This is not specific to Turkey, it happens all over the world. So what I typically do when I am in a place I don’t know is to ask the hotel what is the best way to go where I want to go to and what should be the price by taxi. I may also ask the driver before we start what he thinks the price should be.

I also try to get a map of the place and walk as much as I can to get a feel of it: distances, geography, etc. so that when I am in a taxi later I’ve got a fairly good idea whether they’re being honest or not.

Otherwise, all the advice above is good and I’ve used it: don’t show large notes and have change; know the currency; know a bit of the language; have some of the hotel’s business cards with you; ask the locals; etc.

But even with all this, I regularly come back home with stories of amusing taxi journeys. So I’ve resigned myself to the fact that taxi drivers all over the world (even at home) will try to swindle me and that it’s better to be philosophical about it. After all, it often makes good stories you can laugh at later.