14.08.2026 18:50
A South Korean tourist who took a taxi from Istanbul's July 15 Democracy Bus Terminal was shocked by the surprise fare at the end of the journey. The unfortunate traveler, who encountered the taxi driver's "The system is not working" obstacle while trying to pay through the taxi app, stated that although the taximeter showed 552 TL, he was charged 1,000 TL, and he revealed the grievance he experienced in a video he shared on social media.
A South Korean tourist who took a taxi from Istanbul's July 15 Democracy Bus Terminal shared his payment grievance on social media with a video he recorded. The tourist, who stated that he was charged 1000 TL even though the taximeter showed 552 TL, quickly became a topic of discussion with his reaction.
"THE APP IS NOT WORKING" AND ASKED FOR CASH
The Korean tourist stated that he started the journey thinking he would get a discount through the taxi app, but the taxi driver asked for cash, saying "Payment via the app is not possible."
In the footage, the tourist, expressing his shock and outrage, used the following statements:
"I thought I would get a discount from the taxi app, but there is no discount. Unbelievable! The taxi driver charged 1000 TL... There was a problem with the payment, I checked what it was. This trip should normally be 552 TL, but he said 'Payment from the app is not possible.' That's why he told me to pay cash. When I paid by card, he charged 1000 TL."
448 TL DIFFERENCE
The difference of 448 TL between the 552 TL shown on the taximeter and the 1000 TL charged to the account caused reactions on social media. As the footage spread, the problems experienced by foreign tourists, especially regarding taxi experiences and payment methods in Istanbul, began to be discussed again.
Complaints about fares, routes, and payment methods regarding taxi drivers in Istanbul frequently come to the agenda. The Istanbul Taxi Drivers Tradesmen's Chamber previously stated that similar negative situations should be reported to the institution and that they support imposing sanctions on taxi drivers who act against the rules.