03.05.2026 21:15
In Istanbul's Golden Horn, a Brazilian tourist was charged 7,100 TL despite a 400 TL price listed at the door, sparking major backlash. After footage spread on social media, the business refunded the fee. As the incident escalated, the barbershop was sealed. The events have reignited debate over exorbitant pricing targeting tourists.
New developments have occurred in the "tourist tariff" scandal that took place in a barber shop in Istanbul's Golden Horn, which sparked widespread reaction on social media. After a Brazilian tourist, who agreed on 400 TL for a haircut, was charged 7,100 TL, the Ministry of Trade took action and initiated an inspection of the establishment. Following the process, the barber shop was sealed.
7,100 TL CHARGED INSTEAD OF 400 TL
The incident came to light when a Brazilian tourist recorded his experience with his mobile phone camera. Despite the 400 TL sign on the door, it was revealed that the tourist was charged a total of 7,100 TL.
The tourist reacted by saying, "You charged me more than 133 Euros for a 10 Euro service. This is not honest," and the footage quickly spread on social media.
"EXTRA PROCEDURES" CONTROVERSY
The establishment argued that the high fee resulted from additional procedures performed beyond the haircut. However, the tourist claimed he only requested a haircut and that extra procedures were applied without informing him.
In the shared receipt, it was seen that the fees included 400 TL each for haircut and shave, 1,000 TL each for wax and nose strip, 2,300 TL for facial treatment, and 2,000 TL for hair treatment.
MINISTRY: NO TOLERANCE WILL BE SHOWN
The Ministry of Trade initiated an urgent inspection of the establishment based on allegations of "exorbitant pricing" and "unfair commercial practice." Ministry of Trade Press Advisor Bekir Kaplan said in a statement, "No practice that harms Turkey's reliable trade environment will be tolerated."
REFUND AFTER REACTION, THEN SEALING
After the footage spread, the establishment refunded the charged amount. Subsequently, as part of the ongoing process, the barber shop was sealed.