Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Erzurum, Turkey
1. Grand Bazaar of Erzurum
Historic marketplace offering a variety of goods. Be wary of overpriced items and pushy salespeople.
- Price Negotiation: Always negotiate prices before purchasing.
- Avoid Isolated Shops: Stick to busy, well-trafficked areas in the bazaar.
- Trusted Shopkeepers: Look for shopkeepers with a good reputation and recommendations from locals.
2. Taxi Scams at Erzurum Airport
Some taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Use only official airport taxis or pre-arrange transportation.
- Official Airport Taxis: Only use taxis from the designated rank at the airport.
- Pre-Arranged Transportation: Book a taxi in advance through your accommodation or a reliable service.
- Negotiate Fare Beforehand: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
3. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors may use low-quality ingredients or overcharge. Stick to well-known and busy food stalls.
- Avoid Empty or Deserted Stalls: Choose food stalls that are busy and popular among locals.
- Check Ingredients: Ensure the food is fresh and made with quality ingredients.
- Avoid Strange Offers: Be wary of overly eager vendors offering 'special deals'.
4. Currency Exchange Scams
Some exchange offices may offer a poor exchange rate or provide fake currency. Only use licensed exchange offices.
- Use Licensed Offices: Choose exchange offices that are officially licensed and have good reviews.
- Check Exchange Rates: Research the current exchange rate beforehand and verify it with multiple sources.
- Exchange Money in Banks: If possible, exchange money at a bank for better security and rates.
5. Sim Card Scams
Some mobile operators may provide faulty sim cards or overcharge. Purchase sim cards from official stores or authorized resellers.
- Buy From Official Stores: Only buy sim cards from the operator's official store or authorized resellers.
- Check Coverage Area: Ensure the sim card provides good coverage in the areas you will be visiting.
- Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals for their recommendations on mobile operators and sim cards.
6. Fake Tour Guides
Some unlicensed tour guides may offer subpar services or lead you to scammy locations. Use only licensed and reputable tour guides.
- Use Licensed Guides: Choose a guide that is officially licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
- Check Reviews: Read reviews from past clients to ensure a quality experience.
- Ask for Identification: Legitimate tour guides will carry proper identification and be able to provide it upon request.
7. Overpriced Accommodation
Some accommodation providers may overcharge or offer low-quality services. Book through reputable platforms or ask locals for recommendations.
- Use Reputable Platforms: Book your accommodation through well-known and trusted online travel agencies.
- Check Reviews: Read reviews from past guests to ensure a quality stay.
- Ask Locals for Recommendations: Ask locals for their recommendations on accommodation options.
8. Ticket Scams at Ataturk Museum
Some ticket sellers may offer fake or overpriced tickets. Purchase tickets at the museum's official box office.
- Buy Tickets from Official Box Office: Always buy your tickets directly from the museum's box office.
- Check Opening Hours: Ensure the museum is open before planning your visit.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Never buy tickets from street vendors or unofficial sources.
9. Faulty Car Rental Scams
Some car rental companies may provide vehicles in poor condition or charge hidden fees. Use reputable rental companies.
- Use Reputable Companies: Choose a well-known and trusted car rental company.
- Check Contract Details: Thoroughly review the contract before signing to avoid hidden fees.
- Inspect the Vehicle: Conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle before leaving the rental office.
10. Dolmus (Shared Taxi) Scams
Some dolmuş drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Use only official dolmuş services and negotiate the fare beforehand.
- Use Official Dolmus Services: Only use dolmuş vehicles that are clearly marked with a route number.
- Negotiate Fare Beforehand: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
- Ask Locals for Help: Ask locals for help in identifying the correct dolmuş and negotiating a fair price.
11. Tourist Bus Scams
Some tourist buses may offer overpriced or poor-quality tours. Use reputable tour operators and book in advance.
- Use Reputable Operators: Choose a well-known and trusted tour operator.
- Book in Advance: Book your tour in advance to secure a seat and avoid overpricing.
- Check Reviews: Read reviews from past clients to ensure a quality experience.
12. Fraudulent Local Friends
Some locals may offer friendship or help with ulterior motives. Be cautious when interacting with strangers and don't share personal information.
- Be Wary of Overly Friendly Locals: Be wary of locals who offer friendship too quickly or insist on helping you excessively.
- Don't Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal information such as your address, phone number, or credit card details.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.
13. Counterfeit Souvenirs
Some souvenir shops may sell counterfeit or low-quality goods. Only purchase items from reputable shops and verify their authenticity.
- Use Reputable Shops: Choose a well-known souvenir shop with good reviews.
- Check Quality: Inspect the items for quality and authenticity before purchasing.
- Ask for Certificates of Authenticity: Request certificates or documentation that verifies the authenticity of the item.
14. ATM Scams
Some ATMs may skim your card information or charge excessive fees. Only use ATMs in well-trafficked, secure locations and cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN.
- Use Secure Locations: Choose ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, busy areas.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN to prevent potential skimmers from seeing it.
- Monitor Your Account Regularly: Regularly monitor your account for any suspicious transactions.
15. Fake Charity Collectors
Some individuals may claim to be collecting for charity but are actually scammers. Only donate to reputable charities and verify their legitimacy.
- Donate to Reputable Charities: Choose a well-known and trusted charity for your donation.
- Verify Legitimacy: Research the charity online to ensure its legitimacy before donating.
- Avoid Street Collectors: Avoid donating to street collectors or individuals asking for money without proper identification.