Tourist scams Turkey 2026 are a reality every traveler should prepare for. While Turkey is incredibly safe and welcoming, a few common tricks target visitors, especially in busy areas like Istanbul. This guide gives you a local’s advice on the 10 most common scams and how to avoid them, so your trip remains wonderful.
The best way to avoid tourist scams in Turkey is to be aware of them. Always use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, never accept unsolicited “help” or “friendships” on the street, and double-check every restaurant bill before paying. Trust your instincts and walk away if a situation feels wrong.
Tourist Scams Turkey 2026: Why They Happen and How to Spot Them
Tourist scams Turkey 2026 often happen in high-traffic tourist zones like Sultanahmet, Taksim, and the Grand Bazaar. They rely on a visitor’s kindness, confusion, or lack of local knowledge. The goal is always the same: to separate you from your money through distraction or deception.
As a local, I can tell you that 99% of Turkish people are hospitable and honest. They will be angry to hear that a visitor was treated poorly. The scams we will discuss are run by a very small group of people who target busy areas. The key to spotting them is identifying any situation that feels too rushed, too “friendly,” or too good to be true.
The Top 10 Scams to Watch For in Turkey
Awareness is your best defense. Here are the most common tricks, from the obvious to the clever.
1. The Shoeshine / “Helpful Friend” Trap
This scam has two popular versions:
- The Dropped Brush: A shoeshine man walks past you and “accidentally” drops his brush. You, being a polite person, pick it up for him. He will be extremely grateful and insist on giving you a “free” shoeshine. Once your shoe is on his stand, the shine is no longer free. He will demand an inflated price and make a scene if you refuse.
- The “Let’s Get a Drink” Friend: A friendly, well-dressed man (or group) strikes up a conversation. He says he is also a tourist or a local businessman. After chatting, he suggests going to a “great local bar” he knows. At the end of the night, you will be presented with an absurdly high bill for hundreds of Euros, often with large, intimidating “security” guards to ensure you pay.
2. Taxi Scams: The Oldest Tricks
This is one of the most common complaints. While most drivers are honest, a few bad apples spoil it. Watch for:
- The “Long Haul”: The driver takes a much longer, scenic route to increase the fare.
- The “Broken” Meter: The driver claims the meter is broken and offers a “fixed price,” which is always 2-3 times the normal fare.
- The “No Change” Trick: You hand over a 50 TL note for a 20 TL fare. The driver claims to have no change, hoping you will let him keep it.
- The Switch: You hand over a 50 TL note. The driver quickly drops it and picks up a 5 TL note from the floor, claiming that is all you gave him.
3. The Restaurant & Bar Bill Inflation
You find a charming restaurant in a tourist alley. The problems start when the bill arrives.
- No-Price Menus: A “friendly” host pulls you in from the street but gives you a menu without prices (e.g., a “fresh fish” menu). The final bill is shocking.
- Hidden Charges: The bill includes items you never ordered, a large “cover charge” (kuver) that wasn’t mentioned, or an inflated “service fee.”
- The “We Only Take Cash” Surprise: After you eat, they tell you their credit card machine is broken and escort you to a high-fee ATM.
4. The Carpet / Leather Shop “Friendly Chat”
A very friendly person approaches you on the street and asks where you are from. They are not a scammer, just a “friend.” They offer to show you a great viewpoint or give you tea. This chat always leads to their “brother’s” or “cousin’s” shop. Once inside, you are given tea and subjected to a very high-pressure sales pitch for a carpet or leather jacket. It is difficult to leave without buying something.
5. The “Spilled Sauce” or “Bird Poop” Distraction
You are walking in a crowd. Someone “accidentally” spills ketchup, ice cream, or a white liquid (simulating bird poop) on your shirt. They are incredibly apologetic and rush to “help” you clean it. While one person is distracting you and dabbing at your shirt, their partner is picking your pocket or stealing your bag.
6. Unofficial “Tour Guides”
Near major sites like the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia, someone may approach you offering “skip-the-line” tours or claiming to be an official guide. They are not. They will take your money and either disappear or give you a “tour” that consists of incorrect information before demanding a large tip. Only use guides with an official, visible license.
7. The “Closed” Attraction Trick
You tell a taxi driver or a helpful person on the street you are going to the Grand Bazaar or Topkapi Palace. They tell you, “Oh, it is closed today for a holiday” or “It is closed for prayer.” Then, they offer to take you to a “better” place—which is, of course, their friend’s high-commission shop. Always check official opening hours yourself.
8. The “Broken” ATM
You try to withdraw cash, and your card gets stuck, or the machine acts strange. A “helpful” person appears and suggests you enter your PIN again or press a few buttons. They are trying to watch you enter your PIN so they can steal your card or return later with a skimming device. Never accept help at an ATM.
9. Fake Police or “Authority” Figures
This is a more serious, but rare, scam. Men dressed as plainclothes police officers may approach you. They claim to be checking for counterfeit money or fake passports. They will ask to see your wallet and passport. They will either “confiscate” money or quickly steal some of it while “inspecting” your wallet. Real Turkish police will never ask to check your wallet on the street.
10. Public Transport Card “Help”
At the Istanbulkart (public transport card) machines, you may look confused. A person will rush over to “help” you. They will navigate the menus quickly, take your cash, and hand you a card. They often overcharge you for their “service” or only load a fraction of the money you gave them onto the card.
A Local’s Advice: How to Protect Yourself
From my own experience, the best defense is being prepared and appearing confident. Scammers target those who look lost or confused. Here are my personal rules.
- Use Apps: In Istanbul, use the BiTaksi or Uber app. This locks in your price and route. You know the fare before you get in.
- Check Prices First: My personal rule is: No menu with prices, no meal. Never sit down at a restaurant or order a drink without seeing a printed menu with clear prices.
- Be Skeptical of “Free”: Nothing is free. A “free” chat, a “free” shine, or a “free” tour almost always leads to a sales pitch or a demand for money.
- Guard Your Belongings: Use a money belt, a zipped-up bag worn in front, or an anti-theft bag, especially in crowded bazaars or on the tram.
- Learn a Few Words: A polite but firm “Hayır, teşekkür ederim” (No, thank you) is very powerful.
- Trust Your Gut: If a situation feels wrong, it is wrong. Walk away. It is not rude to protect yourself.
What to Do If You Get Scammed
The most important thing is to stay calm. Do not get into a physical fight. Your safety is worth more than the money you lost.
If you are in a situation that feels threatening, like the bar scam, pay with a credit card (you can dispute the charge later) and leave.
If you have a dispute with a taxi or a local shop, your best option is to report it.
- Stay Calm: Do not escalate the situation.
- Call for Help: In Istanbul, you can call “Alo 153” (IBB Beyaz Masa / White Desk). This is the official municipality hotline for complaints about services, including taxis. You can report the taxi’s license plate. For other issues, find the “Turizm Polisi” (Tourist Police). They have stations in tourist areas like Sultanahmet.
- File a Report: Go to the nearest Tourist Police station to file an official report. This is important for insurance and for helping authorities track these individuals.
For issues with municipal services or taxis in Istanbul, you can contact the IBB’s official hotline, Beyaz Masa (White Desk), by dialing 153 or visiting their official IBB complaint portal.
By being aware of these common tourist scams in Turkey 2026, you are already 90% protected. Turkey is a fantastic and secure country, and these tips will help ensure your memories are all positive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turkey safe for tourists in 2026? Yes, Turkey is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The biggest risks are petty crimes like pickpocketing and the scams listed in this guide, which are avoidable with awareness.
What is the most common scam in Istanbul? The most frequently reported scams are taxi-related (overcharging, “broken” meter) and the “dropped shoeshine brush” trick. Both rely on a tourist’s confusion or politeness.
What should I do if a taxi driver tries to overcharge me? If you are still in the cab, firmly state the correct fare (if you used an app) or demand they use the meter. If you are at your hotel, ask the hotel doorman or concierge to help. If you feel unsafe, pay the fare, take a photo of the license plate, and report it to “Alo 153” (in Istanbul) and the Tourist Police.
If you have any important questions about this topic, you can reach us at ask@beforeturkey.com or through the contact form on our Contact page.