Scam · medium risk · 2026
Taxi scam: 'Free' Tour / Carpet Shop Detour
Driver offers free detour to 'see Bosphorus' or 'friend's carpet shop' — then demands huge tip or earns commission.
How it works
Mid-ride: 'My friend has the best carpets, just 5 minutes detour.' At shop, hours of high-pressure sales. Driver returns later expecting big tip + earned commission from shop.
Where it happens
Sultanahmet area, Grand Bazaar runs, leather/jewelry shop districts.
Red flags
- Driver chatty about 'friend's shop'
- Mentions 'special discount' just for you
- Detour not requested by you
What to do — during
Decline all unsolicited stops firmly: 'Hayır, teşekkürler. Direkt gidelim.' (No thanks. Let's go direct.) Exit if persistent.
What to do — after
Walk away from shop empty-handed if pressured. No legal obligation to buy anything.
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: chasingthedonkey.com; onenationtravel.com