Many people who plan to visit Turkey wonder what clothing is considered appropriate to wear while on holiday. [You want to be prepared](/posts/what-to-know-before-visiting-turkey), and you [don’t want to offend anyone](/posts/dos-and-donts-for-turkey) with the way you dress.

So, what should you wear on your holiday in Turkey? **You can wear what you want in Turkey, as it is a secular country and people free to dress how they choose. If you plan to [visit a mosque](/posts/mosques-to-see-istanbul), you should adhere to some specific dress rules before entering a place of worship.** 

Depending on the time of year you travel for your holiday, you may also need to be prepared for different temperatures. If you plan on visiting a mosque, there is also a specific dress code you should follow.

We will outline different situations and what you can wear on your holiday. 

Dress Code in Turkey
--------------------

There are no strict restrictions on dress or clothing in Turkey. [Turkey is a secular country](/posts/common-misconceptions-turkey) where people are free to wear whatever they please. Turkey is a melting pot of different cultures and mindsets, with some liberal regions and neighborhoods and some more conservative. 

If you are in Istanbul, chances are your travels will take you to a [cool neighborhood](/posts/where-to-stay-in-istanbul) such as Galata, Karaköy, Cihangir, Kadıköy, Nişantaşı, Bebek, or Arnavutköy, where people are liberal when it comes to the way they dress. As these are [more trendy neighborhoods](/posts/most-livable-places-istanbul), you will see nearly all types of styles and fashions. 

There are other neighborhoods in Istanbul which are more conservative such as Fatih or Üsküdar. It’s best to dress more modestly if you plan to visit, [to avoid unwanted attention or stares](/posts/istanbul-safe-solo-female-travelers). 

If you plan to visit [tourist areas in Istanbul](/posts/how-to-spend-24-hours-in-istanbul) such as Sultanahmet and Grand Bazaar, it's best to dress in a way so you can do your sightseeing and explore the area with comfort. These areas are walking-friendly with many shops, restaurants, and attractions.

A comfortable pair of footwear is important as you may be waiting in line and climbing stairs while entering different sights. You may want to stay away from wearing open-toed shoes or sandals as your feet can get dirty from the streets. 

While going out to dinner in the evening, the dress is usually “smart casual.” Of course, if you are dining at a fancy hotel or upscale restaurant, you may want a dress or jacket. Many upscale bars or nightclubs in trendier areas such as Nisantasi, Bebek, and Arnavutkoy, may require a more strict dress code, so come dressed to impress.

If you are traveling in Central or Eastern Turkey, you may want to dress more modestly as cities there can be more conservative and less used to seeing international tourists. 

Prepare for the Weather
-----------------------

Turkey is a massive country with a diverse climate throughout its regions. If you are traveling in summer (June-September), expect the weather to be hot anywhere between 30-40 degrees Celsius (85-105 Fahrenheit).

T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, dresses, skirts, and hats are all appropriate in the hot weather. Cool cotton or breathable clothing and hat will make your days out sightseeing more comfortable.

In fall (October-November), there may be some rain and it can be chilly in the evening, so bring a warm jacket, sweater, or windbreaker.

You may be thinking Turkey is all sun, all year round. Not true. Winter (December-March) can be quite cold with temperatures around 3-11 degrees Celcius (35-60 Fahrenheit) dipping down to below freezing and snow not being uncommon in Istanbul, Ankara, and Cappadocia.

Bring your heavy winter jacket and prepare to layer up to fight against the cold air and wind the Anatolian winter brings. 

If you are traveling in spring (April-May), prepare for sun breaks, and potential cold spells with wind and rain can come at a moment's notice. Pack a rain jacket or shell and bring your umbrella to stay dry. 

Beach Holiday
-------------

If your holiday is at a resort or seaside town such as Bodrum, [Antalya](/posts/best-beaches-kas), [Fethiye](/posts/best-beaches-in-fethiye), or Izmir, you won’t have to worry about dressing modestly as these places are very liberal, especially during peak season in summer. Short shorts, dresses, skirts, tank tops, bikinis, swimsuits, sandals, and flip-flops are all the norm in the hot seaside weather here. 

Beachwear is typical to that of a Western European country, and it’s not uncommon to see women who prefer to sunbathe topless on the beach. When coming directly [from one of the amazing beaches](/posts/best-beaches-turkey) in your swimwear, cover-up before entering any bar or restaurant. Take care of your skin and wear protective sunscreen to avoid looking like a burnt tourist. 

What to Wear in Mosques
-----------------------

[Turkey’s beautiful mosques](/posts/mosques-to-see-istanbul) are open to both Muslim and non-muslim visitors. All visitors are required to remove their shoes before stepping onto the mosque’s carpet. This is for more practical reasons than religious, as Muslim worshippers kneel and touch their foreheads to the carpet, so it’s important they stay clean. 

As mosques are a place of worship, you should wear modest and conservative clothing that does not expose a lot of skin. 

*   **[Female visitors](/posts/istanbul-safe-solo-female-travelers) are required to wear pants, a dress, or a skirt that covers past the knees, a shirt or blouse that covers the shoulders and upper arms, along with a headscarf to cover hair**. 

*   **Male visitors are required to wear pants to cover their legs and a shirt that covers the shoulders**. 

At the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, they offer free garment robes and headscarves to wear during your visit if you did not come prepared or simply wanted to wear something more comfortable during your sightseeing. 

At the more popular mosques in Istanbul, there may be a separate entrance area for non-worshipping visitors. Respect for those worshipping should be practiced at all times. Keep a quiet voice and move slowly while keeping your phone on silent.

Avoid taking photos with a flash, and do not photograph anyone while in prayer. It’s impolite to walk in front of worshippers while they are performing their prayer rituals; walk around or behind them instead.

What Women Wear in Turkey
-------------------------

As a female foreigner visiting Turkey for your holiday, you can dress the same as you would if traveling in a Western European country. However, there are [some things to consider as a female visitor](/posts/istanbul-solo-female-travel-guide), and it’s important to note the way local Turkish women dress may vary greatly across different cities and regions and depend on their cultural attitudes.

In more liberal areas of cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, women will dress freely in what could be considered Western or “secular” clothing. While women from both young and old generations may wear a more conservative “_tesettür_” - a long topcoat covering arms and legs completely along with a headscarf. 

In traditional Islamic societies, women dress more modestly when in public. You may see some women wearing a “burka” or a full-body black covering with a veil. These may be visitors from Islamic countries, or some may be Turks who practice more traditional Islamic dress traditions.

Final Thoughts
--------------

In most situations, you should not be feeling any limitations to the way you want to dress while traveling in Turkey. When [visiting and entering mosques](/posts/mosques-to-see-istanbul), always follow required dress rules as you would out of respect for any place of worship.

Turkey is a secular nation with many diverse attitudes and beliefs towards the way people dress. [Always be respectful](/posts/dos-and-donts-for-turkey) that these different attitudes exist. This may seem obvious, but remember that the way you dress will determine first impressions and how locals perceive you. 

Regardless of the season, be fully prepared for the weather conditions as well. We wish you comfortably dressed travels while on your holiday in Turkey!

girl-hagia-sophia-large.jpg

What to wear on your holiday in Turkey? Find out about appropriate clothing, dress codes, and weather conditions to ensure a comfortable and respectful trip. Discover the diverse attitudes towards dress in Turkey and how to make a good first impression.

What to Wear on Your Holiday in Turkey

Istanbul is a safe city, but like any big tourist destination, it can also be home to scams targeted at naive and unknowing tourists with money.

We’ve created a list of the most common tourist scams in Istanbul and how you can avoid them. [Some scams](/posts/common-taxi-scams-turkey) may be similar to ones you have seen in other cities and seem very obvious, while other scams are more on the creative side. Having some awareness of these scams will help you avoid a potentially dangerous situation and spare you the grief of getting ripped off on your holiday.

So, what are the most common tourist scams in Istanbul?

The Most Common Tourist Scams in Istanbul (And How to Avoid Them)
-----------------------------------------------------------------

### The “Let’s Have a Drink” Scam

First off, any stranger who approaches you in the street by saying “my friend” is probably NOT your friend and definitely wants something from you. With that being said, the “[Let’s Have a Drink](/posts/drinking-alcohol-in-turkey)” scam is one of the most prevalent scams in Istanbul, mostly targeted at solo male travelers or small groups of male tourists.

You will be approached in a bar, restaurant, or while walking along the main street of Istiklal Caddesi (Avenue) in [the Taksim neighborhood](/posts/where-to-stay-in-istanbul). Usually, it's a well-to-do looking man, fluent in English, who approaches you with some flattering compliments or questions while he tries to start a conversation.  

**“Excuse me, but are you Turkish? You look Turkish!”**

**“My friend, where are you from?”**

After some chat about your life and travels, you will be asked to go for a drink with the promise of perhaps the best wine, the best nightclub, or even the best Turkish ladies.

You will most likely be taken to one of the scammer’s bars in the side streets along Istiklal Avenue, with underdressed working women and ridiculously overpriced drinks. Upon entry, you will immediately be given a round of drinks for you and your newly found female company.

When you wish to leave, you will be hit with a huge bill that can be hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you refuse to pay, you will be kindly met by some very large and threatening men also working in the bar. You may even be escorted to the nearest ATM to ensure your payment.

#### How to Avoid

When given advice by a complete stranger on the street or in establishments, keep the conversation short and **decline their invitation immediately**. The scammer will then move on to their next target. There are much better resources for [finding out good spots in Istanbul](/posts/is-istanbul-worth-visiting).

### The Currency Conversion Scam

The Turkish lira has recently seen drastic changes, making shopping in local currency a great deal for tourists.

When shopping in a local shop for carpets, leather goods, wine, Turkish delights, etc., you will be met by a very friendly and helpful salesperson. You will be assured that their products are the most authentic and best in town. They may even make you feel good by letting you haggle the price down. Think again.

When swiping your credit card you will be charged in euros and not Turkish Lira. Suddenly, that 2,000 Euro Turkish carpet doesn’t seem like a great deal anymore.

#### How to Avoid

Pay in cash with Turkish Lira or **double check with the salesperson that currency is in Turkish Lira before you swipe your credit card**. The bottom line: if it seems like too good of a deal to be true, it probably isn’t true!

### Your Friend, the Carpet Salesmen

The Sultanahmet and Grand Bazaar neighborhoods are [booming tourist areas](/posts/how-to-spend-24-hours-in-istanbul) with many carpet stores and leather goods shops. You will be approached by an amiable man who may be fluent in several languages.

He may ask you if you are lost and need help finding one of [the popular sightseeing spots](/posts/how-to-spend-24-hours-in-istanbul). You may even get a fantastic and knowledgeable tour of [the famous Blue Mosque](/posts/mosques-to-see-istanbul).

Afterward, you will be led to one of his carpet or leather goods shops. You will be graciously invited inside to meet his family members and friends where you’ll be given tea and Turkish delights with hospitality. He will tell you all about how _his_ shop is one of the _only_ shops in town that still produces 100% authentic and high-quality goods.

Before you know it, you will be stuck looking at every Turkish rug under the sun and still wondering how you got yourself into this situation.

#### How to Avoid

If you are actually lost, approach another tourist for directions. Chances are they may know directions to the sightseeing destination you want to go to.

Salespeople use this friendly tactic as a clever way to get potential customers into their store. Recognize this is happening before it goes on too long and you feel uncomfortable.

If you are in the market for a Turkish rug, be advised that salespeople can be persistent. Never give your phone number to salesmen as you don’t want to be pestered for the duration of your holiday.

### The Shoe Shine Trick

Shoe shiners are ever-present in [main tourist destinations in Istanbul](/posts/how-to-spend-24-hours-in-istanbul), including Taksim, Sultanahmet, Grand Bazaar, and Galata Bridge. They have a couple of sneaky “brush dropping” tactics they use to lure their customers in for a shoeshine, then overcharge you afterward.

**Trick # 1** - while walking in front of you, they drop their brush in front of you, waiting for you to pick it up and hand it back to them. Out of deep gratitude, they offer you a shoeshine.

**Trick #2** \- they will walk past you and drop their brush on your feet. This results in a heartfelt apology, they will then offer you a shoe shine.

When you think the shoe shine is for free, the shoe shiner will demand to pay much more than the price of a shoeshine. You may also get a heartfelt story about his family problems or sick wife during your shoe shine. If you argue about the price, you will be met by a group of his “co-workers.”

#### How to Avoid

**Never pick up the brush or engage with the shoe shiner and keep on walking!** There are honest shoe shiners in Istanbul who are not out to scam; just be sure you agree to the price beforehand for BOTH shoes. This should not be more than 10 Turkish liras.

### Taxi Driver Scams

Istanbul is home to nearly 20,000 taxis, so you may never have a problem finding one. Taking a taxi is relatively cheap, but it’s important to be aware that there are many different types of [common taxi scams](/posts/common-taxi-scams-turkey) so that a 20 TL worth taxi ride doesn’t turn into a 100 TL one.

#### Extending the Ride

This is a common trick pulled on tourists in most big cities. As a tourist, you probably do not [know your way around the city](/posts/best-way-get-around-istanbul), the direction you're supposed to go, or how much it should cost.

##### How to Avoid

This can be hard to avoid if you don’t speak Turkish or know the area well. Here is a [Taxi Fare Calculator](https://www.taxi-calculator.com/) you can use for an estimated fare to expect. You can follow along using the maps feature of your smartphone to get a general idea of the time and direction you should be going.

#### The Sneaky Note Swap

A driver will swap out the Turkish Lira notes for that of a lower denomination. If your taxi costs 25 TL and you hand him a 50 TL note, he will quickly swap the 50 TL note for a 5 TL note while you are not looking. He then shows you the 5 TL note and waits for you to hand him the remaining 20 TL.

This can result in quick confusion as you were expecting change and unfamiliar with the currency notes.  You now have just paid 70 TL for a 25 TL ride.

##### How to Avoid

Be sure to carry plenty of low denomination notes (5 TL and 10 TL) along with coins so you can give the exact amount. If you do need change, show the driver your note first before you hand it to him so he can prepare the change for you. If possible, try to familiarize yourself with the currency and note the different colors between different banknotes.

#### "I Have No Change"

You need 5-10 TL worth of change from the driver. He shows you that he only has 2-3 TL in coins, trying to score an extra bit on top of the fare.

##### How to Avoid

Ask the driver to go into a shop to change the note. Usually, the change suddenly appears out of thin air. You can also let it go, as it may only be a few Turkish liras worth if you don’t want to put up the fight.

Not all taxi drivers are dishonest! The majority of taxi drivers are honest, hardworking, and want to help.

Using apps like [BiTaksi](http://www.bitaksi.com/en/) or Uber will help you avoid a situation where you are ripped off. These apps are review-based and most often offer support in the case of a mishap.

### The Fake Goods Scam

Turkey is recognized throughout the world for its beautiful hand-woven rugs. Carpets can be range from high-quality to very low-quality and prices may range from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Unless you know what exactly you are looking for, you are at risk of being scammed out of a lot of money. The same goes for jewelry and leather goods.

Turkish carpet salesmen are very friendly yet can be quite pushy. They may exploit a tourist for their lack of knowledge and charge highly inflated prices. Carpets may not come from Turkey, but instead other regions such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Armenia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

This may not be a bad thing, as you can find high-quality carpets from all regions in the world, but be careful when you are given a certificate of “authenticity.”

Often, jewelers and leather goods stores will also offer these bogus “certificates” with contact info that leads to a bounced back email address and a false phone number. You don’t want to find out when you get home, the precious stone you spent thousands of dollars on is worth nothing more than a cup of coffee.

#### How to Avoid

If you are in the market for a beautiful Turkish rug, do some research before your trip. Find out exactly what you would like as there are several different categories and grades that may influence the quality and price. Ask the right questions and deal with a reputable merchant.

The same goes for buying high ticket items such as jewelry and leather goods. Stay away from merchants that are crawling in the tourist areas of Sultanahmet and Grand Bazaar. Don’t let them pull the rug out from underneath you!

A side note: Istanbul is also a great place to buy many “authentic-looking” fake designer brands. Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Armani, you name it.

If you don’t mind wearing something “knock-off,” you can score a really great deal. Just remember to haggle the salesperson down as you should NOT be paying top dollar.

### Pickpocketing

This may occur in any crowded tourist area but can also happen in a crowded tram, bus, or metro car. Often pickpocketers will work in teams with spotters casually looking for potential targets. Misdirection is the tactic of distracting your attention from your valuables and then skillful sleight of hand to swipe and run.

When entering and exiting the metro, someone may intentionally block the doorway, causing a bottleneck. This is when a pickpocketer may strike.

#### How to Avoid

Always keep your wallet in the front pocket of your pants and wear your bags and purses close to your body. Keep your valuables to a minimum and on your person at all times. Never leave your bags or jackets unattended when at a cafe, bar, or restaurant; even if it's only for a brief moment.

### Restaurant Scams

[Delicious Turkish](/posts/best-vegetarian-turkish-dishes) food can be found at many restaurants in tourist areas on both the high and low-end price range. Just be aware of what you are stepping into despite the fact you may be tired and hungry from your day out and about.

Tourists may be charged for things they have consumed but did not specifically order. For example, while waiting for your food the waiter may bring out some bread, other small appetizers, and [pour everyone some water.](/posts/tap-water-turkey-safe-to-drink)

You may think this is complimentary, but you will find these items tacked onto your bill later on, oftentimes at an unreasonable price. You may also be given a more expensive price list for tourists, than one that is offered for locals.

#### How to Avoid

Don’t let your hunger get the best of you! Use good judgment before spontaneously entering any bar or restaurant in busy tourist areas such as Sultanahmet or Taksim. Read the menu and ask what is included and what is not, and be sure to specify your order.

[Research where you would like to go](/posts/coolest-istanbul-neighborhoods) beforehand. Use Tripadvisor or local apps like [Zomato](https://www.zomato.com/) (available in English) to read reviews to avoid an unpleasant dining experience.

What to Do If You Are Scammed
-----------------------------

If you are scammed you will probably be experiencing a number of emotions, mostly anger and frustration. Do not panic though, it can happen to anyone. The good news is there still may be something you can do to get your money back.

If you are scammed for a high-priced item, you can try to get your money back. Be sure to save all of your receipts or invoices from your purchase. If purchased with a credit card, contact your bank/credit card company and dispute the charges. Also, ask your bank/credit card company if you are covered for fraud/scams.

Some travel insurance providers may even offer fraud/scam coverage up to a certain amount.

You can also try to go back to the shop where you were scammed and dispute the transaction, but more often than not people don’t realize they have been scammed until it’s too late and they have returned to their home country.

As a last-ditch effort, you can contact the local Turkish authorities below:

**Istanbul Tourism Police Hotline**

*   Address: Emniyet Müdürlüğü Turizm Şube Müdürlüğü Yerebatan Cad. No: 6 Sultanahmet, Istanbul
*   Phone Number: **+**90 (212) 527 4505

**The Department of Customer Rights Office**

*   Address: 133 Istiklal Caddesi (Ave), Kuloğlu Mah. 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
    *   Located along the large walking street Istiklal (with the old tram).  In the direction away from Taksim Square, it will be on your left about a quarter of the way down.

It’s advised that you visit these places in person as you will not have much success on the phone unless you have a Turkish speaker present.

Final Thoughts
--------------

Our most important piece of advice: **be vigilant.**

It’s very easy to lose your sense of control when traveling to a new place as you are already overwhelmed with new sights, sounds, and emotions. [Be aware of the risks](/posts/what-to-know-before-visiting-turkey) and be cautious of anyone who seems overly nice.

Remember that in the eyes of the scammer you are just a tourist with a potential opportunity to earn. Since you have read this article you will now be able to [prevent any potential mishaps](/posts/dos-and-donts-for-turkey).

Nothing bad is meant against the locals of Istanbul who 99.8% are honest, hard-working, and friendly people, but we hope that covering some of the most common tourist scams in Istanbul can prevent a disaster from happening on your holiday. Remember, [travel safe](/posts/turkey-travel-safety-tips) and travel wise, and enjoy your time in the magical city of Istanbul!

istanbul-tourist-scams.jpg

Learn about the most common tourist scams in Istanbul and get valuable tips on avoiding scams while exploring this enchanting city. Stay safe and informed during your trip!