Turkey1. Fake top-up terminals
Some scammers place fake top-up terminals next to official ones. These terminals look convincing, but they don't actually top up your card. Always use terminals with the official Istanbulkart logo, located at metro stations, tram stops, and bus stations.
2. "Helpful" strangers at ATMs
Fraudsters may approach you while you're topping up your card or withdrawing cash, pretending to offer assistance. They often distract you and steal your card or personal information. Only accept assistance from uniformed employees with identification.
3. Selling cards at inflated prices
Some vendors sell Istanbulkarts at inflated prices—sometimes 3-5 times the official price. The actual price is around 70 Turkish lira. Buy the card only at official kiosks, metro stations, or reputable supermarkets like Migros.
4. Prepaid balance fraud
Tourists are sometimes sold cards with a "high balance" that are actually empty or nearly empty. Always check your balance immediately after purchase using a terminal or the official mobile app.
5. Counterfeit tourist passes
Some websites and street vendors offer counterfeit "Istanbul Tourist Passes" promising access to transportation and attractions. To avoid being scammed, use only trusted sources, such as the official Istanbul Tourist Pass website.
Turkey1. Fake top-up terminals
Some scammers place fake top-up terminals next to official ones. These terminals look convincing, but they don't actually top up your card. Always use terminals with the official Istanbulkart logo, located at metro stations, tram stops, and bus stations.
2. "Helpful" strangers at ATMs
Fraudsters may approach you while you're topping up your card or withdrawing cash, pretending to offer assistance. They often distract you and steal your card or personal information. Only accept assistance from uniformed employees with identification.
3. Selling cards at inflated prices
Some vendors sell Istanbulkarts at inflated prices—sometimes 3-5 times the official price. The actual price is around 70 Turkish lira. Buy the card only at official kiosks, metro stations, or reputable supermarkets like Migros.
4. Prepaid balance fraud
Tourists are sometimes sold cards with a "high balance" that are actually empty or nearly empty. Always check your balance immediately after purchase using a terminal or the official mobile app.
5. Counterfeit tourist passes
Some websites and street vendors offer counterfeit "Istanbul Tourist Passes" promising access to transportation and attractions. To avoid being scammed, use only trusted sources, such as the official Istanbul Tourist Pass website.