A friendly guy recommended a "nice local bar" in Taksim. Two women joined our table and ordered "champagne" without asking. The bill: 30,000 lira. The "champagne" was cheap sparkling wine. Never follow strangers to bars in Istanbul.
🗓️ Scam date: 21 October 2025
📝 Reported: 15 September 2026
Official-looking taxi at IST arrivals quoted €50 flat for the ride to Sultanahmet, claiming the meter was "broken". The real metered fare is around €12–15. He locked the doors until we agreed. Book the Havaist shuttle or insist on the meter.
🗓️ Scam date: 30 August 2025
📝 Reported: 10 August 2026
Two men in plain clothes flashed badges at Taksim Square and said they were checking for "counterfeit money". One "checked" my wallet and 2,000 lira vanished. Real police will never go through your wallet on the street.
🗓️ Scam date: 17 March 2026
📝 Reported: 6 July 2026
A man in a suit at the Blue Mosque entrance introduced himself as an "official guide" and gave us a 20-minute walk for €60. Mosque entry is free and guides are not required. He got aggressive when we questioned the price.