‘Please don’t ask for a discount’: Istanbul shop’s message to Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis triggers debate

The caption of the reel read: “I spotted a ‘no discount’ notice specifically for South Asian people in Istanbul.”

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The post struck a chord with many viewers, prompting a flood of comments ranging from outrage to reluctant agreement. A user shared, “They dont ask for a discount they beg for a discount talk to you for 30 minutes and leave. I own a shop like that. We banned these countries from accessing our web site. Sad but true… sorry.”

Another user asked, “So, other country people can ask for discounts? Is that the logic here?” A third individual sarcastically wrote, “Surprised that Chinese aren’t listed there. They bargain as much as south asians.”

This incident adds to a growing number of social media posts highlighting the discrimination and stereotyping that many Asians, particularly South Asians, face while living or travelling abroad.

In one recent clip from Japan, a vlogger asked an Indian man about his experience living there. The man responded bluntly, “Are you a racist?” before elaborating on how he copes with daily life, including cooking for himself and adapting to local food.

Another widely shared video from Canada showed an unidentified man filming a group of young South Asian students waiting by the roadside with their luggage. The man, without their permission, launched into a tirade of racist comments.