How to Open a Bank Account in Antalya

If you will be in Antalya for any length of time, there are definite benefits to opening a local bank account.  Foreigners CAN do this, and you don't need to be a permanent resident or a residence card to do so.  It's easy to do if you bring the necessary documents.  I like Akbank because it's app is feature rich and in English.  There are also customer service reps there that speak English. Therefore I will use this bank as an example but the instructions apply to any bank.

Why open a bank account in Antalya?

• You can register to pay with your phone on the local transit system.
• Foreign credit cards not always work, especially online and apps.
• Debit transactions are generally free
• You can pay bills with the bank's app
• You can make direct transfers to other account holders

What you will need.

• Passport
• Tax ID number (how to get one here)
• A local mobile phone number (how to get one here)
• Your local bills (optional)

TIP: Download the bank's app in advance.  You can get the customer service representative to set it up for you if you do.

Instructions:


1. Go to any major bank.  Akbank, Ziraat Bank, Isbank, Garanti Bank, Halkbank or Vakifbank.  Those are the major ones.  I tried to open an account at some of the smaller ones and they would not accept foreigners.  Below is the bank I deal with.  Here is a link to it's location - Akbank.  They have english speakers and the app is well setup for all the features a foreigner would need.

• TIP: If you open a bank account at the same bank as your landlord, then you can make direct transfers for payments.

2. Present your passport and tax ID number to the customer service representative. This is all the documentation you need at Akbank.  I'm not sure about other banks.  Ask for a new account and bank card.  You will be given an account in the local currency and may open another in Euro or USD.

3.  Present your local bills for automatic withdrawl (optional).  After the account is opened, you may ask them to automatically pay any local monthly bills you have.  They must register these bills in advance.  

4. Ask the customer service rep to help setup your app.  In my experience, the setup requires a little working knowledge of Turkish which I do not know.  Once it was setup in English I was good to go. I recommend you do the same.

• TIP: If you would like to use your card for purchases online in Turkey, you must activate the card for this purpose.  Ask the bank to give you the number to call and activate it.  After you leave the bank, call the number to activate. Don't worry, they speak english.

Congratulations! You can now pay your phone, water, electric and mobile phone bills through the app.  I cannot speak for other banks, but Akbank gives bill payments as a free service.  It will save you loads of time!