Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Balıkesir, Turkey

1. Grand Bazaar Balıkesir

A bustling marketplace with souvenirs and local goods; beware of overpriced items and pickpocketing.

Haggle Skills: Know how to negotiate prices to avoid overpaying.
Awareness: Stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas.
Trusted Shops: Identify reliable shops by observing customer reviews and feedback.

Scammers may overcharge for ferry tickets or offer fake guides; stick to official ticket booths.

Official Ticket Booths: Always buy tickets from authorized booths.
Ask Locals: Get advice from locals on reliable ferry services.
Time Management: Plan your journey and arrive early to avoid last-minute rush and scams.

Some restaurants may inflate prices or serve lower quality food; research restaurants online beforehand.

Online Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers about the restaurant.
Menu Prices: Compare menu prices with other restaurants in the area.
Ask Locals: Get recommendations from locals on good, reasonably-priced restaurants.

Some taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes; use registered taxis and negotiate prices beforehand.

Registered Taxis: Choose taxis with a visible license plate and company logo.
Price Agreement: Agree on the price before starting the journey to avoid overcharges.
Ask for Receipt: Always request a receipt as proof of payment and fare.

Unsecured hotel rooms may be targeted by thieves; keep valuable items safe and lock your room.

Hotel Safety Measures: Check if the hotel provides safety deposit boxes or safes.
Valuables Management: Keep your valuables hidden and locked away in your room.
Room Locking Habit: Always lock your hotel room when leaving, even for a short time.

Some money changers may give fake currency; only use reputable establishments.

Reputable Establishments: Choose a well-known and licensed money changing office.
Check the Money: Inspect the currency for any discrepancies before accepting it.
Compare Rates: Research exchange rates online to ensure you are getting a fair deal.

Skimmers may target ATMs; use machines inside banks or well-lit, busy areas.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located inside a bank or affiliated with your card issuer.
Well-lit and Busy Areas: Choose ATMs that are in well-lit, busy areas to minimize the risk of skimming.
Cover Pin Entry: Always cover your PIN entry when using an ATM.

Some tour operators may offer overpriced or low-quality tours; research and compare prices online.

Online Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers about the tour operator.
Tour Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar tours offered by different operators.
Ask Locals: Get recommendations from locals on good tour operators.

Some rental car companies may charge hidden fees or provide damaged vehicles; research the company beforehand.

Company Reputation: Choose a well-known and reputable car rental company.
Condition Check: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any damages before accepting it.
Read Contract Terms: Carefully read and understand the rental contract terms to avoid hidden fees.

Some 'guides' may offer overpriced or inaccurate information; seek assistance from official tourist information centers.

Official Tourist Information Centers: Get advice and recommendations from official tourist information centers.
Guide Licenses: Request to see a guide's license and verify their credentials.
Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar services offered by different guides.

Some alcohol sold in local markets may be counterfeit; purchase from reputable stores.

Reputable Stores: Choose a well-known and licensed liquor store.
Check the Product: Inspect the product for any discrepancies before purchasing it.
Ask Locals: Get recommendations from locals on good liquor stores.

Some street food vendors may use unsafe ingredients or preparation methods; choose established vendors.

Established Vendors: Choose well-established and popular street food vendors.
Hygiene Practices: Observe the vendor's hygiene practices, such as wearing gloves and using clean utensils.
Food Quality: Look for vendors who use fresh ingredients and prepare food in a sanitary environment.

Scammers may sell sick or dead goldfish; avoid buying them from street vendors.

Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy goldfish from street vendors.
Healthy Fish: Check the health of the fish before purchasing it.
Research Goldfish Care: Learn about proper goldfish care and maintenance to avoid falling for unhealthy fish.

Some fishermen may use baited fishing nets to steal belongings; keep personal items safe while swimming.

Keep Personal Items Safe: Always secure your personal items when going into the water.
Avoid Suspicious Areas: Stay away from areas where fishing nets are visible or being used suspiciously.
Check Local Advisories: Follow local beach advisories and warnings about potential scams.

Some landlords may charge high prices for low-quality accommodations; research and compare prices online.

Online Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers about the accommodation.
Accommodation Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar accommodations offered by different providers.
Ask Locals: Get recommendations from locals on good accommodation options.