1. "The meter is broken"
The driver does not switch on the meter and names a price at the end, usually far above the meter fare. In an official yellow, turquoise or black taxi the meter must run. If it is off, ask the driver to switch it on before you leave, or take another taxi.
2. The long way round
A detour through traffic or across a bridge you did not need adds kilometres to the meter. Follow the route on a map app on your phone, and say where you want to go as an address or a well-known landmark.
3. The banknote switch
You hand over a large note, and the driver quickly swaps it for a smaller one and says you underpaid. Lira notes look similar in a dark car. Count your notes out loud as you pay, and use small notes when you can.
4. Fake fixed prices at the airport
Someone in the arrivals hall offers a "fixed price taxi" that turns out to cost more, or leads you to an unlicensed car. Book only with a company you checked in advance, and look for a name sign with your own name.
5. Refusing short trips
Some drivers turn down short rides, or trips into traffic and across the Bosphorus. It is not a scam, but it is the most common complaint about Istanbul taxis.
How to ride without the stress
- Use a taxi app (BiTaksi or Uber) so the trip and the driver are recorded.
- Note the taxi's plate number; complaints go to the municipality's 153 line.
- For the airport, book a private transfer: the price is fixed before you fly, there is no meter, and your driver waits with your name. With ITB Transfer it starts at €42 per car from Istanbul Airport and €38 from Sabiha Gökçen.