Before You Ride · Istanbul Taxi · 2026
10 seconds before you sit down
Pre-ride checks that prevent 90% of taxi scams. Verify plate, meter, driver ID, POS. Photograph everything. Then sit.
The 6-point check
1. Yellow plate starts with 34 T
Istanbul licensed taxis carry yellow plates beginning 34 T + letters + digits (e.g.
34 TXX 99). If plate is white/non-yellow OR doesn't start with "34 T" — it's not a licensed Istanbul taxi.2. Taksimetre is visible and reset
Look for the meter (taksimetre) on dashboard. It should be illuminated. At start of ride it should show the opening fare (₺65.40 for yellow tariff, 2026).
3. Driver ID card on dashboard
"Şoför tanıtım kartı" — driver's photo, name, plate number — must be visible on dashboard. No card = unlicensed.
4. POS available
Ask "POS var mı?" Card terminal is legally required. If "no" or "broken" — find another taxi.
5. Tariff code shows '1' (day)
Single 2026 tariff — meter must show code "1" during the day. Code "2" (night) during the day = illegal.
6. Photograph the plate
One photo before you sit. If anything goes wrong, the plate is the evidence.
Three booking modes
App (safest)
BiTaksi, iTaksi, Uber — driver/route/fare logged. Card in-app. Recommended for airport, late-night, unfamiliar areas.
Official rank
Airport rank, ferry terminals, major squares. Supervised by dispatcher. Almost as safe as app.
Street hail (riskiest)
Avoid in tourist zones (Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu). Most scams target street-hailed tourists.