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Some scams

Western Asia

Tourist scams in Türkiye

Tourist overcharging is very common in Turkey, especially when prices are not shown. Other risks include taxi tricks, wrong change, costly cash withdrawals, pushy shop invitations and fake nightlife offers. Watch your belongings in crowds and on public transport, especially in Istanbul.
  1. 1 ShoppingVery commonTourist prices and hidden chargesYou order or buy something without checking the price. The seller then charges much more than expected. Tourists may be charged five to ten times the usual price, even for tea. High opening prices are also common at street markets.Shops, sweet shops, restaurants, cafés, street markets and tourist businesses across Turkey. Overpriced facilities are also noted at Milas–Bodrum Airport and Yeni Otogar. 3Read
  2. 2 Changing moneyCommonWrong changeThe seller or driver returns less change than you are owed. The trick relies on you being distracted or unfamiliar with the money.Shops and other cash payments across Turkey, including taxis. 2Read
  3. 3 Changing moneyCommonClaiming you paid with a smaller noteYou hand over a large note. The person claims you gave a smaller one and asks for more money. A taxi driver may quickly swap your note for a smaller note.Cash payments to merchants and taxi drivers. 2Read
  4. 4 Cards and ATMsCommonCharging a card in the wrong currencyThe seller quotes a price in Turkish lira but enters the same number in euros or US dollars. Paying by card does not protect you from this trick.Vendors whose card terminals accept Turkish lira, euros and US dollars. 2Read
  5. 5 ShoppingVery commonFriendly conversation leading to a carpet shopSomeone starts a friendly conversation about your trip or home country. They then invite you to an uncle's shop nearby and praise its authentic carpets or kilims. The conversation is a sales approach.Streets and tourist areas across Turkey, including the Sultanahmet area. 2Read
  6. 6 Cards and ATMsCommonATM currency conversion at a poor rateThe ATM converts the withdrawal into your home currency at a poor exchange rate. This is called dynamic currency conversion, or DCC. Some machines do not let you decline it. This is a costly payment practice rather than hidden theft.ATMs across Turkey, including some stand-alone locations with several machines. 2Read
  7. 7 TaxisCommonAirport transfer overchargingDrivers approach arriving passengers and offer a transfer at an inflated price. Airport transfers are a particularly frequent point for taxi overcharging. Drivers approaching people inside the terminals are unregulated.Istanbul 3Read
  8. 8 TaxisCommonTaking a longer taxi routeThe driver takes an unnecessary detour to increase the metered fare. Some pretend not to know a major destination. Heavy traffic can also make a genuine alternative route sensible, so a detour alone does not prove a scam.Larger cities across Turkey, with specific warnings for Istanbul and Ankara. 2Read
  9. 9 TaxisCommonNo meter and an inflated fixed fareThe driver does not start the meter and offers a fixed price well above the metered fare.Istanbul, Ankara 1Read
  10. 10 TheftCommonPickpocketing in crowds and on transportA thief takes your wallet, phone or other valuables from a pocket or bag while you are distracted or pressed into a crowd.Crowded places, trams and urban buses in large cities, especially Istanbul. Busy buses and streetcars during rush hour are a particular concern. 2Read
  11. 11 TheftCommonPhone, camera or bag snatchingA thief grabs a visible valuable and escapes. Expensive-looking phones, cameras and full wallets can attract attention.Large cities, especially Istanbul. 2Read
  12. 12 TheftCommonMuggingSomeone uses threats or force to take your money or belongings.Large cities, especially Istanbul. Dark, deserted alleys are places to avoid at night. 2Read
  13. 13 TheftCommonFake argument used as a theft distractionTwo or more people suddenly argue or fight. While you watch, another person steals your valuables. It can happen very quickly.Public places in Turkey.Read
  14. 14 ShoppingCommonOrdinary souvenirs sold at a large markupOrdinary supermarket olive-oil soap may be removed from its packaging and presented more attractively. Tourist shops may also sell coffee from the same suppliers as local grocery stores at a large markup. Attractive packaging does not mean a different product.Tourist and souvenir shops. Repackaged supermarket soap is specifically noted outside the Aegean region, especially in Istanbul. 2Read
  15. 15 Changing moneyCommonPoor airport currency-exchange ratesYou exchange money at the airport and receive a much poorer rate than at banks or exchange offices in the city. This is a poor-value transaction, not necessarily fraud.Istanbul 2Read
  16. 16 TaxisOccasionalInvented taxi extrasThe driver adds supposed airport or luggage fees. Another warning sign is a claimed night surcharge: day and night taxi rates are the same in Ankara and Istanbul.Ankara, Istanbul 2Read
  17. 17 TaxisOccasionalTaxi driver claims to have no changeAfter you pay with a larger note, the driver claims not to have change. You may feel pressured to leave the difference.Istanbul 2Read
  18. 18 TaxisOccasionalReal taxi payment swapped for a counterfeit noteThe driver swaps your genuine banknote for a counterfeit note, then claims your payment was fake and demands another note.Istanbul 1Read
  19. 19 TaxisOccasionalRigged taxi meterIn rare cases, a driver links the meter to vehicle controls. Using the horn or brakes can then increase the fare.Istanbul 2Read
  20. 20 TaxisOccasionalTaxi taken to the closed airportA dishonest driver takes you to the closed Atatürk Airport rather than your departure airport. Old signs and maps can add to the confusion.Istanbul 1Read
  21. 21 Airport and borderOccasionalAirport touts steering bus passengers into taxisTaxi touts tell you that no bus leaves from that spot. That statement is true, but they use it to steer you into a taxi instead of helping you find the actual bus stop.Antalya 1Read
  22. 22 NightlifeOccasionalTickets for a made-up special club partyA ticket tout claims that a pub or club has a special party that night, with a big name attending. The promised event does not exist.BodrumRead
  23. 23 ShoppingOccasionalFake antiquities in tourist shopsTourist shops sell fake antiquities. A claim that an object is genuinely ancient creates another problem: genuine antiquities cannot legally be exported.Ankara 2Read
  24. 24 Other tricksOccasionalGuidebook reputation used to justify higher pricesAfter receiving a favourable listing in a popular travel guide, some owners sharply raise prices and cut costs. The old recommendation may no longer reflect the value or quality.IstanbulRead
  25. 25 TheftOccasionalTheft of belongings left at the beachValuables are left unattended while their owner swims. Someone can take them while nobody is watching.Beaches in resort towns. 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Istanbul Airport (IST)Airport transfer overcharging and unregulated drivers approaching passengers inside the terminal.
  • Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), IstanbulAirport transfer overcharging and unregulated drivers approaching passengers inside the terminal.
  • Atatürk Airport, IstanbulDishonest taxi drivers may take passengers to this closed airport.
  • Sultanahmet area, IstanbulCarpet shops and street approaches inviting visitors into shops.
  • Crowded buses, trams and streetcars, IstanbulCrowding during rush hour creates opportunities for pickpockets.
  • Antalya Airport, outside T1 internationalTaxi touts approach people looking for a bus near the misleading D sign.
  • Kale Kapısı Sk and the citadel approaches, AnkaraTourist-oriented shops sell carpets, leather and fake antiquities.
  • Bodrum nightlife areasTicket touts claim that venues have special parties with big-name guests.
  • Milas–Bodrum AirportAirport facilities are described as very overpriced.
  • Yeni Otogar, BodrumThe café and toilets are described as overpriced.
  • Street markets, BodrumClothing can have a high opening price. Bargaining is expected.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Use licensed taxis and official airport ranks. Avoid drivers who approach you inside airport terminals.
  • Check that the meter is running and keep it in view.
  • Have your destination written down and follow the route on your phone.
  • Say the value of your banknote aloud and count your change before leaving.
  • For a return trip to a remote site, agree the total and waiting time before departure.

Money

  • Ask the price and currency before buying anything without a displayed price, including tea.
  • Carry smaller notes and pay close to the exact amount.
  • Count change immediately.
  • Compare exchange rates. Avoid exchanging a large amount at an Istanbul airport.
  • Treat quoted lira prices as a guide because inflation can make them outdated.

Cards and ATMs

  • Prefer bank-owned ATMs inside or beside a branch.
  • Withdraw Turkish lira and decline the ATM's currency conversion.
  • Read withdrawal fees before confirming. Fees can differ by card and machine.
  • Check the amount and currency on every card terminal before approving payment.
  • Keep receipts and enable payment alerts if your bank offers them.

Your belongings

  • Keep your wallet and money in secure front pockets.
  • Hold bags in front of you on crowded transport.
  • Put expensive phones and cameras away after use.
  • Move away from sudden arguments or fights and check your belongings.
  • Leave unnecessary valuables behind when swimming and have someone watch what you bring.

Nights out

  • Check special-event claims directly with the venue.
  • Avoid buying tickets from touts promising a big-name guest.
  • Keep your belongings close and avoid confrontations with drunk people.
  • Plan a well-lit route or licensed taxi for your return.

Where you stay

  • Check the current total price and what it includes before booking.
  • Use recent information rather than relying only on an old travel-guide recommendation.
  • Keep your booking confirmation and payment records.
  • Ask for your passport back once registration is complete.

Police and officials

  • Carry your passport or another means of identification.
  • Treat routine security checks at hotels, museums, metro stations and shopping malls calmly.
  • Record vehicle details and keep receipts when reporting a taxi dispute.
  • Call 112 for urgent help or approach an officer or police station for assistance.

What travellers say about Türkiye

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are scams common in Turkey?

Tourist overcharging is very common, especially where prices are not shown. Taxi payment tricks, wrong change and sales approaches are also concerns. Check prices before agreeing and keep an eye on payments.

How do I avoid being overcharged by a taxi?

Use a licensed taxi, check that the meter is running and follow the route. At Istanbul's airports, use the official rank. Say the value of your banknote aloud and count your change before leaving.

What should I do if an ATM offers to convert my withdrawal?

Choose Turkish lira and decline the ATM's conversion. Its exchange-rate markup is often 7% or more. If you cannot decline, cancel and try another ATM. Check any separate withdrawal fee too.

Can a shop overcharge me when I pay by card?

Yes. A seller may enter the quoted number in euros or US dollars instead of Turkish lira. Check both the amount and currency on the terminal before approving.

Where should I be most careful about pickpockets?

Be alert in crowds and on public transport in large cities, especially Istanbul. Busy buses and trams are a concern. Keep your bag in front of you and your wallet in a secure front pocket.

Is a friendly invitation to a carpet shop a scam?

It may be a sales approach rather than a social invitation. Someone may chat about your trip, then invite you to an uncle's shop. You can decline and keep walking. Entering a shop does not mean you must buy.

Can I trust a tout selling tickets to a special Bodrum party?

Do not rely on a tout's claim that a club has a special party with a big-name guest. Such events may be made up. Check directly with the venue and use its ticket arrangements.

What if someone at Antalya Airport says there is no bus?

They may mean there is no bus at that particular spot. Taxi touts use this to steer passengers into taxis. For Route 600 at T1, look by domestic arrivals for the blue D sign beside a fig tree.

Should I buy an antique as a souvenir in Ankara?

Avoid objects presented as antiquities. Shops on the citadel approaches sell fake antiquities, while genuine ones cannot legally be exported. Choose clearly modern souvenirs instead.

Who should I contact after a scam or theft?

Call 112 for urgent help. Otherwise, approach an officer or visit a police station. Block stolen cards through your bank, keep payment evidence and contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.

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