The “Let’s Have a Drink” scam is a prevalent scheme in Istanbul, targeting unsuspecting tourists, particularly solo male travelers. Understanding its mechanics can help visitors avoid falling victim to this deceitful practice.
How Istanbul “Let’s Have a Drink” Scam Operates:
- The Friendly Encounter
Scammers, often posing as friendly locals or fellow tourists, strike up a conversation in busy areas like Taksim Square, Istiklal Avenue, or Sultanahmet. They may claim to be new in town, looking for company, or practicing their English. - Building Trust at a Regular Bar
To gain the victim’s confidence, the scammer suggests having a drink at a normal, reputable bar. Here, the bill is reasonable and fairly split, making the victim believe they are with genuine new friends. - The Real Trap – Moving to a Second Venue
After the first round, the scammer suggests going to another place for a “better atmosphere” or “live music.” This second location is the scam bar, often hidden in an alley or a less visible part of the city. - The Setup and Overpriced Bill
Drinks are served, sometimes along with snacks or even “hostesses” joining the table. The victim may not even realize how much is being ordered. Then, when the bill arrives, it is astronomically high, sometimes hundreds or thousands of euros. - Intimidation and Coercion
If the victim refuses to pay, they are surrounded by aggressive staff or security, threatened with violence, or forced to an ATM to withdraw cash. Some bars even have card payment machines that charge extra fees.
How to Avoid This Scam
✔ Be cautious of overly friendly strangers who invite you for drinks.
✔ Stick to well-known bars and clubs instead of following strangers to new places.
✔ If moving to a second venue, refuse or suggest a place of your choosing.
✔ Always check drink prices before ordering, and be wary of “free drinks” offers.
✔ If faced with an inflated bill, stay calm, refuse to pay, and call for help.
This scam has tricked countless tourists, so staying informed can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Istanbul.
The Shoe Shiner Scam
A shoe shiner “accidentally” drops their brush in front of you. If you pick it up, they insist on cleaning your shoes for free as a thank-you, only to demand an excessive payment afterward.
How to Avoid It:
✔ If someone drops their brush, ignore it and walk away.
✔ If you accept a service, negotiate a price beforehand.
The Taxi Overcharge Scam
Some taxi drivers rig meters, take longer routes, or claim that a small bill (like 50 TRY) was a 5 TRY bill and demand more money. Others may refuse to turn on the meter and insist on a high fixed fare.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Use official taxis with meters or ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi or Uber.
✔ Pay attention to the money you hand over and count your change.
✔ If the driver refuses to use the meter, exit the taxi immediately.
The Overpriced Carpet Shop Scam
A friendly local invites you for tea at a carpet shop, where a high-pressure sales tactic is used to convince you to buy a ridiculously expensive rug.
How to Avoid It:
✔ If you’re not interested in buying a carpet, decline invitations for tea.
✔ If shopping, compare prices at multiple stores before purchasing.
Final Tips for a Scam-Free Trip in Istanbul
✔ Be cautious of overly friendly strangers.
✔ Never follow people to unknown locations.
✔ Use only official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
✔ Stay alert in busy tourist areas.
By staying aware, you can enjoy Istanbul safely without falling victim to these common scams!
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