What Scams Should You Avoid in İstanbul

Being a tourist in İstanbul can expose you to certain situations that require caution. The most common scam perpetrated by taxi drivers is getting into unmarked or "off-the-meter" taxis and facing overpricing. When traveling from the airport to the city, use official taxi stands or reliable apps. In tourist-dense areas like Sultanahmet and Taksim, fake guides may offer you tours and try to take you to jewelry shops to sell items at inflated prices. It is much safer to hire a guide through official tourism offices.

In the Grand Bazaar and Kapalı Çarşı, you may encounter price illusions. Merchants present an initial price offer that is 50-70% higher and then reduce it through bargaining, giving you the impression that you've made a "good deal." In services like dry cleaning or jewelry, vendors may request payment upfront but fail to deliver afterward. The safest approach is to shop at stores of trusted brands.

Be also wary of street scams: money-finding games, card games, or "miraculous" stone sellers are frequently encountered. It is wisest to steer clear of these. The general rule: if an opportunity seems too good to be true, it is a sign of a scam.