The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received multiple reports of Taiwanese citizens being scammed in Istanbul, often near well-known tourist attractions.

▲ Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a popular tourist destination in Turkey (Photo / Provided by EVA Air Travel)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The Bureau of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently received several reports of Taiwanese tourists being scammed by local groups while traveling in Istanbul, Turkey. The scam involves luring travelers to specific locations near famous tourist spots, where they are then overcharged and pressured into paying inflated bills.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced,that many victims reported being approached by unknown individuals near the Istiklal Avenue in tourist areas, who then led them to specific restaurants or bars. Upon settling the bill, they discovered the prices had been deliberately inflated. Under duress and concerns for their safety, they were compelled to pay the exorbitant amounts.

Istanbul has become a popular travel destination for Taiwanese in recent years, but such scams are common in Turkey and other tourist-heavy regions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds travelers to be vigilant when visiting abroad and to avoid walking alone to prevent becoming targets of these scams.

In case of emergencies in Turkey, you can contact the Emergency Contact Line of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Turkey at: +90-532-322-7162, or ask relatives or friends in Taiwan to call the toll-free “Emergency Service Hotline for Taiwanese Abroad” at: 0800-085-095, to notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Liaison Center for immediate assistance.