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Knowledge Bank » Emergency Situations » Ripped off or duped


Problem helpline for foreigners - Alo 179 PDF Print E-mail
Friday, 03 December 2010
3.0/5 (5 votes)

Alo 179The KTLN Survey of 2011 revealed that a staggering 97% of respondents were either satisfied, or very satisfied with their experience of Kalkan.

However, what do you do if you are unlucky enough to get bad service?

The answer, in some circumstances, could be to call 179, and speak to the Antalya Tourism Call & Information Centre.

Sort things out locally if you can
Of course, the first thing to do is say something at the time, and try to resolve any problem with the person providing the goods or service. Most problems should be capable of resolution in a reasonable and amicable manner.

If that doesn't work, you can consider approaching the Zabita (uniformed officers working for the Belediye), or even the Jandarma.

But if you genuinely can't find a way of resolving things locally, you may wish to use this helpful, free phone service.

Alo 179 trialled in Muğla region
In 2009 the 'Alo 179' helpline service was trialled in Muğla region. It was a service primarily designed to assist tourists in the region who were unhappy with service received whilst on holiday, but it can also be used by foreign residents.

In the first year of operation in Muğla region, around 750 complaints were raised by people in Fethiye alone. Problems raised included:
  • property transactions
  • Belediye services (mainly potholes and rubbish issues)
  • excessive noise
  • shopping complaints
  • overpricing
  • general bad or rude behaviour

KTLN readers may like to read this good news story from Fethiye Times, about a lady who paid well over the odds for a gem stone, and after raising the issue with Alo 179, secured a full refund.  Click here to read the FT article

This service has now been extended to Antalya region. If you are in Kalkan, all you have to do is call 179, and you will get through to a call centre in Antalya, where operators speak your language - English, (plus German and Russian).

Antalya ValiWhat kind of things can you call about?
You can call 179 if you feel you have been badly treated by a business. For example, if you believe you have been duped or ripped off, and it transpires you have paid an exorbitent price for goods or services - including property rental and purchase situations.

Perhaps you have evidence that as a foreigner or tourist you have paid a different price than a local would pay. This should not happen.

In short, any activity that will do harm to the Turkish tourism industry, is within their sights. You can call them with a variety of complaints, and ask for advice or general information on how to resolve your problem.  In some circumstances they may take up your case, and help you to achieve a good outcome.

Out of the main tourist season, the phone line is manned Monday to Friday, between 8am and 5pm, but in the main season the number is manned 24 x 7.

In addition to the phone number, it is also possible to send a brief email to them at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Mark your email "For the attention of Alo 179 Department".  However, please keep your emails as succinct as possible.

KTLN - your window on Kalkan Turkey.

Katie-Ellen
Love KTLN.  Love Kalkan.

Last Updated on Monday, 21 January 2013