Tourist scams in Turkey are something every traveler should be prepared for. Most visitors have a trouble-free trip, but a few common tricks target tourists, especially in busy areas of Istanbul. This guide from the Before Turkey editorial team covers the 10 most common scams and how to avoid them.
The best way to avoid tourist scams is to know about them in advance. Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, be wary of unsolicited “help” or “friendship” on the street, and check every restaurant bill before paying. Trust your instincts and walk away if a situation feels wrong.
Why Scams Happen and How to Spot Them
Scams tend to happen in high-traffic tourist zones like Sultanahmet, Taksim, and around the Grand Bazaar. They rely on a visitor’s politeness, confusion, or unfamiliarity with local prices.
The vast majority of people you meet will be honest and hospitable, and many locals are embarrassed when visitors are treated badly. The scams below are run by a small minority. The key warning sign is any situation that feels rushed, overly friendly, or too good to be true.
The Top 10 Scams to Watch For
1. The Shoeshine / “Helpful Friend” Trap
- The Dropped Brush: A shoeshine man walks past and “accidentally” drops his brush. You pick it up, and he insists on a “free” shine as thanks. Once your shoe is on his stand, he demands an inflated price.
- The “Let’s Get a Drink” Friend: A friendly stranger strikes up a conversation and suggests a “great local bar.” At the end of the night you are presented with an enormous bill, sometimes with intimidating staff making sure you pay.
2. Taxi Overcharging
Most drivers are honest, but taxi complaints are among the most common. Watch for:
- The Long Way Round: A longer route to increase the fare.
- The “Broken” Meter: A claim that the meter is broken, followed by a high “fixed price.”
- The “No Change” Trick: The driver claims to have no change for a larger note.
- The Switch: You hand over a 50 TL note and the driver claims you gave a 5 TL note.
See our full guide to Istanbul taxi scams.
3. Restaurant & Bar Bill Inflation
- No-Price Menus: A host pulls you in from the street and offers a menu without prices (for example, “fresh fish by weight”). The final bill is shocking.
- Hidden Charges: Items you never ordered, or a cover charge (kuver) or service charge that was not mentioned.
- “Card Machine Broken”: After the meal, you are told the card machine does not work and are walked to an ATM.
4. The Carpet / Leather Shop “Friendly Chat”
A friendly person asks where you are from and offers to show you a viewpoint or buy you tea. The chat ends at a “cousin’s” shop, where you face a long, high-pressure sales pitch. You are never obliged to buy.
5. The “Spilled Sauce” Distraction
In a crowd, someone “accidentally” spills something on your clothes and rushes to help clean it. While you are distracted, a partner picks your pocket.
6. Unofficial “Tour Guides”
Near major sites, people may offer “skip-the-line” tours or claim to be official guides. Use only licensed guides, who carry an official guide ID card, or book through a reputable company.
7. The “Closed” Attraction Trick
Someone tells you that your destination is “closed today” and offers to take you somewhere “better,” which turns out to be a shop. Check official opening hours yourself.
8. ATM “Help”
If an ATM behaves strangely, a “helpful” stranger may appear and try to watch your PIN. Do not accept help at an ATM; use machines inside bank branches where possible.
9. Fake Police
This is rare, but men posing as plainclothes police may ask to inspect your wallet or passport, then take cash during the “inspection.” If someone claiming to be police makes you uneasy, ask to see official ID, do not hand over your wallet, and suggest going to the nearest police station or calling 112 to confirm.
10. Transport Card “Help”
At Istanbulkart machines, someone may rush over to “help,” take your cash, and load only part of it onto a card, or charge you for their “service.”
How to Protect Yourself
- Use Apps: In Istanbul, use BiTaksi or Uber. The driver and route are logged in the app.
- Check Prices First: Our editors’ rule: no menu with prices, no meal.
- Be Skeptical of “Free”: A “free” chat, shine, or tour often leads to a sales pitch or a demand for money.
- Guard Your Belongings: Keep bags zipped and in front of you in crowded bazaars and on trams.
- Learn a Few Words: A polite but firm “Hayır, teşekkür ederim” (No, thank you) goes a long way.
- Trust Your Gut: If a situation feels wrong, walk away.
What to Do If You Get Scammed
Stay calm and do not get into a physical confrontation. Your safety is worth more than the money.
If you feel threatened, for example in the bar scam, call 112 (emergency). If you pay by card, you may later be able to dispute the charge with your bank.
- Stay Calm: Do not escalate the situation.
- Get Help: In Istanbul, you can call Alo 153 (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Beyaz Masa service) to complain about taxis and municipal services; note the taxi’s license plate. For crimes, contact the police; Istanbul also has a Tourism Police office in Sultanahmet.
- File a Report: An official police report is important for insurance claims.
You can also submit complaints through the official IBB complaint portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turkey safe for tourists? Most visitors to the main tourist areas have trouble-free trips. The most common problems are petty crime like pickpocketing and the scams in this guide. Check your own government’s current travel advice before you go.
What is the most common scam in Istanbul? Taxi overcharging and the “dropped shoeshine brush” trick are among the most frequently reported.
What should I do if a taxi driver tries to overcharge me? Insist on the meter or the app fare. If you feel unsafe, pay, note or photograph the license plate, and report it to Alo 153.
Spotted something outdated or inaccurate in this guide? Let us know at ask@beforeturkey.com so our editors can review it.