Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the situation up carefully. You could invite your new-found friends to a bar of your
choice; if they're not keen to go, chances are they are shady characters.
The spiking scam has also been reported on overnight trains, with passengers getting
robbed. Turks are often genuinely sociable and generous travelling companions, but be
cautious about accepting food and drinks from people you are not 100% sure about.
ANTIQUITIES
Do not buy coins or other artefacts offered to you at ancient sites. It is a serious crime
here, punishable by long prison terms, and the touts are likely in cahoots with local police-
men.
SHOE CLEANERS
In Sultanahmet, İstanbul, if a shoe cleaner walking in front of you drops his brush, don't
pick it up. He will insist on giving you a 'free' clean in return, before demanding an extor-
tionate fee.
VAT
Various VAT (value-added tax) scams operate. When buying a precious item such as a car-
pet, do not pay on the understanding that you will receive a VAT refund at the airport,
even if you are asked to sign an official-looking Turkish document. The document may be
a statement that you have received your refund, leaving you out of pocket when you reach
the airport.
Some shops have signs indicating that they offer tax-free shopping. In most cases, the
best policy is to assume you will not receive a refund and pay a price that you are happy
with. Do not sign any paperwork unless you can understand it and, if you suspect a vendor
of underhand dealings, take your business elsewhere.
SMOKING
Smoking in enclosed public spaces is banned, and punishable by a fine. Hotels, restaur-
ants and bars are generally smoke-free, although bars sometimes relax the rules as the
evening wears on. Off the tourist trail in budget and midrange hotels, the ban is enforced
in public areas but more leniently in rooms. Public transport is meant to be smoke-free, al-
though taxi and bus drivers sometimes smoke at the wheel.
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