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Western Union is one of the most widely used ways to transfer money from Turkey to abroad, and you can even send cash without a bank account. As of 2025, you can send or receive money in minutes through partner banks, PTT branches, and authorized agent locations across the country.
Western Union supports transfers to destinations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. You can also receive Western Union transfers within Turkey through convenient options we explain below.
Money Transfer Outside Turkey
You can send money via Western Union in Turkey in two main ways:
With Your Bank Account
As of 2025, several major Turkish banks partner with Western Union, including Akbank, Garanti BBVA, Türkiye İş Bankası (İş Bankası), QNB Finansbank, Şekerbank, Yapı Kredi Bankası, and Ziraat Bank. Customers can typically initiate transfers through online banking portals or mobile apps, or by visiting a branch. Availability and limits vary by bank, so check your bank’s current instructions before you send.
- Log in to your bank’s internet or mobile banking.
- Choose International Transfers or the Western Union option (wording varies by bank).
- Enter the recipient’s details and the destination country, then confirm the amount and payout method.
- Review the estimated fees and exchange rate, then confirm your transfer.
Without a Bank Account
If you do not have an account with a partner bank, you can send money in person at authorized Western Union agent locations such as PTT (Turkish Post) branches, Albaraka Türk, Fibabanka, or Türkiye Finans Katılım Bankası. Look for the Western Union sign at the entrance.
- Request a send form and fill in your details and the recipient’s information.
- Present valid identification and pay the amount plus fees.
- After the transfer is completed, you will receive the MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number). Share the MTCN securely with the recipient, do not post it publicly.
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Known for transparent exchange rates and generally lower fees than many traditional methods, Wise is a popular alternative for transfers to and from Turkey. Wise lets you send online to the recipient’s bank account without visiting a branch.
Wise advantages
- Fully regulated and widely used for international transfers.
- Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden exchange-rate markups.
- Fast, entirely online process, no branch visits required.
- Funds are deposited directly into the recipient’s bank account.
- Supports transfers to over 160 countries and more than 40 currencies, including Turkish Lira, US Dollar, Euro, British Pound, and Egyptian Pound.
Start with Wise to compare costs versus Western Union for your specific transfer.
Western Union Turkey Transfer Fees
Western Union fees are dynamic and depend on several factors, including:
- Send amount and destination country or territory
- Payment method (for example, cash at an agent, bank transfer, or card)
- Receive method (cash pickup versus bank deposit)
- Desired transfer speed and applicable exchange rate
Because pricing changes by corridor and method, static fee tables are not accurate for 2025. For the most current fees and rates, use Western Union’s official estimator on the Western Union Turkey website or in the mobile app before you send. Note that your bank or card issuer may charge additional fees (e.g., cash advance or international transaction fees) depending on how you pay.
Receiving a Western Union Transfer in Turkey
You can receive Western Union transfers through PTT branches, participating banks, or (with some banks) ATMs. Always bring valid identification and ensure the name on the transfer matches your ID exactly.
Receiving at PTT Branches
- Visit a PTT branch and look for the Western Union logo.
- Request and fill out the receive form, including the MTCN.
- Present your ID to the clerk.
- Collect your money in Turkish Lira, Euros, or US Dollars (subject to availability at the branch).
Planning an in-person visit? Check opening days and public holidays in Turkey in 2025, as branch hours can vary on national and religious holidays.
Receiving via Banks
If you have an account with a partner bank, such as Ziraat Bank, Yapı Kredi Bankası, Türkiye İş Bankası (İş Bankası), Şekerbank, Garanti BBVA, Akbank, or QNB Finansbank, you may be able to receive a Western Union transfer via internet or mobile banking, or in person at a branch.
- Internet or mobile banking: Enter your MTCN and sender details in the Western Union section (availability varies by bank).
- At a branch: Provide your ID and MTCN to receive the transfer in cash.
Receiving at ATMs
- Go to a participating bank’s ATM and access your account.
- Enter the MTCN and requested transfer details.
- Choose how to receive: deposit to your account or withdraw cash (where available). Availability and limits vary by bank.
Security tip: Never share your MTCN publicly. Only provide it to the intended recipient or use it yourself when receiving funds.
Western Union Transfer Tracking
You can track your Western Union transfer by clicking here. Select whether you are the sender or recipient and enter the MTCN to view the status.
Find the Nearest Western Union Location in Turkey
To locate Western Union agent locations in Turkey, click here and search by city or district in Turkish. You’ll see the nearest agent locations in Istanbul or anywhere else in Turkey.
Download the Western Union App
Get the official app for estimates, tracking, and convenient transfers: Android | iOS.
Helpful resources
- Plan your branch visits around public holidays in Turkey in 2025.
- Budget your remittances with our guide to the life cost in Turkey in US dollars.
- If you encounter unfair practices, learn how to act with consumer protection in Turkey.
