Money transfers to and from Türkiye: SWIFT, services, cash, crypto
How money moves into and out of Türkiye: bank transfers and SWIFT, transfer services, the cash-declaration rules, cards and the legal status of crypto.
Where a figure is not confirmed by an official source it is marked «verification required»: rules and sanctions change quickly, so check the primary source before a large transfer.
Transfer channels
| Channel | What to know |
|---|
| SWIFT bank transfer | the usual route for larger sums; the Turkish bank asks for identity, purpose and source under MASAK rules |
| Services such as Wise or Revolut | often cheaper and faster; AML duties still apply and limits depend on the provider |
| Money-transfer operators | availability differs by country; check with the service whether your corridor still works |
| Cash | declaration is required from EUR 10 000 equivalent; for property purchases, paying through a bank is usual |
| Crypto | buying and holding is allowed; paying with it is not |
Cash and customs
| Topic | Rule | Checked |
|---|
| Entering Türkiye | from EUR 10 000 equivalent a declaration (Nakit Beyan Formu) is required; there is no upper limit | 10.10.2026 |
| Leaving Türkiye (foreign currency) | from EUR 10 000 equivalent a declaration is required; confirm the Turkish-lira exit cap with customs («verification required») | 10.10.2026 |
| Entering or leaving the EU/UK with cash | the EU declares from EUR 10 000; keep bank evidence of funds for property purchases | 10.10.2026 |
Limits and proof of source (MASAK)
| Transaction | Required | In force from |
|---|
| Transfer or deposit from TRY 200 000 (about EUR 4 200) | a written explanation of at least 20 characters: purpose and parties | 01.01.2026 |
| TRY 2m – 20m | an official declaration form on the money movement | 01.01.2026 |
| Over TRY 20m | the declaration plus documents proving the source of funds | 01.01.2026 |
| Electronic transfer over TRY 15 000 | full sender and beneficiary details in the payment message | 10.10.2026 |
Cards and crypto
| Instrument | Status | Date |
|---|
| Russian cards (Mir) | Turkish banks suspended Mir acceptance from September 2022 («verification required»); this does not affect UK, EU or US cards | 10.10.2026 |
| Crypto: paying | prohibited — since 30.04.2021 crypto assets may not be used, directly or indirectly, as a means of payment | 30.04.2021 |
| Crypto: trading and holding | allowed; platforms operate under an SPK licence (Law No. 7518, since 02.07.2024) | 02.07.2024 |
| Crypto: withdrawals (MASAK) | a wait of at least 48 hours (first withdrawal 72 hours); stablecoin limits of USD 3 000 per day and USD 50 000 per month | 28.06.2025 |
Frequent questions
- What is the safest way to send money to Türkiye?
- For larger amounts a SWIFT bank transfer is the usual route; transfer services may be cheaper but the MASAK duties are the same. Every transaction may require identity, purpose and source.
- Can I pay with crypto in Türkiye?
- No. Since 30 April 2021 the use of crypto assets as a means of payment, directly or indirectly, is prohibited. Buying, holding and selling remain legal.
- Why does the Turkish bank ask for the source of the money?
- Under MASAK rules: from TRY 200 000 a written explanation, above TRY 2m a declaration and above TRY 20m documents proving the source of funds.
- How much cash can I carry?
- There is no upper limit on entering Türkiye, but from EUR 10 000 equivalent a declaration is required. For the lira exit cap, confirm with customs.
- Is crypto taxed in Türkiye?
- There is no dedicated crypto tax law; if trading amounts to a business activity, general income-tax rules may apply («verification required»).
Before a transfer check two things: that the chosen channel works right now (rules and sanctions change) and that the recipient and the purpose of payment match your documents. Near a declaration threshold, declaring is the safe choice.
