Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Eskişehir, Eskişehir, Turkey

1. Grand Mosque Taxi Scam

Avoid overcharging by taxi drivers claiming the Grand Mosque is closed or far away.

Location Awareness: Understand the location of the Grand Mosque in relation to your current position.
Negotiation Skills: Be prepared to negotiate taxi fares before starting the journey.
Local Knowledge: Ask locals or hotel staff about the actual distance and opening hours of the Grand Mosque.

Be cautious of unofficial guides offering services inside Atatürk Park.

Official Certification: Ask for official guide certifications before accepting their services.
Reputable Tour Operators: Book guided tours through reputable tour operators instead of street solicitors.
City Information Centers: Visit the city information centers for reliable and free information about Eskişehir.

Beware of counterfeit goods sold at discounted prices in Anadolu Shopping Mall.

Brand Authenticity: Check for authentic brand labels and packaging when purchasing products.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops or online to avoid overpriced counterfeit goods.
Trusted Retailers: Shop at trusted retailers in the mall for a safer shopping experience.

Avoid poor exchange rates and hidden fees when exchanging money.

Official Money Changers: Use official money-changing offices for the best exchange rates.
Fixed Rates: Negotiate a fixed exchange rate beforehand to avoid hidden fees.
Online Research: Research average exchange rates online to ensure you are not being overcharged.

Avoid overpaying for public transportation tickets.

Official Ticket Prices: Know the official ticket prices and bus routes.
Buy Multiple Tickets at Once: Consider purchasing multiple tickets at once for a discounted rate.
Time-Based Travel Passes: Invest in time-based travel passes if you plan on using public transportation frequently.

Avoid food contamination when eating from street vendors.

Hygiene Practices: Observe proper hygiene practices of the vendor before purchasing food.
Cooking Area Cleanliness: Check if the cooking area is clean and well-maintained.
Food Safety Regulations: Learn about local food safety regulations to stay safe.

Avoid overpriced or fraudulent SIM card activations.

Official Stores: Activate your SIM card at official stores of the telecom provider.
Ask for Receipt: Always ask for a receipt after activating your SIM card.
Check Activation Fees: Know the standard activation fees to avoid being overcharged.

Avoid overbooking scams by booking hotels in downtown Eskişehir.

Hotel Reputation: Book hotels with good reputations for reliable service.
Online Reviews: Read online reviews before making a hotel booking.
Book Early: Book your hotel room well in advance to avoid the risk of overbooking.

Avoid bogus tour bookings by only booking through reputable sources.

Online Reviews: Read online reviews of tour operators before making a booking.
Official Tour Operators: Book through official tour operators or your hotel concierge.
Check Inclusions: Ensure the tour includes everything you expect, like transportation and guide fees.

Avoid ticket scalping for events at Anadolu Stadium.

Buy Official Tickets: Purchase official tickets through authorized channels only.
Check Event Dates and Times: Double-check the event dates, times, and locations before purchasing tickets.
Avoid Street Sales: Never buy tickets from street vendors or individuals.

Avoid unlicensed massage parlors offering illegal services.

Check for Licenses: Ensure the massage parlor has a valid license and follows local regulations.
Avoid Late-Night Visits: Avoid visiting massage parlors late at night to minimize risk.
Listen to Your Intuition: If something feels wrong, trust your intuition and leave immediately.

Avoid buying counterfeit carpets in Kapalı Çarşı.

Brand Authenticity: Check for authentic brand labels and certifications.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops to avoid overpriced counterfeits.
Trusted Retailers: Shop at trusted retailers in Kapalı Çarşı for a safer shopping experience.

Avoid overpriced food and drink near the university.

Local Restaurants: Seek out local restaurants for affordable and authentic dining options.
Avoid Peak Times: Avoid peak meal times to find better deals.
Street Food Vendors: Try street food vendors for affordable and delicious meals.

Avoid using fraudulent ATMs in Eskişehir.

Official Bank ATMs: Use official bank ATMs for safer transactions.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor your account activity for any suspicious transactions.

Avoid fake tours to Cappadocia offered in Eskişehir.

Reputable Tour Operators: Book tours to Cappadocia through reputable and established tour operators.
Check Inclusions: Ensure the tour includes transportation, accommodation, and guide fees.
Online Reviews: Read online reviews of tour operators before making a booking.