Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Keçiören, Turkey

All Topics about Keçiören All Cities in Turkey

1. Grand Bazaar Watch Out

Avoid overpriced items or fake merchandise by negotiating prices and checking for authenticity at the Grand Bazaar.

Bargaining Knowledge: Understanding the local bargaining culture and being aware of fair prices.
Authenticity Check: Knowing how to identify authentic products, especially for popular items like carpets or jewelry.
Reputable Shops: Shopping at established and reputable stores within the Grand Bazaar.

Avoid getting overcharged by negotiating the fare before starting your journey in taxis and using official taxi services.

Knowledge of Fair Rates: Understanding the reasonable prices for common routes within Keçiören.
Official Taxis: Riding in official yellow taxis or using popular ride-hailing apps to ensure a safe and fair trip.
Negotiating Skills: Having good negotiation skills to secure a reasonable fare before starting your journey.

Enjoy safe and delicious street food by choosing popular and crowded stands with clean surroundings.

Popular Stands: Choosing street food stalls that are always busy, ensuring the food is fresh and tasty.
Cleanliness: Checking for proper hygiene practices, like wearing gloves and using clean utensils.
Recommendations: Asking locals or fellow travelers for recommendations on the best street food in Keçiören.

Exchange currency at authorized exchange offices or banks to avoid being scammed.

Authorized Offices: Using authorized exchange offices or banks that display their license.
Rates Awareness: Knowing the current exchange rates to avoid being offered a poor rate.
Multiple Quotes: Obtaining multiple quotes from different offices to find the best exchange rate.

Avoid hidden charges and poor quality food by choosing reputable restaurants and checking menus carefully.

Reputable Restaurants: Dining at well-known and popular restaurants in Keçiören.
Careful Menu Reading: Reading menus carefully to understand pricing and hidden charges before ordering.
Local Recommendations: Asking locals for restaurant recommendations to ensure a quality dining experience.

Avoid ticket scams on public transport by purchasing tickets from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Buying tickets from authorized vendors or validators.
Ticket Awareness: Knowing the different types of transport tickets available and their prices.
Beware of Counterfeiters: Being cautious when purchasing tickets from unofficial vendors or individuals.

Avoid overpriced or unreliable tours by researching tour companies and checking reviews.

Reputable Companies: Choosing well-established and reputable tour companies in Keçiören.
Positive Reviews: Reading reviews from previous customers to ensure a high-quality experience.
Price Comparison: Comparing prices for similar tours offered by different companies before deciding.

Avoid low-quality or overpriced accommodations by researching hotels and hostels carefully.

Reputable Hotels: Choosing well-established and reputable hotels or hostels in Keçiören.
Online Reviews: Reading reviews from previous guests to ensure a comfortable stay.
Price Comparison: Comparing prices for similar accommodations offered by different providers.

Avoid skimming and other ATM scams by using well-lit, busy areas and protecting your PIN.

Well-Lit Areas: Using ATMs in well-lit, busy areas to avoid potential scammers.
Protect Your PIN: Covering the keypad when entering your PIN and being aware of anyone suspicious nearby.
Monitor Account Regularly: Regularly monitoring your account for any unusual transactions.

Avoid overpriced or fake SIM cards by purchasing them from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Buying SIM cards from official vendors or stores of the mobile network provider.
Avoid Street Sales: Avoiding purchases from street vendors to prevent receiving a non-functional SIM card.
Check Coverage: Ensuring the SIM card covers the areas you plan to visit in Keçiören and Turkey.

Avoid damage charges or excessive fees by inspecting the vehicle before renting and returning it in good condition.

Inspection Before Renting: Thoroughly inspecting the rental car for any damages before accepting it.
Return in Good Condition: Returning the rental car in the same condition as when you received it, noting any damage before returning.
Review Contract: Carefully reviewing the contract for hidden charges or fees and asking questions if necessary.

Avoid overpriced items by comparing prices between vendors and negotiating.

Price Comparison: Comparing prices for similar products at different vendors.
Negotiating Skills: Having good negotiation skills to secure a reasonable price.
Beware of Counterfeiters: Being cautious when purchasing items that are commonly counterfeited, such as brand-name goods.

Avoid donating to dishonest buskers by watching performances carefully before giving money.

Watch Performances Closely: Watching the performance of a busker to ensure they are actually talented.
Give Spare Change: Only giving spare change instead of larger amounts of money.
Avoid Distractions: Being aware of distractions around the busker, such as assistants collecting money.

Avoid overpriced or low-quality performances by researching shows and checking reviews.

Reputable Shows: Choosing well-established and reputable street performance shows.
Positive Reviews: Reading reviews from previous audience members to ensure a high-quality experience.
Price Comparison: Comparing prices for similar shows offered by different performers before deciding.

Avoid ticket scams and high prices by purchasing tickets in advance from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Buying festival tickets from official vendors or the event's website.
Early Purchase Discount: Purchasing tickets in advance to take advantage of any early-bird discounts.
Avoid Street Sales: Avoiding purchases from street vendors or individuals selling tickets without proper documentation.