Updated Date : 01.10.2022
When we talk about the tourist attractions in the world, then we have to mention precautions about the scams happening there. There are many tourist scams in Istanbul, but if you take some steps and protection, then you're safe. We will provide you a list of the most common travel scams that can happen to you so you can be aware of them.
The shoe polishing debacle
You will see many older men doing this job for tourists in Istanbul, and when you are taking a walk in the streets of Istanbul, you see an older man polishing or cleaning the shoe, and you think this is it? But no, it may be something fishy. For example, suppose you saw an older man shining a shoe, and you're walking; he will deliberately throw his brush in your way and make you uncomfortable and make you scream at him, then he will offer you to clean shoes. You might think he is sorry for his actions, but in the end, he will ask you for a significant amount of money for his services. It is a part of different types of money scams. So please stay aware of this kind of people.
Solution: Stay active while you're walking down the streets. These types of scammers sit down the streets. If someone throws a brush at you, don't pick up the brush and keep moving because if an honest shoe cleaner is there, he will negotiate for the price first.
Let's have a drink scam
This is probably one of the most famous scams happening in Istanbul with tourists. However, police and many law enforcement agencies are always there to prevent fraud. But if you're are in the streets alone or with a small tourist group, you may be the best target for these scammers.
When you are walking in the street, suddenly one person will appear in front of you and call you "My Friend" though he's not your friend. he will give you nice compliments about your personality. Then he will offer you a drink from Club or Bar. While talking, he will take you inside the bar where you will meet underdressed girls; one of them will come to you at your table, and immediately they will serve you a round of drink. Then, at last, they will serve you a bill that might be hundreds or thousands of dollars. If you refuse, they will force you or escort you to the ATM to make sure you pay them.
Solution: The best way to avoid this scam is if a stranger asks you for a drink or compliments, you say "thank you" and don't stop by them.
Things you might think are free, but you are mistaken
There are many places to visit in Istanbul, which also include restaurants, clubs, and bars. If you're sitting in a restaurant and some items have already been placed on your table, and you think these are free with the food, you might be wrong. There can be a bottle of water on the table, and you will drink, and at the end, they will charge much money for that too. Appetizers are almost complimentary in restaurants but not in every restaurant. If you're at the club or bar, they will serve a bowl of nuts and candies that also cant be free. If you eat these items, they might charge you a lot for this.
Solution: The best way to keep yourself away from these scams is to ask them like these are free or not. Avoid eating anything before asking the price.
The currency scam
When a tourist centers Istanbul, it is impossible to stop them shopping for some souvenirs or clothes. This is so true that Turkey is producing one of the finest quality clothes and carpets. You're strolling in the streets of Istanbul, and you stopped by at a shop for shopping. The salesperson will treat you so perfectly that you will think he is the best salesperson, but it's not what you think. They will also let you buy an item at a low price. But in reality, when you ask them to charge, they might charge you in Euros instead of Liras through the card machine.
Solution: Before paying through your credit card, make sure the machine is charging in Liras, or the other best way to stay away from the scam is to pay in cash.
Scam at Carpet shops
If you ever travel to Istanbul, you will see numerous shops for carpets around you, which are of good quality, by the way. So while you're are walking in the streets, one of the charming young boys will come to you and ask you if you're lost somewhere or if you want to go to some famous tourist spots in Istanbul. This usually happens with girls or group of girls. They might attract a couple too. Then he will ask you to accompany you to that spot, and while walking, he will get you through the carpet shops and say it is his uncle's or brother's shop. He will immediately say that he forgot to drop something there and ask you to come with him there. Then you will see yourself in a room of carpet with a cup of tea. They will treat you exceptionally well and force you to buy a product from them, which almost won't be negotiable. Then they will ask you for higher money. Then they will also offer you to ship that product to your home country, which they won't send. So keep your eyes open from these people.
Solution: To avoid these people in the first place, don't get amazed by their conversation and try to use google maps for directions or find any other tourist for the company.
Stealing Wallets
Usually, this happens with careless tourists. Some people are walking in the streets to steal a wallet from the tourist's pocket. They won't even let you know while stealing, and you might lose your money, important documents and cards.
Solution: The best way to avoid this scam is to recommend putting your wallet in the front pocket, as most Turks do.
Taxi scams
If you're new to any city, this is probably the most common scam in different countries in the world. Some of the taxi drivers will try to drive you through some "short routes" which are not. They will say that they know the best route, but they will drive you through traffic or the longest path, and then they will make you pay a massive amount of Liras.
Solution: Try to search your location on your phone, and don't let them make you fool.
Then again, while you are paying, they might swap your currency notes like; if he said your fare is 40 Liras and you handed over 50 Liras to him, he might switch that note with 5 Liras.
Solution: The best way to keep yourself safe from this scam is to keep notes of small denominations and coins.
Is Istanbul safe to travel to?
If we answer this question in one word, it would be "Yes." Istanbul is one of the safest heavens on the earth for travel and tourism; in fact, tourism is one of the significant industries of Turkey. Your travel to Istanbul will be safer if you get Istanbul E-pass travel tips that will help you stay on budget and have a great trip in Istanbul. We are offering over 50+ top attractions with an Istanbul E-pass.
The Final Word
Istanbul is one of the most attractive cities in the world for tourists. Istanbul is an entirely safe city for trips. The list of scams we provided you is true, but you can easily handle it with the few tips we mentioned above.