Turkey has a liberal, sophisticated banking system and many international banks are well represented in the major metropolitan areas.

In order to open a bank account in Turkey you must first obtain a Tax number from the local Tax Office. You will need to present your passport and your local address when applying for your Tax number. It is advisable to have a photocopy of your passport and a photocopy of your Residence Permit in case you are asked for them. With your Tax number you may go to any bank and open an account. There is a nominal tax fee for establishing an account.

Turkish residents are permitted to possess foreign currency; to purchase foreign currency without limitation from banks, authorized institutions and private financial institutions; to transfer foreign currency abroad; and to open foreign currency deposit accounts at local banks.

Turkish residents may obtain foreign credit as operating credit in order to finance a business. They may also transfer capital abroad for commercial activities and investment purposes in foreign countries. The only restriction on capital transfers depends upon the amount transferred. Transfers that exceed certain limits are subject to approval from the Undersecreteriat of the Treasury or the Council of Ministers.

Turkish residents may export securities and sell them internationally. They may also send foreign currency guarantees and bonds abroad.

Central Bank

Turkiye Cumhuriyeti Merkez Bankasi
(The Central Bank of Turkey)
Istiklal Cd. No : 10 Ulus 06100 Ankar
Tel: (312)310 36 46 (74 lines)
Fax : (312) 310 91 18-310 74 34

Privately Owned Banks

Akbank
Sabanci Center 4. Levent 80745 Istanbul
Tel:(212) 270 26 66Fax:(212) 269 77 87

Turkiye Garanti Bankasi
Buyukdere Cad. 63 Maslak 80670 Istanbul
Tel:(212)335 35 35Fax:(212)335 35 35 Turkiye

Is Bankasi
Is Kuleleri 4.Levent/Istanbul
Tel:(212)316 00 00 Fax:(212)316 09 16

Yapi ve Kredi Bankasi
Yapi Kredi Plaza Buyukdere Cad. Levent 80620 Istanbul
Tel:(212)339 70 00 Fax:(212) 339 60 00

Banks with Branch Offices

ABN-AMRO Bank
Inonu Cd. No:15 Taksim - Istanbul
Tel: (212) 293 88 02 Fax. 8212) 249 20 08

American Express Bank
Buyukdere Cd. Maya Akar Center K:5 D:23
Esentepe - Istanbul
Tel. (212) 275 95 26 Fax. (212) 213 10 64

Banco di Roma
Buyukdere Cad.Noramin Is Merkezi .K:5
Maslak/ Istanbul
Tel:(212)285 93 10 Fax:(212)276 94 25

Citibank
Buyukdere Cad. 100 Esentepe Istanbul
Tel: (212) 288 77 00 Fax: (212) 288 77 60

Commerzbank AG
Buyukdere cd. Yapi Kredi Plaza B Blok K:7 No.198
Levent Istanbul
Tel: (212) 280 55 24 Fax: (212) 279 41 7

Credit Lyonnais
Setustu Haktan Is Hani 45/4 Kabatas Istanbul
Tel: (212) 251 63 00 (10 lines) Fax: (212)251 77 24

Deutsche Bank AG
Swissotel Residence. Floor 9, Macka
Tel: 212 3278700 Fax: 212 3278774

Dresdnerner Bank AG
Ismet Inonu Cd. No:70 Tumsah Han K:5 D:12 Gumussuyu Istanbul
Tel: (212) 252 66 82 Fax: (212) 252 66 83

ING Bank N.V.
Spor Cd. BJK Plaza B Blok 92 Akaretler Besiktas Istanbul
Tel: (212) 258 87 70 Fax. (212) 259 11 40

Rabobank
Spor Cd. Akaretler Siraevler 87 Besiktas Istanbul
Tel: (212) 326 72 00 Fax. (212) 326 72 01

Societe Generale
Nispetiye Cad. Akmerkez E-3 Blok Etiler/Istanbul
Tel:(212)282 19 42 Fax:(212)282 18 48

The Chase Manattan Bank
Emirhan Cad. 145 Atakule A Blok Kat 11 Dikilitas 80700 Istanbul
Tel:(212)326 83 00 Fax:(212)326 83 84

Westdeutsche Landesbank
Ebulula Mardin Cad.Mayapark Tower II Akatlar/Istanbul
Tel:(212)339 25 00 Fax:(212)283 04 60