Tourist Scams in Turkey & How to Avoid Them

[@BeryIstanbulTips]

We truly hope this video helps you avoiding all of these scams going on in Istanbul. Remember some of these scams are very rare (especially fake police and restaurant scam) . We wanted to include them just for you to be aware. Don't get scared, scammers are everywhere in the world. If you want to check out the full videos about the shoe shiner and night club scams, here are the links to these videos, real footage on how these scams develop. We want to thank Hannah & Gordon’s World Tour and The Wild and Beyond KZbin channels for allowing us using their original footage in our video, thank you so much guys! 🙏 Don’t forget to check out their channels and subscribe 🤗 SHOE SHINE SCAM VIDEO: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6mmc4Smj7ufrtE NIGHT CLUB SCAM VIDEO: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqi9dIqFjsZ7l6c If you have any other scam that we couldn’t cover here, please share it in comments below, that way we can save others from these abusive people 🙏 📕 Check out our amazing itineraries and guides! We have carefully created many itineraries not just in Istanbul but in many cities around Turkiye, organized useful information for you, including a list with plenty of hotels for all budgets in each city we mention, a list with more than 100 restaurants including one with vegan options, desserts, and much more! All the guides are LIVE, that means that they're updated daily and surely we’ll keep adding more and more! The new changes will automatically sync even after you get it WITHOUT an extra cost! All you have to do is sign up for free and get the guide or itinerary you're interested in! 🎉 www.thatch.co/@beryistanbul 🗺️ Guided tours in Istanbul Looking for a hassle-free way to book your city tours? Whether you're interested in historical landmarks, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, we've got you covered. Experienced guides will show you the best of what the city has to offer, all while providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience. www.remindertour.com/tours/ 🛜 Do you want to have internet wherever you travel, including Turkey? Then take a look at the option of Aíralo's eSim cards! They are a great choice for those who will be traveling through different countries or regions and don't want to waste time finding local companies in the countries they visit. You buy your eSim online, and as soon as your flight lands at your new destination, you can have internet! To get a 10% discount on your next eSims, click on the following link and enter the discount code BIT before completing your transaction. airalo.pxf.io/c/4673026/1268485/15608

[@SeldenDeemer]

Best advice is to look straight ahead and ignore them. If that doesn't work, knowing just a few words of Turkish can be helpful, such as "İstemiyorum" (I don't want it) or, if the scammer gets pushy "Boş ver!" (Fuggedaboutit), or if he really gets pushy "Siktir git!" (obscene, look it up).

[@junglesunrise4582]

Sacma ya. Turk diilim ama hepsi biliyorum. Olsaydi gitmecem.

[@ericagos1601]

I am considering going to Turkey this year. Any recommendations on the following places? Ephesus; Troy; Pergamon; Cappadocia; Pammaluke? These are places I have in mind. Please let me know if they are over rated, if they are worth seeing, if any scams are associated with them. Also, I have always wanted to see Hagia Sophia, but I am unsure of the situation now that it is no longer a museum. I have heard that the floors are covered now and so are the mosaics. Is this permanent, or do they remove them at times?

[@nimokeynan3052]

Very true walahi

[@berrinderindere2254]

Do you mind if I ask your profession? Are you a turist guide?

[@wenshen3166]

Most of scams are for small amount of money, but leave a scar in the foreign visitor's heart. Too bad for the reputation of a country.

[@roshanjdias1981]

also in some restaurants they show you one menu with lower prices. After you order they hide that menu and charge you almost triple the price and when you ask to show the menu they have one ready printed with three times the price you saw before and blame you for not reading the prices correctly. always click photos of the menu before ordering.

[@mtawali2002]

I think to avoid this, one could take a photo of the menu

[@myfinancechannel2432]

OMG 😮😮😮😮 This country is something else! Thanks for this!

[@4th_Disciple]

​@@mtawali2002 Even if you take photo they say price has increased due to hyper-inflation.

[@katherinefisher3081]

Take a picture of the menu that you order from. This way you can cross reference especially if you need to call the police

[@MrSupernova111]

Good idea!!

[@hanifmansuri5405]

Very informative video 👍Thanks have a good day to you

[@ShuvoSaha]

Great idea, thanks

[@omadjourney]

Definitely will be doing that thank you ☑️.

[@MicroCarEv-i]

We also have a police department that you can call for scammers. Dont be selfish saving yourself, call the police and Dave all of us. Because scammer scams everybody

[@KK-gn8nm]

I knew about taxi scams, but I had an appointment to go on Asian side. I could not find any taxi that would take me there from Fatih. I had Ubers asking where I'm going and cancelling all the time. Sometimes you get scammed, because you have no choice, but to be somewhere on time. As a female travelling alone, I don't feel confident to discuss with 2-3 men how dishonest is their price and then to take a photo of their licence plate. To go back to Fatih was a nightmare too. I had a taxi driving me for 20 minutes and suddenly driver changed direction. He said he will take me somewhere where I can change to another taxi, because it's a problem for him to go to Fatih. He took me to a highway and told me to pay him. Then progressed with trying to catch a taxi for me. Of course, I was now much further than originally. Sorry, but all taxi drivers, including Ubers and hotel organised transfers are scams. I also had hotel organising transfer for me 2x more expensive than it should be. It's atrocious and I will never be back to Istanbul alone as a woman. It is a pity, as I had a surgery in Turkey with the most amazing doctor and his team is also wonderful. But from my experience it is so rare here... Most of people I've met here lied to me, tried to or did scam me and made me feel like I'm stupid, just because I am polite and civilised. Why do we go to countries that treat tourists like shit? Never again.

[@faso4800]

As a turkish citizen ı can say that ı am really sorry for you and ı have any convenient suggestions for it

[@y.minee_7685]

@@faso4800 what convenient suggestions?

[@sakinabandeally1785]

Looking for hair transplants Amy suggestion

[@kerata3]

​@@y.minee_7685I think he meant that he has no any convenient suggestions. Our people are very friendly and corrupted on some level too. Sorry for your terrible experience.

[@tobii894]

Organised taxis by hotels are almost always more expensive lol that worldwide

[@biosmaniak4036]

I saw a taxi scam near the Galata tower. A tourist stepped out a taxi, and apparently he accidentally paid him 10 euros. The taxi driver told him he paid him 10 liras and wanted more. They got in a fight, the police came, and the tourist got his money back + a free ride. The worst part is that this happened near the Galata tower, because it literally has a metro line stopping there. The public transport takes you anywhere in Istanbul for a piss cheap price. For example, using the metro costs about 7 liras which is about $0,40 cents... yet people pay taxis. STOP IT.

[@biosmaniak4036]

Also the restaurant scam; my Turkish brother fell for it (we are diaspora). He went to a restaurant with his wife and ate breakfast. Total price? 1000 liras. He told me it's normal there and people get charged as much. I asked him if the prices were written on the menu. He said no.

[@lilieevee]

I gave a taxi 300L to go to galata tower while i was in a hotel nearby 😭😭😭

[@oxfordlondon1575]

I am Turkish. You are very true about scammers in Turkey. We have to share them what they are doing foreigners. It must be stopped

[@firdausansarifard]

Do they scam locals as well, just curious

[@dilekasc8520]

@@firdausansarifard Bir Türk olarak evet . Maalesef.Ayrıca Turkıyede sadece Turk yok . Çok göç alıyor . Bu işlerı yapanların çoğu Turk değil

[@LindaMimoza]

I would say the most difficult thing for me during all the years I lived in Istanbul was the sexual harassment. As a tall, blonde, blue eyed and very Scandinavian looking woman, I was constantly followed and bothered by creeps. I could never sit on a park bench in peace, never ride the local commuter train or sit in a cafe on my own without being approached and harassed. I also had problems with male landlords and flat mates. Even men working at the supermarket would try to chat me up. It was a constant source of exhaustion, and the main reason I left.

[@gracielamedina1545]

😮😢

[@KASHIFKHAN-he9dp]

Now u know why Islam encourages modesty by having the women cover up.

[@srinivassrinu9325]

Pro tip:- Talk in your native language if you feel not to interact with any stranger. They go away as they don't understand.

[@FareezYusran]

True! I always use this trick to these scammers, pretending I can't speak English 😂😂

[@alexandraaikonika]

Too bad they know Russian too often haha

[@ClandestineHerald]

Nice

[@cryptochampion3836]

@@alexandraaikonika good thing they don’t speak Amharic 😅

[@mattmiles1546]

I tried this in Istanbul. I pretended to be Spanish, but the first 3 guys to come up to me spoke Spanish. I gave up on it.

[@marjsalazar4412]

This video saved me from a SHOE SHINE SCAM on my day 1 today here in Istanbul. Thank you so much!

[@nikitausefi2061]

Unfortunately, we experienced a new type of scam by a havaist's bus driver... We had three suitcases with their number tags that were handed to the bus driver, but when we were trying to get off, the driver refused to return our biggest suitcase, claiming that he couldn't find it which of course was a big lie 😒... Then after removing the tag sign of the first two suitcases, he tried to grab them back with him!! Which of course we didn't let him and started a very loud argument with him and we found our third suitcase our self 🙄... I reported his behavior to the havaist's support... I certainly hope they take care of this kind of things

[@tribefenatic]

i hope they took him out of business and other driver scammers like him they shouldn't be doing that to unfortunate tourists.

[@azerothcitizen4207]

As a Turkish citizen, I can confirm that unfortunately these are the sad truths. Still as a frequent traveller to several other places, I can say that Turkiye is one of the best places to visit to enjoy one of the best hospitality experiences in the world!

[@BeryIstanbulTips]

I agree 100% with you, we are also frequent travellers and we have also seen tons of similar scams in other countries and on many FB groups I’m a member I read daily posts on how they get robbed or scammed in places such Paris, etc, so this is not exclusively in Istanbul. Still Turkiye is a great place to visit, people just needs to be aware of possible scams to avoid them and enjoy even more 🎉🎉

[@Laci-e9q]

I am scamed in Turkey,😡😡😡😡😡😡🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@Awakeningspirit20]

I was shocked to see just how CHEAP it is, too! Is it true? This is hard to believe that such a world-class place like Istanbul and Turkiye in general is dirt cheap to travel to, but I certainly would like to take advantage of that if true!

[@inderbhullarpb3022]

I’m planning to come Istanbul so I need help

[@phoenixskyward9972]

Don't feel bad my friend. All countries around the world have similar situations. I decided to make Turkey my home, leaving the UK a couple of years ago. I understand your frustration, but overall the country and the people are beyond amazing. I know this video is about negative points, but there are 9x more for positive points. Be proud and don't worry. We know as human beings to see what's truly good or not. And Turkey is a beautiful place. No one can deny that, unless they're ignorant or stupid.

[@januszolewicz9713]

I and my son were being scamed last holiday by shoe polishers- Berry this is your the most important video. You keep other turist safe.Thank you.

[@briantravelman]

Someone should take his brush and throw it in the garbage.

[@knurkimobile6387]

Thanks god we saw this video before visiting Turkey. We avoided many problems. Bery, you are an angel and this is a must-to-see video. I still deeply recommend the country as a marvellous touristic destination.

[@Turgineer]

As a Turk🇹🇷, it makes me sad that there are so many scams in Istanbul. Tourists should try to use buses, metro and metrobus as much as possible. Google Maps will help you decide which bus to take.

[@noamay]

Yes, problem I found is that it often takes twice as long since the city is so big and you need two types of transport bus and train or metro for example

[@annemarie5427]

There are scammers in every city.

[@dorothyew7156]

1. I was conned by a shoe shine man 2. Taxi driver insisted we paid the wrong denomination notes 3.saw a handicapped begger who can walk when I saw him hours later. 4. Waiter who wanted a fee when we asked to help us take a photo 5. Approached by a father and daughter locals who were too friendly . They said hi to me and tired to have a friendly conversation. I was s suspicious and quickly left.

[@tribefenatic]

🤭🤣🤣🤣 handicapped begger was hilarious, haven't met one yet but might on my future trip to Samsun

[@nivvie88]

Was this at Istanbul?

[@Mrmallet777]

Must have seen you coming a mile away 😂😂😂😂

[@brrkbtl]

LAST one wsnt a scam probably.

[@ghofranelaouar1164]

Once a taxi driver freaking stole 20 euros from us and insisted that we didn't give him any money 🤡 we had to threaten him by calling the police he ran away

[@cs_yt]

I've been in many places, and apart from Japan, I have yet so see a big city where there isn't tourist scams. Some places have more than others, but the taxi, for example, is everywhere. Don't let the scams stop you from enjoying traveling. Just be vigilant, follow tips like in this video, and you will have a great time.

[@BeryIstanbulTips]

Finally a somebody commenting this! You have no idea how many people are just hating on this country and calling it “unfriendly” and such, and that nobody should come here, but those that have travelled a lot we know that these can be found ANYWHERE, specially at the most touristic cities, we cannot avoid them but these type of videos are to make us aware and as you said, a bit more vigilant. I love traveling to other countries regardless of what they might say, I just pay more attention and that’s it. If somebody doesn’t want to get scammed, then is better staying home, that’s the best way of avoid being scammed.

[@cs_yt]

@@BeryIstanbulTips Even at home you are not immune of scams, the internet or your phone will bring scams to your door. I have to say that being scammed can put a dent on your trip, but I refuse to let it ruin the whole experience. I've been robbed in Brazil, Taxi took a long way in Manila, even inside Notre Dame Cathedral a pick pocket bumped on me to find where is my wallet, but I was one step ahead, so I knew what was going on and all adverted. I had a blast in all these places.

[@joostdriesens3984]

In Tokyo there are also many scammers..

[@q8rix]

@@BeryIstanbulTips the difference in istanbul isnt it is full of scammer no I wish but the people there rush in the elevator while the moving stair is just next to it , I had to wait for like 15 min just to go one floor up . Now you would ask why I dont take the stair myself well I have baby with me on stroller yet these men and women are so disrespectful i never seen such behavior anywhere else . Also there are baggers to crash you even sometime put their hand on your pocket while the police do nothing . The golden advice don't ever go to instanbul

[@esportswomen]

As a Japan traveller, I can tell you that Tokyo and Osaka have the drinks/club scam in abundance. Like most big cities. Be vigilant.

[@meissoun]

Taxis: the „no change“ scam (I think this one happens in many countries): the driver will pretend that he doesn’t have change (even if one time I actually heard the coins in his pocket). If you must take a taxi, be sure to always have small notes and coins to pay the exact amount. If ever possible, use public transport in Istanbul, it’s very good and convenient.

[@briantravelman]

Or he'll just take the money and say, "Thank you." At least in other places 😂

[@MrSupernova111]

That happens in the US as well. Vegas taxis tried to scam me the same way until I got really angry and told the guy to return my money or I would call the police. He acted like a real piece of trash the entire way. Scammers love playing the victim and its best to know the scams in advance to prepare.

[@ihs51]

I got scam in Sydney Australia with a Chinese taxi driver charging additional $10 besides the taxi meter to airport.

[@deega1234]

they did that to me too. What I ended up doing after, is I always say I am short 30 lira when arriving my destination, I have a zipper on top where visible with small change, my big pocket change is inside my shirt - not visible. I just smile and say "OH NO, I am short".

[@GlobalAdventurer]

Public transportation is best anywhere you go.

[@achiramihidum8379]

You are the only person who told everything without hiding anything!! THANK YOU

[@indyB]

Great advice. I was in Istanbul last week. Took a cab and the driver took me to my hotel using a longer route. The bill came to 67tl… okay, I wasn’t particularly fussed by that and gave him 70. He then attempted the switch and said I had given him 2 x 10tl and a 5tl. I laughed at him and got out of The cab. He didn’t get out to protest with me. 👍🏼

[@peterpenzo]

what an unthankful brat..

[@nimokeynan3052]

Thank u for this video it's really helpful for me

[@StamfordBridge]

In August, 2024 I was in Istanbul for 8 days. In that time, shoe shiners tried the dropped brush scam on me twice. I’m glad I watched this video and knew immediately what was going on.

[@cadaverdog1424]

Incredibly helpful and informative!! Going to Istanbul next spring!! Will watch ALL of your no-nonsense, honest, super-clear videos!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@waiataaroha]

I think people who disliked this video are one of these scammers LOL

[@tata7811]

Right LMAO

[@olcaytoolcay9117]

We are idiots we rather live with out shit we don’t like people help us tell us our mistakes Really we are idiots that’s why we can’t move forward

[@ShuvoSaha]

Lol

[@steventan2550]

No matter how informative a video is, there are still people (sick?) who dislike it.

[@salaigeethan666]

😂😂😂

[@MuhammadAwais-eh3gd]

That was reallyyy verrrryyyy useful video for those who are planning to come Istanbul for the very first time

[@48billy0]

I have owned property in Turkey until 2017 and have lived there for weeks at a time. There probably is problems in places like Marmaris, Bodrum and Istanbul, but where we spent most of our time, which was Fethiye and Calis, we only ever met very nice and decent people. The only ones we had any problems with were fellow English people!

[@48billy0]

Best place for a holiday right now if allowed to travel there. 18 lira to the pound!

[@nanabanana198]

Hi! I would like to buy a property there ,it is safe? Thx

[@48billy0]

Lilu. Around Calis, Fethiye and Uzumlu is generally safe. The odd house robbery, but certainly not at UK level. We never felt worried walking around at night. Turkish people on the whole are very nice.

[@TMMMk-fp2hj]

I’m going to marmaris in June is there anything to look out for and how much is it to eat out in turkey 😂 exchange rate is good but there’s inflation and I don’t know how much a typical meal would cost cheers

[@emreyilmaz578]

Yeah but this is so because Fethiye is one of the safest cities in Turkey

[@idefixsheep]

I was a frequent visitor of Istanbul. At least 3 times every year. I decided I won’t visit again, the scams are everywhere. There is no true hospitality anymore. Really sad :(

[@bazzi5926]

Yeah, 9/10 people I talk to have no interest or desire to travel to Turkey. It's just not worth it. I can only speak for myself but when I travel I do it to relax, not worry about people trying to scam you everywhere you go, or shout/call out to you to eat/shop/give them money.

[@forummorum]

I agree with everything mentioned in the video.. Tips from a local... Never use a taxi ( use public transportation or rent a car instead) Never eat in restaurants close to touristic places. ( High price&low quality ) Never shop close to touristic places ( very high price ) Never talk to random people, whoever approaches to you, just ignore them. Don't carry foreign currency, instead spend local money. Don't go to Taksim. Nothing but crowd. And last but not least... Don't fall into a wrong conclusion that Türkiye has only one city to visit. There are many more cities to explore and enjoy in Türkiye throughout the year ..

[@Nightowl1860]

The advice not to strike up conversations with random people when out and about in Istanbul is so important! Within minutes, strangers can act like they are your close relative, or best friend, and latch onto you like a limpit! Obviously everywhere they manage to go with you, will be at your expense!

[@briantravelman]

That's what my mom is always telling me. Just see the sights and don't be too friendly with anyone. But it's very hard not to do, because interacting with the locals is a huge part of travel, even more so since I don't do much interacting at home. But sadly, you are right. You have to be so careful who you trust. It's best to go with a local friend or a reputable tour guide. And staff at some of the more higher end hotels are usually trustworthy.

[@CatsandCosmic]

All these scamming sounds scary. Thank goodness I had a very good 1st trip to Turkey. No scam, ppl were very nice. We ate at shops we didn't plan, food was lovely and we paid according to the price as stated. ❤️

[@Rhoseaphrodite1]

Where did you stay

[@smellyshoes1]

this video you made is highly recommendable. i was scammed with my first time visit in Istanbul before. but im so thankful that the friendly scammer gave up because i'm a good person.

[@justus0325]

Thank you for all these tips. We’re in Istanbul right now. I almost fell for the shoe shine trick until my husband who was on the phone started speaking loudly at me,” Keep going, it’s a scam!” LOL.. the shoe guy finally stopped following

[@ninacawdell809]

Lot of rubish

[@ow6153]

I use to go to Istanbul for connection flight and stay overnight there, but every time I had same problem, I was getting robbed by several people, you rarely find a the honest and respectful person or business in turkey. I quit to take that route for ever. Even though the authority can not help you because they share the sums with robbers.

[@sonictheheadshock756]

Have you been in Marmaris there are alot of kind people just stay away from the dark bars at night they will try to scam you. i have been there wit my family there are alot of nice restaurants and alot of kind people don't know about the taxi drivers becours we never tok one that's alot safer 😅

[@ottomatik79]

I am in Istanbul right now as I write this message if you take a cruise or come out of any clubs at the end of the night and are looking for a taxi be very careful there is guys that park their taxis and act like they want to give you a ride then once you get into the taxi they start telling you that there is a problem with the Turkish currency and they asked to see your money so they can look at the numbers on the paper then they try to steal it I honestly was so excited to come here but after a few days and seeing all these scams I am absolutely disgusted

[@nayab_]

People here with negative comments you guys have no idea what daily happens with tourists in Istanbul. I myself got scammed outside Eyüp Sultan camii. I was with my mother and a couple came and asked about our country and began to talk to us in our native language. Then they asked if we were having our country's currency with us, they just wanted to have a look that how does the currency look like.. and that was where we made a mistake!! The moment my mother took out the currency note the guy took it from her hand and pretended it like he was shuffling the notes. His wife kept me busy by telling her stories (we were actually surprised that in such a country where people don't understand English, the couple knew our language so this is the reason we were talking with them) . Well the guy on the other hand took half of the money and they both disappeared. That was a nightmare for us. It was just the 3rd day of our tour. Please please please avoid talking to random people on streets! 🙏🏻

[@renee4414]

Ohh you guys what a terrible experience, appreciate the heads up! And I hope the rest of your holiday was good

[@simonpage9201]

A lot of them speak English lol especially the younger lot.

[@travellersoul5912]

Hi Berry! I just wanted to stop by again. Thank you so much for this video, before going to Turkey I watched most of them, I came back to my country 2 weeks ago, but this video saved me from a scammer. I was around Taksim at night, a random guy approached me asking for a lighter, I gave him mine and all of a sudden after a 10 min chat he invited me a beer somewhere near, I immediately refused and continued my way down to Galata Tower. If it hadn’t been for this video, probably I could’ve accepted, I was traveling alone, he seemed so friendly and nice that to some people they might look honest. Once again, a huge thanks for saving many of us! Keep it up with the amazing work you do through your channel 🎉

[@jrgeencnas267]

Stranger, danger

[@ertegin]

Lol maybe it really was a good guy

[@bazzi5926]

When I was in Sicily a guy approached me and was really friendly. He gave me a bracelet etc and then tried to get me to pay. Afterwards my girlfriend told me she had seen it before but she didn't tell me until after it happened, lol.

[@ASHAH925]

you were smart, they got me, it was a Kurdish guy at Taksim. He lured me into a hookah lounge and they wouldn't let me go until I paid. a 3500 fee, but fortunately they let me go by taking $20

[@azumib]

I've travelled to many cities in the world and unfortunately I've experienced the most scams in Istanbul. It's a shame cause its a beautiful city with so much history. There are so many good people, but the few bad ones gives the city a bad rep.

[@lauramarchant8167]

The first scam featured on this video happened to me in Istanbul other week!. And Dave was going mad after we left the taxi and carried on walking!. We got a taxi on the European side near the two big Mosques and asked the driver to take us to an Irish bar (on the Asian side near our hotel). We decided not to tell the driver we were staying at the 5 star Hilton as he’d think we were millionaires!. We agreed with him 170TL. He seemed friendly, even stopped and got a bagel he shared with us!. But he decided mid journey to drop us off at some boat port and we’d have to make the journey to the other side of the city by boat!. I was sat in the back with the money this day. Dave sat in the front and got out of the car. The driver must have realised I was now a woman alone in the car with him. I gave him 200 Turkish lira and expected 30 back. I saw him quickly get some some money out, a 10 and 20 note and hide one of the 100’s if given him…and then tell me I’d not given him enough. I knew he was wrong but not wanting an arguement or for him to drive off with me!! I gave him another 100 and he gave me 30TL change. So he got 270 out of us really!!.

[@MariamFQ]

The same exactly happened to me but it was nighttime: at the beginning I kept on giving him more thinking I had given the wrong amount, but when I realised what happened I opened the car door and rushed out. What a scary moment it was

[@saeedbarre8356]

I was in istanbul as tourist and I was scammed several times! to prevent this scam, always be careful in everywhere and when you want to buy or order something please ask for price first and never order food and drinks without a menu. As the nice lady said, if the waiter/ waitress brings you an appetizer, you ask is that included in the price? I can imagine that the waiter or waitress does not give you a direct answer. to avoid higher costs, please be sure before you eat this and ask if it is included in the price. Never buy or order anything before you know the price. take a picture of what you ordered, it's on the menu. Refrain from what people offer you unless you want it. in conclusion! never buy or order anything before you know the price. if the salesperson tries to contact you, ignore it and move on. when you're in the restaurant, never take what you didn't order, even if it's a cup of tea.

[@Defaultits]

As a Turkish person I feel ashamed, like how do these people not feel embarrassed?

[@simplelife9173]

They are not ashamed even a bit, they will abuse and give you so much stress if you oppose their scams. Most horrible experience in my 50 years of travels. NEVER ever again. Until the government puts all these scammers out of business and into prisons.

[@waiataaroha]

These scams seems very mild compared to the scams I have been through in other countries like India for example. shoe polishers will walk behind you and throw actual shit at your shoe very swiftly that you will not notice and later on he will approach you and tell you look at your shoe and you will be shocked and then he offers to clean it ...

[@MrSupernova111]

Bastards!

[@waiataaroha]

@@MrSupernova111 on every level LOL

[@maina4842]

Ew is that real ? Thats disgusting of them.

[@ahmedabdurrezzak3797]

Yup saw that in a video lol 😂 sorry for u tho

[@TruthAplomado]

I once had someone try to pull a quick shoe polish scam at me in Galata, he didn't know I've been living in Istanbul for three years, as soon as he dropped the brush I cracked open my hand knife and the dude kept walking straight, I reversed and took a different alley.

[@Salreviews8]

A great awareness video to help travellers when visiting Turkey. Keep up the good work 👏.

[@МарияК-з1е]

Thank you so much for these useful tips! My husband and I are having a 22 hour long layover, so we try to see Istanbul briefly before going back to the US. Unfortunately, there are no scam free big cities on Earth, but it has never stopped us from enjoying different cultures, languages and trips. Can't wait to see Istanbul

[@GGora]

Iran is scam free for the most part. Generosity of Persians can be overbearing and shocking. You’ll leave feeling guilty bc it’s a huge part of persian hospitality to give more than one receives from a guest/ foreigner.

[@Whistleblower153]

As a Turkish that living in America, I was shocked when I watched this video. How some our people people became scammers and scam to Tourists. I can’t believe my eyes 👀

[@user-l4y7r04wy6iv]

It's a relief to find honest, open, blatant videos minus the sugar-coating. Virtually all travel videos about non-Western countries run the same theme of "Don't listen to what the media says; it's perfectly safe here. The locals are really nice and friendly," for fear of being branded a racist.

[@FysicalFiend]

you should not be commenting. there are scams in almost every city on earth. you literally just gave your racist beliefs away to everyone else.

[@yusassin1449]

Western countries have scams all the same. Have you been to Italy? Or Czechoslovakia? How about you take a walk in Paris. I get your point but there are turist scams in every big city its not exclusive to any country.

[@ileanaacacostaacosta1813]

I'm not afraid of being called a racist think what you want that's my attitude when I don't like something or someone if I see dishonesty and scam

[@anthonybroomhead575]

A guy tried to do the nightclub scam on me, but luckily I escaped from the nightclub. It was a very scary and uncomfortable situation and I wish I had seen your video before going to Istanbul so I would have been aware.

[@hani786ish]

First time we went to Istanbul we got scammed by restaurant. Guy at the front speaks English really well but when it comes to the waiter he doesn’t speak English too well. However, we order our food when the bill had come they billed us twice. We told the guy who spoke English obviously he wasn’t bothered. We never ate in another Turkish restaurant again and stuck to McDonalds or street food. Second time I went I knew my way round Istanbul and no one bothered us 😀

[@mmoney1712]

definitely got scammed at a restaurant in Sultanahmet. we had a couple of plates and ended up paying 600 liras. it was our first night and we were so hungry/tired we just paid and promised to never go back. I saw the guy a few more times since our hotel was around the corner and I definitely gave him a look every time lol I was so hurt

[@Eman14128]

Same happen to me ended up spending 90l for food portion you wouldn't feed your dog, hurt me too

[@IDD.Bronze.Sculptures]

I hope you left bad review on as mny websites as you can to warn others and lose these scum business. They will then either learn their lesson or go out of business

[@musairfan1043]

Hi Bery! Your blog is great. A lot of rose and fake tickets sellers approached us in Sultanahment and Eminonu area.

[@saiful46]

It happened only once near Sultanahmet tram stop. One restaurant did not return my change and decided to keep that as "tip". Too bad as I usually tip more than what they kept.

[@soffsoff6574]

Great video! I'm going to Istanbul this weekend, so excited! This was super useful, thank you very much!

[@kobvinorbi]

I helped today for a couple from Spain, to buy the Istanbul card. 2 scammer was in short time behind us and said something angry Turkish. I did not scared at all, i can defend myself. But the scammers are a big problem in Istanbul. Thanks for the advices!

[@PudubatPudubat]

I live in Turkey for 6 months and I love it ! Beautiful country , amazing food / beautiful people ! I was in Istanbul 2 times and of course one time the scam with the good guy talk to you for bringing yourself in bar happened to me .. I just said them I know your scam and I am with a lot of people they run away in the minute !

[@tabassummajeed7563]

I visited in 2016. And experience taxi scam...from grand bazaar to my hotel situated at sultanahmet...he took a very long route and took 150 lira from us .. next day when we walk again to grand bazar then we realize its just 2 km from our hotel behind hagia sofia

[@waiataaroha]

it is always good to use google map :)

[@syedalihassan4156]

I am planning to visit Turkey in October and found this video so much helpful. Thank you so much for describing what to avoid in Turkey. ❤

[@zulfiibrahim]

Pls. Read my experience before you plan to go to Turkey..

[@alcopoco8025]

@@zulfiibrahim your experience is your experience no one eleses

[@daisypashe8296]

@@alcopoco8025 people learn from EXPERIENCES sometimes from our own sometimes from oders.....🤷‍♀️

[@airwolf740]

1- Beware of taxi drivers, they pretend not knowing the places at all (even though you show them google maps), logically places should be at their fingertips, the best solution “Uber” 2- my ever first trip to Turkey was a total disappointment, whatever I was hearing about “friendly people” turns out to be 100% opposite, the only friendly people you’ll come across would be the “hotel staff” rest everyone trying to rip off you, imagine a fruit seller quoting 50 liras for 1/2 kg apples! Same experience in Bursa, Sogut, etc. commercialism & greediness has taken over the true essence of Turkey, unfortunately, there is no urge to revisit this country which is regrettable.

[@krkrbbr]

You are completely exaggerating the issue at hand, yes there are scammers all around but its same for everywhere else.

[@CR-ro2wd]

@@krkrbbr so your saying that makes it ok? You’re probably a scammer fake MD

[@tammischmorleitz5415]

We are glad we knew about the shoeshiner scam before our trip to Istanbul. We were walking down the street and a guy saw us coming and picked up his shoe shine kit and walked ahead of us. I told my husband to watch because we knew what was going to happen. I wish I would have videoed him dropping his brush! My husband said we knew what he was doing and it wasn't going to work with us. The man muttered "sorry" as he came back for his brush. :( We only took taxis with the Uber app and it worked great!

[@brianliu522]

Sorry I still understand what the trap is. What will I do if I face a guy like this? Thanks

[@izy164]

@@brianliu522 You have to ignore him, also the brush he "accidently" put/fall on the floor. Once you given back the brush to him out of kindness, he will invite u for shoe cleaning and charge you $$$$

[@ashwinipounikar7537]

Thanks

[@gilbertdavidson7498]

I had plan traveling to Turkey but with all this information you are provided change my mine because as tourists I want to go and enjoy my time !!

[@BeryIstanbulTips]

This video is not to make you change your plans, anyone with a little bit of common sense will be fine! These things can happen in any major touristy city around the world, keep this information with you to know what COULD happen and how to IDENTIFY possible scams, this doesn’t mean that it will happen to you.

[@GlobalAdventurer]

Where can you go and enjoy every second? Every major city has scams. Like all of them. Even your city.

[@annemarie5427]

Do not let scammers keep u from seeing a place so rich in history, as well as beautiful architecture. My son says the citizens of Istanbul are warm & welcoming. Every city has it's scammers, including Vatican city. Your probably safer going to Istanbul, you now know the scams to be aware of. Also if u are traveling I just found these dresses & pants with large zippered pockets sewn into the front, & they are cute. Also when traveling u can go to the US embassy website & fill out a travel notification. If something happens in that country the Embassy will be aware u are there & make sure you are safe & accounted for. Safe travels!

[@Nadia_891]

Please don't do this. It's a very beautiful and unique place to visit. You won't find unusual places like Cappadocia ( with fairy chimneys) and Derinkuyu (underground city) anywhere else in the world. There are other interesting places too with rich culture and heritage. There's an aura of mystic charm there. Don't miss it. Here she herself isTurkish, and wants to help. These things can happen anywhere. Our experience in U.K was worse. Go to Turkey and post your fun moments here.😊

[@hgworldtour]

Another great video Bery! Thank you for spreading awareness and showing our footage! We can't wait to come back to Turkey!! :)

[@briantravelman]

I'm surprised you still wanna go back. I'm certainly not going back unless I have a local friend.

[@hgworldtour]

@@briantravelman where did you go in Turkey? Istanbul around the tourist sites is pretty full on so we spent most of our time in Besiktas. If you didn't like Istanbul you should try Antalya or Izmir, it's much calmer and nobody tries to scam you.

[@Yawar1986]

Most tourists from upper middle class status or who have no street knowledge would fall for this scams, thanks for the information, I will definitely use ir when I travel to Turkey, it's in my bucket list.

[@iamin03]

I knew about the all the scams besides Fake Police, this one is a real eye opener. Thanks for sharing these amazing tips. Will keep in mind next time when we visit Istanbul. We pray n hope that you guys will be safe from this Corona pandemic. Love & respect from Bangladesh

[@guansmittan7061]

It happen to me at Amsterdam market by Turkish/ middle east guys. I run to my locals friend anda we made police report. Within 5 minute, Real Amsterdam pilih Ambush them.

[@muhammedalazad5570]

Alhamdulillah Last month I visited with my family in Istanbul fortunately we were safe. Still I found some little something. Now I being scad ! Thank you

[@mrmonkeyseemonkeydo]

I'm planning to visit Turkey before the end of the year with mom, thank you so much for these tips, I've learned to be always aware on the streets but sometimes because of being naive or cultural barriers, you can fall for these tricks, now we'll be more prepared for the trip.

[@PassengerParamvir]

Best video

[@yaslamalameri2761]

Thanks for this wonderful vlog. I love visiting turkey but hate the scammers. I believe the government should do something. Like have tourist plane dressed police to take care of these scammers.

[@corb1776]

This was definitely a really great video for your followers and others. I liked istanbul a lot when I spent about 6 weeks there, but there were more scammers in istanbul than anywhere else I have ever traveled to. The shoe shiners were funny to me though since they were so obvious, I am clearly a foreigner by appearance and they would grab their equipment and run out onto the street ahead of me so fast hahaha, and then of course practically throw the brush at me. The bar scam is one people should certainly be aware of if you are a single traveler because some of these guys are professionals. I am usually very savvy to what feels like a scam but this guy who asked me if I knew where a specific bar was approached me and we weren't really even on a tourist street (only a few blocks from istiklal though). He claimed to be a tourist from Cyprus. He even distanced himself from me a few times while walking to not be too pushy. He eventually asked if I wanted to have a beer and I had a little free time so I said why not? He seemed genuinely kind and had a well put together appearance. As soon as we got to the bar his entire demeanor changed and everything was extremely suspicious and the waiter, my new "friend" and two others who showed up to "party" with us were all horrible actors. Since the bars are in on it I knew that escaping the "proper" way by asking for a check was not an option. I finished my one and only drink and I asked one girl who was cuddled up to me because she thinks I am dumb if she could lead me to the bathroom, and while we were walking I suddenly turned around and headed for the door as fast as I could without breaking into a full run. Right as I got to the door they all began yelling at me. Once outside I went into a full-on run because while it is unlikely they would take a conflict out onto the streets, I did not want to risk it. Be careful people and absolutely never let any random person take you anywhere. Always stay in control by suggesting a different place you prefer, or suggest hanging out tomorrow or something. If they are not a scammer and legitimately want a friend they will be open to it.

[@briantravelman]

Yeah, I stayed in Antalya, but I've been to over 20 countries and nowhere was it as bad as in Turkey. But based on stories I've heard from Europeans who traveled there in the 70s and 80s, Turkey was ALWAYS like this. It's very sad that there are so many dishonest people in this world. I really hope these people will wake up and realize they aren't doing their country any good.

[@corb1776]

@@briantravelman I was in Antalya for about 6 weeks earlier this year, like it a lot! And yeah, especially during the current situation with tourism they absolutely hound people in sultanhamet to the degree it is overwhelming.

[@gemstonejewelry8720]

There are Not only bar scams, but similar restaurant scams.

[@maina4842]

@@corb1776 wow you were an athletic person then. 90 % of ppl wont be so fast.

[@mmia9422]

@@briantravelman jn

[@macarondeark4604]

Thank you for the video! Unfortunately, I got scammed anyway (even I tried to avoid it) and I had a bad experience especially the restaurant! Be careful everyone 😥

[@KurtlaOyunKanlaBiter]

This is a very nice video, very informative. I would like to add a couple of things to this, with regards to Taxis, if you have to take a taxi and you are not at your hotel, go to a taxi stand and get a taxi from there. There are 2 types of taxis in Istanbul, Register and unregistered. The registered taxi is registered to a taxi stand and that is noted on their taxi front doors, passenger and driver. The importance of this is that they have to use their meter and they have to take you the shortest route. Those taxis have a taxi medallion in the front of the taxi, passenger front dash, with a phone number. If there is a complaint against them, they are fined severely, so for this reason, they are the best to take. Those are also cleaner and nicer taxis. But in all, the Metro system is sufficient, and I rarely take a taxi, I usually take the metro/tram/Marmaray or walk. As for restaurants, if the restaurant you are going to is a specialty fish restaurant, these are obvious because they have different types of large fish in a case in the front of the restaurant, there are a few of them on the Galata Bridge, whatever you do, don't sit down without first discussing the price per pound of the fish. They know that only the local Turks know about this and most tourist don't and so if you sit without haggling the price first, they will charge you the "market price" of the fish which is basically whatever they want to charge you. Other than that, every famous tourist city in the world has these types of watch outs, I am sorry that even in my home city of Istanbul, but people are people and there are good and bad in every culture. Believe me, I was at a Friday sermon in the Blue Mosque years ago and the Mufti of Istanbul berated the congregation over such things, about the treatment of the tourist and those that scam them.

[@mahmoudbinothman9759]

Thank you so much for the heads up, most of these scams happened to me when I visited Istanbul and I really felt upset and bad about it, the way they do it is really not good at wall I hope one day it’s gonna change for the better and these tricks disappear 🙁

[@barbaraisenschmid9911]

Thank you very much for the tips. I really enjoy traveling to Turkey and have already seen a lot. Especially in taxis. It's an important video.

[@Bharat_P]

The appetiser one was interesting. In London, all Turkish restaurants provide appetisers for free, that might make Londoners travelling to Istanbul assume the same might be true there as well.

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

Very good video! Extremely important to take seriously! Wish there are more video on this scam subject from other cities! One vlogger does a good job hitting a lot of cities, including Istanbul!

[@ElifNurMuhammad]

Just take a local with you so you don't get scammed. That being said, take a local from whatever country you visit . Thanks for visiting 🇹🇷

[@hinataJem]

Not everyone knows a local. And what if the local also scams you?😂

[@daisypashe8296]

@@hinataJem lol....let's not make lives hard ....just be a lil careful n enjoy life....

[@handlesarefeckinstupid]

Yeah, i'll just grab a local and make them go around with me.

[@adeelraiz8172]

Thanks for great information.God bless you and your family

[@franciscomunoz7366]

Yes, I was also scamed with the shoes, but the worst was when walking alone to visit Şehzade mosque at Beyazid when I was trying to cross a very narrow street 2 blocks before the mosque, then a car came down the street in reverse towards myself, I didn't noticed there were 4 "ladies" in black vails who pushed me and were arround me and because of the confusion I didn't realized when they took my wallet from my front pocket of my pantalon

[@shanazmalik6840]

☹️

[@StarliteJem]

Funny. I’ve visited Istanbul about 20 times in the last 6 years. I love it and know it pretty well. I’ve even warned a local friend when the shoe shiner dropped his brush and he wanted to pick it up, because he didn’t know. I didn’t know about the Simit trick. Good to know. 👍🏼 Another tip is visiting the big bazar with a local friend and let him do the talking and let him buy the stuff you want. The sellers automatically charge foreigners and tourists more than locals ;)

[@azlanalias2102]

was in Istanbul a few years ago. a street vendor selling souvenirs approached a friend who took out his wallet to buy and pay. the vendor just grabbed the wallet and ran off. on another trip, while crossing a street an elderly lady pretended to faint in front of a friend who instinctively tried to help. a group of elderly ladies crowded around the scene and later the friend found out his wallet had been stolen.

[@stelios_wrld]

Congratulations on your video, really really helpful. I was in Istanbul, trying to buy a ticket in the ticket machine of the subway/Taksim square and, a couple of times, an unauthorized person who could barely speak English, was trying to provide me help concerning the process. I didn't pay him any attention because I was pretty much convinced that he was a scammer

[@plonss]

Chances that you will fall victim to this kind of scams outside Istanbul and perhaps some other main touristic areas extremely are slim. It is embarrassing that a few idiots in Istanbul can create such a bad image of the country. Turkey in general is a country where people will go to incredible lengths to return to you an item you forget or loss, however expensive it is.

[@gofret22]

This is true, several years ago my brother left his video camera on the back seat of a taxi in Istanbul where he was going to a concert at the Rumeli Hisari. The taxi driver found the camera, drove all the way back to find my brother in the crowd just to return his camera!

[@jarrac]

A good insight to the scams here in İstanbul. I’ve lived here for 12 years and have come across most. Only thing I would stress is that almost all occur in and around the tourist districts with exception of the occasional rogue taxi driver and again these I feel are specifically targeting foreigners as example outside of Cevihir AVM they often refuse to take people instead waiting for a foreign victim. That said İstanbul is a great city that is very safe for people to visit.

It is a bit intimidating about the taxi scam, taking people money... I will visit Istanbul next month. The video made me less excited going there now 😒.

[@francescapietricola8936]

Me too. Going in a few days and ow I don't want to anymore. It sounds above and beyond. Like you can't even reach your hotel safely or eat.

[@angelosliotscos8405]

I spent months in Fethiye decades ago. My best memory was going to the barber weekly for a haircut, a shave and hot towel. I gave him a dollar and got treated like a king.

[@ibuderek6698]

The government of turkey need to do something for those scammers,because tourists bring income for a lot of locals stores and bring good economy to turkey country. ❤️

[@27boof]

Thank you so much! This was SO helpful !! :)

[@malikmohammedalikhan6770]

Thank you for the Alerts, they will be helpful. Blessings.....

[@intellogo]

Thank you very much for the tips to be aware of the scams! I will surely keep these in mind on my future plans on visiting Turkey.

[@equalitypeace1695]

Amazing lady telling people about scam . May god bless her

[@eastafricanguy985]

Most useful video I watched today, thank you very much, sincerely!!

[@azharmuhammad2190]

Good video. Please tell us which area we should avoid going in Istanbul in late night timings.

[@franz_manuel2014]

thanks for this! it’s a great help

[@d.a.v.9381]

The same exact thing happened to us as when were arriving to our hotel in Istanbul, the bastard driver switch a $100 dollar bill for a $20, and yes the best way to fight back is your phone take pictures as if you're a Japanese tourist, plates, the driver himself do this at the beginning of the trip so he knows you have pic of him, and make sure you give them the bill and show it to him and he agrees is a $100! or maybe we should STOP going to Istanbul all together, since tourist revenue is the language the authorities better understand!

[@simplelife9173]

Best comment. My first trip to Turkey and I was actually thinking about staying here for a retirement, NO way! Scammers are everywhere and they are shameless.

[@paulabarraza7027]

Muchas Gracias por todas las recomendaciones, han sido de gran utilidad

[@ShotTVchannel]

This is a very well done video! Congrats and I subscribed 💜

[@thomasylise4730]

In my country, in Indian Ocean, no scam is allowed. If ever any stakeholders has been swingling on tourist, rest assured Police Case is immediately taken into consideration as we make economy on tourist.

[@jchen6480]

I have to ask a question why there are so many scammers on the street in Turkey. I have been approached by different guys at attractions in Izmir, all of which came for a reason , selling stuff or saying I just wanted to give you some information on this particular attraction. But in the end, they intended to sell you tickets a day-tour package.

[@Aristyliousas]

Because they are very poor

[@Zeynep-zk7un]

​@@Aristyliousasas a turkish citizen i cant even be mad cause...thats kinda true

[@Zeynep-zk7un]

​@@Aristyliousasplus many refugees from afghanistan and syria are in turkey rn. Like 15 million arabs are here. especially in Istanbul many signs written in arabic which i fkij HATE ALOT

[@iliastohrachi337]

@@Zeynep-zk7un that’s not a reason to scam people!!!

[@checkeredflagfilms]

credit card scams are common as well. when you get back to your home country often times they duplicated your card and are using it. happened to me.

[@gaurishdharwadker8286]

Thank you and God bless you for a wonderful eye opener for visitors to Turkey

[@zthde]

Beautiful person with a beautiful advice 👏👏👏👏👏 thank you so much x

[@TyrellWhitney-h3x]

Rule number 1: Don't engage in conversations with strangers

[@SecondLifeTravels1]

EXACTLY. This is true in EVERY.SINGLE.COUNTRY on Earth. Locals hate tourists. They don't want to talk to you unless it's to get your money. Any local who comes up to you wants to get money from you in some way every time. Not 99.99% of the time. It's 100.000000% of the time. Do not engage, except maybe to say "no."

[@GlobalAdventurer]

That rule applies to every city.

[@simonaye6399]

Every time somebody tells me "the locals are sooo friendly" **Oh honey** It's either their job or a scam - either way they're just in it for the money.

[@StormWolfET]

Bery creates the best contents. Super helpful, Thank you

[@rh8453]

Thank you very much. I’m planning a trip to Istanbul in the near future. I didn’t know Uber was an option. Also BiTaksi was recommended in another KZbin video.

[@rmpbrasil1]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It was very helpful. Would you have any information about scams in the Turkish Bath in the Tourist area.

[@Namo81]

Great video yes there are a lot of scammer in Turkey be careful guys