Turkey: Payment methods & tips

All continents Europe Turkey

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

For ATM cash withdrawals
For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in euro (EUR)

For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

New Turkish lira TRY

Further Information

Import local currency
unlimited; the equivalent of USD 5'000.00 and more must be declared

Import foreign currency
unlimited; the equivalent of USD 5'000.00 and more must be declared

Export local currency
limited to amounts imported and declared

Export foreign currency
limited to amounts imported and declared

Credit cards

Customary credit cards are accepted in most places. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

ATM Search

Find out more about Travel

Useful tips from our experts:

Please see «Banknotes» below for important information

Credit cards are recommended for car rentals. Prepaid cards are generally accepted for payment but not for reservations. Please check the possible payment methods with the car rental company in advance.

Keep exchange and transaction receipts for reconversion.

In tourist regions you can also use cash in euros when paying.

Practical Information:

Time difference with Switzerland

+ 1h

Driving

Swiss driver's license and vehicle registration accepted.
Minimum age for car rentals: 21 to 25 (varies by company).
Carta verde internazionale raccomandata con indicazione 'Turchia' obbligatoria.
Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰.

National language

Official language

Turkish

Language capabilities

English, German and French

Capital

Ankara

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Health situation

Mosquito protection advised.
Minimal risk of malaria in the Cukurova and Amikova plain as well as in the Southeast of Anatolia, outside of the touristic areas.
Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Voltage

220 volt; 2-pronged round plug / adapter required for 3-pronged plug

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

ID card or Passport still valid 6 months or more after arrival for stays up to 3 months.
Travelers are advised to carry with them their passport or a photocopy thereof.

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Ankara, Atatürk Bulvari 247, P.K. 25, 06 692 Kavaklidere
Tel. +90 312 457 31 00

Opening hours

Banks

8.30 - 12.00 h and 13.30 - 17.00 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

9.30 - 19.00 h (Mon - Sat)

Other information

This country is in an active earthquake zone.

Security

Consult the media about the current situation before and during the journey and stay in contact with your tour operator.
Malgrado l'aumento delle misure di sicurezza esiste sempre il rischio di attacchi terroristici.
Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

Special legal regulations

Photographing military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges etc.) is prohibited.
Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

Cultural characteristics

Turkey is a predominantly Moslem country.
Please observe local customs for dress code and conduct.
Ramadan 2019: 05.05. - 04.06.

Travel advice for Turkey.