10 Turkish Phrases Every Tourist Should Know to Avoid Scams in Istanbul
Hi, I’m Bekir! I’ve lived in Turkey for 25 years, and Turkish is my native language. I’m passionate about exploring the world, and over the years, I’ve helped many foreign friends navigate life here. Istanbul is an exciting but sometimes challenging destination. It’s a vibrant city with nearly 20 million residents.
If you’re having trouble with language barriers, there’s an easy way to overcome it
Learning these 10 essential Turkish phrases will help you avoid scams and save money, allowing you to make the most of your visit and avoid common tourist pitfalls.
At the end of this article, I’ll recommend some great Turkish resources that will be very helpful for you.
If you want to explore Istanbul more like a local and less like a tourist, check out this guide: Istanbul on a Budget – How to spend a day like a local for just $40
10 Turkish Phrases Every Tourist Should Know for Their Istanbul Visit
Travel Tip #1: How to Avoid Tourist Traps - ''Pahalı ''– (Expensive)
In Istanbul, especially at touristy spots, vendors may offer you higher prices if they sense you’re a tourist. These places can often be tourist traps, where prices are inflated just because you’re not a local. If you’re looking to stick to your budget, be prepared to haggle. When you’re given a price, simply smile and say “Pahalı” (Expensive) to let them know you’re not easily fooled and are looking for a better deal.
Learn how to say ”pahalı” in Turkish.
Travel Tip #2: How to Avoid Tourist Traps - ''Ucuz''– (Cheap)
Learn how to say ”Ucuz” in Turkish.
Travel Tip #3: How to Avoid Tourist Traps: ''Indirim''– (Discount)
Bargaining is a common practice in Turkey. Vendors may be reluctant to offer a discount when they see you’re a foreigner, especially in areas known for tourist traps, where prices are often set higher for unsuspecting visitors. But if you insist, you’ll definitely get something off the price. Asking for a discount is the smartest way to save money. In Turkish, you can ask: “Bana indirim yapabilir misiniz?” (Can you give me a discount?)
Learn how to say ”İndirim” in Turkish.
Travel Tip #4: How to Avoid Tourist Traps : ''Fiyat''– (Price)
During your travels in Istanbul, you’ll come across shops at every corner. There will be things that catch your eye and you’ll want to ask about the price. However, especially in areas that can be tourist traps, it’s important to never just say ‘I want this’ without asking the price first, as vendors might charge you inflated rates. Go to the seller and ask in Turkish: “Bunun fiyatı ne kadar?” (How much is this?)
Learn how to say ”Fiyat” in Turkish.
Travel Tip #5: How to Avoid Tourist Traps: ''Taksimetre''– (Taxi meter)
In Istanbul, there is something called the ‘taxi lobby.’ Ride-hailing apps like Uber are not allowed, and taxis have a monopoly. While there is an Uber-like app, it’s still not legal. Be cautious, as some taxi drivers, especially in tourist traps, may try to take advantage of unsuspecting visitors by overcharging. When you take a taxi in Istanbul, make sure to check the meter carefully and ensure it’s turned on. If the driver asks for more money than the meter shows, don’t pay it. If the driver hasn’t turned on the meter, say in Turkish: “Taksimetreyi açar mısınız?” (Can you turn on the taximeter?). Once they hear you speaking in Turkish, they’ll know you won’t be easily tricked. Always carry an Istanbulkart in your pocket in case of emergencies.
Travel Tip #6: How to Avoid Tourist Traps: ''Sahte and Orjinal''– (Fake and original)
If the vendors realize you’re a tourist, they might think they won’t see you again and try to sell you counterfeit products, especially in tourist traps where prices can be inflated and quality can be questionable. Stay alert to avoid this. When buying a product, make sure to inspect it carefully and ask the seller questions. If the seller doesn’t speak English, ask someone for help and find a way to communicate. In Turkey, non-original products are called ‘Sahte’ (fake). Always ask the seller: ”Bu ürün orijinal mi?” (Is this product original?) to make sure you’re getting what you pay for.
Travel Tip #7: How to Avoid Tourist Traps: ''Komisyon''– (Commission)
Travel Tip #8: How to Avoid Tourist Traps: ''Turist Fiyatı''– (Tourist price)
Let’s talk about one of the busiest places in Istanbul that you will definitely visit: the Grand Bazaar. While you’re walking around, you decide to buy a souvenir for your home. You ask the seller, ‘How much is this?’ and they say $10. You should respond with, ‘No, please give me the price in Turkish Lira (TL),‘ and then ask, ‘Turist fiyatı mı?’ (Is this the tourist price?). By asking this, you’ll be acting like a local and avoiding being overcharged in common tourist traps where prices can be inflated for visitors.
Travel Tip #9: How to Avoid Tourist Traps: ''Yerli Fiyatı''– (Local Price)
When visiting a new country, I recommend waking up early and exploring the local markets. It’s one of the best ways to truly understand the local culture. By listening to the conversations around you, you can learn how to act more like a local. While shopping, if the vendors realize you’re a tourist, smile and say ‘Ben Yerli Fiyat İstiyorum‘ (I want the local price). This can help you get a better deal!”
Travel Tip #10: How to Avoid Tourist Traps: ''Fatura''– (– Receipt or Bill)
In Istanbul, at restaurants, shops, malls, and many other places, always make sure to ask for a receipt when you make a purchase. It’s important to make this a habit. If the cashier doesn’t give you a receipt, simply say, ‘Fatura lütfen’ (Please give me the receipt)
Fatura – Receipt
🎁 Bonus Sentence Suggestions:
“Ben yerli gibi alışveriş yapmak istiyorum.”
“I want to shop like a local.”“Taksimetre açmazsan iniyorum.”
“If you don’t turn on the meter, I’m getting out.”“Bana pahalı geldi, başka yere bakacağım.”
“This seems too expensive, I’ll check somewhere else.”“Faturayı görebilir miyim?”
“Can I see the receipt?”
As promised, I’m recommending some great resources for you.
- Here are some amazing free podcasts that will definitely help you improve your Turkish!
- Reddit’s /r/Turkish subreddit
- Don’t forget to join Turkish-language Facebook groups for tourists!
I highly recommend watching this video before your trip to Istanbul
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