Turkey embraces Russia's Mir cards in banking and tourism sectors
Turkey has taken steps to accept Russia's Mir payment cards across its banking and tourism sectors. The move follows an agreement announced on 18 May by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. Three major Turkish banks, including İş Bankası, will now process transactions using the Russian payment system.
Ziraat Bankası, Vakıfbank, and İş Bankası have become the first institutions in Turkey to accept Mir cards. These banks will allow cardholders to withdraw cash from ATMs and make payments at retail outlets. Turkish merchants have also started installing payment terminals to support Mir transactions.
Russia and Turkey additionally agreed to enable Mir card payments in Turkish hotels. Both countries discussed options for settling transactions in Russian rubles or Turkish lira. The deal aims to simplify financial exchanges between Russian tourists and Turkish businesses.
The agreement expands Mir's reach beyond Russia's borders. Turkish banks and hotels will now handle cardholders' transactions directly, reducing reliance on foreign systems. Russian visitors to Turkey can expect easier access to local services and cash withdrawals.
