Scams

We also have them :) Let me tell you the most popular scams .

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1- Shoe cleaner: Was more popular years ago but we still see on news sometimes. Shoe cleaner walks in front of you and his brush drops suddenly. What a pity. If you pickup the brush and give him his brush he will tell you that he wants to clean your shoes in favor. If he cleans he will for sure ask for some money afterwards.

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2-Beggers: You can see beggers with children or alone. They will ask you to buy some food instead of money as most people will just give them a small amount instead of spending time to buy food. Just say nothing and walk by.

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3-Commisioners: Mostly famous in some districts such as Taksim and Laleli .If you are male tourist walking alone, a men approaches trying to start a conversation and after some friendly chatting , will ask you if you need some company. If you say yes, he will take you to a club  with ladies inside . When you check the menu, see will see reasonable prices and consider to sit and drink , shortly after a woman will come by, say hello and ask to sit at your table and start chatting.

Of course you'll order a drink for the lady but what lady drinks can be 4-5 times more than usual price.

These kind of night clubs are called companion clubs and legal but I know that some night clubs use it a a scam as the lady drinks apple juice but charged as champagne. So better to avoid these guys.

4-Taxis: All taxis have to use taximeter by law . There is no fixed price or need for negotiation. .Check transportation tips. Before you ride open google maps or Uber to see distance and price . Since google maps shows fastest route, they need to follow that route.

*If you are stucked in traffic, taxi meter will increase and this is usual.

**Toll roads and bridge will be added to taximeter once arrived to destination.