Scam Guide
1. The Bar/Drink Scam (Most Dangerous to Your Wallet)
How it works: A friendly local (usually well-dressed man) approaches you in a tourist area (Sultanahmet, Taksim). After chatting, he suggests going for a drink at "a great bar." You're served drinks with women joining the table. The bill arrives: $80–$425+. Bouncers/staff pressure you to pay.
How to avoid: Decline invitations to bars from strangers. Choose your own venues. If caught, negotiate the bill down firmly and/or threaten to call police (155).
2. Taxi Scams
| Trick | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| No meter | Insist on meter before getting in. "Taksimetre, lütfen." |
| Long route | Use Google Maps to follow the route |
| Bill swap | Watch the driver count your payment. Hand bills one at a time. |
| Wrong rate | Day rate ("gündüz") should be used 06:00–24:00. Night rate doubles. |
Best prevention: Use BiTaksi or Uber apps — fare is tracked digitally.
3. Restaurant Overcharging
How it works: Restaurant in tourist area has no prices on the menu. Or servers bring unrequested meze/bread. Bill arrives inflated.
How to avoid: Always check menus have prices. Ask "How much?" before ordering specials. Question unexpected items on the bill. Eat one street back from major sights.
4. The Shoe Shine Trick
How it works: A shoe shiner "drops" his brush near you. You pick it up. He insists on a free shine in gratitude. Then demands $1.50–$3+ payment.
How to avoid: Don't pick up the brush. Walk on. If caught, offer $0.25–$0.50 maximum.
5. Carpet Shop Pressure
How it works: Invited for tea at a carpet shop. Hospitality leads to high-pressure sales. "My friend's shop" or "very special price for you."
How to avoid: Tea is genuinely hospitable — accept if you want, but be clear you're not buying. Walk away firmly. Don't feel guilty.
6. Fake Goods
Designer "brand" bags, watches, and clothing at bazaars are almost always counterfeit. This is widely known and not really a scam — just be aware you're buying fakes if the price seems too good.
What to Do If Scammed
- Stay calm — Don't escalate physically
- Negotiate — Most scam bills can be negotiated down
- Threaten to call police — Call 155's tourist hotline (English-speaking available)
- Report it — Tourist police in Istanbul respond to complaints
- Credit card chargebacks — If you paid by card under duress
