Tourists visiting Istanbul may encounter various scams. Being aware of these can help you avoid falling victim to them. Here are some common ones:
1. Taxi Scams
Overcharging: Drivers may refuse to use the meter and charge a flat, inflated rate.
Meter Tampering: Some taxis have rigged meters that increase the fare unusually quickly.
Route Manipulation: Drivers may take unnecessarily long routes to increase the fare.
2. Shoe-Shiner Scam
A shoe-shiner may "accidentally" drop their brush near you. If you pick it up and hand it back, they might offer to shine your shoes as a thank-you and then demand a high fee.
3. Friendly Stranger and Bar Scams
Someone might befriend you, offering to show you around or inviting you to a bar or café, only to leave you with an exorbitant bill before disappearing. Similarly, locals in some bars might invite you to join them for a drink, and after some time, you could be presented with an absurdly high bill and pressured to pay.
4. Restaurant Bill Padding
Some restaurants might add hidden charges like "service fees" or extra items you didn’t order. Always check the menu prices and scrutinize the bill before paying.
5. Turkish Delight Scam
Vendors may offer free samples of Turkish delight, then aggressively try to sell overpriced boxes of it or charge you for the samples.
6. Photography Scams
A street photographer might take your photo without asking, then demand an unreasonable payment for the printed picture.
7. Pickpocketing
Crowded areas like the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, or Istiklal Street are hotspots for pickpocketing. Scammers may use distractions to steal wallets or phones.
8. Fake Tour Guides
Unlicensed individuals may pose as tour guides, offering subpar experiences or taking you to commission-based shops instead of genuine attractions.
9. Carpet and Rug Scams
Overpriced Rugs: Unscrupulous dealers may sell machine-made or low-quality rugs as "handmade" at exorbitant prices.
Fake Certificates: Some shops provide fake authenticity certificates for their rugs.
Bait-and-Switch: After agreeing on a price, the dealer may try to swap the rug with a cheaper one during packaging.
Tips to Avoid Scams:
Research beforehand and stick to reputable businesses.
Use licensed tour guides and operators.
Agree on prices upfront for services.
Pay attention to your belongings in crowded areas.
Always ask for a receipt and verify the bill.
Use official taxis or rideshare apps like BiTaksi.
If you're unsure or need assistance, feel free to reach out for local guidance.
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