Scam · medium risk · 2026
Taxi scam: Long-Route Scam
Driver takes a deliberately longer route to inflate the metered fare.
How it works
Cross-Bosphorus via wrong bridge, coastal detour Sultanahmet↔Taksim. Adds 15-40% to fare.
Where it happens
All airport runs, Sultanahmet↔Taksim, cross-Bosphorus.
Red flags
- Driver heads opposite direction from Google Maps
- Crosses bridge when not needed
- Picks 'less-traffic' route that's much longer
What to do — during
Pre-load Google Maps with destination before getting in. Calmly ask 'Google Maps ile gidin lütfen.' If using app (BiTaksi/Uber), route is locked.
What to do — after
Report via BiTaksi/Uber app (route + fare logged) or 153.
Emergency contacts
112 Emergency
Single Turkish emergency line. English available.
Tourism Police
+90 (212) 527-4503 · Sultanahmet
IBB Beyaz Masa
153 · IBB taxi complaint hotline
Full police contacts
FAQ
Source: wanderplate.com 2025; chasingthedonkey.com