Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Etimesgut, Ankara, Turkey

All Topics about Etimesgut All Cities in Turkey

1. Grand Bazaar Taxi Scam

Avoid overpriced or misdirected taxi rides from Grand Bazaar. Always agree on price before getting in.

Pricing Agreement: Agree on a fixed price before starting the ride.
Avoid Misdirection: Make sure the taxi driver takes you directly to your destination.
Know Fixed Rates: Familiarize yourself with the average rates for common destinations.

Avoid receiving less money than expected at exchange shops. Always count your cash before leaving.

Count Your Cash: Always check the exchanged amount before leaving the shop.
Choose Reputable Shops: Only use licensed and reputable exchange shops.
Avoid Hidden Fees: Ensure you know all the fees involved in the exchange beforehand.

Avoid getting a sim card with pre-installed international call charges. Check for hidden fees.

Check for Hidden Fees: Ensure you understand all costs associated with the sim card.
Buy From Official Shops: Purchase sim cards only from official shops or authorized vendors.
Research Local Providers: Research local telecom providers and their offerings beforehand.

Avoid eating street food from unhygienic vendors. Choose stalls with clean conditions.

Choose Clean Stalls: Look for clean and hygienic food preparation areas.
Avoid Eating Rare Foods: Avoid eating foods that may be unfamiliar or undercooked.
Stick to Busy Stalls: Choose street food stalls that are popular and busy, as they are more likely to prioritize cleanliness.

Avoid unsolicited guides offering their services. Only use licensed tour guides.

Check for Licenses: Verify that your guide is officially licensed.
Research Tour Operators: Research tour operators beforehand and book through reputable sources.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Decline offers from unlicensed guides, especially those approaching you unexpectedly.

Avoid forming quick friendships with strangers offering help or inviting you places. Be wary of ulterior motives.

Be Wary of Quick Friends: Proceed with caution when meeting new people who offer help or invite you to their homes.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your intuition and remove yourself from the situation.
Stay in Group: When possible, travel in a group to reduce the risk of being targeted by scams.

Avoid giving your belongings or money to individuals posing as police officers. Always ask for official ID.

Verify Identification: Police officers should carry and show their identification at all times.
Avoid Giving Belongings or Money: Do not hand over your belongings or money without proper justification.
Stay Calm and Confident: Remain calm, assertive, and confident when dealing with suspicious situations.

Avoid overpaying for accommodation. Research prices and compare rates before booking.

Research Rates: Compare accommodation prices across different platforms and book accordingly.
Check for Hidden Fees: Ensure you understand all costs associated with the accommodation before booking.
Stay in Reputable Hotels: Choose hotels that have good reviews and are well-established in the area.

Avoid using ATMs that appear tampered or unofficial. Protect your PIN and be aware of your surroundings.

Choose Official ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, busy areas.
Cover Your PIN: Cover your PIN when entering it to prevent potential thieves from seeing it.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor your account activity for any unauthorized transactions.

Avoid buying event tickets from scalpers or street vendors. Purchase tickets through official channels.

Buy Through Official Channels: Purchase tickets only through authorized vendors or the venue's box office.
Check for Counterfeit Tickets: Be wary of tickets that look poorly printed or have obvious flaws.
Compare Prices with Official Rates: Ensure the ticket price matches the official rate before purchasing.

Avoid overpaying for gold or jewelry. Research prices and compare with local jewelers.

Research Prices: Compare gold and jewelry prices across different shops and markets.
Check for Quality: Ensure the item is made from quality materials and craftsmanship.
Avoid High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Do not rush into buying and take time to consider your purchase carefully.

Avoid overpaying for public transportation. Always have small change ready.

Have Small Change Ready: Carry small bills or coins to pay for public transportation.
Avoid Unmarked Stations: Only use marked and official public transportation stations.
Know the Correct Fare: Research the standard fare for your destination before boarding public transportation.

Avoid overpaying for carpets. Research prices and negotiate with vendors.

Research Prices: Compare carpet prices across different shops and markets.
Negotiate with Vendors: Haggle over the price to get a better deal.
Check for Quality: Ensure the carpet is made from quality materials and craftsmanship.

Avoid overpaying for souvenirs. Research prices and negotiate with vendors.

Research Prices: Compare souvenir prices across different shops and markets.
Negotiate with Vendors: Haggle over the price to get a better deal.
Check for Quality: Ensure the souvenir is made from quality materials and craftsmanship.

Avoid giving money to fake charities. Research legitimate organizations before donating.

Research Charities: Find out which local charities are reputable and trustworthy.
Avoid Soliciting Individuals: Do not give money to individuals claiming to collect for charity.
Donate Through Official Channels: Donate through the official channels of legitimate charities, such as their websites or donation boxes.