How to withdraw cash or receive money transfers in Istanbul as a foreign traveler?
From messages by 2 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 54 days ago
A Rosselkhozbank UnionPay card can reliably be used to buy and top up an Istanbulkart at ticket machines (biletmatic). It also sometimes works in pharmacies, some grocery stores, souvenir shops, and cafes, though the success rate for payments is low — worth trying.
UnionPay (Rosselkhozbank) — Istanbulkart purchase
UnionPay cards issued by Rosselkhozbank work poorly in Istanbul — travelers report success in only about 1 out of 10 terminals, so this card shouldn't be relied on.
UnionPay (Rosselkhozbank)
Zolotaya Korona (Golden Crown) money transfers in Istanbul can be picked up at PayPorter locations or PTT post offices. However, not all PTT branches are familiar with this system, so it's worth calling ahead or going directly to PayPorter.
PayPorter / PTT (Turkish Post Office)
A UnionPay card is the most reliable option for ATM cash withdrawals in Istanbul. Not every ATM accepts it, but success rate is generally high.
UnionPay
Most foreign bank cards other than UnionPay are not accepted in Istanbul. Carrying cash remains the main backup option.
Some travelers use a top-up card that can be funded from any bank card and used for on-site payments. It's flexible, but in Istanbul the exchange rate and fees are less favorable — best kept as a backup.