Can foreign UnionPay bank cards be used at shops and restaurants in Turkey?

In late July 2026 a participant asked about Rosselkhozbank cards: according to him, the bank was sanctioned again on July 24, and people say its cards do not work. This is a report of what 'people say' rather than first-hand experience, so bring a backup way to pay — Turkish lira cash or a card from another bank.

In July 2026 a traveler visited the Nova Mall shopping centre and, to her surprise, could not pay with UnionPay at the Migros supermarket. She had been counting on that card. Another traveler asked the same day whether UnionPay is refused at all Migros stores — so one store's experience should not be generalized to the whole chain, but relying on the card is risky.

In the same Nova Mall shopping centre in July 2026, UnionPay also failed at McDonald’s. For everyday spending such as fast food and small purchases, it helps to carry Turkish lira cash or another card.