Tourist charged 20 euros for a two-kilometre taxi ride in Istanbul
A recent incident in Istanbul, Turkey' s largest city, has once again highlighted the challenges tourists may face with local transport services.
According to reports, a South Korean tourist was charged 20 euros—equivalent to over 230 Norwegian kroner—for a taxi ride of just two kilometres.
The incident, which included the driver refusing to drop the tourist off directly in front of their hotel, has gained significant attention on social media and underscores the importance of being well-prepared when travelling.
The taxi ride in question took place in Istanbul, and the unusually high price for such a short distance left the tourist shocked.
Reporting that emerged on 28 July 2026 indicates that the situation escalated when the driver allegedly refused to drive all the way to the hotel.
This forced the tourist to walk the final stretch on foot, despite the already excessive fare that had been demanded. Such incidents are unfortunately not unknown in major tourist destinations, and Istanbul is no exception.
For Nordic travellers and other international visitors, experiences with overcharged taxis can not only damage a holiday budget but also create a negative impression of the destination.
This highlights the need to exercise caution and ideally plan transport in advance, especially when arriving at airports or major transit hubs.
Travellers to Turkey are advised to always agree on a price beforehand or insist that the taximeter is used.
Utilising official taxi ranks or reputable app-based services can reduce the risk of being overcharged.
Being aware of average taxi prices in the area one is visiting can also help tourists recognise unreasonable demands and avoid uncomfortable situations.
Such an incident can affect trust in local transport offerings and underscores the importance of being an informed consumer.
Source: Turizmguncel
