Istanbul taxi scams are one of the most common worries for visitors. This guide will show you the exact tricks drivers use and give you simple, practical ways to protect yourself. We want you to enjoy the city without the stress of being overcharged or getting into an argument.
The best way to avoid Istanbul taxi scams is to use trusted taxi apps like BiTaksi or Uber (which integrates with local yellow taxis). These apps lock in your route and often your fare, removing the driver’s ability to overcharge. If you must hail a taxi on the street, always confirm the meter (taximeter) is on and visible. Have Google Maps open on your phone so the driver knows you are following the route.
Istanbul Taxi Scams: Why They Happen and How to Spot Them
Istanbul taxi scams are common primarily because many drivers target tourists who seem lost or unfamiliar with the city’s geography and currency. They rely on the fact that visitors are often in a hurry (like catching a flight), don’t know the proper routes, and may not be comfortable confronting them about a suspicious fare.
This problem is most frequent in high-traffic tourist areas like Sultanahmet, Taksim Square, Beşiktaş, and near the major airports. From my own experience, the moment a driver senses you are not a local, the risk of a “special” fare increases.
It’s important to know that most taxi drivers in Istanbul are honest, hardworking people. However, a small percentage gives the entire profession a bad name. This guide helps you spot the red flags and use technology to your advantage.
The 5 Most Common Istanbul Taxi Scams
Be prepared by knowing the most common tricks. We’ve seen travelers report these specific methods time and time again.
1. The “Scenic Route” (The Long Haul)
This is a classic scam worldwide. The driver will take a much longer, roundabout route to your destination to increase the fare on the meter. This is especially common for trips from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), where tourists are unfamiliar with the 45-60 minute journey.
2. The Meter Problem (“Taximeter”)
You may face several issues with the meter:
- “It’s broken”: The driver will claim the meter is broken and try to negotiate a high, fixed price with you. This price will always be double or triple the real fare.
- “Forgot to turn it on”: They “forget” to start the meter and then demand an outrageous sum at the end of your trip.
- The “Night Tariff” Lie: The driver will tell you the fare is higher because it’s the “night tariff” (gece tarifesi). This is a lie. The night tariff was officially abolished years ago. There is only one standard tariff, 24 hours a day.
3. The Money Switch (The 50 Lira vs. 5 Lira Trick)
This is a very common and frustrating scam. You hand the driver a 50 TL or 100 TL note to pay. The driver quickly and skillfully swaps it for a 5 TL or 10 TL note and claims you gave them the wrong amount. They will insist you need to pay more. This is why paying with small bills is crucial.
4. The Bridge Toll or Tunnel Fee
If you travel between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, you must cross a bridge (like the Bosphorus Bridge) or go through a tunnel (like the Eurasia Tunnel). These have tolls. The scam is twofold:
- They charge you for a toll even when you did not cross continents.
- They charge you a highly inflated price for the toll (e.g., 200 TL when the real toll is much less).
5. The “App is Broken” Fixed Price
This is a newer scam. You order a taxi using BiTaksi or Uber. The driver arrives, you get in, and then they claim their app is not working. They will cancel the ride on their end and try to force you into a high, fixed-price negotiation. The correct action here is to get out of the taxi immediately and report them on the app.
A Local’s Advice
As a local living in Istanbul, my personal rule is simple: I never hail a taxi on the street if I can avoid it, especially in tourist zones. I use an app 100% of the time. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about avoiding the needless argument and stress. Your peace of mind on vacation is worth more than a few Lira.
How to Avoid Istanbul Taxi Scams: Your 7-Step Plan
Knowledge is power. Follow these simple steps to protect yourself and travel with confidence.
Here is our essential checklist for every taxi ride in Istanbul:
- Use Ride-Hailing Apps (The Best Solution) This is the number one way to stay safe. Use BiTaksi (the most popular local app) or Uber (which now works by calling official yellow and turquoise taxis). These apps log your driver, your route, and the estimated price. The driver is held accountable.
- Use Official Airport Taxis or Shuttles When leaving the airport, use the official taxi rank. Do not accept rides from anyone soliciting you inside the terminal. For an even safer bet, pre-book a shuttle service like HAVAİST or a private transfer.
- Always Check the Meter If you must hail a taxi, the first thing you do before the car moves is point to the meter (usually on the rearview mirror) and say “Taximeter.” If the driver refuses or makes an excuse, get out and find another taxi.
- Use Google Maps and Be Visible Have your phone out with Google Maps running. Let the driver see that you are watching the route. This visibility often prevents them from attempting the “scenic route” scam.
- Pay with Small Bills or Use the App To avoid the “money switch” scam, try to pay with the exact amount or very small notes (10, 20, 50 TL). Announce the bill as you hand it to them. For example, say “One hundred Lira” (Yüz Lira). Better yet, add your credit card to the BiTaksi or Uber app for cashless, secure payment.
- Know Your Taxi (Yellow, Turquoise, Black)
- Yellow Taxis (Sarı Taksi): The standard, most common taxis.
- Turquoise Taxis (Turkuaz Taksi): These are slightly more premium (better cars) and cost about 15-20% more.
- Black Taxis (Siyah Taksi): These are luxury vehicles (like Mercedes) and are significantly more expensive. All are regulated and must use a meter.
- Take a Photo of the License Plate Before you get in, take a quick photo of the car’s license plate (which is also printed on the side door). This is your best piece of evidence if you need to report the driver later.
What to Do If You Get Scammed
If you realize you are being scammed, your safety is the first priority.
- In the moment: Do not get into a heated, aggressive argument. Stay calm. Threaten to call the police (Polis – “po-leess”) or the tourism police. Often, this is enough to make the driver back down.
- After the fact: Realistically, it is very difficult to get your money back. However, you should report the driver to prevent them from doing it to others. You can report them via the app (BiTaksi, Uber). You can also report them to the Istanbul Municipality’s “White Desk” (Beyaz Masa) by calling Alo 153. You will need the taxi’s license plate number. For official information on public transport regulations, you can refer to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s transport portal at ulasim.ibb.istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uber available in Istanbul? Yes, Uber is available in Istanbul. It was briefly banned but returned in 2021. It now works by integrating with the city’s official yellow and turquoise taxis and functions just like the BiTaksi app.
Is it safe to take a taxi from Istanbul Airport (IST)? Yes, but you must be cautious. Only take a taxi from the official, regulated taxi queue outside the terminal. Do not accept a ride from anyone who approaches you inside the terminal. Using an app or a pre-booked shuttle like HAVAİST is the safest option.
Do Istanbul taxis accept credit cards? Officially, all taxis are supposed to have POS (credit card) machines. In reality, many drivers will claim the machine is “broken” because they prefer cash. If you want to pay by card, you must confirm with the driver before you get in. The easiest way is to use an app (BiTaksi/Uber) with your card saved.
What is the night tariff for taxis in Istanbul? There is no night tariff in Istanbul. This was abolished many years ago. The meter price is the same 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If a driver tries to charge you extra for a “night tariff,” it is a scam.
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.