How much cash can you take out of Turkey?

Rules for travelling with foreign currency, Turkish lira, gold and jewellery. When leaving Turkey, cash above 185,000 TL or 10,000 EUR (or the equivalent) must be declared to customs; the declaration is free and creates no tax.

As a passenger Conditions apply When leaving Turkey, amounts above 185,000 TL in Turkish currency or 10,000 EUR (or the equivalent) in foreign currency must be declared to customs. Details ↓

By post or courier Not allowed Cash cannot be sent as a postal or courier shipment in this way. Details ↓

Bringing it with you

When leaving Turkey, amounts above 185,000 TL in Turkish currency or 10,000 EUR (or the equivalent) in foreign currency must be declared to customs. No declaration is required below these amounts.

Declaration threshold10,000 EURor 185,000 TL · only when leaving

Documents

Cash Declaration Form

Good to know

The declaration is free of charge; it creates no tax or fee.
If undeclared cash is detected, all the cash is seized and reported to the public prosecutor and MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board).
A customs officer may ask about the source of the cash; for a false statement, an administrative fine of 10% of the undeclared amount applies.
Jewellery counts as personal use; commercial quantities are assessed separately.

Legal basis: Decision No. 32 on the Protection of the Value of Turkish Currency · Cash Controls Circular

Sending it by post or courier

Cash cannot be sent as a postal or courier shipment in this way.

Legal basis: Decision No. 32 on the Protection of the Value of Turkish Currency

Cash you cannot carry out of Turkey

Whatever the amount, cash carried for certain purposes cannot be taken out of Turkey by a passenger; it may only be transferred through banks. Examples listed by the Ministry of Trade:

Personal debt payments and loans to be given abroad
Domestic capital to be taken abroad; purchase prices and income of securities and other capital market instruments
Gifts and donations; dowry and money given by the bride or groom to the other family; inheritance; migrants' assets
Income from and sale proceeds of real estate in Turkey; purchase prices of real estate abroad
Transfer payments for imports and transit trade, international transport, banking, insurance and similar transactions
Foreign investors' profits, dividends, sale and liquidation proceeds; principal and interest repayments on foreign loans; payments for rough diamond imports

If such cash is found on a passenger, it is seized. Taking out any other cash is not a problem; amounts above the threshold just need to be declared.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring cash into Turkey as a passenger?

Yes, with conditions. When leaving Turkey, amounts above 185,000 TL in Turkish currency or 10,000 EUR (or the equivalent) in foreign currency must be declared to customs. No declaration is required below these amounts.

Can cash be sent to Turkey by post or courier?

No. Cash cannot be sent as a postal or courier shipment in this way.

What documents do I need for cash?

As a passenger: Cash Declaration Form.