8 Tourist Scams in Istanbul: Save Yourself (January 2025)

Istanbul is a magnificent city, full of history, culture, and stunning views. Compared to other European cities, it’s relatively safe when it comes to scams, but like anywhere, it’s wise to stay alert. The scams here are often straightforward and easy to spot if you know what to look for. Most of the scam activity is concentrated in the Old City or near Galata. On the Asian side, scammers are rare.

Here are some common scams you might encounter and how to avoid them:

How to Avoid Scams in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city full of friendly people, but it’s important to stay cautious. Be wary of those who go out of their way to start a conversation with you. These individuals often begin with a harmless question and may even pretend to be tourists themselves. They’re skilled at building trust before attempting a scam. If you find yourself in a suspicious situation, remember that Istanbul has a tourist police force that you can contact for help.

What Else you Need to Know?

Common Techniques of Scammers: They approach you with friendly conversation, using specific knowledge about your hometown to build trust. If you’re from London, for example, they’ll know places in London to make the interaction seem genuine.

Targeting Tourists: Scammers especially target solo travelers, luring them into cafes and clubs where they’re overcharged, sometimes forcing them to withdraw money from ATMs.

High-Risk Areas: Certain streets and bars in Taksim and Galata are hotspots for scams. They are often more dangerous after dark, and police presence is limited in these areas.

Worst-Case Scenario: In the worst-case scenario, tourists can be lured to isolated locations, locked in, so have your live location shared with friends or relatives.

Taxi Scams: Scams also happen with local taxis, where drivers take longer routes or charge exorbitant fares. We advise using Uber and photographing the taxi’s license plate.

Vulnerability at Night: The risk of being scammed increases at night, especially in deserted areas or shady streets.

Is it dangerous? Only if you let your guard down. Stay aware, and you’ll be fine.

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Pickpocketing in Istanbul

Pickpocketing is one of the few scams you might encounter in crowded areas of Istanbul. Scammers usually target tourists in popular spots like Sultanahmet, Istiklal Street, Taksim Square, and other busy places. You’re less likely to experience this in residential areas. Their main targets are solo tourists, especially women.

Shoe Polisher Scam in Istanbul

This classic scam is still alive in Istanbul. A shoe shiner will drop his brush or something small in front of you. If you’re kind enough to pick it up and return it, he’ll offer to shine your shoes as a thank you. But once he’s done, he’ll demand payment, and if you refuse, he might even threaten to call the police. It’s best to just keep walking if you see this setup happening.

“Let Us Show You a Place”

In the Old City, someone might approach you with an offer to show you a rooftop bar with a great view. Once there, you’ll find the place empty, and they’ll try to charge you an outrageous price for something like a bottle of wine — sometimes as much as 3,000 TL.

Politely decline such offers and avoid following strangers to unknown locations.

Hidden Charges at Bars and Restaurants

Be especially cautious in the Taksim area and near Karaköy. Some bars and restaurants here are known to inflate bills by adding hidden charges for items you didn’t order. Always ask for a menu with prices before ordering, and check your bill carefully before paying.

No Price Tags in Tourist Shops

In shops around tourist-heavy areas, some sellers might try to scam you by charging much more than the actual price, especially if they see you’re a tourist. I’ve seen this happen with things as simple as buying a Coke, where the price suddenly jumped for no reason. To avoid this, stick to well-known, big-branched markets like Migros, CarrefourSA, Bim, or A101. They always have price tags, and you won’t have to worry about surprise charges or tips.

Swapping to Fake Money

In Istanbul, a common scam involves swapping real money for fake. After paying in euros at a restaurant, the waiter might return shortly after, handing back a note, claiming it’s torn and unusable. The note may appear older than the original, but this often goes unnoticed. Later, attempts to use the note elsewhere are met with rejection — everyone insists it’s torn. A trip to an exchange office confirms the worst: the note is fake.

Taxi Scams in Istanbul

Taxis in Istanbul can be another source of frustration. Some drivers refuse to use the meter and instead demand an inflated fare at the end of the ride. Others may cancel your Uber ride midway, forcing you to pay them directly in cash. There have also been reports of drivers inflating food bills at restaurants they recommend or asking for a commission if you pay by credit card.

Carpet or Leather Shop Scam in Istanbul

In the Sultanahmet area and around the Grand Bazaar, tourists often encounter friendly locals eager to help. These individuals, who usually speak several languages fluently, will offer assistance if you appear lost or in need of directions. However, their ultimate goal is to lead you to a carpet or leather shop where they work. Once inside, they’ll display their best manners and try to convince you of the high quality of their products, pushing for a sale.

When someone offers help, politely thank them but be cautious. If they guide you to a shop, let them know you’ll consider returning later after having some time to think.

Choose Local Neighborhoods Over Tourist Areas

To steer clear of scams in Istanbul, consider exploring local neighborhoods instead of sticking to tourist spots. Areas like Kadıköy, Maltepe, Eyüp, and Beşiktaş offer a more authentic experience, where locals are often friendly and welcoming.

Besides reducing the risk of scams, staying in local neighborhoods can be easier on your budget. Food and accommodations tend to be more affordable, and you’ll have the chance to discover hidden gems that most tourists overlook. However, even in these areas, you might still encounter inflated prices if you don’t speak Turkish — so stay aware.

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