🇹🇷 Turkey— Cash & Currency
Ministry of Trade — General Directorate of Customs (Gümrük ve Ticaret Bakanlığı)
2026-04-25
Declaration Threshold
US$10,000
TRY
You must declare to customs if you are carrying cash, traveler's cheques, money orders, or negotiable bearer instruments totaling above this amount when entering or leaving Turkey.
What Must Be Declared
| Instrument | Declaration Required |
|---|---|
| Physical currency (any currency) | Yes, if above threshold |
| Traveler's cheques | Yes, if above threshold |
| Bank drafts / money orders | Yes, if above threshold |
| Bearer bonds / negotiable instruments | Yes, if above threshold |
| Credit cards / debit cards | Generally no |
| Electronic payment apps | Generally no |
Failure to declare
Carrying undeclared cash above the threshold can result in seizure of funds, fines, and in some jurisdictions criminal prosecution. When in doubt, declare.
Additional Country Notes
- 01Turkey has a Customs Union with the EU for industrial goods (since 1996) but is not an EU member — agricultural goods, services, and some other categories are not covered.
- 02VAT (KDV — Katma Değer Vergisi) standard rate is 20% (raised from 18% in 2023).
- 03Turkey applies strict rules on gold: gold imports above personal-use quantities require Ministry of Economy permits and are subject to customs duties and strict declaration.
- 04Turkish currency (Turkish Lira, TRY) has experienced high inflation — USD equivalent of thresholds changes frequently.
- 05Electronics: Turkey requires ICTA (Information and Communication Technologies Authority) type approval for mobile phones and telecommunications equipment. Travelers bringing multiple phones may be asked about commercial intent.
- 06Cultural heritage: Turkey strictly prohibits the export of antiquities and scrutinizes imports of ancient artifacts. Travelers should not purchase undocumented archaeological items.
- 07The BİLGE (Bilgisayarlı Gümrük Etkinlikleri) system is used for customs declarations.