Banks in Istanbul

Banking is a big business in Turkey, accounting for close to 90% of the financial sector in the country. There are more than 50 different banks operating within Turkey, the majority of which are privately owned. In recent years, banks have been making a concerted effort to capture the expatriate banking market, with many integrating a range of English language services including internet and telephone banking along with dedicated Engish speaking tellers.

Although far from perfect, foreigners living in Turkey can expect to carry out most banking related functions with little fuss. We have compiled a list of the most popular and reliable banks in Turkey for expats and included an overview of their basic services to help you get settled without the stress!

Garanti Bank

Tel: 444 0 333 Web: http://www.garanti.com.tr

One of Turkey's most popular banks for expatriates, Garanti Bank is making a concerted effort to promote its English language services. The bank has a dedicated English speaking hotline and internet banking system, and purports to have at least one English speaking staff member on hand at each branch. Garanti is the second largest privately owned bank in Turkey and offers a range of integrated financial services.

Citibank

Tel: 444 0 500 Fax: -+90-216-5247314 Web: http://www.citibank.com.tr

One of a handfull of foreign banks founded in Turkey, Citi can assist with personal loans, credit cards, local and foreign currency deposits, local and offshore mutual funds and more. Online banking is available in English as well as Turkish, and Citibank's 'CitiPhone' system is available in both languages 24 hours for just about any banking related service imaginable.

Akbank

Tel: +90-212-442525 Fax: +90-212-3293535 Web: http://www.akbank.com.tr

Akbank offers a full range of banking services for foreigners and locals including credit and debit cards, overdraft facilities, deposit and savings accounts and fast money transfer to any bank. A selection of Akbank's branches offer dedicated English speaking branch managers - these are listed on their website - and all transactions can be done via internet banking or telephone banking, both of which also have versions in English.

HSBC

Tel: 444 0 111 (Retail Banking) ; 444 0 424 (Business Banking) Web: http://www.hsbc.com.tr

Catering to both retail and business customers, HSBC Bank has a strong presence in Turkey with branches and ATM's throughout Istanbul. HSBC Turkey offers an online and telephone banking service with an English language option.

Is Bank

Tel: 444 02 02 Fax: +90-212-3160404 Web: http://www.isbank.com.tr

Boasting a 'convenient and secure' service to expatriates, Isbank was Turkey's first real national bank and has been a pioneer in terms of technological advancements in the banking sector. Isbank offers a range of services including deposit accounts, cards, investment services, consumer loans, pensions, payments, insurance, online banking and more. A full list of expatriate banking branches can be found on Isbank's website.