Paying by card in Istanbul taxis
Can you pay a taxi by card? The rule has changed, but in practice it can differ from taxi to taxi. Here is the rule, app payment and the safest approach.
Is card payment mandatory?
Under a regulation published in 2026, taximeters must work together with an approved "Taxi Fiscal Device". The regulation makes accepting card payments mandatory in taxis. The deadline to buy the device was announced as 1 September 2026 (BBC Türkçe, February 2026).
In practice it can differ from taxi to taxi. The safest approach is to ask "Kart geçiyor mu?" (does a card work?) before you get in.
Paying through an app
BiTaksi offers contactless card payment in its taxi app (bitaksiPOS). According to BiTaksi's page for this service, contactless Mastercard, Visa and Troy cards are valid; foreign cards and Istanbulkart are not. Coverage and terms can change, so check the app for current details.
Keep cash as a backup
- The taximeter amount is in Turkish lira. Cash lira always works.
- Euros or dollars are not a payment method; do not agree an exchange rate with the driver.
- Carry small notes. If you pay with a large note, say the amount aloud and count the change.
What to check when you pay
- Check that the amount on the card device matches the taximeter.
- Ask for a receipt or e-document.
- If you are told "the device is broken", note the plate. You can pay cash or report it to the 153 line.
FAQ
Can I pay a taxi with a foreign card?
The device in the taxi may or may not accept a foreign card. BiTaksi's bitaksiPOS service does not accept foreign cards. Carry cash lira.
What if the driver says the card device is broken?
Note the plate. You can pay cash or report it to the municipality help line 153.
Can the fare change when I pay by card?
The taximeter amount should stay the same. Do not approve the payment if the amount on the screen is different from the taximeter.