Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
1. Ankara Grand Bazaar
A large marketplace offering a variety of goods. Known for gold and textile shops, but beware of overpricing.
- Negotiation Skills: Knowing the local prices can help you avoid overpaying.
- Vigilance: Always keep an eye on your belongings to prevent pickpocketing.
- Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide for genuine shopping advice.
2. Taxi Scams
Some taxi drivers might take longer routes or overcharge tourists. Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps for safety.
- Official Taxis: Only use officially marked taxis or ride-hailing services.
- Meter Use: Insist on using the meter to avoid overcharging.
- Prepaid Services: Consider prepaid taxi services for fixed prices.
3. Counterfeit Goods
Some shops sell counterfeit goods, particularly in touristy areas. Look for quality and avoid suspiciously cheap items.
- Quality Assurance: Check the quality of goods before buying to ensure authenticity.
- Reputable Shops: Shop at reputable stores or local markets for better chances of genuine items.
- Local Knowledge: Ask locals about trusted shops and areas to avoid counterfeits.
4. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors might serve undercooked or poor-quality food. Stick to popular and crowded stalls.
- Popular Stalls: Choose busy and well-attended street food stalls for safer options.
- Cooking Practices: Look for foods being cooked fresh and in a sanitary manner.
- Local Recommendations: Ask locals about recommended street food vendors for the best choices.
5. ATM Scams
Skimming devices can be found on some ATMs. Use well-lit and secure ATMs in banks or shopping centers.
- Secure Locations: Use ATMs inside banks, shopping centers, or other secure locations.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
- Monitor Account: Regularly monitor your account for any suspicious activity.
6. Dolmus Scams
Drivers of shared minibuses (dolmus) might overcharge or take longer routes. Know the fare before boarding.
- Know the Fare: Ask locals about the standard fare for your destination.
- Busy Routes: Travel during busy hours when drivers are less likely to try scams.
- Avoid Night Travel: Avoid night travel if possible as it increases the chances of scams.
7. Sim Card Scams
Some sim card vendors might offer substandard service or overcharge. Use official stores or reliable providers.
- Official Stores: Buy sim cards from official stores of reputable providers.
- Check Coverage: Ensure the coverage of the sim card provider is good in the areas you plan to visit.
- Compare Prices: Compare prices and plans of different providers before choosing.
8. Exchange Scams
Some exchange offices might offer unfavorable exchange rates or overcharge fees. Use reputable exchange offices.
- Reputable Offices: Exchange money at offices in banks, shopping centers, or hotels.
- Compare Rates: Compare exchange rates with other offices before choosing.
- Avoid Street Exchanges: Avoid street exchanges or private transactions to avoid scams.
9. Restaurant Scams
Some restaurants might overcharge tourists or serve low-quality food. Ask for recommendations and check prices.
- Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommended restaurants in the area.
- Check Prices: Compare prices with other restaurants or online before dining.
- Avoid Touristy Areas: Avoid restaurants in heavily touristy areas as they might be overpriced.
10. Guided Tours Scams
Some guided tours might charge excessively or not deliver what was promised. Research and book through reputable providers.
- Reputable Providers: Book tours with established and reputable tour companies.
- Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality of the tour.
- Compare Prices: Compare prices with other tour companies before choosing.
11. Street Performers
Some street performers might demand excessive tips or not deliver a quality performance. Watch, appreciate, and tip accordingly.
- Quality of Performance: Evaluate the quality of the performance before tipping.
- Fair Tips: Avoid giving excessive tips, but still show appreciation for a good performance.
- Be Respectful: Respect the performer's craft and be courteous during the interaction.
12. Car Rental Scams
Some car rental companies might charge hidden fees or provide damaged vehicles. Research and book from reputable providers.
- Reputable Providers: Book a car from established and reputable car rental companies.
- Check Conditions: Inspect the vehicle for damages before renting to avoid hidden charges.
- Compare Prices: Compare prices with other rental companies before choosing.
13. Hotel Scams
Some hotels might charge extra fees or offer subpar service. Research and book from reputable providers.
- Reputable Providers: Book a hotel room with established and reputable hotel chains.
- Check Amenities: Ensure the hotel provides the amenities promised in their listing.
- Read Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality of the hotel.
14. Fake Guide Services
Some unofficial guides might charge excessive fees or provide inaccurate information. Use reputable guide services.
- Reputable Providers: Book a guide through established and reputable travel agencies.
- Check Certifications: Ensure the guide is certified by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
- Compare Prices: Compare prices with other guide services before choosing.
15. Ticket Scams
Some ticket sellers might sell fake or overpriced tickets for events. Buy tickets from official outlets or reputable providers.
- Official Outlets: Buy tickets from official outlets or websites of event organizers.
- Check Prices: Compare prices with other ticket sellers to avoid overpricing.
- Avoid Street Sales: Avoid buying tickets from street vendors or private parties to prevent scams.