ATMs in Turkey — Ikamet (2024)

If you’re headed to Turkey, it’s a good idea to carry cash with you.

While credit cards may be accepted, most vendors and service providers still prefer paper to plastic money. Besides, Turkish card machines have a reputation for being temperamental, and they may reject your card for no apparent reason.

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Luckily, ATMs are extremely common, both in major tourist hotspots and in smaller towns.

Here’s what you need to know about using ATMs in Turkey.

Where do I find ATMs in Turkey?

You’ll find ATMs in Turkey at the airport, near bank branches and also in free-standing booths close to major attractions and other tourist areas. It’s not uncommon for ATMs in free-standing booths to have been tampered with, so it’s often safer to use ATMs next to bank branches.

Turkey’s three main banks have extensive ATM networks. The ATM locators for each bank are below:

  • Isbank
  • Ziraat Bankasi
  • Garanti Bank

Will my credit or debit card work?

Most Turkish ATMs accept MasterCard (Cirrus and Maestro) and Plus (Visa) cards. You can confirm whether your card belongs to one of these networks by asking your bank. ATMs display the logos of all cards they accept. You can also locate the closest one online, using MasterCard’s ATM locator or Visa’s ATM locator.

Turkish ATMs accept chip-and-pin cards and cards that only have a magnetic stripe on the back. However, they only accept four-digit PINs. If your PIN is longer, you’ll need to change before your trip. Keypads don’t have letters, so be sure to know your PIN numerically.

Timeout issues

Some Turkish ATMs are known to timeout before the transaction is complete. Essentially, the connection drops before the ATM receives your bank’s instructions to dispense money. Because of this issue, it’s best to make withdrawals during bank opening hours.

Most Turkish banks open on weekdays between 9:00am and 5:00pm and on Saturdays between 9:00 am and 12:00pm. Avoid making withdrawals outside these hours and especially on Sundays, when both Turkish banks and your home bank are closed.

Remember to tell your bank when you’ll be in Turkey. That way, your transactions won’t be flagged as suspicious and you won’t risk having your card blocked.

What are the fees on my card?

Turkish ATM operators don’t usually charge withdrawal fees.

However, your home bank may charge a withdrawal fee and a foreign exchange fee per transaction.

Withdrawing in the local currency

ATMs that dispense multiple currencies (usually Turkish Lira, Euro and US Dollars) are quite common in Turkey. While this may seem very convenient, it’s an exchange rate rip-off.

Always withdraw in Turkish Lira. This ensures that you’ll get the mid-market rate. If you attempt to withdraw in another currency, the ATM will make up an inflated exchange rate using Dynamic Currency Conversion. This means you’ll be paying extra fees unnecessarily.

Best Places to Exchange Currency in Istanbul — IkametIstanbul is a city that has enchanted its visitors for centuries. Here, culture and history come together in a fascinating mix of east and west. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, you’ll soon see why this magnificent city enthralled ancient emperors as much as it does modern tourists.IkametAdmin

How do I avoid ATM fees?

You can avoid paying ATM fees (or at least keep them to a minimum) in a number of ways.

Use Global ATM Alliance ATMs

BNP Paribas, a member of the Global ATM Alliance, has a presence in Turkey via a partnership with Turkish Economy Bank (TEB). If you bank with an alliance member, you can use TEB’s ATMs in Turkey without paying a withdrawal fee.

Even if your home bank isn’t a member of the alliance, they might still have a partnership with a Turkish bank. Ask your bank about this, as a partnership may allow you to make ATM withdrawals for free or at a reduced cost.

If you already have a Turkish Lira account, use HSBC

HSBC is one of the largest banks in Turkey and has an extensive network of ATMs. If you’re an Advance or Premier customer, you can use HSBC ATMs worldwide without paying withdrawal fees if you're withdrawing from a bank account in that currency. Meaning, if you happened to already have a Turkish Lira bank account back home, you can use your card in Turkey and withdraw the local currency without a fee attached.

Choose your card carefully

Not all cards carry the same fees. It’s worth checking your bank’s terms and conditions to see whether one of your cards is cheaper to use abroad. Debit cards often have lower fees than credit cards.

Credit card companies treat ATM withdrawals as loans. The transaction amount will carry interest, making your withdrawal more expensive. Only use a credit card at an ATM if you have no other option.

Some banks - such as Charles Schwab in the US and Metro Bank in the UK - don’t charge foreign ATM withdrawal and currency exchange fees. If you travel abroad a lot, getting one of these cards is worth considering.

Make larger, less frequent withdrawals

Because ATM fees are charged per transaction, it’s often cheaper to make one large withdrawal than it is to make several small ones. Ask your bank what your daily limit for foreign withdrawals and make the most of it.

Use TransferWise

If you have a bank account in Turkey, or know someone who does, use TransferWise to make the transfer ahead of time and save even more. Not only does TransferWise use the real mid-market exchange rates to convert your money (which almost always beats the banks), but since your currency is received and sent via local banking systems in both your home country and in Turkey, all those nasty international fees magically disappear. Give it a try.

ATMs in Turkey — Ikamet (2024)

FAQs

Which ATM is best for foreigners in Turkey? ›

HSBC is one of the largest banks in Turkey and has an extensive network of ATMs. If you're an Advance or Premier customer, you can use HSBC ATMs worldwide without paying withdrawal fees if you're withdrawing from a bank account in that currency.

Is it better to exchange cash or withdraw from ATM in Turkey? ›

Withdrawing lira from an ATM in Turkey rather than bringing physical currency to exchange means you're not carrying large quantities of cash during your travels. It can also be a good deal, as the exchange rate used on the cash withdrawal is usually fair.

Can I withdraw US Dollars from ATM in Turkey? ›

Visitors may withdraw money in Turkish Lira as well as Euro and U.S. Dollar with their debit cards from the ATMs in Turkey. The majority of ATMs offer English language or other language options for the convenience of foreigners.

Which ATMs are fee free in Turkey? ›

The general consensus being that ING and PTT banks are fee free. What your card provider charges though cannot be avoided. Always refuse the DCC. Whether it is also dependent on your card some others have been mentioned as not charging a fee that include Halk Bank and İş Bank.

Do ATMs in Turkey charge a fee? ›

All ATMs of Turkey are united!

Except TEB Express ATMs, the transaction fee charged on each money withdrawal made from other banks' ATMs is TL 4.50; the balance inquiry fee is TL 1- per transaction.

How much cash should I take to Turkey? ›

As a rough guide, budget for around £40-£50 a day per person to include food, transport and sightseeing. Travelling with cash is highly recommended, especially if you plan to visit local markets outside of the main cities.

How much Lira should I take to Turkey for a week? ›

Planning a 7-day trip to Turkey can be an exciting adventure, but it's essential to budget wisely to make the most of your experience. With a budget of 7,000 Turkish Lira (TRY) for two people, you can explore the vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes that Turkey has to offer.

What is the maximum withdrawal from ATM in Turkey? ›

*The standard upper limit for withdrawing money from our ATMs is 10,000 TL. Daily limits of different amounts may be applied depending on customer definitions.

Do Turks prefer euros or lira? ›

In Turkey, the preferred currency is the Turkish lira. It holds the highest level of acceptance throughout the country. While some places may also accept euros and other currencies, opting for the local one consistently provides a more favourable exchange rate and better value.

Should I carry cash to Turkey? ›

While you may be able to use your card in larger cities like Istanbul and Ankara, smaller towns and rural areas may require cash for payments. Local markets, street vendors, and small family-owned businesses often depend on cash transactions, allowing you to fully experience the richness of Turkish culture.

How much cash I can carry from USA to Turkey? ›

- There is no limit to the amount of foreign and Turkish currency to be brought into Türkiye. - More than US$5000 worth of Turkish currency can not be taken out of the country. - Up to US$5000 worth of foreign currency can be taken out of the country.

Who has the cheapest ATM withdrawal fees? ›

Best Banks for Avoiding ATM Fees of 2024
  • Axos Bank: Best online bank for avoiding domestic ATM fees.
  • Connexus Credit Union: Best credit union for avoiding domestic ATM fees.
  • Chase Bank: Best national bank for avoiding domestic ATM fees.
  • Charles Schwab: Best institution for avoiding international ATM fees.
Mar 27, 2024

How do I avoid international ATM fees? ›

How to avoid paying bank fees while traveling
  1. Use your bank network's ATMs or partner ATMs. ...
  2. Pay in local currency. ...
  3. Reduce ATM usage. ...
  4. Choose a bank that doesn't charge foreign ATM fees. ...
  5. Use a bank that reimburses ATM fees. ...
  6. Use your debit card to get cash back at a store. ...
  7. Use a travel credit card instead.
Dec 5, 2023

Which bank does not charge international ATM? ›

Capital One 360

Capital One's online bank stands apart from many banks because it doesn't charge a currency conversion fee or a fee for using a foreign ATM network. If an out-of-network ATM operator charges you a fee, however, it won't be reimbursed by Capital One 360.

Which bank has no foreign ATM fee? ›

Here are the best banks and best checking accounts that don't charge ATM foreign transaction fees:
  • Betterment.
  • Charles Schwab.
  • Capital One.
  • Alliant Credit Union.
  • First Republic Bank.
  • Fidelity.
  • USAA.

Which ATM card is best for international travel? ›

Top 10 International Debit Cards Offered by Indian Banks
  • Axis Bank Burgundy Debit Card.
  • YES World Debit Card.
  • HSBC Premier Platinum Debit Card.
  • Bank of Baroda (BoB) Visa Vyapaar DI Debit Card.
  • Bank of Baroda (BoB) Visa Platinum DI Debit Card.
  • PNB VISA Signature Debit Card.
  • PNB VISA Classic Debit Card.

How do I withdraw money from an ATM in Turkey? ›

Chip-and-PIN cards: ATMs in Turkey only accept chip-and-PIN cards and cards, which only have a magnetic stripe on the back. Four-Digit PIN: Turkish ATMs only process four-digit PINs. If your PIN is longer, you should change it prior to your trip. Note that it must be numbers, not letters.

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