Taking Money In or Out of Turkey - UK Guide to Transfer Rules
Quick answer: You can bring an unlimited amount of foreign currency or Turkish lira into Turkey. Taking money out is where the limits apply: you may take out at most 185,000 TL in Turkish lira, and foreign currency up to 10,000 euro (or the equivalent in any currency) without declaring it. Foreign currency of 10,000 euro or more must be declared at customs. These rules apply to everyone, residents and visitors alike, and larger sums should be moved by bank transfer.
Bringing money into Turkey
There is no limit on how much foreign currency or Turkish lira you can bring into the country. If you arrive with a large amount of foreign cash that you plan to take back out later, it is worth declaring it on entry so you have proof of where it came from. You complete a customs declaration form at the customs desk in the arrivals area.
Taking money out of Turkey
This is where most travellers get caught out, because the rules differ for Turkish lira and for foreign currency.
| Direction / type | Rule (2026) |
|---|---|
| Into Turkey (any currency) | No limit (declare large foreign cash to re-export) |
| Out: Turkish lira | Maximum 185,000 TL |
| Out: foreign currency | Up to 10,000 euro without declaring; 10,000 euro or more must be declared |
So you cannot leave Turkey with more than 185,000 TL in Turkish banknotes (around 4,600 euro). For foreign currency there is no hard cap, but anything from 10,000 euro upwards (counting all currencies together at their euro value) must be declared to customs on the way out. Declaring is free; failing to declare and being caught risks penalties.
How to declare cash at the airport
If you are over the threshold, fill in the customs cash-declaration form and present it at the customs (Gümrük) desk before passport control. There is no tax or fee on declared money, the declaration simply records it. Keep the stamped form, as it is your proof if asked, and it lets you take declared foreign currency back out later.
Moving larger sums
If you need to move more than these limits, do it through a bank transfer rather than carrying cash. Banks handle the paperwork, it is safer than carrying notes, and it keeps you clear of the cash limits entirely. For everyday spending and exchange tips, see our currency guidance for travellers.
Frequently asked questions
How much cash can I bring into Turkey?
There is no limit on foreign currency or Turkish lira coming in. If you bring a large amount of foreign cash you plan to take back out, declare it on entry as proof of origin.
How much money can I take out of Turkey?
At most 185,000 TL in Turkish lira. Foreign currency can leave up to 10,000 euro (or equivalent) without declaring; 10,000 euro or more must be declared at customs.
Is there a limit on Turkish lira leaving the country?
Yes. You may take out no more than 185,000 TL in Turkish banknotes, about 4,600 euro. There is no comparable cap on foreign currency, only the declaration threshold.
Do I pay tax on declared cash?
No. Declaring cash is free and simply records the amount. The only risk is carrying an undeclared sum over the threshold, which can lead to penalties.
Do these rules apply to tourists too?
Yes. The currency rules apply to everyone leaving or entering Turkey, residents and foreign visitors alike.
About the author
Anastasia Maisuradze writes about Istanbul Airport arrivals and departures. She checks currency-control limits against official Turkish sources each season. Limits can change; confirm the current thresholds before you travel with large sums.
