Updated on - 14 May 2026
Pristine beaches, cultural sites, and shopping hotspots make Turkey a favourite tourist destination. 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. This article gives a rundown of tourist scams in Turkey. It also provides tips and emergency resources for tackling these issues and answers related questions.
Most Common Tourist Scams in Turkey
Here are some scams you need to watch out for:
Shoe Shine Scam
The shoeshine scam is one of the oldest 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 tourist scam goes like this: A group of strangers (usually locals) suddenly walk up to you and act all friendly towards 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. 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 the driver telling you that your destination hotel is temporarily closed (due to a fire, bed bug infestation, inspection, etc.) and then convincing 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 is the currency exchange scam. This is what happens: 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!
Fake Policeman Scam
In this Turkey tourist 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.
Tips to Deal with Scams in Turkey
The following are some suggestions to help you handle scammers:
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 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 in.
For the Currency Exchange Scam
When making a payment with your credit card, pay attention to the screen and make sure the card machine is displaying charges 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 the police to verify your identity. If the impostor officer persists, demand to go to the nearest police station together. 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 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 the requisite help when in distress. If you encounter any major scams in Istanbul, you can contact the Tourist Police at 0212 527 45 03 for assistance.
For emergencies across Turkey, dial 112, the unified emergency number that connects you to ambulance, police, and fire services. Older numbers like 155 (police) may still function, but 112 is the primary contact for urgent situations.
Conclusion
If you’re visiting Turkey for the first time, or even if visiting again, it pays to be street-smart. While the country is known for its warm hospitality, there are pitfalls to look out for. Always be vigilant and avoid scams during your Turkey tour. Consider securing travel insurance for Turkey before your trip to ensure peace of mind. Having comprehensive travel insurance can also help cover unexpected medical or travel-related emergencies, allowing you to enjoy your journey with greater confidence.
FAQs
1. Does travel insurance cover theft or scams?
If you follow the insurer's guidelines, purchasing an insurance policy will cover losses from theft or scams, such as a stolen wallet or luggage. These guidelines could include adhering to policy requirements like informing the insurer without delay and submitting a police report. It usually doesn't reimburse you for losses resulting from scams in which you willingly pay, like making a reservation via a fraudulent website. You should carefully read your policy document to understand the exclusions because coverage varies throughout insurers.
2. What should I do if I lose my passport or wallet?
Report the loss immediately to the nearest police station and obtain a written report. Then contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Turkey to apply for an emergency travel document. If your wallet is lost, block your cards right away and inform your bank. You should also notify your travel insurer to check if you can claim for lost documents or cash.
3. How can I avoid common scams while travelling in Turkey?
You should always stay alert in busy places and steer clear of unwanted offers for services, excursions, or taxis. Use only genuinely authorised operators, confirm any reservations you make via their official channels, and always check pricing beforehand. By keeping valuables safe and by being aware of distractions, you can stay ahead of any traps or tricks.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure/policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.