Is Google Pay adoption widespread in Turkey?

[wyson]

I’m off to Dalaman in Turkey over the Easter, I was wondering how much cash to take? I don’t carry a wallet nor cash in London and funnel 95% of transactions through Google Pay. Just about everyone accepts it. Is this doeable in Turkey?

Also would gratefully receive recommendations on things to do and places to eat, especially to keep little terrors entertained.

Many thanks.

[Your Dad]

Half my spending last year in Dalyan was on card, and all contactless, so I'd expect you to be able to use phone payments (googlepay/applepay).

I assume you're not actually staying in Dalaman itself, depending on which town/village you are actually staying then cash may be the only option in smaller locations.

[Wills2]

I don't think Google or Apple pay are supported in Turkey.

[Rushjob]

First hit on Google says.......

Due to banking laws, commonly used international e-wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal are not available in Turkey. Instead, Turkish consumers use local alternatives like BKM Express, Paycell, and GPay. These are integrated with most major banks in Turkey and make online or in-store purchases simple.


So that'd be a no.....

[wyson]

Thanks both. Looks like cash and wallet it is

[Every day a journey]

wyson said:

Thanks both. Looks like cash and wallet it is

and take Euros

[Your Dad]

Every day a journey said:

wyson said:

Thanks both. Looks like cash and wallet it is

and take Euros

It's Dalaman region so probably best using a card like Halifax Clarity or similar, that doesn't have fees, and Turkish Lira. In 20yrs of visiting that area of Turkey I've never seen a preference for Euros.

[John87]

Your Dad said:

It's Dalaman region so probably best using a card like Halifax Clarity or similar, that doesn't have fees, and Turkish Lira. In 20yrs of visiting that area of Turkey I've never seen a preference for Euros.

I agree, either a card without non sterling fees or cash works.

No point in changing to Euros as you just lose out on the exchange rate margin twice. Everywhere seems to accept all major currencies although Scottish notes are about as popular as they are in England

[wyson]

I found some places can accept Google pay, but chip and pin with a physical card seems to be the default. Contactless was an option, but it always failed for me, I guess some sort of security thing from the card company?

In tourist areas, lots of places are very happy to quote in £ and take Sterling notes.

The exchange rate is also a lot better in Turkey. 49lira for £1 seemed to be the default when I landed. The best I could find in the UK was 44.5lira for £1.

Also, my Halifax Clarity Card wasn’t entirely necessary. The tour guide who I booked excursions with in Turkey had a Sterling account. Could just pay without any exchange rate fees. I think because the Lira has had problems with devaluation, some places actually prefer this.

If I were to go to Turkey again, I’d just take £100 Sterling. You do need Lira for many local businesses and busses etc so would exchange as needed. The place was literally teeming with places to change money. Half the bars and coffee shops seemed to be in on the game, as well as the usual Bureau de Change type places.

Edited by wyson on Sunday 20th April 07:14