PayPal Turkey: What Happened & Top 4 Alternatives for Expats
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PayPal still doesn’t work in Turkey—and that catches many newcomers off guard. If you’ve just moved here or earn money abroad, you’ll quickly run into this problem.
This guide explains what actually happened to PayPal in Turkey, what you can (and can’t) do with old accounts, and the four best PayPal alternatives expats use today.
What Happened to PayPal Turkey?
PayPal has been unavailable in Turkey since June 2016, and as of January 2026, nothing has changed.
The issue started when the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) required payment companies to store transaction data on servers located inside Turkey. PayPal declined to meet that requirement.
After being given the choice to comply or exit the market, PayPal chose to leave. The company officially suspended all services for Turkish residents and has not announced any plan to return as of 2026.
For expats, freelancers, and online sellers, this was inconvenient—but Turkey’s banking system moved on quickly, and solid alternatives filled the gap.
PayPal’s last official notice for Turkey remains active:
“PayPal has suspended its business operations in Turkey. Customers in Turkey can no longer send or receive money via PayPal.”
How to Withdraw Balance from PayPal Turkey Account?
This is where many old articles get it wrong.
As of 2026, Turkish‑resident PayPal accounts cannot withdraw balances. There is no self‑service option, and contacting support does not guarantee access to funds.
If you still have money stuck in an old account, the only possible path is contacting PayPal support directly. Outcomes vary, and many users report accounts remaining locked.
Paypal Turkey Top 4 Alternatives
Since PayPal isn’t an option, these are the services expats actually use in Turkey today.
Western Union (No Turkish bank account required)
Western Union is one of the easiest ways to send or receive money in Turkey—especially if you don’t have a local bank account.
You can collect transfers at PTT branches nationwide or directly through Turkish banks like Ziraat Bank, Yapı Kredi, and İş Bankası.
2026 fees (examples):
USD 0–100: about $15
EUR 0–100: about €10
TRY 0–200: around ₺30–35
You do not need to be a bank customer to receive Western Union transfers in Turkey.
SWIFT Transfers (Turkish bank account required)
Traditional SWIFT transfers remain fully available in Turkey. Any Turkish bank can provide your SWIFT/BIC code.
Expect multiple costs: an outgoing fee, possible intermediary bank fees, and exchange‑rate markup. SWIFT is reliable, but rarely the cheapest option.
You must have a Turkish bank account to send or receive SWIFT transfers.
Wise (Limited use, no PayPal replacement)
Wise still works for international bank‑to‑bank transfers linked to Turkey, but it is no longer a full PayPal‑style solution.
As of 2026, Turkey‑resident users face restrictions, but outbound transfers from Turkish bank accounts remain possible.
Advantages of Wise
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Typical fees start around 0.47%, depending on currency
- Mid‑market exchange rates
- Fully online setup and tracking
- Funds go straight to the recipient’s bank account
MoneyGram (No Turkish bank account required)
MoneyGram continues to operate in Turkey and is commonly used through Kuveyt Türk Bank and other partner locations.
It supports international transfers with fees calculated at checkout based on destination and amount.
FAQ
Why can’t PayPal be used in Turkey?
PayPal does not comply with Turkish regulatory requirements, including local data‑hosting rules, so it cannot legally operate in Turkey.
What is the best PayPal alternative in Turkey?
For most expats, Western Union is the easiest. Wise works for international bank transfers, and SWIFT transfers are reliable if you have a Turkish bank account.
Is PayPal available in Turkey?
No. PayPal has been unavailable since 2016 and remains suspended as of 2026.
Can I send money to PayPal Turkey?
No. You cannot send or receive funds via PayPal in Turkey. You must use alternatives such as Western Union, Wise, MoneyGram, or SWIFT transfers.
