9 Tourist Traps & Scams to Avoid in Turkiye

While Turkiye is generally a safe and incredibly hospitable destination, tourists in major hubs like Istanbul can fall victim to specific scams. The most common traps include the “dropped shoe shine brush,” taxi drivers taking scenic routes or switching bills, and the infamous “let’s have a drink” bar scam where friendly strangers lead you to establishments with exorbitant bills. To avoid these, always insist on a metered taxi, never follow strangers to secondary locations, and check menu prices before ordering. For a completely stress-free experience, booking a guided tour with a reputable agency like One Nation Travel ensures you are protected by local experts every step of the way.

1. The “Dropped Brush” Shoe Shine Scam

This is perhaps the most famous street scam in Istanbul. A shoe shiner walks past you and “accidentally” drops their brush. Being a polite traveler, you pick it up to return it.

• The Trap: The shiner is profusely thankful and offers to shine your shoes as a gesture of gratitude.
• The Sting: Once the shine is finished, they demand a high payment (often 50-100 Euros), claiming the “free” offer was misunderstood.
• How to Avoid: If a brush drops near you, keep walking. It is almost certainly a setup.

2. Istanbul Taxi Scams (The “Broken Meter” & “Scenic Route”)

Taxis in Istanbul can be tricky for the uninitiated.

• The Scenic Route: Drivers may take a longer route to run up the meter if they sense you don’t know the city.
• The Switcheroo: You hand the driver a 500 Lira note, and he quickly drops it, swaps it for a 20 Lira note, and claims you underpaid.
• The “Broken” Meter: The driver claims the meter is broken and tries to negotiate a flat (and inflated) fee.
• Solution: Always insist on the meter (taksimetre). Use a navigation app on your phone to track the route. Better yet, use apps like BiTaksi or Uber to hail rides.

3. The “Let’s Have a Drink” Bar Scam

This is a high-stakes scam often targeting solo male travelers near Taksim Square or Istiklal Street.

• The Setup: A friendly local approaches you, strikes up a conversation, and suggests going to a “good club” or bar they know for a drink.
• The Sting: You arrive at a seedy venue, ordered drinks, and are presented with a bill for hundreds or thousands of dollars. Big guards ensure you don’t leave without paying.
• Advice: Never follow a stranger to a second location. If you want to socialize, stick to reputable venues or your hotel bar.

4. The Restaurant Menu Swap

In highly touristic areas like Sultanahmet, some unethical restaurants have two sets of menus.

• The Trick: You are shown a menu with reasonable prices outside. Inside, or when the bill comes, the prices are significantly higher.
• The “Free” Meze: Waiters might place appetizers (meze) and water on your table without you asking. These are often charged at a premium.
• Protection: Take a photo of the menu price before entering. Explicitly ask if items placed on the table are complimentary (ikram).

5. The Carpet Shop “Guide”

You are walking near the Grand Bazaar, and a charming local offers to help you find your way or practice their English.

• The Detour: Slowly, the conversation shifts. They “just happen” to have a cousin or uncle with a carpet shop nearby.
• The Hard Sell: You are ushered into a room, given tea, and subjected to intense pressure to buy expensive rugs.
• Tip: A polite “No, thank you” is sufficient. Keep moving and enjoy the bazaar on your own terms.

6. Fake “Byzantine” Artefacts and Coins

At historical sites like Ephesus or around major museums, vendors may whisper that they have “authentic” ancient coins or artefacts found during excavations.

• The Risk: These are almost always cheap fakes.
• The Bigger Risk: If they were real, it is strictly illegal to export Turkish antiquities. You could face jail time at the airport.
• Rule: Never buy “antiquities” from street vendors.

7. The Lira vs. Euro Card Machine Trick

When paying by card at a shop or restaurant, the merchant enters the amount.

• The Scam: If the bill is 1000 TL (Turkish Lira), they might type 1000 EUR or USD into the machine.
• The Result: You pay 30x the actual price.
• Defense: Always check the currency symbol on the POS machine screen before tapping your card or entering your PIN.

8. The “Helpful” ATM Stranger

While trying to withdraw cash, a stranger approaches to “help” you avoid bank fees or navigate the Turkish interface.

• The Goal: They are trying to see your PIN or distract you to swap your card.
• Action: Cover the keypad. If someone gets too close, cancel the transaction and leave.

9. Unofficial Tour Guides

Outside major attractions like the Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace, you will see people with lanyards offering to skip the line or give you a tour.

• The Reality: Many are unlicensed. They may give incorrect history, rush you through the site, or demand extra tips at the end.
• The One Nation Travel Difference: Our tours use only Ministry of Culture-licensed professional guides who are vetted for their knowledge and professionalism.

🛡️ How to Travel Safely with One Nation Travel

Based on One Nation Travel’s 15+ years of experience operating in Turkiye, the absolute best way to avoid these pitfalls is to travel with a local expert. When you book a package with us, you have:

• Private Transfers: No haggling with taxi drivers.
• Vetted Restaurants: We recommend dining spots known for quality and honesty.
• Licensed Guides: You are accompanied by professionals who shield you from street touts.
• 24/7 Support: Our team is always a phone call away.

Top Safe & Guided Experiences in Turkiye

Istanbul Tour Packages Discover the magic of Istanbul without the stress. Our packages include private airport transfers, luxury accommodation, and guided tours of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the history. View Details

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tours Experience the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia safely. Avoid unauthorized booking agents on the street; our tours guarantee your spot with certified, safety-first balloon operators and include guided exploration of the Goreme Open Air Museum. See Full Itinerary and Book

7-Day Turkey Highlights Tour Combine the best of Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus in one seamless trip. This comprehensive package eliminates the need to deal with local taxis or unverified vendors, providing a secure and luxurious journey through Turkiye’s most iconic sites. View Details

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it safe to take a taxi in Istanbul as a tourist?

Yes, but you must be cautious. Always ensure the meter is running, check that the “night rate” isn’t applied during the day, and follow the route on your own map app; using apps like BiTaksi or Uber is safer than flagging one on the street.

What should I do if a restaurant overcharges me in Turkey?

Stay calm and ask for an itemized bill. Compare it to the menu prices (which you should check before ordering) and if the discrepancy remains, firmly refuse to pay the extra amount or ask for the tourism police (Turizm Polisi).

Are the friendly people approaching me on the street in Istanbul genuine?

Usually, no. In high-traffic tourist zones like Sultanahmet or Taksim, a stranger approaching you with excellent English to offer help, food, or a drink is likely initiating a carpet, leather, or bar scam.

Do I need a tour guide to visit the Grand Bazaar?

It is highly recommended. While you can visit alone, a licensed guide from One Nation Travel helps you navigate the labyrinth of 4,000 shops, prevents you from getting lost, and protects you from aggressive sales tactics.

Is it safe to buy antiques or old coins in Turkey?

No, never buy ancient artifacts. It is strictly illegal to export historical artifacts from Turkey, and many items sold on the street are either fake or will land you in serious legal trouble at the airport.

Conclusion

Turkiye is a breathtaking destination filled with warm, welcoming people. The scams listed above are the exception, not the rule, but being aware of them ensures your trip remains a happy memory. Don’t let the fear of logistics hold you back. Ready to explore Turkiye with peace of mind? Explore our luxury tour packages and let us handle the details.