Pristine beaches, cultural sites, and shopping hotspots make Turkey a favourite tourist destination country. Every year, millions visit the country to explore its breathtaking beauty and historical sites. However, while the country is known for its tourist attractions and friendly locals, there exist a few tourist scams to watch out for. Nonetheless, if you take appropriate measures, you will certainly be out of harm’s way. Hence, in this article, we not only give a rundown of the most common tourist scams in Turkey but also provide tips and emergency resources for tackling these issues.
Most Common Tourist Scams in Turkey
● Shoe Shine Scam
The shoe shine scam is one of the oldest and most popular tourist scams in Turkey. A shoe shiner suddenly but knowingly drops his cleaning brush or any other polishing item while walking past you. If you alert him or help him pick up the item, he offers to shine your shoes. You agree, thinking he’s doing it as a show of gratitude, but he ends up handing you an overpriced bill once he’s done cleaning the shoes.
● Drink Scam
This Turkey scam goes like this: A group of strangers (usually locals) suddenly walk up to you and act all friendly with you. They then invite you to grab a drink with them at a local bar or club. If you fall for the scam and have the drink, you will be served a crazy bill (for instance $100 for a drink). If you refuse to pay, a burly security guard will coerce you into paying.
● Taxi Scam
The taxi scam is arguably the most notorious scam in Turkey and several other parts of the world. There are many variations to the taxi scam in Turkey. One of them is taxi drivers charging tourists ridiculous fares after conveying them to their destination. They do this by travelling a much longer route than they should. A second one is them not using the metre or denying having a change if you give them cash. Another popular one is that the driver tells you that your destination hotel is temporarily closed (due to a fire outbreak, bed bug infestation, inspection, etc.) and then convinces you to use his friend’s hotel instead. If you do, he receives a large commission from the recommended hotel.
● Currency Exchange Scam
Another common tourist scam in Turkey is the currency exchange scam. This is the plot: You visit the local shops in Turkey, and a shopkeeper invites you to check out his shop. They let you purchase an item at the usual amount, but they are actually fraudulently priced in Euros or USD, not Lira!
They play a similar scam when you pay with your card. Instead of charging you in Turkish Lira, the seller swiftly switches the currency and instead charges you in Euros or USD. For instance, instead of paying 100 Turkish Lira, you pay 100 USD! Senior citizens are particularly most likely to fall victim to this scam.
● Fake Policeman Scam
In this Turkey scam, a supposed police officer randomly approaches you and asks to inspect your wallet to check your passport or other identification documents. Although this is technically lawful—as there’s an actual police unit handling illegal migration—scammers exploit it.
This scam mainly occurs in lonely alleys and the aim is usually to snatch your money or alter your passport.
Tips to Deal with Scams in Turkey
● For the Shoe Shine Scam
Don’t pick anything up. Ignore and just keep walking. Generally, avoid free shoe shining. Also, agree on the price for shining your shoes (both shoes!) before any polishing begins.
● For the Drink Scam
Test your ‘new friend’ by opting for a legitimate bar and watch their reaction. Or simply decline the invitation. Generally, never take suggestions from strangers about bars, nightclubs, cafés, eateries, etc. You can find the best of such establishments yourself on popular websites.
● For the Taxi Scam
Use pre-paid taxi services or licensed taxis only. Always research your route, your destination, and the standard fares from your location to your destination before selecting a taxi service. Also, make sure to ask the taxi driver to turn on the taximeter once you get into the taxi.
● For the Currency Exchange Scam
When making a payment using your credit card, pay attention to the screen and make sure the card machine is charging in Liras. Better still, pay in cash if you can.
● For the Fake Policeman Scam
Be cautious around a fishy "officer" asking for your possessions. A photocopy of your passport and other identity documents should suffice for a legit verification of your identity by the police. If the impostor officer persists, demand to go together to the nearest police station—a genuine law enforcement officer would agree to this.
Overall, it is crucial to get international travel insurance before you begin your Turkey tour. This will ensure your safety and guarantee your financing in case of any contingencies.
Emergency Resources for Travel Scams in Turkey
Turkish authorities have strengthened safety measures and improved emergency hotlines for tourists. This helps visitors get requisite help when in distress.
If you encounter any major scams when in Turkey, you can always contact the Turkey Tourist Police via 0212 527 45 03.
Below are other vital contact lines in the event of any emergencies:
Police – 155
Medical emergency and ambulance – 112
Missing children or women – 183
Traffic – 154
Other emergencies – 112
Conclusion
If you’re visiting Turkey for the first time, or maybe not even the first time, it pays to be street-smart. While the country is known for its warm hospitality, there are pitfalls to watch out for. Always be vigilant and avoid scams during your Turkey tour. Consider securing travel insurance before your trip, and if you're planning a short stay, opt for single trip travel insurance to ensure peace of mind.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.