Job Discussion Forums

[stumy]

I just moved here to Istanbul about 2 weeks ago and have, for the most part, been getting around alright.

However, last night I was at a friends place on the Asian side near Bagdad street (I don't know what the area is called, but its by marks and spencer, bloomsbury's, etc.) and I was attempting to take a dolmus to Taksim. It was about 1 AM and I was unable to get a dolmus to take me, so I thought, what the heck, I'll try a cab. OOPS. So I get to my destination in SISLI and the fare on the meter is 32.xx and the so I just sorta gulp and tell myself fine, never do this again.

But, it gets worse because I give the guy a 50 and he only gives me 13 back. I argue with him (This invovled writing 50 and 33 on a piece of paper, subtracting the two numbers, and then getting 17, instead of 13.) but he refused to give me any more than 13 back.

So I got out of the cab, but I still have no idea what happened. I know we were running after midnight so it was more expensive, but for some reason I feel like this guy just stole my money. What could I do in the future? I mean, if he won't give you change, what are the options?

[scfan24601]

It's a sad fact I think, but just never take cabs in Istanbul unless you have a Turkish person with you who knows the area.

[yaramaz]

I've been taking cabs in Turkey for the past 5 years, never with a Turkish person, and I've yet to be ripped off (knock on wood). Your situation was just bad luck- don't let it discourage you in the future. Anyway, to go from Bagdat/Suadiye to Sisli at 1am for 37 lira doesn't seem extraordinarily exorbitant, given the recently raised fares and night rate. One thing you may be abole to do (though I don't know if you can still do it these days) is pre arrange a fare with the cabbie if its a long route at night. I remember a few years ago we got from Taksim to Suadiye at 2am for about 25 lira, off meter. Now that you know what the meter fare is (plus backsheesh!), try to wrangle a set rate next time maybe.

[tararu]

I think that you were charged the right amount as the meter was probably on night, and he charged you an extra three lira for the bridge toll.

[Baba Alex]

[Golightly]

I remember pouring myself into a taxi after a couple of refreshing brews one evening at around ten. I said where I was heading for, we set off, and I suddenly notice that he has it on night rate. I point out the error, and quick as a flash, he swithes the meter and says, 'What? No it isn't! Look!' I say, yes, I looked it was on bloody night rate. He says, 'I am a muslim, I cannot cheat.'
Yes, but you're also a bloody taxi driver, I thought, and that has Articles Of Faith too - namely, if you see anyone foreign-looking, charge them double, especially if they've just arrived at an airport.

[corall]

it's getting more and more difficult to prearrange fares these days though, but the fare does sound right. i like to carry some small bills when i know i'm going to take a taxi, since i find it unusual to find a taxi driver that has change.

[tararu]

On day rate, it will cost about 20-23 lira between Kadikoy and Taksim. You must pay an extra 3 lira for the bridge toll. Between the airport and Taksim it will cost 27-28 lira. A taksi from Kadikoy to the airport will cost around 50 lira. However, remember, if you get stuck in traffic, the meter will tick over more. It can really add up if you get stuck for about 20-30 mins, so take this into account. The fares above are all based on the date rate charge.

[scot47]

In 15 years I have been ripped off only once - and that was partly my fault because I did not negotiate and I did not have change.

Taxi drivers are more larcenous in some other places. Try Cairo !