How to Avoid Scams in Istanbul (and Still Have an Amazing Time)
- My Istanbul Guide
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
“Don’t Worry, But Be Smart”
As a travel guide based in Istanbul, I’ve also traveled across many destinations in Europe — and one thing is always true: scammers tend to gather where the tourists are. Whether it’s Paris, Rome, or Barcelona, high-traffic areas attract a few opportunists trying to take advantage of short-term visitors. With over 18 to 20 million people visiting Istanbul each year, this city is no exception.
That said, Istanbul is overall a very safe city, especially out in the open and in well-trafficked areas. But there are a few things you’ll want to keep an eye on — not because it’s dangerous, but because it’s easy to be caught off guard.
Turkish people are famously hospitable — and with good reason. In Turkey, it’s common to be invited for tea, offered a seat at someone’s table, or welcomed warmly into a shop or home. While people here may not be the wealthiest in the world, they’re among the richest in spirit. They’ll gladly share what they have with a stranger — and this is exactly what makes Turkey such a memorable place to visit.
Unfortunately, a few people try to take advantage of that trust — especially in Istanbul.
In this blog post, I’ll share some of the most common scams I’ve heard about from travelers — and a few I’ve seen with my own eyes — so that you can enjoy Istanbul with peace of mind and avoid any unwanted surprises.
The most important rule: Follow and trust only authorized and licensed tour guides!
1. 🎩 “The Friendly Local” Who Invites You for Tea
The scam: A guy starts chatting, says he’s a carpet dealer, then invites you to his shop “just to look.” Suddenly, you find yourself being pressured into buying something wildly overpriced.
It often starts innocently: they’ll ask where you’re from, and then — surprise! — they have a cousin who lives just around the corner from you. A small world, right? Next thing you know, you're sitting in a back room sipping tea while they roll out carpets or display trays of jewelry “just for you.”
How to avoid it: Be polite, say you have a guide or already have plans. Don’t follow strangers into closed shops. Instead, book tours and read the verified reviews from past attenders.
2. 🍻 🍸 The Bar Scam (aka the “Pavyon” Trap)
The scam: This one’s been around for years and still catches people off guard. It usually starts when a friendly stranger — sometimes even a pair of women — strike up a conversation and suggest going for a drink. You’re taken to a place that looks legit enough, but what you’ve walked into is what locals call a “Pavyon.”
A pavyon is like a soft version of a strip club — the women don’t undress, but they sit with guests and encourage them to keep ordering drinks. What many don’t realize is that the drinks they order for themselves are wildly overpriced — and you’re expected to pay for them. It’s not unusual to be hit with a bill ten times what you’d expect. Refuse to pay, and suddenly things can get intimidating.
How to avoid it: If a stranger insists on taking you to a bar you’ve never heard of, politely decline. Stick to well-known venues or places recommended by locals, or better yet, join a trusted nighttime walking tour or dinner cruise — a much safer (and more interesting) way to experience Istanbul after dark.
3. 💸 Taxis Without Meters or With ‘Broken’ Meters
Finding a taxi in Istanbul — especially during rush hours or in busy areas like Taksim or Sultanahmet — can be a real headache. And this isn’t just a tourist problem; locals struggle with it too. That said, there are a few extra things visitors need to watch out for, beyond the usual rush hour chaos.
The scam: A driver says the meter is broken or takes the long route.
How to avoid it: Always use official yellow cabs. Download an app like BiTaksi or Uber. Or better yet, book a transfer service before your visit.
4. 📸 “The Shoeshine Trick”
The scam: A shoeshiner “accidentally” drops his brush. You pick it up, and he insists on giving you a free shine. Then demands money.
How to avoid it: Just keep walking. They count on tourists feeling awkward.
5. 🏛 Fake Guides at Major Attractions
The scam: At Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque, someone approaches you saying they’re an official guide — and then charges way too much for poor-quality info.
How to avoid it: Only book licensed guides through reliable sources.
✅ Final Tips
Don’t be paranoid — just aware.
Most locals are genuinely helpful and warm.
If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
Want a scam-free Istanbul experience with someone who knows the streets inside out? Reach out for a private tour — or check out my recommended experiences below. 😉
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