Top payment methods in Turkey: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Turkey? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Turkey, with a population of around 86.03 million people, has a GDP of approximately 1.44 trillion making it the 16th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY)
A major emerging economy driven by a mix of modern industry (automotive, electronics) and a traditional agricultural sector. It has a customs union with the European Union, which remains its most significant trading partner.
| Country | Turkey |
|---|---|
| Population | 86.03 million |
| GDP (USD) | 1.44 trillion |
| Global Ranking | 16th |
| Currency | Turkish Lira (TRY) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Turkey?
The most popular non-cash payment method in Turkey is the credit card, supported by a strong cultural acceptance of paying in installments, a practice known as "taksit." Debit cards are also widely used for everyday purchases. Physical cash, the Lira, remains very common for daily expenses, especially for smaller amounts.
How to pay in Turkey
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Turkey.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Troy, Visa, Mastercard) | Cards are the leading payment method. The domestic card scheme, Troy, is very popular alongside Visa and Mastercard. Paying in installments with credit cards is common. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Turkish Lira) | Cash is a very popular and widely used payment method for daily expenses, dining, and shopping, especially for smaller amounts. | In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Bank transfers, often via mobile banking apps, are a very common way to pay for goods and services. | Online |
| Digital Wallets | Numerous digital wallets are available from banks and fintechs, often offering loyalty programs and integrated payment options. | Online |
Traveling beyond Turkey? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Turkey?
No, PayPal is unfortunately not accepted in Turkey.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.