Did Turkey Have Gift Cards? A Detailed Look at the History and Popularity of Gift Cards in Turkey

Gift cards have become an immensely popular way to give gifts in countries around the world. However, some may wonder about the history of gift cards in specific countries. One such country is Turkey. So did Turkey have gift cards in the past? How popular are they in Turkey today? This article takes an in-depth look at the evolution of gift cards in Turkey.

A Brief History of Gift Cards in Turkey

Gift cards first emerged in Turkey in the 1990s though their uptake was relatively slow at first. International brands like iTunes and Amazon entered Turkey in the 2000s, bringing their gift cards with them. But it was really in the 2010s that gift cards became mainstream in Turkey.

Several factors drove this surge in popularity

• Growth of online shopping – As e-commerce expanded, gift cards provided a convenient online payment method.

• Increased tourism – Gift cards made great souvenirs for Turkey’s many visitors.

• Higher disposable incomes – With more disposable income, Turks embraced gift cards for personal and corporate gifting.

• Retailer adoption – More Turkish companies like Migros and CarrefourSA began offering gift cards.

So while gift cards took some time to gain traction, Turkey has fully embraced them in recent years

Current Popularity and Usage of Gift Cards in Turkey

Today, gift cards are extremely popular in Turkey among both individuals and corporations.

For personal use, gift cards make great presents for birthdays, holidays, and other occasions. They are seen as more thoughtful than cash gifts.

In corporate settings, Turkish companies use gift cards as incentives and rewards for employees. They also give them as gifts to clients and partners.

Gift cards purchased from local and international brands are commonly given in Turkey. Some of the most popular gift cards in Turkey today include:

• Google Play gift cards – For apps, games, movies on Google Play store

• Apple iTunes gift cards – For Apple products and services

• Steam gift cards – For video games and in-game purchases

• IKEA gift cards – For IKEA furniture and homewares

• Amazon Turkey gift cards – For the Turkish Amazon website

• Migros gift cards – For the popular Turkish supermarket

Gift card usage skews towards younger demographics like millennials and Gen Z. But they remain popular across age groups as a practical gift choice.

Purchasing Gift Cards in Turkey as a Tourist or Foreign Resident

For those visiting or living in Turkey, buying gift cards is easy.

Major retail stores like CarrefourSA often sell both international and local brand gift cards. So do convenience stores and supermarkets.

Alternatively, you can purchase digital gift cards on e-commerce sites like Hepsiburada and Sanalmarket.

Another option is to use gift card exchange platforms and mobile payment apps which provide a variety of gift card choices.

If you want to buy a gift card for someone in Turkey while abroad, opt for digital gift cards from international brands like Steam, Apple, or Google Play. These allow cross-border gift card delivery via email.

You can also use concierge services to physically buy and deliver a Turkish gift card on your behalf.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Gift Cards in Turkey

There are several advantages to gift cards that have driven their popularity in Turkey:

• Convenience – Easy to purchase, deliver, and redeem online and in-stores

• Flexibility – Recipients can choose their own gift

• Cross-border gifting – Digital gift cards enable international gifting

• Budgeting – The gift card value sets a spending limit

However, there are some potential disadvantages to watch out for:

• Risk of loss/theft – Consumer protections can be weak

• Hidden fees – Check for expiry dates and redemption fees

• Lack of ubiquity – Some gift cards work only at specific merchants

• Currency devaluation – For foreign currency cards, exchange rate shifts can decrease value

As long as you buy from reputable sellers and exercise prudence, gift cards remain an excellent gifting choice in Turkey.

The Bottom Line

While gift cards took some time to become popular in Turkey, adoption has exploded in recent years. Both international and local brands now offer gift cards that are widely used for personal and corporate gifting.

For tourists and foreign residents, buying Turkish gift cards is a convenient process, whether purchasing online or in-stores. Digital gift cards also enable easy international gifting to recipients in Turkey.

So the bottom line is that yes, Turkey does have a thriving and diverse gift card market with strong demand. Gift cards are here to stay as a popular gifting choice amongst Turks.