A Reddit user recently shared their disappointing experience after a two-week trip to Turkey, saying they felt scammed multiple times despite the country’s beauty and hospitality.
The traveler described being treated with friendliness by shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and hotel staff, only to later realize that they had been overcharged or misled in many situations.
Also Read – IndiGo Hyd Flight Scare: Terrified Passengers Pray
In one case, a clothing store charged their card 4,500 TL for a shirt marked as 1,000 TL. In another, they bought what they believed was a genuine leather bag for $120, only to find out back home that it was fake.
Incidents in restaurants and taxis were also mentioned, such as being served tea that had already been placed on another table, or a taxi driver stopping mid-ride to promote a restaurant while the fare kept increasing.
Also Read – United First Class Scam? Paid Premium, Got Trash
What sparked further discussion was not just the traveler’s frustration but how some locals responded. One commenter insisted these were common scams targeting tourists, while another claimed even Turkish citizens face similar issues daily.
In their words, “try living here.” Another argued that the problem was being exaggerated and comparable to tourist scams in Italy.
Also Read – NRI’s Bag Looted, Airline Pays After 6 Years
As more tourists voice such concerns online, a troubling image of Turkey is emerging where warm smiles and hospitality sometimes serve as a mask for exploitative behavior.
At the same time, some locals highlight that they too are struggling with inflated prices and daily rip-offs, suggesting that the problem is systemic rather than just tourist-focused. The tension between reputation and reality is growing louder.
