Istanbul Restaurants Sidestep New Law, Still Overcharge Unwary Tourists

ISTANBUL – A new Turkish regulation banning mandatory service charges in restaurants is being circumvented by some Istanbul establishments, leaving tourists, including many Russians, vulnerable to hidden fees. The warning comes from Aziz Koçal, head of Turkey's Consumer Rights Protection Association (TÜKODER).

In late January, the Ministry of Trade prohibited restaurants and cafes from adding compulsory tips, service fees, or similar charges to bills. Customers are now only required to pay for the food and drinks they order, with tipping becoming entirely optional.

However, Koçal reports that some restaurants are finding creative ways to recover the lost revenue. "Previously, they charged a 10-12% service fee, sometimes noted on the menu," he explained. "Now, they might remove the fee but raise menu prices by the same percentage. A regular customer would notice, but a tourist wouldn't. Another trick is presenting a bill for items like bread or olives that were brought to the table as if they were complimentary."

The practice was widespread in central Istanbul's tourist-heavy areas, even in high-end and Michelin-listed venues, often coupled with an inflated 'kuver' cover charge for unrequested snacks.

Koçal urges tourists who encounter these charges to file an immediate complaint with his association or the Trade Ministry, providing receipts as evidence. "Officially, the fees are abolished, but this can still happen, especially in popular tourist zones," he stated. "We will conduct an inspection right away if tourists, particularly Russian speakers, come to us with a complaint."