Staying Safe in Türkiye: Common Tourist Scams to Avoid & Emergency Numbers (112)

Last reviewed: October 25, 2026 · Prices in Turkish Lira (₺ TRY) and Euros (€ EUR) are approximate and for orientation only.

Key Takeaways

• Türkiye's unified national emergency number for police, ambulance, fire, and coast guard is 112 (free from any phone, English operators available).
• In Istanbul, hail taxis exclusively via the BiTaksi or Uber app so your route is GPS-tracked, verify the digital meter (Taksimetre) is turned on at ~₺30–₺42 base fare, and pay with smaller ₺50/₺100/₺200 notes.
• Ignore the 'dropped shoe-shine brush' trick on Galata Bridge and never follow a solo stranger who invites you to an unvetted bar around Taksim/Beyoğlu.

3 Classic Istanbul Street Scams & How to Breeze Past Them

1. The Dropped Shoe-Shine Brush: A shoe-shiner walking ahead of you on Galata Bridge or Eminönü 'accidentally' drops his brush. If you pick it up for him, he insists on a 'free thank-you shine' and then demands ₺500. Just leave the brush or say 'Hayır, teşekkürler' and keep walking.
2. Taxi Bill-Switch & 'Broken Meter': Always check that the rearview-mirror digital meter is active and say the denomination out loud when handing over a ₺200 bill so it isn't swapped for a ₺20 bill.
3. Friendly Solo Bar Invites: If a stranger strikes up a conversation near Istiklal Avenue and invites you for a drink at a club, decline politely—those venues present inflated bills. Stick to well-reviewed meyhanes in Karaköy, Asmalımescit, and Kadıköy.