Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Seyhan, Turkey

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by agreeing on a fare before starting the journey or using metered taxis.

Fixed Fare Agreements: Agreeing on a fixed fare can save you from unexpected high charges.
Metered Taxis: Using metered taxis ensures the fare is fair and transparent.
Avoiding Unmarked Taxis: Stay safe by refusing unlicensed or unmarked taxis.

Bargain for souvenirs and beware of overpriced items in tourist areas.

Market Prices: Learn local market prices to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Bargaining Skills: Master the art of bargaining to get the best price.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Shops: Find authentic souvenir shops outside touristy areas for lower prices.

Use reputable money exchange services and check exchange rates beforehand.

Reputable Exchange Services: Choose established, licensed money exchange services.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Stay away from street money exchangers to avoid counterfeit notes.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates with online sources before exchanging currency.

Ensure your tour guide is licensed and reputable to avoid scams.

Licensed Tour Guides: Ask for a tour guide's license before agreeing on a tour.
Reputable Tour Companies: Book tours through reputable and well-established tour companies.
Tour Guide Reviews: Read reviews from past customers to ensure a trustworthy guide.

Avoid overpriced restaurants in tourist areas by exploring local eateries.

Local Eateries: Find family-owned or small restaurants for authentic and affordable meals.
Street Food: Sample delicious and affordable street food in Seyhan.
Avoiding Tourist Traps: Stay away from restaurants near major tourist attractions.

Verify attraction entrance fees and check official websites before visiting.

Official Websites: Gather information from the official attraction's website.
Entrance Fee Comparisons: Compare entrance fees with other travelers or online sources.
Avoiding Unofficial Sellers: Buy tickets directly at the attraction's ticket office.

Avoid sim card scams by purchasing from official retailers and checking data plans.

Official Retailers: Buy your sim card from authorized dealers.
Check Data Plans: Make sure you understand the data plan and its costs before purchasing.
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors to avoid counterfeit sim cards.

Avoid hotel scams by booking through reputable channels and reading reviews.

Reputable Booking Channels: Book your accommodation through trusted travel websites.
Hotel Reviews: Read reviews from past guests to ensure a pleasant stay.
Avoid Offers That Seem Too Good to Be True: Be cautious of hotel deals that seem unusually cheap or generous.

Avoid car rental scams by booking through reputable agencies and inspecting the vehicle.

Reputable Car Rental Agencies: Rent your car from well-established and licensed car rental companies.
Inspection of the Vehicle: Thoroughly inspect the car for damages before accepting it.
Understanding Contract Terms: Read and understand the contract terms to avoid hidden fees.

Avoid photography scams by agreeing on a price beforehand and checking the quality of work.

Agreeing on a Price Beforehand: Always negotiate the price before allowing someone to take your picture.
Checking Photographer's Portfolio: Ask for examples of their work to ensure quality photos.
Avoiding Strangers Offering Photos: Stay away from strangers offering photos, especially in crowded areas.

Avoid overpriced or unsafe carriage rides by checking the condition of the carriage and bargaining for a fair price.

Carriage Condition: Inspect the condition of the carriage to ensure it is safe.
Bargaining Skills: Master the art of bargaining for a fair price.
Avoiding Unmarked Carriages: Stay away from unlicensed or unmarked carriages.

Avoid 'helpful' individuals offering unnecessary assistance and asking for payment.

Awareness of Surroundings: Stay alert to your surroundings to avoid being targeted by scammers.
Politeness but Firmness: Be polite but firm in declining unnecessary assistance and requests for payment.
Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts if something seems suspicious or off.

Support legitimate charities and avoid donating to individuals asking for money.

Researching Local Charities: Research local charities to ensure they are reputable.
Avoiding Street Solicitations: Avoid donating to individuals asking for money on the street.
Donation Receipts: Request a receipt for your donation and make sure it is from a reputable organization.

Avoid overpriced Wi-Fi services by finding free Wi-Fi spots or using your mobile data.

Free Wi-Fi Spots: Find free Wi-Fi spots like cafes, libraries, or public hotspots.
Mobile Data: Use your mobile data if you have a suitable plan and avoid roaming charges.
Avoiding Street Wi-Fi: Stay away from unsecured or unknown Wi-Fi networks to protect your data.

Avoid overpriced snake encounters by researching legit venues for animal interactions.

Legitimate Venues: Visit reputable wildlife sanctuaries or zoos for safe and ethical animal interactions.
Bargaining Skills: Master the art of bargaining to avoid overpriced encounters.
Avoiding Street Performances: Stay away from street performers offering snake encounters.