Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Trabzon, Turkey

1. Black Sea Market Scam Avoidance

Avoid overpriced goods at the Black Sea Market by knowing fair prices and negotiating confidently.

Knowledge of Fair Prices: Research common market prices before visiting to avoid overpaying.
Negotiation Skills: Practice haggling to get a better price and walk away if the vendor is unreasonable.
Local Market Tips: Seek advice from locals or travelers who have previously visited Trabzon.

Avoid unofficial guides at Atatürk's Mansion by asking for official identification.

Official ID Verification: Request to see an official ID from any guide claiming to be a tour guide.
Check for Tour Company Logo: Look for the logo of a reputable tour company on their badge or clothing.
Researching Tour Companies: Choose tour companies with positive reviews and recommendations.

Avoid overpriced taxis by using pre-paid taxi services or negotiating a fixed price.

Pre-Paid Taxi Services: Use airport or hotel pre-paid taxi services for a guaranteed fair price.
Negotiating a Fixed Price: Agree on a fixed price before entering the taxi to avoid overcharging.
Asking for Recommendations: Ask locals or hotel staff for recommended taxi services.

Avoid foodborne illnesses by choosing establishments with cleanliness and proper food handling.

Cleanliness: Look for clean tables, utensils, and food preparation areas.
Proper Food Handling: Observe the vendor's food handling practices to ensure they are safe.
Word-of-Mouth Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or other travelers for street food vendors.

Avoid receiving counterfeit currency by exchanging money at reputable exchange offices.

Reputable Exchange Offices: Choose currency exchange offices located in banks or hotels.
Check Bills for Authenticity: Inspect bills for inconsistencies and feel the texture of new notes.
Traveler's Checks and Credit Cards: Use traveler's checks or credit cards for larger transactions to minimize the risk of counterfeit currency.

Avoid overpriced or fake SIM cards by purchasing them at official retailers.

Official Retailer Verification: Look for the logo of an official telecom company at the counter.
Asking for Recommendations: Ask airport staff or other travelers for recommendations on SIM card vendors.
Negotiating a Fair Price: Compare prices at multiple counters and negotiate if necessary to get a fair price.

Avoid overpriced boat tours by researching prices and booking in advance.

Researching Prices: Compare prices online or ask locals for average costs.
Booking in Advance: Book boat tours through reputable tour companies to secure a fair price.
Asking for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or other travelers for boat tour operators.

Avoid overpriced accommodations by researching and booking in advance.

Researching Prices: Compare prices online for accommodations in the desired area.
Booking in Advance: Book accommodation early to secure a fair price and avoid last-minute overpricing.
Asking for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or other travelers for accommodations.

Avoid overpriced goods and services at Fisherman's Beach by negotiating prices.

Negotiating Prices: Haggle with vendors to get a better price.
Avoiding Rental Scams: Inspect rental items thoroughly before using them and check prices against others' rates.
Eating at Reputable Restaurants: Choose restaurants with good reviews or recommendations to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Avoid overpriced entrance fees at fake religious sites by researching the authenticity of sites.

Researching Authenticity: Check the site's history and verify its location with online resources.
Asking for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or other travelers on which religious sites to visit.
Negotiating Entrance Fees: Bargain with the site's staff for a reasonable entrance fee.

Avoid overpriced car rentals by researching prices and choosing reputable companies.

Researching Prices: Compare prices online for car rentals in Trabzon.
Choosing Reputable Companies: Select car rental companies with good reviews and recommendations.
Inspecting the Rental Car: Thoroughly inspect the rental car for any damage before driving away.

Avoid overpriced public transportation by using prepaid travel cards or researching prices.

Prepaid Travel Cards: Purchase a prepaid travel card for unlimited use on public transport.
Researching Prices: Compare prices for single-ride tickets against the cost of a day or week pass.
Asking for Recommendations: Seek advice from locals or other travelers on using public transportation in Trabzon.

Avoid overpriced public toilets by using clean, free facilities.

Clean and Free Public Toilets: Find clean, free public toilets at restaurants, cafes, or malls.
Avoiding Unofficial Toilet Attendants: Ignore attendants asking for payment and use the nearest clean, free facility.
Carrying Hand Sanitizer: Always carry hand sanitizer to maintain hygiene after using public toilets.

Avoid fake ATMs by choosing well-lit and busy areas to withdraw cash.

Well-Lit and Busy Areas: Withdraw cash only from ATMs located in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
Checking for Official Logos: Look for official bank logos on the ATM and ensure it's part of a reputable network.
Limiting Cash Withdrawals: Withdraw smaller amounts of cash to minimize potential losses in case of fraud.

Avoid overpriced or fake souvenirs by researching and negotiating prices.

Researching Prices: Compare prices online for popular souvenirs in Trabzon.
Negotiating Prices: Haggle with vendors to get a better price for souvenirs.
Asking for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or other travelers on the best souvenir shops.