There are many scams in Istanbul- some simple, some more elaborate.

Knowing what they are before you travel there, will save your pockets, dignity, and safety!

Istanbul is a safe city, yes, but that doesn’t mean that tourists don’t often get targeted with petty crimes – because they do!

I have been the victim of Istanbul scams twice, so keep reading to avoid the same happening to you!

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Istanbul Scams – The Taxi Scam

Ugh, this one is SOOOO frustrating.

Because it practically messes with your intelligence!

Yes, you guessed it, I was a victim of this Istanbul scam.

The Scam: So you are sitting in the taxi and the meter says 25 TL (Turkish Lira).

You hand in a 50 lira note, and expect some change – but the taxi driver quickly changes your 50 note with a 5.

He then says, ”you only gave me a 5 I need another 20”.

You KNOW you have given a 50 but you can’t PROVE it.

So you are forced to hand it another 20.

How to respond: Well I was so frustrated I just started screaming in Greek. No, it didn’t help my situation, but it sure made me feel better!

Make sure you watch him carefully. Tell him you need change before you hand in any money. ”Do you have change? I only have a 50”. Let him respond before you hand in your money.

If he is insistent or gets aggravated, cut your losses and get out.

Istanbul Scams – Currency Conversion Shopping Scam

This one is tricky, and the main reason why I don’t like paying with credit cards when I am shopping abroad!

As mentioned in my Istanbul Travel Blog, it is always better to convert to local currency.

The Scam: You are out shopping in the numerous markets in Istanbul. A lovely and polite salesperson will assist you perfectly.

Of course, he will reassure you that whatever he is selling (rugs, jewelry, leather) is 100% authentic.

Once you have decided to purchase, your card will be charged in YOUR local currency, not theirs.

And if you think that 1 Euro is 7.5 Turkish Lira, the difference is immense! You will basically end up paying 7 times the amount.

How to respond: Pay in local currency everywhere you go. Avoid paying with credit cards.

Another trick is to pay with a Revolut card (I have been using it for 2 years and it’s free). BUT make sure you leave it empty and only transfer a small amount into it at the time.

That way, your card won’t have enough funds to be overcharged 🙂

Istanbul Scams – The drinks Scam

The Scam: In the evening, while you are walking the streets of Taksim or Istiklal, a friendly man will approach, and start asking you questions or serving compliments like hot potatoes.

If you stop walking and engage in conversation, you will be asked to go to their bar for a drink.

They will say it is the best club of course, with the best crowd, drinks, women, etc.

Upon entering the establishment, you will realize it is a strip club.

Drinks will be brought to you and a woman that will magically appear at your side before you even had a chance to order them!

But what is so bad about that? You ask. Well, the bill will be HUGE. Like, hundreds of euros. If you try to leave, you will be threatened by security, and might even be forced to an ATM to withdraw the funds!

How to Respond: Do NOT engage in conversation. Say, ”no thank you” and keep walking away! If you ignore them, they give up!

If you wish to party, ask to see a price menu BEFORE you enter.

Istanbul Scams – The ”no change” scam

The Scam: You are in a taxi, and you hand a 5 TL (Turkish Lira) note and need some change. All of a sudden, the driver miraculously runs out of change.

He produces less change and insists he hasn’t got any more on him.

How to respond: Either let him keep the petty change, or insist he pop in a store and procure some change.

I guarantee you anything, that change will magically appear out of thin air!

Istanbul Scams – The Stolen and Fake Goods Scam

The Scam: Perfume, designer labels. carpets, jewelry, and leather goods – are all subject to fraud.

Outside of malls, or in the tourist areas of Sultanahmet and Grand Bazaar, merchants will try to push fake perfume and sunglasses down your throat and my God are they relentless!

They swear the goods aren’t fake, and even offer to show you the authenticity barcode. Don’t be fooled, they are totally fake!

Carpets and jewelry are where you need to be EXTRA careful with – as the cost of buying them will be far higher than perfume.

Please be careful you won’t be given a fake piece, that is worthless!

A piece of jewelry or traditional Turkish rug can cost from hundreds of euros to tens of thousands.

How to Respond: Especially when buying rugs or jewelry, do your research beforehand. Know exactly what you are looking for, the category of it, and the approximate price.

To avoid this Cliche Istanbul scam from happening to you, only deal with a reputable store. Make sure you take a look at a few before making a decision!

Istanbul Scams – The Restaurant Scam

Food couldn’t be excluded from this Istanbul scams list!

Istanbul is a place for great food- no doubt about that. Bus as with every country, tourists will not often be served authentic, delicious food.

Scam 1: Tourist areas are almost always serving second-rate food so caution is advised! The prices are higher, and the quality of the food is subpar.

How to respond: In general – if you see a menu only in English, walk away. If a restaurant serves 50 dishes walk away.

And lastly, if there are no locals there, then walk straight out the door! But there is also another scam to be aware of

Scam 2: The waiter brings water, nibbles, or wine to the table without you ordering them. You are delighted and think it is part of the culture, but when the bill comes, you will soon realize they are not for free!

How to respond: Be thorough when you order, and respectfully decline any additional items landing on your table!

Pickpocketing

Of course, this is the most common petty theft and an act that plagues any country you travel to, particularly – in my opinion – Europe!

Pickpocketing will most often take place in a highly crowded, touristic location. Think bus stations, metro, and trams!

How to protect yourself: Men should avoid carrying wallets and phones in their pockets. Instead, check out this waterproof, anti-theft, lightweight messenger bag!

Women should always carry a bag that has a zip, or better yet, buy a backpack!

For extra safety, I am extremely impressed with this Anti-theft backpack!

It has been designed with a password lock, can fit a laptop, and is made with waterproof mesh fabric.

Furthermore, it has a  built-in USB charger outside and a built-in charging cable inside so you can safely charge your phone while out and about!

Best travel backpack I have seen- by far!

What to do if you have been Scammed

If you find yourself the victim of any of the above, don’t panic.

For scams with small amounts, you will probably be angry more than anything else, but hey c’est la vie!

For scams with higher amounts, there may be something you can do! I personally keep ALL receipts of ALL travel purchases until I have returned back home.

This is CRUCIAL when you want to prove you have been taken advantage of.

If you realize you have been a victim of an Istambul scams scheme and are still in the country, take your receipt and go back to the store and dispute it.

Threaten them by getting the police involved if need be! Alternatively, contact the actual police or customer service office.

Istanbul Tourism Police: Address: Emniyet Müdürlüğü Turizm Şube Müdürlüğü Yerebatan Cad. No: 6 Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Phone Number: +90 (212) 527 4505

Customer Rights Office : 133 Istiklal Caddesi (Ave), Kuloğlu Mah. 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

Save this post for later!

Thank you for reading my Istanbul scams article, and I hope it has been an eye-opener!

Hopefully, on your next visit, you will be vigilant and avoid getting scammed or taken advantage of!

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Related Articles

Istanbul Travel blog – All you need to know to plan the perfect trip

The most unusual things to do in Istanbul – The Things that no one tells you about.

Beautiful Istanbul Photography – Travel Inspiration

Istanbul Scams to know before you travel – Avoid getting scammed and robbed.

Love, Tia x

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