This page summarises options for sending money from United Arab Emirates to Turkey and links the relevant regulator. Always compare the recipient amount and exchange rate on each provider's own site before sending - rates and fees change.
Editor's note
Outbound remittances from the UAE are regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), which licenses and supervises banks, exchange houses, and fintech payment service providers operating in the country. Transfers to Turkey are subject to standard UAE anti-money laundering and know-your-customer requirements under Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 and its implementing regulations.
Providers we have referenced for United Arab Emirates to Turkey
Pricing changes. Confirm the current fee, exchange rate, and recipient amount on each provider's own site.
| Provider | Fee | Speed | Exchange rate | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise charges a small fixed fee plus a variable percentage of the transfer amount. See wise.com for the current fee breakdown before sending. | Transfers typically arrive within one business day, though timing depends on bank processing at the receiving end. | Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and discloses the markup, if any, separately from the fee. | Wise is licensed in the UAE under the CBUAE regulatory framework. Transfers are sent in Turkish lira (TRY) to a Turkish IBAN. Verify recipient bank details carefully before confirming. | |
| Revolut | Fee structure varies by plan tier. Standard plan users may pay a conversion fee above a monthly free allowance. Check the Revolut app for the exact fee applicable to your account. | Transfers to Turkish bank accounts generally process within one to two business days. | Revolut applies the interbank rate during weekday trading hours. A markup applies on weekends. Confirm the rate shown in the app at the time of transfer. | Revolut operates in the UAE as a licensed financial institution under the CBUAE. Ensure the recipient's IBAN is correctly entered, as errors can delay or misdirect funds. | |
| Al Ansari Exchange | Fees vary by transfer amount and delivery method. Visit a branch or check alanansariexchange.com for current rates. | Bank-to-bank transfers to Turkey typically complete within one to three business days. Cash pickup options, where available, may process faster. | Al Ansari sets its own AED/TRY rate, which includes a margin. Compare the displayed rate against the mid-market rate before transacting. | Al Ansari Exchange is regulated by the CBUAE. It is one of the more widely distributed exchange house networks in the UAE, with branches across all seven emirates. | |
| UAE Exchange | Transfer fees depend on the amount sent and the destination bank. Confirm fees at the counter or via the UAE Exchange app before proceeding. | Transfers to Turkish banks generally arrive within one to three business days. | UAE Exchange applies its own AED/TRY exchange rate. The margin is built into the rate rather than shown as a separate line item in some cases. | UAE Exchange operates under CBUAE oversight. It offers both branch-based and digital transfer options for registered users. | |
| Bank wire (UAE retail bank) | UAE banks typically charge an outward remittance fee plus a SWIFT correspondent fee. Some banks also apply a currency conversion charge. Fees vary by institution. Check with your bank directly. | International SWIFT transfers to Turkey generally take two to five business days depending on intermediary banks involved. | Banks set their own AED/TRY or AED/USD/TRY conversion rates. The rate offered at the counter or in online banking may carry a wider margin than specialist providers. | All UAE-licensed banks conducting outward remittances operate under CBUAE regulations. If your transfer is above certain thresholds, the bank may request source-of-funds documentation in line with anti-money laundering requirements. | |
| Western Union | Fees depend on the transfer amount, funding method (card or bank), and whether the recipient receives cash or a bank deposit. See westernunion.com for a quote. | Cash pickup transfers can be available within minutes in many cases. Bank deposits to Turkey generally take one to three business days. | Western Union applies its own exchange rate, which includes a margin over the mid-market rate. The total cost including the exchange rate margin is displayed before you confirm. | Western Union operates in the UAE through licensed agents and partners regulated by the CBUAE. Keep your transfer receipt and reference number until the recipient confirms receipt. |
The general process
- Choose a provider that is licensed in United Arab Emirates and serves the Turkey corridor.
- Open and verify an account. You will typically need a valid government-issued ID and proof of address.
- Enter the transfer details. Recipient name must match their bank account exactly, with the correct account number or IBAN.
- Check the total cost. Compare the recipient amount and exchange rate against at least one other provider.
- Fund the transfer using a method the provider supports.
- Confirm delivery. Keep the reference number; it helps if you need to query the transfer with either provider.
The real cost of a transfer
A "low fee" is not always the same as a low cost. The total cost of a transfer is the explicit fee plus any markup between the provider's exchange rate and the mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google or Reuters). The clearest way to compare providers is to look at the amount the recipient actually receives in TRY for a given amount of AED.
Total cost = transfer fee + (mid-market rate − provider rate) x amount
Worked example
Suppose you want to send 10,000 AED to Turkey. Two providers, two structures:
| Item | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|
| Headline fee | 30 AED | 0 AED |
| Exchange-rate margin | 0% (mid-market) | 1.5% |
| Hidden FX cost on 10,000 | 0 AED | 150 AED |
| Total cost | 30 AED | 150 AED |
The "zero fee" option costs five times as much in this example because the FX margin is hidden inside the rate. The numbers above are illustrative - real margins and fees vary by provider and corridor. Always check the recipient amount on the provider's own quote screen before sending.
Tips
- 1Always compare the total amount the recipient will receive in Turkish lira, not just the headline fee. The exchange rate margin can represent a significant portion of the total cost.
- 2Turkish banks require a valid IBAN for incoming international transfers. Confirm the full 26-character Turkish IBAN with your recipient before initiating the transfer.
- 3The Turkish lira (TRY) can be subject to notable exchange rate movement. If timing flexibility is possible, monitor the AED/TRY rate over several days before sending a large amount.
- 4UAE Central Bank (CBUAE) regulations require remittance providers to verify your identity before processing transfers. Have a valid Emirates ID or passport ready when registering or sending for the first time.
- 5For large transfers, UAE banks may ask for documentation supporting the purpose of the transfer and the source of funds. Prepare supporting documents in advance to avoid delays.
- 6Some UAE exchange houses and fintechs allow you to lock in a rate at the time of initiation. Confirm whether the rate shown is guaranteed until the transfer is processed or whether it is indicative only.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a limit on how much money I can send from the UAE to Turkey?
- The UAE does not publish a single universal cap on outward remittances for individuals, but individual providers set their own transaction and daily limits. Large transfers may trigger enhanced due diligence requirements under CBUAE anti-money laundering rules. Check with your chosen provider for their specific limits.
- What details do I need to send money to a Turkish bank account?
- You will need the recipient's full legal name, their Turkish IBAN (26 characters starting with TR), the bank name, and in some cases the bank's SWIFT/BIC code. Using an incorrect IBAN can result in funds being delayed or returned.
- Can I send UAE dirhams directly to Turkey, or does it need to be converted?
- Transfers to Turkish bank accounts are generally settled in Turkish lira. Your AED amount is converted to TRY by your provider at their applicable exchange rate. Some providers route through USD or EUR as an intermediate currency, which can affect the final rate.
- How long does a bank wire from the UAE to Turkey take?
- SWIFT bank transfers between the UAE and Turkey typically take two to five business days. The exact duration depends on the sending bank, any intermediary (correspondent) banks in the payment chain, and the receiving Turkish bank's processing times.
- Are online transfer services such as Wise or Revolut legal to use in the UAE?
- Yes, provided they hold the relevant CBUAE licence or operate through a licensed UAE entity. Wise and Revolut both operate in the UAE under CBUAE oversight. Verify a provider's licence status on the CBUAE public register if you are uncertain.
- Do I need to declare the transfer to any UAE authority?
- Individuals are not required to file a separate declaration for standard outward remittances through licensed providers. However, carrying physical currency of AED 60,000 or more (or equivalent) across UAE borders requires declaration to UAE Customs. Electronic transfers through licensed channels follow the provider's own compliance process.
- What happens if my transfer to Turkey is delayed or does not arrive?
- Contact your provider with your transaction reference number. Licensed UAE providers are required to maintain records and assist with transfer investigations. If the issue is unresolved, you may file a complaint with the CBUAE through its official consumer protection channels.
Official sources
Verify any provider is licensed before sending money: Central Bank of the UAE - Licensed Financial Institutions.