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Turkey
30 scams
Turkey, is where the world meets. Since ancient times, the Trojans, Mongols, Romans, Greeks, and Ottomans have traversed these plains and Turkey today offers a fascinating cultural experience.
That said, there are a number of tourist targeted scams to watch out for here.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency numbers
- Tourism police: +90 212 527 45 03
- Medical emergency/ambulance: 112
- Fire: 110
- Police: 155
Travel resources
Would you like a drink bar scam in Turkey
10 10How it works: Situation: this is a common scam in Eastern Europe, where bar owners, bar girls, employees and sometimes even police officers are involved. Opening: a stranger asks if…
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Fraudulent tour operators in Turkey
6 2How it works: Situation: there are fly by night tour agencies which sell non-existent tours or overpriced tours of low quality and with little safety consideration. Set-up: they may pass…
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Carpet and other shopping scams in Turkey
6 6How it works: Opening: A tout claims to know the best sellers and can help you get a “local” price, or wants to offer you Turkish Tea. He then brings…
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Pickpockets in Turkey
6 2How it works: They work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a cover (e.g….
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Fayton (horse carriage) scam in Turkey
6 0How it works: A horse carriage ride is firstly expensive, and secondly may skip past places of interest and send you to a tea place where they receive a commission….
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Unofficial guides in Turkey
5 1How it works: Opening: Unofficial guides will offer to help you skip the queue if you sign up for an expensive private tour with them. Set-up: First, they will overcharge…
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Shoe shine scam in Turkey
5 0How it works: Opening: scammer drops his shoe shine equipment beside you “accidentally”. If you help pick it up, they will offer to provide shoe shine services to you for…
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Price quote scam in Turkey
5 1How it works: A vendor tells you that an item costs 50. You assume it is 50 Liras, only to have your credit card swiped for 50 Euros without you…
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Ancient City of Ephesus taxi scams in Turkey
5 0How it works: Scam 1: cab drivers at one entrance will claim that the other entrance does not have a shuttle. Thus, they suggest you take a cab ride there,…
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Property scam in Turkey
4 1How it works: Situation: many property scams where both investors and tourists have fell for fraudulent apartment listings. Red flags: cheap prices, copy-pasted description, dodgy sounding reviews, difference in photos…
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Restaurant, food stall scams in Turkey
4 3How it works: Situation: Most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: Version 1: advertising a…
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Food, drinks spiking in Turkey
3 0How it works: On the train, a stranger approaches and chats with you. Once he gains your trust, he offers you food or drinks laced with a fast acting sedative…
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Money changer scams in Turkey
3 1How it works: Opening: advertising a favourable rate but using another thanks to unadvertised fees and commission. Set-up: Giving a large stack of small notes and through sleight of hand…
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Taxi scams in Turkey
3 2How it works: Version 1: rigged meters (jump too fast/too much); not using meters and charging an inflated flat fare. Version 2: claiming no change; swapping a high value note…
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Unlicensed taxis in Turkey
4 1How it works: Version 1: charging you an inflated flat fare. Version 2: offering a low fee to tempt you only to demand more money midway through a trip. Places…
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