Scam · high risk · 2026
Taxi scam: Meter Off (Taksimetre Kapalı)
Driver leaves meter off and quotes an inflated flat rate at destination.
How it works
Driver waves you in, says 'fixed price friend' or just stays silent. Meter dark for entire trip. At destination quotes 3-5× normal fare.
Where it happens
Sultanahmet, Taksim, Eminönü tourist zones.
Red flags
- Meter dark when you sit
- Driver dismisses meter ('don't worry')
- 'Fixed price' offered without you asking
What to do — during
Say 'Taksimetreyi açın lütfen' the moment you sit. If refused, exit immediately. Meter use is legally mandatory in Istanbul.
What to do — after
Refuse inflated amount. Demand to drive to nearest police booth. Call 155 or 112.
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: Daily Sabah 'Istanbul police crack down on taxi drivers scamming tourists' 2024-2025