Compare all the best ways to send money to Turkey

The exchange rate determines how much TRY the recipient will receive.

For instance, in the past 7 days average exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Turkish Lira was 39.8528 TRY.

Since USD - TRY exchange rates fluctuate based on market conditions, waiting a few days can result in a better rate and more TRY for your recipient.

If you urgently need the money in Turkey, we recommend using Wise, which offers the best TRY exchange rates.

The cheapest way to fund your transfer to Turkey is by using a bank transfer with Key Currency, which is 0.01% cheaper than the next best option.

How you pay for your transfer impacts the cost, speed, and the amount of TRY received.

Based on a $7,000 transfer to Turkey using our live data, the options you have are:

• A bank transfer with Key Currency will cost you $0 in fees and a 0.25% markup

• Debit card transfer with Xe costs $0 with 1.24% markup

We recommend not using bank transfer when sending money to Turkey, as they tend to be the most expensive.

Credit card transfers tend to add cash advance fees and might have higher interest rates on TRY.

Whenever possible, avoid sending TRY over the SWIFT network. Despite the name, TRY transfers over SWIFT are slower and come with higher fees.

Money transfer companies will often have minimum and maximum limits on how much TRY you can send.

Often, the amount will also impact the fees and the TRY rate you get.

For example, we found Wise to be the best option for sending large amounts to Turkey.

There might also be government-imposed restrictions, commercial restrictions, and many more.

This is why it’s important to compare your transfer options to Turkey.

The speed of transferring TRY to Turkey depends on several factors, including the amount being sent, the timing of the transfer, and the chosen payment method.

Usually, the quicker you need your TRY, the more it will cost you in fees.

For example, consider a transfer of $7,000 from the US to Turkey:

• Fastest provider: Among 14 companies servicing Turkey, Wise consistently offers the quickest delivery times across all deposit methods.

• Bank or debit card deposits: Services like Wise for bank account deposits and Xe for card deposits provide almost instant and cost-effective TRY transfers. Fees are approximately $32.68 for bank deposits and $0 for debit card deposits, with a minimal 1.24% markup.

• Credit card deposits are another option, but be mindful of potential cash advance fees.

• Urgent transfers: For the fastest possible transfers, we recommend opting for cash pickup services through providers like Western Union or Ria Money.

Avoid making TRY transfers over SWIFT

SWIFT is slower for TRY transfers due to the involvement of intermediary banks in Turkey, so it’s best to avoid it if speed is your priority.

For TRY transfers, you have the following options:

Money transfer companies

You can send Turkish Liras via an FX broker (a managed service) or via an online-only company (self-managed).

According to our analysis, we found that Wise is the overall best way to transfer money to Turkey.

App

Most money transfer services to Turkey offer mobile apps, which often provide better TRY exchange rates.

You can check our guide on the best money transfer apps to find one that fits your needs.

In-person

Cash transfers to Turkey can be made in person through services like Ria Money Transfers or Western Union.

Cash transfers are almost always instant but require the recipient to physically visit the nearest agent to collect TRY.

Bank transfers

We advise you not to use your bank to wire money to TR because of the fees but rather use it to fund your TRY transfer.

There are several ways to receive money in Turkey, including direct bank deposits, cash pickups, home deliveries, and mobile wallets.

Here are your options:

• Direct bank deposits: to deposit money into the recipient's account in Turkey, we recommend using Key Currency.

• Cash pickup: if you need immediate access to cash in Turkey, consider using cash pickup, but check availability.

• Mobile wallets: you can receive TRY directly into your digital wallet like PayPal, but they come with limitations and higher costs compared to using Key Currency.

In most cases, TRY will arrive without any involvement from the recipient.

However, if you’re sending Turkish Lira as cash, or in large amounts, the receiver might need the following*:

• Valid forms of ID: such as passport, or driver’s license.

• Sender's information: the full name and address.

• Transfer details: the amount of TRY to be received.

• Transfer confirmation number: the sender should give it to the recipient.

• SWIFT code / IBAN: sometimes you may need to include IBAN and/or the SWIFT code.

*The exact documents you need might vary by the company you use.

For larger Turkish Lira transfers, money transfer companies may ask for a source of funds and proof of address. This is done in accordance with AML policies.

If you’re making a large transfer to Turkey, we recommend using Wise.

There might be tax implications and government-imposed limits when sending Turkish Liras to Turkey.

Some TRY transfers may be subject to various taxes, including gift tax and commercial tax.

Even if there are no limits or taxation involved, certain TRY transfers need to be reported to the tax authorities in Turkey.

When in doubt, please contact a tax professional in Turkey or in your country.