Consumer Rights in Turkey: The 2026 Guide to Getting Your Money Back

Did your new smartphone never arrive? Is the shopkeeper at the Grand Bazaar refusing to exchange a defective rug? or did your credit card get charged for a subscription you never signed up for? Take a deep breath. The situation is likely better than it looks.

Contrary to popular belief, Turkey has one of the most consumer friendly legal systems in the region. The problem isn’t a lack of rights; it’s the bureaucratic know-how to enforce them. If you know the mechanismsfrom the critical 186,000 TL limit to the correct entry in the e Devlet systemyou will get justice. If you ignore them, you pay the price.

As experts who have navigated the Turkish legal maze for years, we aren’t here to give you dry theory. We are giving you the practical, street smart roadmap to getting your money back.

The 2026 Reality: Law No. 6502 and The Magic Number

The foundation of your protection is Consumer Protection Law No. 6502. But for 2026, there is only one number you need to memorize: 186,000 TL.

Why does this number matter? It dictates your entire battle plan effective January 1, 2026:

• Under 186,000 TL: You do not go to court. You apply to the Consumer Arbitration Committees (Tüketici Hakem Heyetleri). This process is free for you, requires no lawyer, and the decision is legally binding for companies.
• Over 186,000 TL: You must file a lawsuit in the Consumer Court (Tüketici Mahkemesi). This is more serious and often requires mandatory mediation before you can even see a judge.

Practitioner’s Tip: Most daily disputesfrom a faulty mobile phone to issues with your internet providerfall well under this limit. This is your biggest advantage because it removes the financial risk of losing a lawsuit.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Refund

Forget generic advice. If you have a problem, follow this exact sequence. This is the escalation ladder seasoned locals use to get results fast.

Step 1: The “Public Shaming” (Şikayetvar)

Before you fill out a single legal form, weaponize the company’s reputation. In Turkey, the platform Şikayetvar (literally: “There is a Complaint”) is often more feared than the government.

With millions of monthly visitors, Turkish companiesfrom banks to retail giants like Trendyoltake complaints here deadly seriously. It is common to receive a call from a “Solution Center” within hours of posting, offering a refund just to get you to remove the bad review.

Step 2: The Official Strike via TÜBİS

If the merchant plays hardball, TÜBİS (Consumer Information System) is your artillery. This is the government system that brings your case to the Arbitration Committee. For 2026, the entire process is digital.

• Log in via e Devlet (Turkey’s e-government portal). Search for “Tüketici Hakem Heyeti”.
• Upload your evidence: Invoices, WhatsApp screenshots, photos of the defect.
• Crucial: You do not need an electronic signature (e imza); your e Devlet login is sufficient ID.

The Committee’s decision has the force of a court verdict. If the company refuses to pay after the decision, you can take the document directly to the Enforcement Office (İcra) to seize assets.

Online Shopping: The 2026 Return Rules

E-commerce rules have been a battlefield recently, but the dust has settled in favor of the consumer for 2026.

There was a brief period where regulations threatened to make consumers pay for return shipping. Good News: That rule was effectively reversed for returns where you use the carrier specified by the seller. As of January 1, 2026, if you return a product within 14 days (your Right of Withdrawal), the seller cannot charge you for return shipping if you use their contracted cargo company.

Furthermore, the “unconditional return” right for electronic devices (phones, tablets, computers) has been restored. This is a massive relief if you are buying tech onlineyou can inspect it and send it back without a “technical defect” excuse, provided it’s within the 14-day window.

When Do You Actually Need a Lawyer?

If your dispute value exceeds 186,000 TLfor example, if you are buying a car or dealing with real estate fraudyou cannot use the free arbitration system. You must go to Consumer Court.

Here is the math you need to know: For 2026, expect to pay a “Gider Avansı” (Expense Advance) of approximately 2,500 to 3,000 TL just to open the file. While consumers are exempt from certain filing fees (Harç), you must front the cash for expert witnesses and notifications. If you win, the other side reimburses you. If you lose, that money is gone.

For these high stakes cases, professional help is non negotiable. You will need to issue a notarized power of attorney to a lawyer to handle the heavy lifting.

Essential Contacts & Resources

Save these before you need them. In the heat of a dispute, knowing where to click is half the battle.

The Bottom Line: Do not be intimidated. Turkish law heavily favors the “little guy.” Use TÜBİS, stick to your rights, and if you need your foreign documents recognized for a larger legal battle, make sure you understand the legalization process first.