/Chiro	$50/day	$250
Emergency Dental	$1,000**	$1,000
Medical Evacuation	$100,000	$500,000
USA Coverage	No***	Yes
Home Visits Included	Yes	No******
Trip Interruption	$5,000	$2,500
Trip Delay	$100/day	$700
Lost Baggage	$3,000	$1,000
Natural Disaster	$100/day for 5 days	Yes*******
Political Evacuation	$10,000	Yes*******
Scooter Accidents	Yes****	Yes****
Personal Liability Insurance	$25,000	No
Accidental Death/Dismemberment	$25,000	Will return body to home country
24/7 Customer Support	Yes	Yes

*$100,000 limits ages 65-69

**You’re not required to pay a deductible for dental coverage

***USA coverage can be added for an additional fee

****Must have insurance on the scooter and have a license to drive it

*****Must have insurance in your home country to have $5,000,000 limits. If you don’t, your limit is $40,000

******Includes insurance if you’re visiting your home country but not if you’re visiting your home province or state.

*******Policy indicates that it will provide coverage but doesn’t specify up to what amount

Do I Even Need Travel Insurance?

Yes. You absolutely 100% need to have travel insurance. Especially if you’re a digital nomad or freelancer and don’t have travel insurance through your employer.

I know we all think nothing is ever going to happen to us when we travel, but things happen. You don’t want to be caught out and not have insurance to cover you if you need to get medical attention.

It’s such a relief knowing in the back of your head that if something were to happen, it won’t financially devastate you. Even if you’re travelling to a country with a relatively low cost of medical care compared to your home country, that doesn’t mean you should take the risk.

I know people who have had a scooter accident in Thailand and ended up in the hospital for two weeks and had multiple surgeries and then a long recovery process. Even though the cost of seeking medical treatment in Thailand is significantly less expensive than in the United States, it still would have cost them almost $10,000 if they had to pay out of pocket for their treatment.

Travel insurance is the type of thing that you want to know you have but hope you never use. And when you do have to use it, you’re extremely thankful your past self was smart and bought it.

I know a lot of people are on tight budgets when they travel for long periods of time. I sure was when I first backpacked through Europe alone when I was 21. Even though I didn’t have much money, I always make sure I had quality travel insurance. It was an expensive that was worth every penny even if I didn’t have to use it on that trip.

Part of travelling is being responsible while you travel, and part of being a responsible traveller is having proper travel insurance.

9 digital nomad essentials to never leave home without

The Importance of Internet Safety

If you’re trying to decide between Safetywing vs World Nomads, I’m guessing you’re going on an extended trip. You rely on public wifi all the time as a traveller, and you need to make sure you’re using the internet safely when you travel.

Even if you rely mostly on esims, which I highly recommend you do, you still rely on public wifi some of the time. You should be turning your esim off at your hotel or hostel to save it for when you don’t have reliable wifi and use the wifi at your accommodation at a minimum.

Using public wifi puts you at a higher risk of having your private online information and data stolen. Even if you’re using public wifi that has a password, anybody who knows that password can access the wifi network, and it isn’t safe or secure at all.

Trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to have your banking information stolen while you’re abroad. It’s a nightmare to have to deal with your bank and try to get replacement cards. Especially if you’re abroad for an extended period of time and don’t have a mailing address to get replacement cards sent to.

The only way you can protect your online information from prying eyes when using public wifi networks is by installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially puts an invisible forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to see your information. It makes using public wifi networks just as safe and secure as using your home wifi network where you’re the only person who knows the password.

Installing a VPN on your devices is one of the simplest and affordable ways you can make sure you’re safe while travelling.

I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online information and data.

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of different VPNs over my years of travel. Most of them are awful.

VPNs are notorious for slowing down your internet speed, and you can really feel it with most VPNs you use. Honestly, I used to just turn off my VPN and put myself at risk because the VPN was slowing down my internet so much.

That all changed when I started using NordVPN.

NordVPN is consistently ranked the fastest VPN on the market. I’ve never noticed a slowdown in my internet speed when I use my NordVPN, and I’ve never once been tempted to turn it off and put myself at risk.

I’ve been using NordVPN since 2018, and I have no intention of ever switching to another VPN provider. They’re the company I personally use and the one I set all my family and friends up with.

The best part about NordVPN (other than it being so reliable and fast) is that it is super affordable. A two-year subscription costs less per month than a single Starbuck’s latte!

Plus you can protect up to six devices with a single subscription. You can protect all your devices for one low fee.

It’s a super small price to pay for the peace of mind and comfort you get by knowing all your online data and information is safe and secure and away from prying eyes.

Learn more about NordVPN

Conclusion

I know this was a bit of a long post, but I really wanted to give you as much information as I could to help you decide between Safetywing vs World Nomads.

Neither company offers a perfect product. I don’t think digital nomads or longterm travellers would be having a conversation about the best travel insurance if there was a perfect product on the market.

I spent a lot of time trying decide between Safetywing vs World Nomads when I first signed up for digital nomad health insurance.

Ultimately, Safetywing was the right the right product for me.

I like that I can pay by the month, that I don’t have to be eligible for insurance in my home country, and that it allowed me to visit my friends and family at home a couple times during the year without being uninsured.

But just because that was the right choice for me, doesn’t me that it is the right choice for you.

The fact that World Nomads includes coverage in the United States for a more affordable rate than Safetywing is a huge selling point for a lot of people. It would be for me if I spent a significant amount of the time in the USA. I don’t, so it isn’t a selling feature for me, but it is for a lot of people.

Choosing the right travel insurance is more important than a lot of people think.

You want to know that if anything happens, you have the right coverage that is going to protect you. You also want to choose a company who is reliable, trustworthy, and makes the claims process as easy as possible. Nobody wants the stress of making a travel insurance claim, so the easier the better!

When push comes to shove, I don’t really care what travel insurance you think is best for you. It’s such a personal choice.

All I care about is that you have travel insurance because it’s so important and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Hopefully, this post made it a bit easier for you to decide between Safetywing vs World Nomads.

August 16, 2023August 15, 2023

Tourist’s Guide to the Blue Temple Chiang Rai

If you’re going all the way north to Chiang Rai, you’re probably going to visit the famous White Temple. It’s absolutely worth the visit, but there is a lesser known and equally beautiful temple you also need to check out. The Blue Temple Chiang Rai is worth spending an extra day in Chiang Rai to visit.

Trust me. You’ll regret not seeing it.

The Blue Temple in Chiang Rai is actually called Wat Rong Suea Ten, but I’ll keep referring to it as the Blue Temple Chiang Rai. That’s what it’s colloquially known as.

Plus it’s easier to remember, and everybody in Chiang Rai knows exactly what you’re talking about if you ask about it.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Blue Temple Chiang Rai, so you can plan the perfect trip to see it.

History of the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai

Wat Rong Suea Ten is also known as the Temple of Dancing Tigers. It’s called this because the story goes that there was an ancient temple where the Blue Temple Chiang Rai now stands.

It’s said that when the ancient temple still stood, tigers freely roamed around the temple and protected it. The ancient temple was abandoned over a century ago.

The Blue Temple in Chiang Rai is surprisingly young. Construction began in 2005 and was finished in 2008. I had no idea that the temple was so young when I visited it and only learned that after I left.

The temple was designed by Putha Kabkaew who was a student of the artist and designer of the White Temple also located in Chiang Rai. Again, I didn’t know that when I visited, but I did feel that the two temples felt a little similar even though I couldn’t put my finger on why. The main temple has a similar shape as the main temple of the White Temple.

Blue was chosen as the colour for the temple because in Thai culture blue is the colour of healing.

Top tip

Installing an esim on your phone is a lot more convenient than getting a local sim when you arrive in Thailand.

How to Get to the Blue Temple Chiang Rai

Most tourists who visit Chiang Rai stay near the bus station and night market. It’s the most central area of Chiang Rai and where most of the hotels are.

The Blue Temple is located on the other side of the river from the bus station and main tourist area.

Walking

You can walk from the bus station area to the Blue Temple. That’s what I did. It takes about 45 minutes. You have to walk on some unpaved sidewalks and down into an underpass to find a staircase to cross the bridge.

It took me a while to figure out how to cross the bridge and thought I might have to give up and call a car to take me, but there is a staircase even though you can’t see it when you first walk up to the bridge.

Even though I walked to the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai, I don’t recommend it. It was hot and a much longer walk than I anticipated. There also wasn’t any shade covering.

Luckily, there are other easier ways to get to the Blue Temple.

Tuk Tuk

The first is to take a Tuk Tuk. They’re all over Chiang Rai, and your hotel could even arrange one for you. There are also lots of Tuk Tuks waiting in the Blue Temple parking lot waiting to bring tourists back to their hotel.

If you want to take a Tuk Tuk, just be sure to negotiate a price before you get in. Otherwise there is a chance that you’ll be overcharged and end up paying way more than you thought. And once you’ve already arrived at your destination, it’s pretty hard to get the price lowered.

Grab

The next option is to take a Grab. Grab is the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber, and I rely on it a lot when in Southeast Asia. You have to download the app and input your credit card information while you’re in your home country. If you try to add a foreign credit card while already in Thailand, it won’t work.

Once you have the app downloaded, you use it just like you would Uber. A car or bike will come pick you up and drive you to the Blue Temple. It’s super affordable, and I recommend everybody going to Southeast Asia get the Grab app before their trip.

The importance of gap year travel insurance

Songthaew

The final way to travel to the Blue Temple Chiang Rai is by Songthaew.

Songthaew is a form of shared taxi in Thailand. They’re big trucks with a covered back, and you sit on benches in the back. They’re very common in Thailand and one of the most affordable ways to get around.

The downside of using Songthaew is that they don’t always run on a set schedule. Drivers tend to wait until there are enough people wanting a ride to make it worth the money.

If you’re visiting the White Temple, they run every 10 or so minutes, so you never have to wait long, but that isn’t always the case with the Blue Temple.

A Songthaew left about five minutes before I was ready to go. I waited for about half an hour for another one to show up but none did. So I walked home. I’m weirdly stubborn about walking if I can. About 10 minutes into walking, a Songthaew drove past me. I assume it was coming from the Blue Temple.

Just like with a Tuk Tuk, if you take a Songthaew, be sure to ask the price before you get in. I’ve never had a driver tell me the price, and I’ve always had to ask.

Songthaew are very affordable, so they won’t break the bank.

In Chiang Rai, they typically drop the tourists off at the bus station. If there is somewhere else you specifically want to go, you have to ask the driver before getting in.

Cost of Visiting the Blue Temple Chiang Ria

The Blue Temple is first and foremost a temple for the locals. It was built for the locals because there were no other temples in the area, and it’s primarily used by the locals.

It isn’t a tourist destination like the White Temple. Tourists just happen to visit it.

Since it was built for and used by the locals for their religious practices, there is no costs to visit the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai. Even if you’re just visiting it as a tourist and not using it for religious reasons, there is no fee to enter.

This is a nice change to a lot of the popular temple tourists visit in Thailand that often have entrance fees.

Hours of Operation

Now that you know how to get to the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai and that there is no fee for visiting, I’m sure you’re wondering when you can visit this beautiful temple.

The Blue Temple is open every day from 7am to 8pm.

It gets pretty crowded in the late morning until the early evening. If you want to avoid the crowds, be at the temple as close to 7am as possible.

I got there around 11am, and it was pretty busy especially inside the main temple. It was hard to get good pictures without a ton of people in the frame. I often had to stand around for five or so minutes to get a quick picture without people in it.

The Importance of Being Respectful

I mentioned earlier that the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai is primarily used by the locals. You should be respectful at every temple you visit in Thailand, but I think it’s even more important when you’re visiting a local temple and not a super touristy temple.

No Shoes

This means taking off your shoes before you go inside. There are lots of places to store your shoes on the outside of the temple. There are lots of signs reminding you to take off your shoes before you go inside, and you’ll remember when you see everybody else doing it.

If you’re like me and have a weird thing about not having your bare feet touch the floor, be sure to store an extra pair of socks in your purse or bag just in case you’re wearing sandals when you visit a temple.

Picture Etiquette

The Blue Temple like most temples in Thailand is a Buddhist temple. It’s often considered rude to take pictures of Buddha, but there aren’t signs in the Blue Temple telling you not to take pictures.

Almost everybody is taking pictures of the Buddha in the main temple, so you shouldn’t have any issues if you want to take a pictures.

That being said, if someone asks you not to take pictures of the Buddha or if signs appear in the future saying no pictures of the Buddha, it’s important you respect those signs.

Along the same lines, please don’t take pictures of people praying or of random people. It’s just rude. Nobody consented to you taking their picture.

People end up in the background of photos all the time. That’s not the issue. It’s rude when you make someone who hasn’t consented to being in your photo the primary focus of your photo. Tourists need to stop doing that.

Dress Appropriately

There are rules on how you must be dressed to enter a temple in Thailand and normally there is someone watching people who enter and stopping people who don’t meet the dress code.

You have to have your shoulders and knees covered to enter the temple.

A lot of tourists don’t realize this when they plan their trip to Thailand and only pack shorts and tank tops. That’s why you see so many tourists wearing those elephant pants with a shawl over their shoulders inside temples.

There aren’t really any clothing stores or stands near the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai, so you can’t quickly go out and buy something if you don’t meet the dress code.

So make sure you’re wearing the right clothing or have extra clothing packed before you leave to visit the Blue Temple.

Otherwise, you’ll be disappointed and not be able to visit the temple.

Hushed Voices

The final reminded is to keep your voice hushed if you’re talking to someone else. The Blue Temple is a religious place, and it’s respectful to keep your voice down and whisper if you’re going to talk inside the temple.

Can I Visit the White Temple and Blue Temple on the Same Day?

Technically, it’s possible to visit both temples on the same day, but I don’t recommend it. You’ll be rushed and tired. But if you only have one full day in Chiang Rai and want to visit both temples, it is possible.

The easiest way to visit both temples in the same day is by using Grab. You don’t have to rely on the timing of public transportation and can move at your own pace. It is going to be the most expensive way to see both temples though.

The next best option is taking the 8:10am bus from the bus station to the White Temple. The White Temple opens at 8am, and you’ll arrive around 8:30.

Arriving this early also means there won’t be many other tourists, and you’ll get some amazing pictures!

After you’re done at the White Temple, take the bus or Songthaew back to the bus station. From there, take a different Songthaew or Tuk Tuk to the Blue Temple.

Your Songthaew driver from the White Temple probably won’t drive you all the way to the Blue Temple, but you can ask. Maybe you’ll get lucky.

I recommend people allot at least four hours to visit the White Temple. This includes the time to get to and from the bus station to the White Temple and visiting the temple.

This is the minimum amount of time. You can easily spend an entire day at the White Temple it’s such a huge complex with so many things to see and do.

I recommend people allot about two hours to visit the Blue Temple including the time it takes to get to and from the bus station.

So, while it is possible to visit both temples in a day, you’ll be tired at the end of the day and won’t be able to see much else of Chiang Rai.

There aren’t a ton of other tourist things to do in Chiang Rai, but it is nice to not be rushed.

Tips for travelling alone for the first time

The Perfect Amount of Time in Chiang Rai

I think a day and a half is the perfect amount of time to spend in Chiang Rai. Most people come to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai by bus.

Catch a morning bus and be in Chiang Rai by noon. The day you arrive, you can visit the Blue Temple and the next day you can visit the White Temple.

The only tricky part about this is that a lot of people travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai every day.

When I travelled between the two cities, every blog post I read said that you could just show up at the bus station and easily get on a bus to Chiang Rai. That’s not the case anymore.

I got to the bus station at 8:30 hoping to get on a bus that left just after 9am, but the first bus that had an empty seat left at 1pm.

The only way your 1.5 days in Chiang Rai plan is going to work is if you buy your bus ticket in advance and don’t rely on just showing up at the bus station.

Learn from my mistakes!

The Importance of Internet Safety

You rely on public wifi when you travel. Even if you have an esim on your phone, which I highly recommend, you at least rely on the hotel’s wifi when you’re there to save your data for when you don’t have access to wifi.

Using publici wifi, especially when travelling, puts you at high risk of having your personal and private online information stolen. Even if you use a wifi network with a password, anybody who knows that password can use it, and it isn’t very secure.

Trust me when I say you don’t want to have your banking information stolen while you’re abroad and have to deal with the headache of cancelling your bank cards while trying to enjoy your relaxing vacation.

It’s a nightmare I wish on no one!

The only way you can protect yourself while using public wifi networks is by installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially puts an invisible forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to access your online information and steal it.

A VPN makes using public wifi networks just as safe as using your home wifi network where you’re the only person who knows the password. It is one of the simplest ways you can stay safe while travelling.

I always say that if you can afford travel, you can afford to protect your online information.

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of different VPNs over my years of travel and hated most of them. VPNs are notorious for slowing down your internet speed. I would get frustrated at how slow my internet was and then would turn off my VPN and put myself at risk.

That all changed when I started using NordVPN. It is consistently ranked the fastest VPN on the market, and that’s why I love it so much. I never notice a slow down in my internet speed.

I use my phone a lot when I travel, and I’ve never been tempted to turn off my NordVPN because of internet lagging.

It even works perfectly with my esim.

I’ve been using NordVPN for over 5 years and have no plans of ever stopping. It’s the VPN I make all my friends and family sign up for when they travel as well.

You can protect up to six devices with a single subscription, so you can easily protect all your devices with one account.

The best part is that a two-year subscription costs less per month than a single Starbuck’s latte.

You really have no excuse not to install a VPN on your devices and keep your online data and information protected and safe.

TOP Pick

NordVPN

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Get the Best Price

Conclusion

Visiting the Blue Temple Chiang Rai is a must do activity in Northern Thailand. It’s one of the most beautiful temples in all of Thailand, free to enter, and easy to get to.

It’s well worth arranging a little bit of extra time in Chiang Rai and adding the Blue Temple to your itinerary. You’ll probably regret it if you don’t!

I put up an Instagram poll after my trip to Chiang Rai asking people if they thought the White Temple or the Blue Temple was more beautiful.

The overwhelming majority of people voted for the Blue Temple. I still can’t decide which one I liked better, but if the poll is any indication, the Blue Temple can’t be missed when in Thailand!

August 11, 2023August 10, 2023

Easily Travel from Incheon Airport to Seoul

If you’re travelling to South Korea, there is a really good chance you’ll land in Incheon and then need to figure out how to travel from Incheon Airport to Seoul.

Incheon Airport is the biggest and busiest airport in South Korea. It handles the majority of the international flights arriving in Korea- especially long-haul international flights. Some shorter international flights to land in Gimpo, Busan, or Jeju, but the majority of flights land at Incheon.

Incheon Airport isn’t anywhere near central Seoul where you’ll likely be staying as a tourist.

That means you need to know how you’re travelling from Incheon Airport to Seoul before you arrive in Korea. Otherwise, you’ll be a bit like a chicken with it’s head cut off trying to figure it out on the fly.

There are four main ways you can travel from Incheon Airport to Seoul. You can take a train, a bus, a taxi, or arrange a private transfer.

All four methods have their pros and cons. I’ve used every option available, so I think I’m in a unique position to help you figure out exactly the best way to travel from Incheon to Seoul for you and your unique travel needs.

Because just because one form of transportation works best for someone doesn’t mean it’ll work best for you.

There are lots of factors to consider, and I’m here to help you figure it out and make the best decision for you and your travel needs and style.

Tourist’s guide to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul

General Information About Travelling from Incheon to Seoul

The first thing that’s important to know about travelling to Seoul from Incheon Airport is that none of the options are all that expensive. Especially comparing it to it’s neighbour Japan where your options are limited because taxis and private transfers are super expensive.

Most people who aren’t on a super strict budget will be able to choose whatever option suits them best without too much worry about not being able to afford it.

Even when I was backpacking on a super tight budget, I chose to take a taxi from Incheon Airport to Seoul the first time I visited the city. It wasn’t the best option for my budget, but it was the best choice for me at the time as someone who had never been to Seoul before, was travelling alone, and had only had three or so hours of sleep the night before.

The next thing you need to know is that getting from the airport to central Seoul takes a long time.

Incheon Airport is 48.6km away from Seoul Station. No matter what form of transportation you choose, expect to be on it for a while. It’ll take at least an hour of travel time once you get on the train, bus, or in the car.

I normally recommend that people be prepared to arrive at their hotel or Airbnb three hours after they arrive. Customs normally takes 45 minutes to an hour, then you have to get your bags, and then find your way to your chosen method of transportation.

I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t expect to get to your hotel in Seoul anytime soon after you land in Korea. Give yourself time and be prepared.

The journey to your hotel in Seoul will be easy and painless, but it’ll still take time.

The last thing you need to know is that the airport is very well labelled. There are signs everywhere directing you where to go for each form of transportation.

Even though Incheon is a huge airport, you should be able to navigate it and likely won’t get lost. If you do get lost, there are maps everywhere and information booths that you can ask for help at.

top tip

Pre-order pocket wifi on Klook to save money and quickly pick up your pocket wifi at Incheon Airport!

Travelling from Incheon Airport to Seoul by Train

If you were on travel TikTok in 2022, you probably saw that everybody was taking the train from Incheon to Seoul, so that’s what I decided to do on my trip to Seoul in 2022.

The train is the least expensive way to travel from Incheon to Seoul.

If you purchase your ticket in advance through Klook, you save a little bit of money compared to purchasing your ticket when you arrive at Incheon.

All you have to do is go to a ticket machine near the train station, scan your pre-bought ticket or type in your booking code, select your time (or select next train), and then you’ll get a physical ticket from the ticket machine. Use that ticket to enter the train platform, and you’re good to go!

It’s super easy, and there are tons of employees milling about ready to help if you have any issues. Most people seemed to have pre-purchased tickets when I was there, so it’s very normal and easy to exchange your Klook voucher for a ticket.

How Long Does the Train Take?

Trains from Incheon Airport to Seoul depart every 20 to 40 minutes, and it takes about 43 minutes to arrive at Seoul Station once the train departs.

If you’re lucky and arrive right when a train is leaving, the train is one of the fastest ways to get from Incheon to central Seoul. If you’re unlucky like me and arrive right after a train leaves and have to wait 35 minutes for the next train, it can be one of the slowest way to travel from Incheon to central Seoul.

It mostly comes down to lucky and the frequency at which the trains run at the time of day you’re travelling.

When Does the Train from Incheon Airport to Seoul Operate?

Luckily, the train operates 24 hours a days. No matter when you arrive at Incheon Airport, you’ll be able to take the train to Seoul Station.

I love that the train operates 24/7. It makes the train one of the most reliable ways to travel from the airport to central Seoul. The buses don’t run 24/7, so the train is your only public transportation option you can take any time of day without worry.

How Much Does a Train Ticket Cost?

The price you pay depends on where you purchase your ticket.

If you purchase your ticket from the ticket machine, it costs 9,500 won (approximately $7.25 USD) at the time of writing in August of 2023.

If you purchase your ticket in advance with Klook, it costs 7,400 won (approximately $5.50 USD) at the time of writing.

That’s less than a $2 difference, but purchasing your ticket online has other advantages. Some ticket machines and stores in Korea don’t accept foreign credit cards.

Purchasing your ticket in advance will ensure you’re able to get on the train without a headache or trying to find an ATM that will give you Korean won with a foreign bank card.

Side note: getting money out of an ATM in Korea with a foreign card is a headache. Not many ATMs accept foreign cards, and they all have high ATM fees associated with them. I always recommend that people exchange their home currency for Korean won before they leave for Korea.

The other advantage of buying your ticket in advance with Klook is that you can choose to pay in your home currency, which means no currency conversion or foreign transaction fees.

But, mostly, it’s very convenient and who doesn’t like to save a little bit of money.

Where Does the Train Stop?

The AREX Incheon Express train is just that. It’s an express train.

It starts at Incheon Airport and stops at Seoul Station. There are no stops in between. You get on and then get off again when it stops.

There is no chance of getting off at the wrong station, and you’re in the heart of Seoul when you get off.

Where Does the Train Arrive in Seoul?

The train from Incheon to Seoul arrives at Seoul Station.

Seoul Station is the main hub in Seoul, and you can get anywhere you want to go fairly easily from Seoul Station.

Subway lines 1 and 4 have stops at Seoul Station as well as tons of buses that go all over Seoul.

If Seoul isn’t your final destination, you can also jump on a intercity train and go anywhere in Korea including Busan, Gyeongju, Daegu, Daejeon, and many, many more cities.

Seoul Station is basically the heart and soul of the Seoul transportation system and one of the most convenient places to arrive when travelling from Incheon Airport to Seoul.

top tip

Make sure to have travel insurance before arriving in Korea

Tips for Taking the Train from Incheon to Seoul

Sit in your assigned seat. You have a seat number on your physical ticket. Sit in it. The train is normally full and everybody sits in their assigned seats.

Store your larger luggage in the luggage racks in each compartment and store the smaller bags above your head. There is limited space on the racks so don’t put something small and light that can easily be put overhead on the luggage racks.

Don’t talk or listen to music loudly. People don’t typically talk or listen to music loudly on public transportation in Korea. It’s disrespectful, and you’ll get a lot of annoyed looks.

There is no eating or drinking on the train.

Nobody will check your ticket on the train. You have to scan your ticket to get on the train, so they know you have a valid ticket when you’re on the train.

When you get off the train and transfer to the subway, there are only four ticket booths to buy tickets. There is often a long line to get a ticket. It’s a bit annoying, but there isn’t anything you can do about it. You can buy a T-Money card at a convenience store at Incheon Airport or at a vending machine near the train, but most people wait until they’re in central Seoul to do that. Partly because of convenience, partly to get a cuter T-Money card, and partly because the vending machine with T-Money cards is often out of order.

Who Should Take the Train from Incheon to Seoul Station?

Anybody who is staying at a hotel with stops along subway lines 1 or 4 should definitely take the train to Seoul Station from Incheon Airport.

It’s super convenient, and you don’t have to worry about switching subway lines. Just jump on the subway, get off at your station, and walk to your hotel.

You should also take the train if your hotel is within walking distance from Seoul Station.

If you arrive late at night or early in the morning when the buses aren’t running and don’t want to spend money on a taxi or private transport, then the train is your only option.

Finally, if you tend to get motion sick, the train is probably your best option. It’s typically a smoother ride than any of the options that take the road, and you know you won’t get stuck in traffic.

Who Shouldn’t Take the Train from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station

If you’re staying at a hotel that isn’t along either subway line 1 or 4, I think that taking a bus is probably a better option than the train.

Metro stations in Korea are huge. Sometimes it takes five or ten minutes to walk to the entrance gate from the entrance you took down to the station.

There are tons of stairs, and there aren’t always escalators. The subway cars themselves are often very busy. Even in the middle of the day. It can be hard to find a place to put your luggage that isn’t in someone’s way or feeling like you’re taking up too much room.

Plus you’ll probably be sweaty from the whole experience and lugging your luggage around.

Yes I’m talking from personal experience.

I also don’t think the train is the best option for people with mobility issues. Especially if you have to take the subway or bus afterwards to get to your hotel. The bus is more likely to get you closer to your hotel if you’re staying in central Seoul and a taxi or private transfer will drop you off right at the door.

Save money and buy your train ticket online in advance

Travelling from Incheon Airport to Seoul by Bus

The bus is my favourite way to travel from Incheon to Seoul. It’s very comfortable, and in most cases, it will drop you off within walking distance of your hotel. You don’t have to worry about taking the subway or a city bus to get to your hotel after you get off the airport bus.

The convenience of it is why I like the airport bus so much and why I choose to use it even though it is more expensive than the train.

Different Types of Airport Buses

There are two different types of airport buses that take you from Incheon Airport to Seoul. There are the city buses and a private bus company called KAL Limousine Bus.

They’re bot very similar in price.

For example, if you’re taking city bus 6015 from Incheon to Myeongdong, it costs 15,000 won (approximately $11.50USD) at the time of writing. If you take the private bus, it costs 16,000 won (approximately $12.25 USD) at the time of writing.

But, you can save 2,000 won on the price of your private bus if you purchase online in advance through Klook. With the discount, your private bus ticket actually ends up being less expensive than the city bus.

The city bus does go to more destinations than the private bus though. If you decide to use the private bus, be sure that it will drop you off near your hotel.

There are tons of places the private bus drops you off. If you’re staying in one of the most popular tourist areas, there is a super high chance that you’ll be dropped off within a few blocks of your hotel.

The other major difference between the city bus and the private bus is the experience. The private buses are much nicer. They have wider, more comfortable seats, and they hold fewer passengers. It’s a more luxury experience and more relaxing after a long flight.

How Long Does the Bus Take?

This is a bit of a difficult question to answer. Unlike the train, buses go all over Seoul, and where you’re getting dropped off impacts how long your trip is.

Here is an estimate of how long it will take you to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul by bus for the most popular tourist areas.

Myeongdong	75-90 minutes
Insadong	60-75 minutes
Hongdae	55-65 minutes
Gangnam	70-80 minutes
Itaewon	80-90 minutes
Jamsil	90-120 minutes

Buses typically leave Incheon Airport every 20 to 30 minutes depending what time of day it is.

At first look, it may seem like the bus takes longer than the train, but once you consider the fact that you likely have to get from Seoul Station to wherever you’re staying after you get off the train, the times are pretty similar.

top tip

Consider enrolling in Priority Pass to access amazing airport lounges if your credit card doesn’t give you lounge access.

When Do the Buses from Incheon Airport to Seoul Operate?

Unlike the train, buses don’t operate 24/7.

All the city buses start and end at different times. Most start between 5:30am and 6:30am. and end between 10:30pm and 11:30pm. There are a few night buses that run to Seoul Station and City Hall, but they’re few and far between. There is normally at least 2 hours between departures.

If you’re arriving late at night or early in the morning, the train is your best option.

The private bus has similar operating hours. They normally start operating around 5am and end around 11pm.

How Much Does a Bus Ticket Cost?

We talked about this a bit in the first part of the section on airport buses from Incheon to Seoul, but here’s a quick recap.

City buses cost between 9,000 won and 15,000 won depending on where you’re travelling to in Seoul. The private bus costs 16,000 won (or 14,000 won if you purchase in advance) no matter where you’re travelling to.

Tickets for the city bus can only be purchased when you arrive at Incheon Airport. There are kiosks throughout both terminal 1 and terminal 2. You can either purchase your ticket at a ticket machine or in person with an employee.

Be sure to know what bus number you need to take. Most hotels will say somewhere on their website what bus number you want to take from Incheon Airport to Seoul.

Tickets for the private bus can be purchased in advance. I highly recommend you purchase them in advance. It’s more convenient, and you save a little bit of money.

Where Does the Bus Arrive in Seoul?

Unlike the train, the bus makes many stops. Each bus is dedicated to go to a certain area in Seoul. It’ll drive straight to that area and then start making stops in that neighbourhood.

You have to ring the call button for the bus to stop. It doesn’t stop at every single stop.

I highly recommend you pre-purchase a pocket wifi egg rental that you can pick up at Incheon Airport and then use either Google Maps or Naver Maps to track your progress on the app to make sure you get off at the right stop.

If you don’t have access to the internet, it makes it difficult to know exactly where to get off. Especially if it’s your first time in Seoul or are arriving when it’s dark out.

I like renting pocket wifi when in Korea. It’s cheaper than installing an esim on your phone (I love esims, but they’re quite expensive in Korea for some reason), and more convenient than getting a local sim card and having to change out your home sim card for a local sim card.

If you’re visiting Busan, be sure to go to Gamcheon Culture Village!

Tips for Taking the Bus from Incheon to Seoul

Know what bus number you need to take before you arrive in Seoul. If you’re taking the private bus, know where to meet it and head right there. There will be clear instructions on your confirmation on where to get on the bus. Once there, you just scan the ticket on your phone and get on the bus.

Wear your seatbelt on the bus. The bus driver has always walked through the bus and checked that everybody has their seatbelt on when I’ve taken the bus in the past.

Don’t tip your driver. Tipping is common in a lot of countries, but tipping isn’t a part of Korean culture. It can actually be seen as rude. Just politely thank your driver when you get off.

Be sure to ring the call bell when you want to get off. The bus doesn’t stop at every stop along the route. It only stops when someone asks to get off the bus.

Buses will advertise that they have wifi on the bus, but from my experience, it isn’t reliable and often doesn’t work. I suggest picking up pocket wifi at the airport before getting on the bus and using it to make sure you get off at the right stop.

Keep the luggage tag the person who loads your luggage into the bottom of the bus gives you. The driver will confirm you take the right luggage when you get off the bus by checking the tag.

Who Should Take the Bus from Incheon to Seoul?

I know that this isn’t the most popular opinion, but I think taking the bus from Incheon Airport to Seoul is the best option for most people.

It’s a little bit more expensive than the train, but it drops you off within walking distance of your hotel most of the time. That’s a convenience I’m willing to pay for. Especially after a long flight when I’m flying from North America.

The buses are comfortable, your luggage is stored underneath the bus, and I find the seats more comfortable than the train.

I think the bus is worth the extra money compared to the train just because it is so convenient.

Who Should Not Take the Bus from Incheon to Seoul?

I know I just said that the bus is the best option for most people in my opinion, but there are some people who are better off taking a different form of transportation.

If you’re staying within walking distance of Seoul Station, take the train. If you’re travelling from Seoul directly to another city, take the train.

I would even say that if you’re hotel is along subway lines 1 or 4, you can choose whether you want to take the train or the bus. It’s your preference since it’s so easy to take the subway from Seoul Station on lines 1 and 4.

I would still personally take the bus, but it’s really your preference and budget at that point.

If you’re arriving at Incheon Airport late at night or early in the morning, the bus isn’t the best option for you. Take the train or a taxi/private transfer.

Finally, if budget isn’t a concern or you have mobility options and want to be dropped off right at your hotel door, take a taxi or private transfer.

Pre-book your KAL Limousine Bus ticket to save money

Travelling from Incheon Airport to Seoul by Private Transfer or Taxi

I’m lumping the next two options together since they’re very similar.

The final way you can travel from Incheon Airport to Seoul is by taking a private transfer or taxi.

They’re very similar in both price and convenience, but I tend to lean towards a private transfer when deciding between the two.

Private Transfer

The reasons I like private transfers is the convenience. You pay up front, so you know the price. You don’t have to worry about being stuck in traffic and the taxi meter running up.

The other thing that’s nice about private transfers is that someone will meet you right when you walk out of the luggage collection area. All those people you see holding signs that have names are people who are providing private transfers.

You don’t have to worry about navigating the airport and trying to find where the taxis pick you up. You just find the person holding your name, walk to them, and they’ll guide you the rest of the way.

Private transfers also typically have nicer and newer cars than taxis. They also often provide you with water.

If you’re looking to start your trip to Korea off in style a luxury, a private transfer is the way to go.

Another reason I like private transfers is because of the flat rate. No matter where you’re staying in Seoul, you pay the same price. This is a great deal if you’re staying somewhere like Itaewon or Gangnam that are a bit further away from Incheon than Myeongdong or Insadong.

Private transfers aren’t outrageously expensive compared to a typical taxi fare. Sometimes private transfers are wildly overpriced, but that isn’t the case in Seoul. You’ll probably pay a little bit more than getting a taxi at the airport, but you’re also getting a more luxurious experience and being picked up inside the airport.

You also don’t have to worry about having cash or worrying about whether your foreign credit card will work in the taxi.

You don’t need to tip your driver when you arrive at your destination.

Book your private transfer here

Taxi

Taking a taxi in a foreign county can sometimes be stressful. You never know if the driver is going to try to scam you or charge you more than they should.

Luckily, that isn’t something you need to worry about in Korea!

Korean taxi drivers are some of the nicest and most honest people. I’ve used taxis quite a bit in Korea and have never had an issue.

One time I even had a taxi driver call the hotel front desk and have someone walk to the taxi and then walk with me back to the hotel because the hotel was in an area where cars weren’t allowed, and the driver didn’t want me to get lost.

There are foreigner exclusive taxis at the airport, so you’ll want to watch out for the signs for that when in the taxi area. There are lots of people who are there to help you and make sure you get to where you need to go.

The foreigner exclusive taxis are known to be honest and have a very good reputation. They’re also there because foreigners cannot use the app locals use to call a taxi.

The prices are the same, and you’re not being charged more to use the foreigner exclusive taxi. They’re there to make the lives of tourists easier and for foreigners to have a good experience when they first land in Seoul.

Just be sure to watch and make sure the fare goes up when you start driving. I’ve never had a taxi driver in Korea not start the meter, but it’s good to just make sure and double check.

You don’t need to tip your driver when you get out of the taxi.

Final Thoughts

This post has become rather lengthy. I wanted to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best choice for you.

Here’s a quick summary of the article to help you out:

Train	43 minutes	9,500 won	Buy ticket in advanc e to save
City Bus	60-120 minutes	9,000-15,000 won	Buy ticket only on arrival
KAL Limousine Bus	60-120 minutes	16,000 won	Buy ticket in advanc e to save
Private Transfer	45-60 minutes	68,000 won	Book here
Taxi	45-60 minutes	65,000-90,000 won	Only on arrival

I’ve tried all these methods on my various trip to South Korea. I prefer taking the bus because it drops me off super close to my hotel.

That being said, you can’t go wrong with any of these options. Seoul and Incheon Airport have put a lot of thought and effort into making getting from Incheon Airport to Seoul easy and convenient.

July 25, 2023July 25, 2023

Is Antalya Worth Visiting Alone? An Honest Guide

Antalya is one of the most popular cities in Turkey for tourists to visit, but is Antalya worth visiting or is your time best spent somewhere else?

Most people who visit Turkey visit Istanbul and Cappadocia and don’t explore the rest of the country. That’s a shame because Turkey has so much to offer.

If you only have a short time in Turkey and want to add a third city to your itinerary, I think Antalya is the perfect choice.

It’s very different from Istanbul and Cappadocia and gives you a taste of the beaches and water Turkey is famous for. Antalya also has a rich archeological and history you can learn about.

I also think Antalya is a great place to start if you’re doing a trip up the west coast of Turkey like I did in 2022.

So, no whether you’re only in Turkey for a short period of time or a month or two, the answer to the question is Antalya worth visiting is yes.

top tip

Make sure you have travel insurance before arriving in Antalya.

Why Antalya is Worth Visiting

Okay. I’ve told you the answer to the question is Antalya worth visiting is yes, but now I should defend that answer.

Antalya is the biggest and most popular destination on the west coast of Turkey. This means you not only have access to some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, but it is also very friendly to tourists.

There is excellent tourist infrastructure, great public transportation, museums, and a major airport. Many tourist cities near the beaches don’t have airport access, and you need to land in Antalya and take a bus to them.

Antalya is Beautiful

Antalya is also just one of the most stunningly beautiful cities in Turkey. The old town is breathtaking, and the cities has multiple levels to it, which means the photography is unbeatable.

The main road outside the old city (near the tram station) is elevated from the old city. You walk along it for a few minutes and then get the famous view of the beach and ocean from above.

You know. The famous photos that make people add Antalya to their bucket list.

There is a Variety of Things to Do

One of my favourite things about Antalya is that there is something for everybody. There is the water and beaches, archeology sites, waterfalls, shopping, one of the most beautiful old towns in Turkey, nightlife, and a modern city to explore.

No matter what your interests are, there is something for you.

I’m not a beach girly. In fact, I hate the water and the beach, and I spent four days in Antalya exploring everything else it had to offer and wasn’t bored for a second.

I’m a museum girly and loved the Antalya Archeology Museum. It was one of the best museums I went to in Turkey. I highly recommend you take a half day and visit it!

Another of my favourite things to do in Antalya is visiting Duden Falls. I visited in October, and there wasn’t a ton of water flowing through the falls. They were still fantastic, and I can only imagine how much better they are when there is more water running through them.

top tip

Install an esim on your phone to easily access the internet while exploring Antalya.

Top Things to do in Antalya

Antalya Archeology Museum

Wander through the Old Town

Visit Hadrian’s Gate

Go paragliding

Try white water rafting

Have a traditional Turkish bath experience

Relax on Lara Beach

Visit Republic Square

Explore the water in a submarine

Walk along the marina

Get lost in the bazaar

Take a boat and explore an island

It’s Easy to Navigate

One of the best parts of Antalya is that it is super easy to navigate. Not only is there a major airport in the city, but there is also a comprehensive tram network. Plus it’s a very walkable city.

The only time I used public transportation was from the airport, to the bus station, and to Duden Falls. The rest of the time I was easily able to walk wherever I wanted to go.

I didn’t go to the cable car. You’d have to either go on a tour or take public transportation if you wanted to experience it. It isn’t walkable from the Old Town.

Why You May Not Want to Visit Antalya

I’ve argued so far that the answer to the question is Antalya worth visiting is yes, but Antalya may not be the right fit for everybody.

There’s a lot to love about Antalya. It’s one of the best cities in Turkey for tourists for a reason.

That being said, Antalya wasn’t my favourite city in Turkey. It was about middle of the road for me. Granted, I visited some of the best places in Turkey like Ephesus, so it’s pretty much impossible to be at the top of my list.

The only downfall to Antalya in my eyes is just how touristy it is. Especially in the Old Town. Old Town are always super touristy, but the Old Town in Antalya is next level.

Don’t get my wrong. The Old Town in Antalya is stunning. It’s absolutely gorgeous, but it just loses a little bit of it’s charm when you’re walking around and seeing burger joints and pubs rather than Turkish restaurants that you’d typically see in other Old Towns in Turkey.

It definitely felt more like it was curated for the foreign tourist rather than other Old Towns that felt like they were made for Turkish tourists and foreign tourists.

I hope that makes sense.

Now, just because it’s a little more focused on foreign tourists doesn’t mean Antalya isn’t worth visiting.

I think the pros of Antalya widely outweigh the cons of Antalya.

I really recommend you spend some time outside the Old Town wandering through the modern city to get a better idea of what Antalya is really like.

You should also take the time to find a good place to eat that has good reviews and no mention of being scammed in the reviews.

Read my full article on safety in Antalya to learn about food scams in the city

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Days Should I Spend in Antalya?

I recommend 3-4 days in Antalya. That gives you enough time to see all the major tourist attractions without being rushed.

Where Should I Stay?

I recommend staying in the Old Town. You’ll pay a little bit more than staying in the modern part of the city, but it’s more convenient and walkable to stay in the Old Town.

Is Antalya Expensive?

It’s hard to say whether or not Antalya is expensive because what expensive means to me may be affordable to you and vice versa.

That being said, Antalya is the most affordable city when comparing Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya. It isn’t the cheapest city I visited during my month in Turkey.

I paid about $35USD/night for a hotel right in the heart of the Old City. You can find cheaper hotels and more expensive hotels, but, overall, I would say compared to a lot of places in the world, Antalya is very affordable.

In fact, I found Turkey to be more affordable than Southeast Asia.

The thing that is going to be more expensive in Antalya is the food. I found Antalya had some of the highest prices for food in Turkey. Antalya and Bodrum. Probably because they’re tourist resort towns right on the water.

How to Get from the Airport to the Old Town

Luckily, Antalya has a tram line directly at the airport. You have to leave the airport building and walk a little bit to the left past a parking lot, but it’s super easy to find.

You’ll take the Antray Tram line all the way to the Old Town. The tram doesn’t go into the Old Town, but it gets you very close. Within walking distance of the Old Town.

If you don’t want to bother with the tram, you can pre-book an airport shuttle to drop you off at your hotel. It’s super affordable and convenient.

The airport shuttle is honestly what I’d recommend to my friends and family who were visiting Turkey for the first time and/or weren’t confident navigating from the tram station to their hotel.

The convenience of being dropped off right at your hotel door is hard to beat. Plus you know exactly what you’re going to pay and don’t have to worry about being scammed by a taxi driver.

Plus the shuttle is super affordable and won’t break the bank.

The Importance of Internet Safety

One of the most overlooked travel safety tips is the need to be internet safe. You rely on public wifi as a traveller, and that puts you at a high risk of having your personal online information stolen.

Even if you have an esim on your phone, you still rely on public wifi at your hotel (you’d burn through your data otherwise).

Trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to have your online information stolen. Especially your banking information. You don’t want to deal with the headache of calling your bank and having your card cancelled while you’re abroad trying to enjoy a holiday.

The only way you can be internet safe when you travel is by installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially puts an invisible forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to access your online information. It makes using public wifi just as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

It’s the simplest safety measure you can take in preparation for your trip to Antalya.

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of different VPNs over my many years of travel. I hated most of them. VPNs are notorious for slowing down your internet speed, and with most VPNs you really feel a difference in speed.

I used to turn off my VPN and put my online information at risk just because the VPN I was using was so slow I couldn’t handle it.

That all changed when I discovered NordVPN. I’ve been using it since 2018 have no thoughts of ever changing.

It consistently ranks as the fastest VPN on the market, and you really feel a difference in speed compared to other VPNs. I’ve honestly never noticed a slow down in my internet with NordVPN, and my internet is just as fast as if I were using it unprotected.

You’re able to protect up to six devices with a single NordVPN account, so you don’t have to worry about having different accounts to protect your phone versus your laptop versus a tablet.

A two-year NordVPN subscription costs less per month than a single Starbuck’s latte, so you don’t have to break the bank to stay internet safe.

I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect yourself with a VPN and stay safe when travelling.

top Pick

NordVPN

Get the fastest VPN on the market and stay safe while travelling.

Get the Best Price

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped answer the question is Antalya worth visiting. In my opinion, it is 100% worth visiting Antalya.

It’s the gateway to the stunning west coast beaches Turkey is famous for. Even if you only have a short time in Turkey, it’s worth adding Antalya to your itinerary.

Chances are it’ll be much different from the cities you’re already planning on visiting. It’ll gives you a different taste of Turkey and a different experience from the other most popular tourist cities.

Even though Antalya is very much a tourist city, it’s still worth visiting. Plus the tourist infrastructure makes it the perfect city for new travellers or solo travellers.

I don’t know anybody who has visited Antalya and didn’t have a good time. I hope you enjoy it if you choose to add it to your Turkey itinerary!

July 12, 2023August 3, 2023

Is Lisbon Safe for Solo Female Travellers?!

Lisbon is Portugal’s capital city and is quickly becoming a hot tourist destination in Europe. With it’s rising popularity, and lot of people wonder is Lisbon safe? And is Lisbon safe for solo female travellers?

I’ve been to Lisbon as a solo female traveller and have first-hand experience on what it’s like to travel Lisbon alone.

I’m very happy to report that Lisbon is a very safe city. All of Portugal is very safe.

Even though Lisbon is the capital city, it doesn’t have the same feeling as other capital cities. It feels a bit like a cozy town where you know your neighbours and go about your daily life without any worries.

That being said, there are a few safety things you should know before visiting Lisbon. We’ll get to those later on in the article.

For now, all you need to know is that the answer to the question is Lisbon safe is 100% yes. It’s a great city for new solo travellers to feel comfortable and gain confidence.

Is Lisbon Safe?

Just in case you skimmed the first part of this article (I don’t blame you), I want to reiterate that Lisbon is safe. Lisbon is safe for solo travellers, female travellers, and for members of the LBTQIA+ community.

So, if Lisbon is on your bucket list, you can book a trip there without worrying about your safety!

top tip

Install an esim on your phone for easy and affordable data when abroad!

Lisbon Safety Tips

Lisbon is safe, but there are a few minor safety tips you should know before visiting Lisbon. Most of these are generic things you should know about before you travel anywhere in the world.

There are some places where you need to be aware of certain scams before going (like Istanbul for example), but that isn’t the case with Lisbon. There isn’t any location-specific safety tips you need.

Just common sense and being aware of your surroundings.

Pick Pockets are Your Biggest Worry

Just like every other major city in the world, you have to be aware of pick pockets in Lisbon. Be careful when in the popular tourist areas and even more careful if you decide to ride Tram 28. It’s crowded and easy pickings for pick pockets.

Luckily, it’s pretty easy to discourage pick pockets from targeting you.

The best thing you can do is not store anything in your pockets. Keep your belongs in your bag if you’re carrying one. Then keep your bag on your side angled forward or in front of your body.

This makes it extremely difficult for pick pockets to get inside your bag and most won’t even try to.

You also need to be aware of your surroundings and look confident. Pick pockets want to target people who are distracted and not paying attention. If you have your head on a swivel and are visibly paying attention to where you are, pick pockets should leave you alone.

There are Lots of Hills and Steps

This may sound like a weird thing to include in an article answering the question is Lisbon safe, but hear me out.

I think most people who are thinking of going to Lisbon know that it’s hilly and there are lots of stairs. Almost every TikTok you watch about Lisbon includes this information.

But, even the internet doesn’t prepare you for just how many hills and stairs there are. This is a major problem for people with mobility issues.

It can also be dangerous for people without mobility issues. It’s so easy to accidentally twist an ankle when walking around Lisbon, and you’ll be walking a lot.

Wear supportive footwear like runners rather than flats or wedges. I know it’s not as stylish, but you don’t want to twist an ankle on the first day and not be able to walk the rest of your trip just because you were wearing the wrong shoes.

There is also lots of cobblestone streets in Lisbon. They’re absolutely beautiful, but they can also be a bit dangerous. They’re not even, so you have to watch where you step. One wrong step could end with a twisted ankle.

Just be sure to watch where you’re walking when you’re out and about in Lisbon. If you have mobility issues, you may want to rely more on public transportation than you might otherwise.

I took my older parents to Lisbon, and we used the Yellow Bus hop on hop off bus tour. It took us everywhere we need to go, was affordable, and cut down on most of the walking required. It’s a great option to look into when in Lisbon.

If you want a more unique way to see Lisbon, consider taking a tuk tuk tour!

top tip

The Hop On Hop Off bus in Lisbon is well worth the money. The Yellow Bus company has the best routes in my opinion.

Internet Safety is Key

One of the most overlooked travel safety concerns is not taking internet safety seriously. You rely on public wifi when you travel. Even if you have an esim on your phone, which I highly recommend, you still rely on public wifi at your hotel at a minimum.

Using public wifi puts you at high risk. There is a higher chance of someone stealing your personal online information because tons of people are using the same public wifi as you. Even if there is a password on the public wifi, you’re still at risk. Anyone with that password can steal your online information if they want to.

Trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to be dealing with cancelling bank cards while abroad because someone stole your banking information because you weren’t being internet safe. It’s a headache at the best of times and a nightmare when travelling abroad.

The only way you can keep your online data safe while using public wifi is by installing a VPN on your devices.

It essentially puts a virtual forcefield around your devices that prevent prying eyes from being able to access your personal information.

A VPN makes using public wifi as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

Installing a VPN on your devices is one of the easiest safety precautions you can take. It takes five minutes to install, and you can sleep soundly knowing that your personal information is safe.

I personally use NordVPN and love it. It’s the fastest VPN on the market, and you don’t feel like your internet is slower when your VPN is turned on. That’s not the case with most VPNs. Most VPNs slow down your internet speed significantly and are frustrating to use.

A two-year NordVPN subscription costs less per month than a single Starbuck’s latte. It’s a small price to pay for all the peace of mind and security that comes with it.

I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect yourself with a VPN.

top Pick

NordVPN

Get the fastest, most reliable VPN on the market and keep your personal data safe while travelling.

Get the Best Price

Know Local Scams

Most cities in the world have scams that target tourists, and Lisbon is no exception. But does that change the answer to the question is Lisbon safe?

No really.

Just because there are a few scams in Lisbon that target tourists, that doesn’t mean that Lisbon isn’t safe.

In fact, when you compare it to a lot of other popular tourist destinations in Europe (like Italy or France), there aren’t really that many scams tourists need to be aware of.

You can read a complete article about the top tourist scams in Lisbon here, but below is a quick rundown of the most common scams you need to be aware of.

Appetizers being brought to your table automatically without telling you there is a charge for them. If something you didn’t ask for is brought to your table, be sure to ask if it is free or not.

Someone coming up and asking if you want to sign a petition. There are a couple different ways this scam operates, but all you need to know is that you politely say no thank you and walk away.

The picture scam. Someone will offer to take your picture for a couple of Euro, take a bunch of pictures, and then charge you per picture taken. It ends up costing you a lot of money.

A basic rule of thumb is what if someone comes up to you and offers to do you a favour or help you in exchange for a small amount of money, it’s likely a scam. You’ll end up paying far more than you originally thought, and once the scam has started, it’s hard to get out of it.

Just be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut. If something seems a little bit off, trust your instinct and walk away.

Indulge in local cuisine on Lisbon’s top-rated food tour

Make Sure You Have Health Insurance

We already had a brief discussion on how the answer to the question is Lisbon safe can be no if you’re walking around carelessly, but we need to talk about the importance of having travel health insurance when travelling to Lisbon.

Lisbon has a great medical system, but they don’t offer free medical treatment to travellers. You’re required to pay for all your medical treatment if you end up getting hurt. Whether it’s to get an x-ray on a sprained ankle, hospital treatment, or anywhere in between, it’s your responsibility to pay for this.

That’s pretty standard in most places in the world. Even if a country has free healthcare for citizens and residents, tourists are on their own.

You may have travel medical insurance through your health insurance at work. Most work policies (at least in Canada and the United States) provide travel coverage for up to 30 days.

If you don’t have travel insurance through your work, you’ll have to purchase it on your own. I purchase my travel insurance through Safety Wing. It’s a company that specializes in travel insurance and has the best long-term travel coverage on the market.

You also look at purchasing your travel insurance through your bank, car insurance company, or company like AAA, AMA, CAA. They all offer affordable travel insurance but often make it difficult and time consuming to make a claim.

So there is definitely trade of between a dedicated travel insurance company and getting your travel insurance through a large company that doesn’t specialize in travel insurance.

I don’t really care where you get your travel insurance as long as you get travel insurance and protect yourself!

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped answer the question is Lisbon safe. More importantly, I hope it helped you better understand that Lisbon is a very safe city. There isn’t really any danger or risk in going to Lisbon.

You just need to use some common sense, and you’ll be alright.

Lisbon is a pretty laid back and relaxed city. Most people are just going about their everyday business and don’t bother tourists.

Lisbon is a beautiful city, and Portugal as a country is quickly becoming a more popular tourist destination. Be sure to get there quickly before it really blows up into a hugely popular tourist spot.

July 8, 2023July 8, 2023

What I Wish I Knew Before Backpacking Turkey Alone

I spent a month backpacking Turkey in 2022 and LOVED it. Turkey quickly became one of my favourite countries, and I already started planning my next trip there before I even left.

Even though my solo trip to Turkey was amazing, there are still a few things I wish I knew before backpacking Turkey. Things that would have made my trip go a little bit smoother or save me time or money.

So if you’re planning a trip to Turkey (which I’m assuming you are since you’re reading this article), I hope the information in this post helps you avoid making the same mistakes I made on my first trip to Turkey.

Just because there are things I wish I knew before backpacking Turkey doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go to Turkey!

It’s hard to describe just how beautiful and friendly Turkey is. It’s the type of the place you have to see to believe. Especially places like Ephesus and Antalya.

Turkey truly is one of the most underrated countries in the world and doesn’t get as much love as it deserves.

Anyways, you’re not here to listen to me gush about Turkey. You’re here to learn how to prepare better for your trip to Turkey!

So, here are all the things I wish I knew before backpacking Turkey. Hopefully they’re of some help to you!

Tips for planning your first solo trip

Intercity Buses are Always Late

I relied on intercity buses to get between cities while backpacking Turkey. I quickly learned that even though they normally leave on time, they don’t seem to get to their destination on time.

I never had an intercity bus arrive at the destination anywhere near the time it was supposed to.

The most on time bus I was on was an hour late. The latest was 5 hours. It was painful. What was supposed to be a 5 hour bus ride turned into a 10 hour bus ride. People were not pleased at all.

I’m not entirely sure why the intercity buses would arrive at their destination later than scheduled. There didn’t seem to be any unscheduled stops or super long stops at bus stations along the way.

It’s not really a big deal that the buses run late as long as you’re aware of it an plan for it. Here are a few tips:

Take the first bus of the day if you’re on a long bus ride. This will ensure you have a better chance of arriving in your next city while it’s still daylight.

Don’t plan anything for right when you’re scheduled to arrive in your next city. Allow at least two to three hours of leeway before you have any plans.

Make sure you bring water, snacks, and entertainment for the bus. I have Libby and rent audiobooks from my library!

Most buses has a two by one seating arrangement. If you can get a single seat, your bus journey will be so much more comfortable.

I found the buses in Turkey to be quite comfortable. They have big, cozy seats, and you don’t feel squished.

They’re also extremely affordable and in my opinion the best way to travel around Turkey. That is, of course, you’re only in Turkey for a few days and travelling long distances. Then flying is probably the way to go.

top tip

Install an esim on your phone, so you can scroll the internet or watch YouTube during your bus rides.

Turkish People are Super Friendly, but it Could Also be a Scam

Turkish people are super friendly. Hotel workers, shop owners, restaurant servers. Everybody I met in Turkey was just the nicest.

However, there is a bit of a downside to that as well.

With the Turkish people being so nice, it may lure you into a false sense of confidence that everybody is super nice and friendly and just wants to say hi.

That’s true for most people, but there are a few people who have decided to use how friendly Turkish people are and turn it into a scam.

Luckily, it’s super easy to figure out who is likely scamming you and who is just being friendly and helpful.

If someone offers to tour you around their favourite parts of the city, that’s likely a scam. They’ll end up taking you to a carpet shop and try to pressure you into purchasing an expensive carpet.

The people who do this (in my experience) are often older men who seem very friendly and helpful. When someone tried doing this to me in Selçuk, he saw me walking from the bus stop to my hotel. He asked where I was staying (I didn’t tell him) and tried to continue making conversation.

Later that day, I walked by him again on my way to dinner, and he once again tried to strike up a conversation with me. Giving me tips and information on the city and Ephesus. Then he invited me in to learn about how he makes carpets in a traditional way.

So, if a random person comes up to you on the street and starts making small talk, just assume they’re trying to sell you something.

The people you’d meet in normal circumstances like people at cafes or shops who are being friendly are just nice people!

It’s pretty easy to figure out who may be trying to scam you and who is just nice.

Learn more about common Turkish scams here

There are Lots of Places You Don’t Have to Barter

Almost every blog post I read before backpacking Turkey told me that I’d have to barter for any souvenirs I wanted.

I don’t like to barter. I avoid it at all costs and do everything in my power to avoid it. I thought based on what I was reading that I’d have to barter in Turkey.

That definitely wasn’t the case.

I had no trouble finding souvenirs that didn’t require any bartering. If you enjoy bartering, there are lots of places you can do that, but if you’re like me and hate it, there are also lots of places that you can just pay the sticker price.

Here are some of my best tips for finding places you don’t have to barter:

Purchase souvenirs at museum gift shops or at tourist attractions. This may sound weird because those places are normally very overpriced, but that wasn’t the case in Turkey. I found more unique souvenirs at museum gift shops than in most places in Turkey, and they didn’t break the bank.

Avoid souks and markets. You’re pretty much guaranteed to have to barter there.

Take a peak in the shop windows. If you see prices, then you likely don’t have to barter.

If you walk into a store or stall where you realize you have to barter and you don’t want to, just walk out. The store owner may call at you trying to get you to stay, but you’re under no obligation to stay.

Don’t purchase souvenirs at the airport. You won’t have to barter, but they’re significantly more expensive than outside the airport. Probably the highest markup I’ve ever seen at an airport.

The Cities are Very Walkable

Every single city I visited in Turkey was extremely walkable. This includes Istanbul. I only took public transportation twice in Istanbul. Once to get from the bus station to my hotel and to get to the Asian side of Istanbul and back to the European side.

You can get most places in Turkey with your own two feet and not have to rely on public transportation. I even walked from my hotel to Ephesus in about 30 minutes!

The only outlier to the walkability of Turkey is the bus stations. They tend to be way out of the main part of town, and you can’t walk to wherever you’re staying. I typically took a taxi rather than the bus because it was faster, more convenient, and still very affordable.

So, make sure you have your walking shoes packed when backpacking Turkey because you’ll be using them a lot.

I’m by no means complaining. I love walking and try to avoid public transit as much as possible when I travel. Turkey was a dream. It was so dreaming walking around the old streets and see all the architecture.

You always see way more by walking than when taking public transportation.

top tip

Make sure you have travel insurance before your trip to Turkey

Cash Always Preferred

I took out enough cash for my entire trip backpacking Turkey before I left Canada, so the love of cash over cards in Turkey wasn’t an issue for me.

I did, however, see lots of tourists scrambling to find an ATM machine or bank because the merchant they were purchasing from didn’t accept credit cards.

Many stores and restaurants in major cities like Istanbul and Antalya accept credit cards. It is less common in smaller cities and in souks or markets.

I highly recommend you always have cash on you when travelling in Turkey. You don’t want to be in a situation where you can’t pay for your food or entrance ticket just because you don’t have cash.

I had about 14,000 Lira (approximately $525 USD) with me for my month backpacking Turkey in 2023. It was more than enough for restaurants, entry fees, grocery store snack runs, transportation, and taxis. I even ended up spending a lot of money on Turkish towels the day before I left because I had a lot of cash left over.

Note: This is just what I spent in 2023. Please don’t use it to base your information off of. Inflation is high in Turkey right now, and you may travel and spend differently than I do.

Moral of the story is bring some cash to Turkey. You’ll need it.

Turkish Delight is the Most Addicting Thing Ever

I never had Turkish delight before visiting Turkey. The two things I knew about it was the little boy in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was willing to betray his family for them and that Lorelei and Rory in Gilmore Girls hated them.

Two very polarizing opinions.

I had no idea what to expect when it came to Turkish delight. I was honestly a bit nervous about trying them because they seem like a love it or hate it item.

Let me be the first one to tell you that Turkish delight is incredible. You’ll become obsessed with it and want it all the time. It is so flavourful and light and just delicious. Leave room in your suitcase to bring some home!

My favourites are from Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir in Istanbul. They’re the oldest Turkish delight makers in the country, and you can’t beat the flavour of them. They’re also very affordable as well.

I would try to stay away from the ones being sold by street vendors that are six packages for a couple of dollars. They tend to be lower quality and won’t give you the best impression of Turkish delight.

But even those are way better than what you’ll likely find in your home country.

Please just promise me you won’t leave Turkey without trying Turkish delight. Unless you have an allergy of course!

You can probably tell that I’m very passionate about Turkish delight and dream about them all the time seeing as I’ve dedicated a whole section to it in this article that’s supposed to be about backpacking Turkey and not how amazing Turkish delight are.

Take a food tour in Istanbul

Some Tourist Attractions are Quite Expensive

I honestly don’t quite understand the pricing at tourist attractions in Turkey.

Some of them are extremely affordable like Ephesus (they should really be charging more for it). Some entry fees are super expensive like Troy and Dolmabahce Palace are more expensive than they should be.

I suggest you bring a fair amount of cash with you on the days you visit tourist attractions that have an entry fee. You never really know what the entrance fee will be until you get there.

You may be thinking just Google the entrance fee. That seems logical, but from my experience, what is listed online isn’t always correct. The internet said the entrance fee to Troy was one price, and when I got there, it was twice the price listed online.

Gotta love inflation!

So, be prepared to be surprised about how much some tourist attractions cost. Sometimes you’ll feel like you’re getting a good deal. Sometimes you’ll feel like you’re overpaying.

It all balances out in the end, and this is likely your only time backpacking Turkey, so you may as well do what you want and not have regrets when you get home.

Try paragliding in Antalya

The Museum Pass is Istanbul is Worth it

I normally think that the museum or city passes are a bit of scam. You rarely get your money’s worth out of them.

That isn’t the case with the Istanbul museum pass. It is 100% worth the money, and I highly recommend everybody consider getting it on their trip to Turkey.

Heck the entrance fee to Topkapi Palace is about half the cost of the museum pass in one single attraction.

You have to be very careful when buying your museum pass though!

There are two different passes you can get in Istanbul. The museum pass that gets you entry to 10 different museums and Topkapi Palace. And the Istanbul pass that gives you access to something like 85 different attractions in Istanbul.

You want to purchase the museum pass not the Istanbul pass.

At the time of writing, the museum pass is 700 Lira (approximately $26 USD).

You used to be able to purchase the museum pass online and have it delivered to your hotel when you arrived in Istanbul, but that stopped during Covid.

Now you have to purchase the museum pass in person when you’re in Istanbul. Luckily, it’s very easy to purchase.

There are museum pass stalls all over Istanbul near the popular tourist attractions. Especially the attractions included in the museum pass.

I purchased mine right near Hagia Sophia. The location was surprisingly very quiet compared to the one near Galata Tower. If you’re able to, I’d recommend purchasing your museum pass there.

Your museum pass is valid for 5 days after purchase and allows you entry to the 10 locations once.

My favourite museum included in the museum pass was Great Palace Mosaics Museum. I highly recommend you take half hour out of your day to visit it!

Taxis are Very Affordable

I’m from Canada, and taxis here are very expensive. Since that’s what I’m used to, I kind of think of taxis as a luxury and not something that should be used on a regular basis.

That’s not the case in Turkey.

Taxis are very affordable in Turkey. That’s a good thing since bus stations tend to be located quite a distance out of town, and you might not want to wait an hour or so to catch a bus.

If you need to get somewhere quickly in Turkey or don’t want to wait for a bus, you can take a taxi without breaking the bank. It’s quite nice to know you can rely on taking a taxi without stressing about how much it’s going to cost you. A nice luxury indeed.

I found the taxi drivers to be very helpful and didn’t really have an issue with being scammed, which is always a bit of a concern as a solo female traveller.

The only time I got mildly scammed was my ride to the Istanbul airport, but that was only for a couple of dollars. Not a big deal in the whole big scheme of things.

Just make sure the taxi driver turns on the meter and that the meter actually starts counting upwards.

Turkey is More Affordable than I Thought it Would be

All the blogs I read in preparation for backpacking Turkey told me that Turkey was affordable. I took that with a grain of salt because they were written before Covid, and I knew Turkey was dealing with a major inflation problem.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Turkey was a lot more affordable than I thought it would be. Even when I was in Istanbul and ate in a touristy area where the prices are always way higher, the prices were still very reasonable.

In a lot of cases, I found Turkey more affordable than some Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and even Cambodia.

It is definitely a country you want to visit if you’re on a budget and love history. Even if you’re not on a budget, it’s always nice to have your money stretch a little more than you thought it would.

I found that if I took information from a 2019 budget guide, I could often expect to pay about 50% more for food. That was in 2022 at least. Prices have probably increased a bit since then as well.

Even though the prices have increased a fair amount in the past couple of years, it’s still very affordable in Turkey compared to other nearby countries and especially Europe.

top tip

Leaving a 10% to 15% tip at restaurants in Turkey is customary.

You Need Your Passport for More than You’d Think

In most countries you need your passport to check into hotels and into flights, and that’s pretty much it. China’s a big exception to this rule, but, in general, you don’t really need your passport all that often when you travel.

Turkey is also an exception to this rule. I found myself pulling out my passport way more than I normally have to when I travel.

You need your passport to book bus and train tickets and sometimes even to purchase entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

The most strange thing is that oftentimes my passport number was the login for the wifi. This meant I had to wait quite a while before I could access the internet in my room (that wasn’t an issue since I had an esim) and that I ended up memorizing my passport number. That is not something I ever thought would happen.

Be sure to carry your passport on you when backpacking Turkey. You never know when you might need it.

The Importance of Internet Safety

One of the most important travel safety tips that most people ignore or don’t know about. You rely on public wifi when you travel. Even if you have an esim (highly recommend!), you’ll still be using public wifi at your hotel at a minimum.

Public wifi puts you at risk of having your personal online information and data stolen. Even if it has a password on it, everybody else who knows the password is able to access the internet. Anybody who wants to and knows how can access your online data.

Trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to deal with cancelling your bank cards while abroad because someone stole your banking information. It’s a headache I don’t wish on anybody.

The only way to keep your online information safe when using public wifi is by installing a VPN on your devices.

It essentially puts a forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to access your online information.

A VPN makes using public wifi networks just as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

Its’ the easiest and quickest safety precaution you can take when travelling!

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of different VPNs over my many years of travel. VPNs are notorious for slowing down your devices and making the internet painfully slow. A lot of the time I would turn off my VPN and put my information at risk just because the VPN was slowing down the internet so much.

All that changed when I started using NordVPN. It’s the quickest VPN on the market. I’ve never noticed any internet slowdown and forget I’m using a VPN most of the time. It just feels like I’m scrolling the internet like normal.

Not only is it the fastest and most reliable VPN out there, but it’s also super affordable. You can install NordVPN on up to six devices on a single subscription, so you can protect all your devices for one price.

The price per month of a two-year subscription is less than a single Starbuck’s latte!

I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online information with a VPN.

top Pick

NordVPN

Get the fastest and most reliable VPN on the market!

Get the Best Price

My Favourite Things I Did While in Turkey

once in a lifetime

Visit Ephesus (one of the highlights of my life)

skip the line

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets

adventure

Try White Water Rafting in Antalya

relaxation

Take an Island Boat Tour in Bodrum

history buff

Guided Gallipoli Tour in Çanakkale

history buff

Blue Mosque Guided Tour

Conclusion

I really hope this article helped you decide whether backpacking Turkey is right for you or not. I love Turkey and really want to encourage more people to visit it.

It’s one of the most beautiful and historically rich countries on the planet!

Turkey is also extremely safe and a great place to start exploring as a solo traveller. It’s easy to get around, affordable, and full of bucket list experiences.

I know a lot of people just visit Istanbul and Cappadocia, but I encourage you to spend more time in Turkey and explore some of the less popular tourist areas. You won’t regret it!

July 4, 2023July 4, 2023

Is Istanbul Safe for Solo Travellers?!

Istanbul is quickly becoming a more and more popular tourist destination. Many people wonder is Istanbul safe? And is Istanbul safe for solo female travellers?

I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Istanbul and travelling around Turkey as a solo female traveller.

I can honestly say that I never felt unsafe in Istanbul. In fact, I felt more safe in Istanbul that I have in many other cities. And definitely more safe at night than in Paris.

But is Istanbul safe just because I found it safe? I’m an experienced white solo female traveller, so travelling alone is objectively easier and safer for me than for some other groups of people.

I’m going to take your through my experience travelling alone in Istanbul and give you some safety tips, so you can decide if Istanbul is safe for you or not.

Is Istanbul Safe?

Just in case you skimmed the intro to this post (I really can’t blame you), I was to reiterate that Istanbul, in my opinion, is very safe. It’s a huge metropolis and most people are just trying to get on with their day and make a living.

Most of the time when I told people I was going to Turkey alone for an extended period of time, people were horrified. The first question they always asked was related to safety in some way or another.

I think there is some prejudice from people about the part of the world Turkey is in. Most people will never see Turkey or a country with a majority Muslim population. People are scared of what they don’t know, and, let’s be honest, as a Canadian, there is a lot of propaganda being fed to us about Muslim majority countries.

Turkey is a secular country by the way.

In some ways I understand why people ask is Istanbul safe. Especially when you’re travelling there alone.

That’s probably why you’re Googling whether Istanbul is safe or dangerous and reading this article.

You can sleep easy knowing that Istanbul is safe for tourists. It has a great tourism infrastructure, is very walkable, and there are always tons of other tourists around in case you need to blend in and not look alone for a minute or two for any reason.

That doesn’t mean that nothing could go wrong on your solo trip to Istanbul. Of course things could go wrong, but you really only have to worry about the normal tourist traps and scams like everywhere else in the world.

Later on in this article I’m going to give you a few safety tips and tricks to make sure you’re safe while travelling Istanbul solo. First I’m going to answer a few other top safety questions that most people ask me when I talk about travelling alone in Turkey.

Is Istanbul Airport Safe?

I’m always surprised by the number of people who question whether the Istanbul airport is safe. It’s such an odd question to me. It’s a huge hub airport. Of course it’s safe!

In fact, it’s one of my favourite airports in the world.

They did an incredible job designing it and making it feel like a high-end experience rather than a typical airport experience. It’s bright, open, and has tons of shopping.

If you can get into the business class lounge, I highly recommend it. Even if you can only get into the “normal” lounge, it’s still a great experience.

If your credit card doesn’t give you lounge access, consider whether or not getting a Priority Pass is worth it for you based on how often you travel.

If you’re worried about getting from the airport to your accommodation, consider hiring a private transfer. It’s not much more expensive than getting a taxi, but this way you know exactly how much you’re paying and don’t run the risk of being scammed.

The One Odd Thing About Istanbul Airport

There is one really odd thing about Istanbul airport you should be aware of though. At least it’s odd to me and not something I’ve seen anywhere else in the world.

Most international flights (especially going to Canada, the US, or Europe) require you to go through lots of additional security screening in addition to the normal airport screening.

Your passport will be scanned before you check in, but that’s only the start.

Once you get to the gate, you have to have your passport scanned normally two more times, empty your carry on bags and have them searched and tested for bomb residue, and be patted down by a security agent.

It’s definitely overkill, and people tend to get annoyed really quick because it takes a long time to get through the line.

I recommend you go to your gate as soon as it says “go to gate”. That is when the security line will be the shortest.

The downside to being at the gate right when it opens is I’ve never been in a gate area that has a bathroom in it. You can’t leave the secure area either unless you want to go through the entire additional security screening process again.

It’s a hassle and an annoyance for sure. But now that you’re aware of it, you can make sure you get to your gate early, go to the washroom before arriving at the gate, and know what to expect when you get to the gate.

I’m not a fan of the process either, but you have to go through it, so just be nice and patient with the people who are doing the additional screening.

top tip

Install an esim on your phone, so you don’t have expensive roaming charges on your phone while accessing the internet while in Instanbul.

Is it Safe to Walk in Istanbul at Night?

Yes. It is safe to walk around Istanbul at night. Even as a solo traveller.

You just need to take reasonable safety precautions. Don’t go down any dark and mysterious roads, try to stick to a main route you know, and be aware of your surroundings.

For example, if you’re walking home from your Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, know what route you’re going to take in advance and stick to the main streets. Don’t try taking any shortcuts. The good thing is the Google Maps normally takes you on main streets anyways, so it should be a problem.

You should have no problem walking around Istanbul at night and should feel safe the entire time. I never felt the need to watch my back or like I needed to walk quicker to get home.

Is Istanbul Safe from Terrorism?

No city is ever guaranteed to be safe from terrorism. But it isn’t something you need to be actively worried about terrorism, and it shouldn’t be something that stops you from visiting Istanbul.

I’m writing this in mid-2023, and there has only been one terrorism event in the past five years. Statistically, there is more than one mass shooting every day in the USA, so if you’re comfortable and confident being in the US, then Istanbul won’t be an issue for you.

You don’t normally consider terrorism attacks when planning a trip to, say, Italy or the UK, and it doesn’t need to be a consideration when planning a trip to Istanbul either.

Is Istanbul Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Yes. Absolutely. 100%.

Istanbul is a very safe city, and being a woman doesn’t make it any less safe. Everybody in Istanbul is incredibly kind and helpful. It’s an extremely safe city, and a very easy city to travel around.

I actually think it’s a great city to visit if you’re new to travelling alone. Most attractions are within walking distance to one another, the city is super safe, the food is delicious, and it’s a great place to build up your solo travel confidence.

top tip

Be sure to have travel health insurance before arriving in Istanbul!

Istanbul Safety Tips

Now that I’ve hopefully answered most of the questions you have about safety in Istanbul for tourists, let’s move on to some of the safety tips you should know when visiting Istanbul.

Since Istanbul is such a safe city, most of these tips are generic safety tips you should use whenever you travel.

Watch Out for Pick Pockets

Pick pockets are probably the biggest thing you need to worry about while in Istanbul.

The city is busy, the streets are crowded, and there are tourists everywhere. This makes for the perfect combination for pick pockets to thrive.

Luckily, it’s super easy to not be a victim of a pick pocket.

Keep an eye on your belongings, wear your bag on the side close to the front of you not so it is slipping backwards, keep items out of your pocket, and don’t carry valuable in your hand unless you have a firm grasp on them.

It’s shocking how many times I see people carelessly whipping out their phone to take a picture or video and don’t have a tight grip on it. Definitely not the best safety practice out there.

The other thing you need to do is be aware when people bump into you. Because they will. There are a lot of bottle necks in Istanbul because there are too many people walking on narrow sidewalks or through underground passages.

Most people who bump into you are just normal people trying to make it to their destination. The odd one may be a pick pocket. Follow basic safety rules, keep your head on a swivel, and look aware.

Those simple steps will make you a far less likely target for a pick pocket. They want someone who is mindless and not aware of their surroundings. Look confident, and you shouldn’t have an issue.

Beware of the Trams

This probably sounds like a really weird thing to bring up in an article asking the question is Istanbul safe but hear me out.

As I mentioned, the sidewalks in Istanbul are very narrow, and there are a lot of people using them. This means you’ll often spill out onto the street. At a minimum just when you want to pass someone.

On some of the main streets that people walk, there aren’t cars. Only trams allowed. These streets often see the most people walking on the streets and not the sidewalk. Makes sense since there are no cars.

That’s all fine and good until a tram comes along.

The trams will ring their bell to let you know they’re coming, and then it’s up to you to get out of their way. The hard part sometimes is finding a place on the sidewalk to go.

Sometimes it’s difficult to hear the tram’s bell because it’s so loud.

The moral of the story is that you need to be really aware of your surroundings and be prepared to get off the street at any given moment.

Even after reading this, you probably think this is a weird tip, but you’ll understand better when you’re in Istanbul.

Be Internet Safe

One of the most important safety precautions you can take as a traveller is being internet safe. Unfortunately, not enough people know the risks of being online while abroad (or even out and about in their own city), so it’s not something most people think about.

You rely on public wifi when you travel. Even if you have an esim and are using data while out exploring Istanbul, you’ll still be relying on public wifi at your hotel and the airport.

Public wifi networks aren’t secure. Pretty much anybody can get into them. Even if they have a password associated with them. This means that your personal online information and data is at risk of being stolen.

Trust me when I say you do not want to have to deal with canceling bank cards while you’re abroad because prying eyes stolen your bank information while you were using a public wifi network.

The only way to keep your private online information safe and secure while you travel is by install a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially puts an invisible forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to access your information. It makes using public wifi networks just as safe as using your home wifi network where you’re the only person who knows the password.

Installing a VPN is truly one of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself while you’re abroad.

I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online information.

My Favourite VPN

VPNs are notorious for slowing down your internet speed. I’ve used tons of different VPN providers over my many years of travel, and I’m embarrassed to admit that I often turned my VPN off and put my information at risk just because the VPN I was using slowed my internet down so much.

That all changed when I started using NordVPN.

It’s the fastest VPN on the market, and you can really tell the difference between it and other VPNs. I’ve never noticed a difference in my internet speed when using NordVPN.

Another great feature of VPNs is the ability to cloak your location. You can set your location to any country in the world, and the internet thinks you’re actually in that country.

This gives you access to that country’s Netflix, sporting events, and can sometimes save you lots of money when searching for flights.

The very best part is that VPNs are affordable and won’t break the bank. The cost per month for a two-year NordVPN subscription is less than a single latte at Starbuck’s.

It’s an extremely small price to pay for the peace of mind you get knowing that all your personal online information and data is safe from prying eyes.

Seriously. We have so much of our personal information online nowadays that it’s too much of a risk to use public wifi without a VPN.

top Pick

NordVPN

Protect your online information while travelling with the world’s fastest VPN!

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Know Local Scams

Just like any city, there are a few scams you should know about in Istanbul. Most of them are pretty standard scams, but there is one you may not know about.

The Taxi Scam

The most common scam is the taxi scam. This happens in a couple of ways.

Often the taxi driver insists on not starting the meter and agreeing on a price before you leave. You never get a good price when this happens. If a driver starts doing this, just say no and walk away. There are plenty of drivers in Istanbul that won’t do this.

The next two scams are harder to get away from because you’re already in the car when they happen.

The first is the scenic drive. This happens in nearly every city in the world. The taxi driver gets a tourist in their car, and they start taking the longest way possible to increase their fare. You don’t really know the proper way to go as a tourist, and you may not ever realize you’ve been scammed if this happens to you.

The second is the most common taxi scam in Istanbul. Especially when going to or from the airport. That’s the toll fee scam.

Taxi drivers will say they went through tolls, and you have to pay for them. That’s fair enough, but they always tell you the toll costs way more than it actually did. The first time this happened to me, the taxi driver said the toll fee was 50 Lira (about $2 USD). I Googled it, and the toll was actually only 8 Lira (about $0.30 USD).

It isn’t a huge amount of money you’re being scammed out of, and it’s often better just to pay it rather than argue about it.

The way to avoid these scams is by using Uber. You’ll still get a taxi when using Uber, but using the app gives you the rider the safety of knowing what the price should be and not getting scammed. And if you think you have been scammed, you can deal with Uber not the taxi driver.

The Carpet Scam

This is the scam you’re probably not aware of. It’s very common in most countries that are famous for selling carpets, and it’s something you should be aware of.

This happens where a nice older man starts chatting with you and then offers to show you around the city or to his favourite tourist spot. Then as you’re walking to wherever he’s going to show you, he stops at a relative’s carpet shop and wants to show you around.

You’re greeted kindly, given a cup of Turkish tea, and shown around the store.

Then you’re trapped.

They go on trying to sell you the carpets including shipping them back home for you. You’re probably not in the market for a carpet, but they keep pushing, and you can’t leave.

When you do eventually leave, they get really angry with you. But don’t give in, you don’t have to purchase anything from them. If they ask you to pay for the tea, don’t. Just leave.

It may sound like a silly scam. Why would anybody take a stranger up on their offer to tour them around? The person doing the offering is always very nice and chatty, and you always don’t want to be rude and just walk away.

But that’s exactly what you should do. Walk away. Never go with the stranger. That’s just unsafe no matter where in the world you are.

Now I don’t want you to get the idea that all carpet sellers are scammers.

Most aren’t.

If you want to purchase a carpet while you’re in Istanbul, do some research online ahead of time and find a reputable store with good reviews.

The Shoe Shining Scam

Ah. This is a classic. It happens in many countries around the world.

Someone comes up to you and just starts shining your shoes without asking or saying anything.

If this happens to you, pull your shoe away while they’re bending down. Don’t let me make contact with your shoe. Say no and walk away.

If they make contact with your shoe, you’re going to have to pay them way more money than you should.

It’s an unfortunate scam, but it’s an oldie and a goodie and happens all over the world.

The Child Begger

The final scam I’m going to tell you about makes me seem a bit mean. And that is the child beggar scam.

This is where a small child begs on the street for money. In most cases, the child and their family is indeed poor, but you shouldn’t give any money to a child begger.

It just encourages the parents to continue to keep their kid out of school or other child activities, so they can make money for the family. It’s not fair to the child.

Just like the shoe shine scam, this scam happens all over the world. It’s hard to say no to a begging child, but it’s in their best interest. If they stop making money, hopefully their parent will stop making them go out and beg.

Be Aware of Tour Groups

This is another one where it’s going to sounds weird to you before arriving in Istanbul. Tour groups in Istanbul are wild. I’ve never seen so many tour groups anywhere else I’ve travelled.

They’re everywhere, they’re huge, and they’ll run you over. They have mob mentality, and they just keep walking without being aware of their surroundings.

The group leaders stop wherever they want with no regard for other people. I had a tour leader stop right at the exit of a ticket booth where there was only a single door to get out. Blocked the entire door and wouldn’t leave. I had to push my way out.

The tour leader will stop right where you’re standing if that’s where they want to stop, and they don’t make their tour group stand off to the side to make room for other people to get through.

It’s very chaotic at big tourist attractions like Topkapi Palace.

I know this information isn’t really an Istanbul safety tip, but it’s important information to know. It helps you know what to expect and stay calm when you’re being overrun by the tour groups.

And in places like Basilica Cistern it actually is a very important safety tip to know. It’s extremely crowded in the Basilica because of all the tour groups. There is pushing and lots of crowds.

There are even a few places where there aren’t guard rails. I saw a small child almost fall into the water because their adult wasn’t watching them closely enough.

So, please be prepared to navigate your way through tour groups and be extra careful when touring the Basilica Cistern, which is 100% a tourist attraction that is worth doing while in Istanbul!

Tap Water is Safe to Drink

A lot of people just assume that tap water in Istanbul isn’t safe to drink, but it is. Tap water isn’t safe to drink in every city in Turkey, but major cities like Istanbul have safe tap water.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll want to drink it though. I tend to stick to bottled water while in Istanbul. It’s very affordable, and you normally get a couple bottles per day from your hotel for free.

So, if you’re in a pinch, feel free to drink the tap water, but bottled water will taste better.

You also don’t have to worry about brushing your teeth. I know a lot of people like to use bottled water to brush their teeth when the tap water isn’t safe to drink, but you don’t have to worry about that when you’re in Istanbul. Brush away!

My Favourite Things to do in Istanbul

Top pick

Istanbul Food Tour (seriously, the food is amazing!)

unique experience

Turkish Dance Show Tickets

skip the line

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Guide

once in a lifetime

Private Turkish Bath Experience

transportation

Istanbul Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

history buff

Blue Mosque Guided Tour

Conclusion

I really hope this article helped answer the question is Istanbul safe?

For me and everybody else I know who has gone to Istanbul, the answer is YES! Istanbul is a very safe city even for solo female travellers.

Turkey as a whole is a very safe country, and it’s one of my favourite countries in the world. It’s such a special place, and if you get the chance to visit, I highly recommend you do.

You won’t regret it!