Does a Russian UnionPay card work in Istanbul — for payments and ATM withdrawals?
Based on 3 discussions with 2 participants · Last activity: 3 days ago
TL;DR
ATM withdrawals work reliably (e.g. at Vakıfbank ATMs, ~250 RUB flat fee per transaction). Card payments are hit-or-miss — roughly 50/50.
What the community said
The RSHB UnionPay UP card works reliably for ATM cash withdrawals. Card payments are inconsistent — roughly half the time or slightly better. It's recommended to register with Letim and bring cash in EUR or USD to exchange for lira locally.
7 days ago Letim — transfer service
The UnionPay card from RSHB works more often than not for payments. It successfully paid for Istanbulkart top-ups and purchases at some shops and cafes, but was declined at Migros. ATM withdrawals work — at Vakıfbank the fee was 250 RUB flat per transaction regardless of amount. The maximum withdrawal limit is unclear.
12 days ago Vakıfbank ATM — 250 RUB flat fee per withdrawal
The RSHB UP UnionPay card works reliably for cash withdrawals. For point-of-sale payments it's unreliable — not accepted everywhere.
31 days ago