Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Melikgazi, Kayseri, Turkey

1. Taxi Scam at Melikgazi Airport

Avoid overpriced or non-existent taxis by using pre-booked services or authorized taxi stands.

Buy souvenirs only from reputable shops or stalls, to avoid purchasing fake goods.

Try local eateries away from tourist hotspots for affordable and delicious meals.

Local Eateries: Offers authentic, tasty food at reasonable prices.
Avoiding Tourist Traps: Prevents tourists from overpaying for meals.
Experiencing Local Cuisine: Gives tourists an opportunity to taste traditional Melikgazi dishes.

Use only licensed tour guides or reputable tour companies for a reliable and informative experience.

Licensed Tour Guides: Provides accurate, expert information about historical sites.
Reputable Tour Companies: Offers reliable, hassle-free services.
Avoiding Misinformation: Prevents tourists from being misled about historical facts and sites.

Use only official exchange offices or banks to avoid receiving counterfeit money.

Official Exchange Offices: Exchanges money at the correct rate and provides legitimate currency.
Avoiding Counterfeit Money: Prevents tourists from receiving fake bills.
Secure Transactions: Ensures a safe and secure currency exchange process.

Book accommodation in advance through reliable channels to avoid being left without a place to stay.

Advance Booking: Ensures a guaranteed accommodation.
Reliable Channels: Prevent tourists from being scammed by unscrupulous operators.
Avoiding Discomfort: Prevents tourists from having to search for accommodation in unfamiliar areas.

Use only ATMs located at banks or reputable facilities to avoid card skimming and other frauds.

ATMs at Banks: Provides a secure environment for transactions.
Reputable Facilities: Ensures the ATM is legitimate and safe to use.
Avoiding Fraud: Prevents tourists from losing money due to fraudulent activities.

Use only official transportation ticket offices or machines for the correct fare.

Official Ticket Offices: Provides tickets at the correct price.
Official Transportation Machines: Ensures the ticket is legitimate and valid for travel.
Avoiding Overpricing: Prevents tourists from being charged excessive fees for transportation.

Avoid accepting offers of friendship from strangers who may lead to scams or unwanted situations.

Avoiding Strangers: Prevents tourists from being exploited by unscrupulous individuals.
Personal Safety: Ensures the safety and security of tourists.
Avoiding Unwanted Situations: Prevents tourists from being lured into situations that may be uncomfortable or dangerous.

Stay vigilant and keep personal belongings secure in crowded places.

Stay Vigilant: Helps prevent theft of personal belongings.
Secure Personal Belongings: Prevents tourists from becoming victims of pickpocketing.
Avoid Distractions: Helps prevent tourists from being distracted while their belongings are at risk.

Be cautious when giving money to street collectors; verify the authenticity of charities before donating.

Verifying Charities: Ensures donations go to legitimate and reputable charities.
Caution with Street Collectors: Prevents tourists from being exploited by fake collectors.
Supporting Genuine Causes: Helps support the local community and causes that genuinely need assistance.

Use only reputable car hire companies for transparent agreements and vehicle quality.

Reputable Car Hire Companies: Provides high-quality vehicles and transparent agreements.
Transparent Agreements: Prevents tourists from being misled about car hire terms and conditions.
Avoiding Vehicle Quality Issues: Ensures tourists have a reliable vehicle for their journey.

Purchase wine and spirits only from reputable shops or official outlets to avoid buying counterfeit products.

Reputable Shops: Offers high-quality, authentic wine and spirits.
Avoiding Counterfeits: Prevents tourists from wasting money on fake products.
Tasting Local Products: Gives tourists an opportunity to taste traditional Melikgazi wines and spirits.

Buy carpets only from reputable shops or directly from artisans to avoid overpriced or fake products.

Reputable Shops: Offers high-quality, authentic carpets at reasonable prices.
Avoiding Overpricing: Prevents tourists from overpaying for carpets.
Support Local Artisans: Supports the local economy and artisan community.

Purchase olive oil only from reputable shops or directly from local producers to avoid buying counterfeit products.

Reputable Shops: Offers high-quality, authentic olive oil.
Avoiding Counterfeits: Prevents tourists from wasting money on fake products.
Tasting Local Products: Gives tourists an opportunity to taste traditional Melikgazi olive oil.