Istanbul scams: What to watch out for in 2026

Istanbul is a popular and safe destination for millions of tourists each year. That said, there are a couple of tourist-targeted scams worth knowing about. Overall, exploring this historic city is generally smooth, but being aware of common tricks makes your experience memorable for the right reasons. 

In this guide, we’ll cover the specific scams to watch out for, how to spot and avoid them, advice on Istanbul’s taxi scams, and tips for staying safe on your trip. 

Staying connected will also help you avoid unwanted surprises. With Holafly’s eSIM for Turkey, you get unlimited mobile data to navigate the country with confidence.

An eSIM you can rely on

Join over 15 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.

Buy an eSIM for Turkey

The most common tourist Istanbul scams right now

Currently, the most common tourist scams in Istanbul include: the shoe shine brush drop, “tourist” prices, fake artifact deals, a red rose “gift”, attraction diversions, taxi tricks, ATM “help”, and distraction pickpocketing. 

The shoe shine brush drop scam 👞

You’ll find this scam in action on bridges like Galata Bridge or near Sultanahment — two popular tourist attractions. Here’s how it goes: 

A shoe shiner walking in front of you will pretend to accidentally drop their brush. When you pick it up to return it, they act grateful and offer a “free” shoe shine. However, once they finish, they demand payment and call nearby peers to intimidate you if you refuse to pay. 

How to avoid the shoe shine brush drop scam: You might be inclined to pick things up out of common courtesy. However, if you notice anyone drop a shoe shine brush, jewelry, or any other suspicious items near you, it’s best to ignore them. If you’re unsure whether it could be a scam, simply call out to the person and let them know they have dropped something. 

“Tourist” prices and menu inflation 🍽️

Be wary of this Istanbul scam, especially around tourist places like the Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, and Sultanahmet. Some restaurants hand out menus without prices or have a “special” menu for tourists with inflated prices. You might also find items like water bottles or soft drinks at ridiculously high prices in local shops.

How to avoid paying the “tourist” price: 

• Always check your bill before paying, as unannounced cover fees, bread, water, or service charges are added to the final bill. 
• Always confirm prices on a printed menu before ordering. 
• Buy essentials from supermarkets like Migros, CarrefourSA, A101, and Sim. Every item has its own fixed price tag, and you won’t be asked for tips.

The friendly ATM helper scam 🏧

Scammers often stand near busy ATMs at stations and offer unsolicited help to top up your Istanbulkart (which can be complicated), avoid foreign bank fees, or assist with ticket selection. In reality, they’re trying to get access to your PIN or use a card skimmer to steal your debit/credit card information. This is also one of the most common scams in Paris, aimed at unsuspecting tourists. 

How to avoid the ATM helper scam: 

Firmly reject any offers to “help” you purchase tickets at a kiosk or top up your travel card. It’s worth familiarising yourself with Istanbul’s transport system to avoid falling victim to such scams. 

Fake artifacts, coins, and “priceless antique” carpet scams 🪙

When looking for what to buy in Istanbul, watch out for this one. Street sellers near historical sites or inside bazaars like the Grand Bazaar may present fake coins, antique relics, or carpet deals they claim are ancient Byzantine artifacts or rare handmade rugs.

In fact, exporting actual historical artifacts from Turkey is illegal, which means these street coins and carpets are low-quality replicas. 

How to avoid the fake artifacts scam: 

Reject any offers to buy such items. Not only are they not rare items, shop keepers will also hike up prices, especially if they find out you’re a tourist. That said, there are many Istanbul souvenirs worth taking home, such as spices, sweets, and ceramics.

Photo requests and distraction pickpocketing 

Unfortunately, the risk of pickpocketing is high in every major tourist city worldwide. In Istanbul, here’s how a typical pickpocketing scam might go: 

A stranger will ask you to take their photo in a crowded street. Or, they might accidentally spill something on your clothes. While you’re distracted by taking a picture or cleaning your clothes, an accomplice slips valuable items from your front or back pockets or from an open bag/purse. 

How to avoid pickpocketing in Istanbul: 

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in new places. 
• Always keep your bags and purses closed and carry them in front of your body when walking through crowded places. 
• Never place anything important in pockets. Instead, place them in the inside pockets. 
• It might be worth adding anti-theft bags to your Turkey packing list for maximum protection.

The Istanbul “Let’s have a drink” bar scam: 

This might be one of the most costly scams in the city, targeted towards solo travelers and even small groups around Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue. Here’s how it goes: 

An overly friendly local will start a conversation with you and invite you to a nearby club or bar for a drink. Soon after, you’ll see unsolicited drinks, snacks, and hostesses arrive at the table. Your “friends” may disappear during this time. Once the inflated bill arrives and you refuse to pay, large security staff appear, trying to intimidate you into paying or walking to an ATM. 

How to avoid the Istanbul bar scam: 

Simply exercise the “stranger danger” rule, especially in a new city. Don’t go for drinks with locals you don’t know very well. Check out our detailed guide to fun things to do in Istanbul that you can explore without the risk of being scammed. 

Red rose scam 🌹

Scammers usually approach tourists and solo travelers near outdoor cafes, parks, and popular locations. Here’s how it goes: 

They’ll place a rose on the table, slide it into your hand, or even put it on a child’s stroller as a “free” gift. As expected, once you take the flower, they begin demanding money. Some might even try to shame you into paying a high price for the rose to avoid looking cheap. 

How to avoid the red rose “gift” scam in Istanbul: 

Don’t touch the rose, and ask them to remove it. Remain assertive and confident, and avoid eye contact if they try to persuade you to buy it. 

The attraction diversion scam 🏛️

Locals, fake officials, or taxi drivers outside popular sights will inform you that the mosque or museum you plan to visit is closed. They’ll divert you to a “better, hidden local spot” that turns out to be an overpriced gift shop or something similar. 

How to avoid the attraction diversion scam in Istanbul: 

Making sure you can use your phone in Turkey will help you avoid such scams. Before believing it is actually closed, use your phone’s mobile data or connect to the internet in Istanbul to check opening and closing times for your destination. 

Istanbul taxi scams and how to avoid them 🚕

Taxi scams in Istanbul are common enough that public transport or ride-share apps are always more recommended. 

Some common taxi scams include: claiming the taxi meter is broken, taking unnecessary detours along a scenic route to run up the fare, swapping bills, and insisting you gave the wrong amount. 

Drives at Istanbul Airport may quote an expensive fixed rate instead of turning on the meter. 

To avoid taxi scams in Istanbul: 

1. Try to use official apps like BiTaksi or Uber. 
2. Ask for a price estimate before you get into the car. 
3. Ask if card payment is possible instead of cash.
4. Confirm that the taxi meter is working. If it’s not, look for another taxi. 
5. Ensure the taxi meter is turned on only when you start moving. 
6. Track the route using Google Maps to ensure the driver is not taking unnecessary detours. 
7. Try to pay the exact amount with small notes. 

How to protect yourself from scams in Istanbul

To make sure your experience in Istanbul is safe and smooth, simple awareness goes a long way. Keep these core rules in mind to protect yourself from scams in Istanbul: 

• Be skeptical of overly friendly locals and invitations: While the locals of Istanbul are overall very warm and inviting, some people who approach you on crowded streets with invitations to drinks or store visits may have other intentions. 
• Remain assertive and keep walking: If someone drops an item near you or offers unsolicited help, firmly decline with a “No, thank you” or “Hayır, teşekkürler” and walk away without picking anything up. 
• Verify bills before paying: Check every bill carefully to ensure all items match what you ordered and prices align with the menu. 
• Secure personal belongings: Keep your valuables in inner or front pockets rather than back pockets or unzipped bags. 
• Know emergency numbers: In Turkey, you can dial 112 for general emergencies and the Tourist Police number if you run into trouble. You’ll also find Tourist Police stations in Sultanahmet and Taksim. 

Is Istanbul safe for tourists right now?

Yes, Turkey and Istanbul are safe for foreign tourists, with millions visiting every year without issues. Violent crimes against tourists in Istanbul are rare, and most incidents are petty opportunistic scams.

Stay connected in Istanbul to travel with confidence

Having reliable, continuous mobile data is one of the most effective tools for avoiding scams in a foreign country. 

With internet access in real-time, you can verify routes, look up restaurant reviews, use translation tools, and confirm the exact change in Turkish Lira. If an issue arises with a transaction, contacting your bank through their mobile app won’t be an issue. 

Holafly’s eSIM for Turkey provides unlimited, instant high-speed data as soon as you land, along with 24/7 customer support. Plus, all Holafly eSIM plans include 1 GB of Always On monthly backup data at no extra cost, ensuring you stay connected when you need it most. 

Match your eSIM to your vacation

Choose a plan lasting between 1 and 90 days so you never pay for days or data you don't use.

Buy an eSIM for Turkey

FAQs about scams in Istanbul

Plans that may interest you

eSIM Italy

eSIM Australia

Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

Read full bio