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MoneyGram Turkey remains one of the most practical ways to transfer money quickly, easily, and safely, especially if you prefer cash pickup or do not have a local bank account. For foreigners living in or visiting Turkey, it serves as a vital financial bridge.
It is also a key alternative to PayPal, which famously stopped operating in Turkey in 2016. Since PayPal services have not resumed as of 2025, many expats and tourists rely on services like MoneyGram, Western Union, and Wise for their international transfer needs.
About MoneyGram Turkey
From my experience, using MoneyGram in Turkey is a convenient option when you need to send or receive money across borders. The service operates locally through Moneygram Turkey Ödeme Hizmetleri A.Ş. and collaborates with major Turkish banks and the PTT (national post office) under strict payment system regulations, making it both safe and compliant with Turkish law.
In day-to-day use, I often find it reliable for urgent transfers thanks to its massive agent network. Unlike some digital-only platforms, MoneyGram allows you to send money via internet banking through partner banks or simply walk into a branch with cash.
MoneyGram Services in Turkey
When transferring money in Turkey, MoneyGram offers several handy services to suit different needs:
- Money transfer for cash pickup: Ideal when the recipient needs funds immediately and prefers to collect cash from an agent location.
- Transfer to a bank account: Convenient for direct deposits into bank accounts in many countries.
- Transfer to a mobile phone: For corridors where it is supported, you can send funds directly to a mobile wallet linked to a phone number.
As of 2025, partner banks such as DenizBank and Kuveyt Türk allow you to initiate MoneyGram transfers 24/7 through their internet and mobile banking platforms. This is a huge advantage if you need to send money during Public Holidays in Turkey when physical branches are closed.
MoneyGram Locations in Turkey
MoneyGram services are available through a wide network of trusted partners. As of 2025, you can send or receive money at:
- DenizBank branches
- Kuveyt Türk Participation Bank branches
- Türkiye Emlak Katılım Bankası branches
- Ziraat Katılım branches
- PTT (Post Office) branches and service points
- GönderAL payment points
To find the most convenient spot, you can use the official MoneyGram locator. Simply open the location finder and enter your city or address to find your nearest MoneyGram branch or agent.
How to Send Money from Turkey via MoneyGram
If you are planning to send money via MoneyGram from Turkey, the process is straightforward. Here is the standard procedure for 2025:
- Locate a verified agent: Visit a branch of DenizBank, Kuveyt Türk, Ziraat Katılım, Emlak Katılım, PTT, or a GönderAL point. Alternatively, check if your bank’s mobile app supports MoneyGram integration.
- Bring identification: You must present a valid ID. For foreign nationals, this is usually a passport or a Turkish residence permit ID. Turkish citizens use their national ID card.
- Prepare recipient details: Have the recipient’s full name, country, and address ready. If sending to a bank account, you will need the bank name and IBAN. For mobile wallets, ensure you have the correct phone number and country code.
- Complete the transfer: Fill out the transfer form at the branch or enter the details in your banking app.
- Get the Reference Number: Once approved, you will receive an 8-digit reference number. Share this securely with your recipient, as they will need it for cash pickup.
Receiving MoneyGram Transfers in Turkey
If funds are sent directly to your bank account, the deposit happens automatically once the transfer is processed. However, if you are receiving cash, follow these steps:
- Go to the nearest MoneyGram agent (DenizBank, Kuveyt Türk, PTT, etc.).
- Fill out the receive form with the 8-digit reference number provided by the sender.
- Present your original ID document. Just like with notarization in Turkey, having valid identification is mandatory for all financial transactions.
- Collect your cash in the currency specified by the sender (usually TRY, USD, or EUR, depending on the agent’s availability).
Tracking Your MoneyGram Transfer
You can easily track the status of a transfer online. Visit the MoneyGram tracking page and enter your reference number and last name to see if the funds are ready for pickup.
MoneyGram Turkey Fees and Limits in 2025
Fees for sending money from Turkey are not fixed and depend on several factors, including the destination country, the amount sent, and whether you use a physical branch or online banking.
Based on verified bank tariffs for 2025, here is what you need to know:
- Transaction Fees: Fees often start around $15 USD (or equivalent) for small amounts. For example, Kuveyt Türk’s 2025 tariff lists a minimum MoneyGram fee of around 14 USD (or 9 EUR) for small transfers, scaling up significantly for larger amounts.
- Exchange Rate Margins: MoneyGram typically adds a margin of 1–3% to the mid-market exchange rate. This cost is built into the conversion rate.
- Limits: Transfer limits vary by partner. For instance, via DenizBank, you can typically send up to 10,000 USD, 7,000 EUR, or approximately 160,000 TRY in a single transaction.
Reference Fee Table
The table below provides a historical reference for how tiered pricing often looks. While exact 2025 prices will vary by bank and agent, this structure helps illustrate how costs increase with the transfer amount:
| From | Until | USD Charge (Approx) | EUR Charge (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.01 | 100.00 | 14.00 | 9.00 |
| 100.01 | 200.00 | 19.00 | 18.00 |
| 200.01 | 300.00 | 29.00 | 27.00 |
| 300.01 | 400.00 | 34.00 | 33.00 |
| 400.01 | 500.00 | 44.00 | 43.00 |
| 500.01 | 750.00 | 49.00 | 53.00 |
| 750.01 | 1,000.00 | 54.00 | 63.00 |
Important: Always verify the exact fee and exchange rate with the agent or banking app before confirming your transaction.
Transfer Money Internationally with Wise
If you are looking for a digital alternative to traditional cash transfers, Wise remains one of the best options for sending money internationally to and from Turkey. It is often favored for its transparent fees and use of the real mid-market exchange rate.
Important Update for 2025
Due to local regulations, Wise users can no longer hold a Turkish Lira (TRY) balance or open a new TRY “jar” in their multi-currency account. However, you can still use Wise to send money:
- From Turkey: You can fund a transfer from your Turkish bank account to send money abroad (e.g., TRY to USD/EUR).
- To Turkey: You can send money from abroad directly to a Turkish bank account (IBAN).
Why choose Wise?
- Security: Highly regulated and secure for international transfers.
- Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than traditional banks for cross-border payments.
- Transparency: No hidden markups on the exchange rate; you see exactly what the recipient gets.
Check the latest rates and transfer via Wise by clicking here.
Contacting MoneyGram Turkey
If you encounter issues with a transaction, MoneyGram Turkey has local support channels. As of 2025, you can contact them via:
- Phone: +90 212 988 14 32
- Email: customerservice@moneygram.com
- In-Person: Assistance is also available at partner branches (DenizBank, PTT, etc.).
Final Tips for Foreigners in Turkey
To ensure a smooth experience when sending or receiving money in 2025, always keep your passport or residence ID handy. Comparing rates between MoneyGram, Western Union, and Wise can save you significant amounts on fees. If you are managing finances in Turkey long-term, it is also helpful to understand the Life Cost in Turkey in US Dollars and familiarizing yourself with Legalization of Foreign Documents processes can make your administrative life much easier.
