Istanbul and Turkey as a country is very safe to travel through. Pickpocketing, mugging and sexual harassment is not very common. However, there are some Istanbul Scams to watch out for. Once you avoid these, you can rest assure to have a wonderful trip.
Taxis in Istanbul
Unfortunately, Taxis are INFAMOUS in Istanbul. You don’t have to worry about safety, but of being overcharged. Oftentimes in the touristic areas of Old City, Taksim, Eminönü/Sirkeci, Taxi drivers try to negotiate a price that is 5+ times more than the meter fee.
We recommend you use public transport as it not only saves you money, but it avoids traffic (especially on the Tram, Ferry, Metro & Marmara’ya). It reduces traffic and air quality overall. AND you won’t have to deal with scam Taxi drivers that will overcharge, drive crazy and smoke in their vehicles.
If you Do need to take a Taxi:
- We strongly encourage you to pre-arrange an Airport Shuttle after booking your room with us. You can do so by e-mailing or sending us a WhatsApp.
- Be sure the meter is turned on when you enter, which starts at 24.55 TL. If you do cross one of the bridges, the toll may cost 20-50 TL. Don’t let them charge you more than that!
- If there comes a point where the Taxi tries to ask for more than the meter, roll down your window and scream POLICE! If you have arrived to your destination, step out and ask locals to help.
Shoe Shiners
This is an Istanbul Scam that’s as old as time. They will typically be a sweet, elderly looking man who drops his shoe shiner near you, then starts shining your shoes. Then guilts you for money.
Note: There are legit shoe shiners. If you need it, negotiate the price before starting the service.
Perfume Sellers
There are shady looking men trying to sell you Perfumes. Note that they are clearly fake and there is no reason to purchase them.
“Friendly Men” trying to Strike up Conversation
Most often around Sultanahmet and sometimes Taksim, you’ll have young, seemingly charming man saying Hello and acting friendly. They will start by asking “Where are you from”? And tell you they’ve spent time there, blah blah.
95% of the time, they are trying to become your tour guide for a few hours. They might say it’s for free or they just want to practice English, but in the end, they will guilt you into paying a lot of money.
”Come have a Drink at my Friend’s Bar”
Following with the shady “Friendly Men” above, there are men around Taksim Square, typically targeting Tourist Men to come to their “friend’s bars”. You will enter a place, sometimes see women in scantily clad clothing (and prostitutes), have some drinks and then be charged an exuberant amount on the bill. Sometimes it could be $30 USD a drink, or hundreds of dollars.
Do some research on Google & Trip Advisor before entering a bar. And in general, Taksim Square has the shadiest Istanbul Scammers.
Overpriced Souvenirs
If there is something you want to buy, check around for prices before settling for the first one. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are famous touristic sites in Istanbul to see, but they will be the most overpriced. Ask one of our staffs to take you on an official Shopping tour, or referral on where to go.
Overall, we recommend you research prices and ask any of our staff before going out. We have 15+ years of experience in Tourism and have trusted tour guides, souvenir shops, authentic Carpet companies, private tour companies, drivers, Turkish Hamams that we can refer you.