Send Money from Germany to Turkey
Compare regularly updated EUR → TRY rates from 17+ providers. No hidden fees.
Why People Send Money Germany → Turkey
Germany is home to roughly 3 million people with Turkish roots — one of the largest diaspora communities in Europe. Remittances support family members, cover property costs, and fund small businesses back home. Transfers peak around summer holidays and religious festivities.
Pro Tip: Watch the EUR/TRY Rate
The Turkish Lira can be volatile. Even a 1–2% swing in the EUR/TRY rate matters more than the transfer fee on most amounts. Check rates daily and transfer when TRY is weakening.
How to send money from Germany to Turkey
- Compare providers: Use the comparison table above to see current EUR→TRY rates from all major providers. Focus on the recipient amount in TRY, not just the fee.
- Create a free account: Sign up with your chosen provider — typically takes under 5 minutes. You will need a German ID or passport for identity verification.
- Enter recipient details: Provide the Turkish IBAN (26 characters, starting with TR) and the full name of the recipient exactly as it appears on their bank account.
- Choose your payment method: SEPA bank transfer from your German bank is free and usually processed within hours. Debit card payments are slightly faster but may carry a small surcharge.
- Confirm and send: Review the total cost, exchange rate, and estimated delivery time before confirming. You will receive an email confirmation and tracking updates.
What to know
Turkish IBAN format
Turkish IBANs are 26 characters long and begin with "TR" followed by 24 digits. Your recipient can find their IBAN in their online banking app or on a bank statement. Avoid using account numbers alone — most providers require the full IBAN.
EUR/TRY rate volatility
The Turkish Lira has experienced significant inflation in recent years. The EUR/TRY exchange rate can swing by 5–10% over a few weeks. If you are sending a large amount, consider timing your transfer when the rate is favorable rather than rushing.
German reporting requirements
Transfers above €10,000 must be reported to German financial authorities under anti-money laundering regulations. Your provider handles this automatically — you simply need to have verified your identity and be able to explain the purpose of the transfer if asked.
For Germany-to-Turkey transfers, Wise is the top pick for bank-to-bank transfers — it uses the real mid-market rate and the fee is clearly shown upfront. WorldRemit is a strong second, especially for first-time senders who benefit from their promotional fee-free offer. Western Union and MoneyGram are better suited when your recipient needs cash pickup rather than a bank deposit. For recurring transfers, setting up a Wise account and saving your recipient details makes the process very fast from the second transfer onward.
FAQs
How long does a transfer from Germany to Turkey take?
Most online providers (Wise, WorldRemit) deliver EUR to a Turkish bank account within 1–2 hours. Traditional bank transfers via SWIFT take 1–3 business days. Cash pickup options through Western Union or MoneyGram are usually available within minutes.
Which provider has the best EUR to TRY exchange rate?
Wise typically offers the mid-market rate with a transparent small fee, making it one of the best for EUR→TRY. WorldRemit is also competitive. Our comparison table above shows current rates — the best provider depends on your exact amount.
Is there a limit on how much I can send from Germany to Turkey?
Limits vary by provider. Wise allows up to €1,000,000 per transfer for verified accounts. WorldRemit typically caps at €15,000–€30,000 per transaction. German regulations require reporting transfers above €10,000, which providers handle automatically.
Can I send money to a Turkish bank account directly from Germany?
Yes. Most online providers support direct bank-to-bank transfers to Turkish accounts (IBAN). You will need the recipient's IBAN and the bank's name. Wise supports this. Avoid sending via SWIFT through a German retail bank — the fees are usually much higher.
Is it safe to send money to Turkey from Germany online?
Yes. All major providers are licensed and regulated — Wise by the FCA and BaFin, WorldRemit by the FCA and equivalent EU bodies. Your money is protected during transit and transfers are insured. Always use an officially licensed provider rather than informal channels.
What is the cheapest way to send money from Germany to Turkey?
The cheapest method is typically Wise for bank transfers, as it uses the mid-market rate with a small transparent fee (around 0.5–1%). Avoid sending via your German bank's international wire service, as they often charge €15–€30 in fees plus a 3–5% exchange rate margin.