Gift cards are digital assets that are disrupting the international market with their potential that up a myriad of opportunities for both buyers and sellers. This is also playing out in Turkey as there is a wide range of gift cards in Turkey that the Turkish are using for varying purposes.
Many gift cards are churned out for their users, regardless of geographical location. However, some gift cards are location-bound, meaning that you can only access these gift cards at a specific region due to reasons like market spread or local currency, which may pose a difficulty in using the gift card outside the area.
However, there is a lingering question “does Turkey have gift cards?” This article aims to lucidly answer this question as it also provides the uses, advantages, and disadvantages of gifts in Turkey.
Your Ultimate Guide to Gift Cards in Turkey: Everything You Need to Know
Turkey is a beautiful country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offering a rich fusion of history, culture, cuisine and scenic landscapes As Turkey continues to grow into a major tourist destination and hub of global commerce, the popularity and availability of gift cards has also expanded enormously.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about finding, purchasing and redeeming gift cards in Turkey.
What Kinds of Gift Cards Are Available in Turkey?
Turkey offers a diverse selection of gift cards from both domestic and international brands. Some of the most popular gift card options include:
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Retail Gift Cards: Major department stores and clothing brands like Migros, Boyner, LC Waikiki, and H&M all offer gift cards that can be used at their brick-and-mortar shops and online stores.
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Restaurant Gift Cards: Leading restaurant chains like Burger King, Starbucks, Sbarro and Domino’s provide gift cards for meals and treats across Turkey.
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Grocery Store Gift Cards: Supermarket giants like Migros, Şok Market, A-101, and Carrefour have gift cards to purchase groceries and household essentials.
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Entertainment Gift Cards: Gift cards for movie theaters like Cinemaximum and entertainment parks like Vialand can make great gifts for film buffs and thrill seekers.
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Digital Gift Cards: E-gift cards from global platforms like Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox can be used to access digital content.
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Telecom Gift Cards: Local providers like Turkcell and Vodafone offer prepaid airtime and data packages through their gift cards.
Where Can You Buy Gift Cards in Turkey?
The most convenient places to buy gift cards in Turkey are:
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Supermarkets & Department Stores: Walk into major retail chains like Migros, Carrefour, Şok Market, and Hepsiburada to browse and purchase gift cards right off the rack.
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Petrol Stations: Many gas stations like Opet, Shell, and BP sell a variety of gift cards for added convenience.
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Mobile Operators: Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom offer gift cards at select outlets and on their websites.
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Online Marketplaces: Websites like Hepsiburada, N11, GittiGidiyor, and Amazon Turkey sell e-gift cards that can be delivered digitally.
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Brand Websites & Apps: Many retailers like Starbucks and iTunes allow customers to purchase and send gift cards directly through their online platforms.
How to Redeem Gift Cards in Turkey
Using gift cards in Turkey is very simple:
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Retail Gift Cards: Present the physical or digital gift card during checkout at the designated brick-and-mortar store or enter the e-code on the brand’s website.
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Restaurant Gift Cards: Give your gift card to the waiter before ordering or when asking for the final bill for redemption.
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Digital Gift Cards: Enter the gift card’s unique code or pin during checkout on the retailer’s online platform or app to redeem it.
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Telecom Gift Cards: Dial the recharge number and follow the prompts to redeem the gift card and add credit to your mobile account.
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Other Gift Cards: Carefully read the instructions provided with the gift card or on the brand’s website and follow the steps to successfully redeem it.
Top Gift Card Brands in Turkey
These are some of the most popular and widely available gift card brands in Turkey currently:
Amazon Turkey: The e-commerce giant offers gift cards from ₺25 to ₺500 for online shopping.
Starbucks Turkey: A favorite for coffee lovers, with cards from ₺30 to ₺300 usable at all branches.
Hepsiburada: Turkey’s leading online retailer provides gift cards from ₺50 to ₺1000 for its diverse catalogue.
Turkcell: The top mobile operator offers virtual and physical gift cards from ₺20 for prepaid services.
Migros: Gift cards from this supermarket chain giant, ranging ₺25 to ₺250, can be spent on groceries and more.
Cinemaximum: For movie buffs, gift cards of ₺20 to ₺100 can be used for tickets and concessions.
Getting Gift Cards as a Tourist in Turkey
As Turkey continues to attract more and more foreign visitors every year, facilities for travelers to obtain and use gift cards are improving.
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Purchase Gift Cards at Airports: Travelers can find a decent selection of gift cards at airport kiosks and outlets in Istanbul, Ankara, and other hubs.
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Buy Digital Gift Cards Online: International providers like Amazon and iTunes make it easy to purchase Turkish e-gift cards even before your trip.
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Look for English Gift Cards: Some major retailers like Starbucks may offer gift cards with English terms and instructions for tourists.
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Ask for Help Redeeming: Store staff in many malls, restaurants and stores commonly speak English and can assist travelers in using gift cards.
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Save Them for Later: Hang on to partially used gift cards even after leaving Turkey, as you can redeem the remainder on associated global online platforms.
Gift Card Restrictions and Limitations in Turkey
While convenient and widely accepted, some limitations apply when using gift cards in Turkey:
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Expiration Dates: Gift cards have validity periods, typically 6-24 months, so check and use them before they expire.
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Non-Refundable: You cannot exchange gift cards for cash. Spend the full value before expiry.
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Terms & Limits: Gift cards may have restrictions on items you can purchase or maximum redemption amounts per transaction.
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Region Locked: Country-specific cards like Amazon Turkey and Google Play Turkey only work in that region.
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Limited Locations: Brand-specific gift cards may only be accepted at listed participating branches or franchises.
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Internet Access: Digital gift cards and accounts require an internet connection on mobile or computer for redemption.
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Language Barrier: Card instructions are usually in Turkish, which could pose a challenge for non-Turkish-speaking tourists.
Gift Card Alternatives for Foreign Tourists
For overseas tourists facing difficulties with gift cards, some handy alternatives include:
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International Debit/Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard branded cards are widely accepted at most shops, restaurants, and attractions.
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Travel Cards: Multi-currency prepaid travel cards that can be used like debit cards while avoiding bank fees.
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Cash: While declining in popularity, US dollars and Euros are exchangeable at airports, banks, and currency exchange shops.
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Digital Wallets/Payment Apps: International platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and PayPal make cashless payments easy.
Gift Cards Etiquette and Tips in Turkey
Follow these tips on gift card etiquette to avoid any cultural faux pas when buying, gifting or using gift cards in Turkey:
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Opt for culturally appropriate gift cards from conservative brands for elders.
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Check gift card terms so your gift doesn’t come with embarrassing hidden restrictions.
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Pick a higher-value gift card for close friends or family to convey your feelings.
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For acquaintances, select mid-range gift cards from major retailers that offer flexibility.
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Include the original gift card receipt in case the recipient needs to check terms and conditions.
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For gifts, present the card in a decorative envelope or with a small additional gift like flowers.
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When receiving a gift card, express your gratitude sincerely to the giver.
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Use gift cards received as gifts promptly to avoid misplacing and inadvertently offending the giver.
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Avoid thoughtless gift cards like a restaurant certificate for someone trying to diet. Pick something meaningful.
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For corporate gifting, remain conservative with gift card value and avoid personal brands.
The Popularity and Growth of Gift Cards in Turkey
Gift cards have become immensely popular in Turkey over the past decade thanks to retailers adding more options and consumers appreciating the convenience.
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Wider Acceptance: From hypermarkets to corner shops, most retailers in Turkey now welcome gift cards.
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Rising Sales: Gift card sales at Turkish retailers grew by over 25% in 2022 compared to the previous year.
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Cultural Shift: Younger generations are choosing the ease of gift cards over traditional Turkish cash-in-envelope gifts.
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Online Boost: Digital gift cards you can buy and redeem online have made them more accessible across Turkey.
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Tourist Demand: Turkey’s booming tourism industry is driving retailers to offer more visitor-friendly gift cards.
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Corporate Appeal: Companies are adding gift cards along with traditional Turksih “kumbara” money boxes to their holiday promos and incentives.
Gift cards offer the perfect blend of convenience and flexibility for shoppers and gift-givers across Turkey. With the gift card industry poised for further expansion, you can expect even more options tailored to tourists and locals alike in the coming years.
So next time you are traveling to Turkey or sending a gift to friends there, explore the many possibilities a gift card unlocks
Redeeming Gift Cards In Turkey
After activating your gift card, the next step is to redeem your gift card on your official gift card. For instance, you will redeem your Google Play gift card on the Google Play store or your iTunes gift card on the Apple store when you own one in Turkey.
Uses Of Gift Cards In Turkey
You can use gift cards as an individual for purposes that range from redeeming to accessing a variety of content on the issuer’s store to sell your gift card for cash. Gift cards are a viable way to make money in Turkey, so you can decide to buy and resell your gift card at the best rates to individuals or gift card trading platforms.
Why aren’t Turkey Hill gift cards, loyalty cards working?
FAQ
Is a steam card available in Turkey?
What card does Turkey use?
Did Turkey have Amazon gift card?
Should I buy a Turkey gift card?
If enjoying a tax-free gift is crucial to you, consult with your company accountant before purchasing a turkey gift card. If you aren’t sure whether your employees eat turkey, we also offer ham vouchers and combination turkey or ham coupons. The ham combo certificate allows each employee to choose whichever option they want.
What are the best gift cards for Turkey?
Depending on the preference of the person, there are a series of Turkey gift card options to choose from. For people who enjoy digital consumption, Apple, and Google gift cards are a good choice. On the other hand, IKEA and Altinyildiz are excellent choices if you wish to gift physical items.
How can I buy a gift in Turkey?
Alternatively, you can buy a gift online and have it delivered to your recipient in Turkey. A third option is to send your recipient money as a wire transfer. Though convenient, this option can be pricey, so we recommend comparing providers on Monito before you send your gift money.
What can you do with a Turkey gift certificate?
Customizable with your Company name or even a color logo to add brand awareness. Each turkey gift certificate equates to either a whole turkey or a turkey breast. Alongside using them as a holiday corporate bonus, you can also give them to your employees as a promotional incentive throughout the year.