Buying Gold in Turkey: Çeyrek Coins, Karats, Tax, Customs
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Buying gold in Turkey as a foreigner: Çeyrek coin weights, karat purity, tax, invoices, and the limits for taking gold out of Turkey and into Iran.
Buying gold in Turkey is open to foreigners and requires no residence permit or special documents. You simply buy from a reputable jeweler (Kuyumcu), get an invoice, and check the purity and weight. There are, however, a few important differences from the Iranian market: the common Turkish coins are 22-karat, Turkish jewelry is made in 14 to 22 karat, tax applies to only part of the price, and there is a fixed limit on taking gold out of Turkey and bringing it into Iran. In this guide we explain all of this with official sources.
Types of Gold in the Turkish Market
Three main groups of gold are traded in Turkey, and each is priced differently:
- Bullion and gram gold (Gram Altın / Külçe): 24-karat gold in weights of one gram and up, usually in sealed packaging bearing the refinery's name. Its price is the closest to the global price.
- Republic coins (Cumhuriyet Altını): 22-karat coins struck by the Turkish state mint (Darphane), from the quarter (Çeyrek) to the five-coin (Beşli). They are the most popular form of gold savings among Turkish families.
- Jewelry (Ziynet / Takı): bangles (Bilezik), necklaces, rings and earrings. 22-karat bangles are common as savings, while fashion jewelry is mostly 14 or 18 karat.
Turkish Republic Coins: Weight and Purity
Mint coins come in two types: "ornamental" (Ziynet, usually with a loop for hanging as a pendant) and "coin" (Sikke, such as the Ata Lira). The table below shows the approximate weight and pure gold content of each coin:
| Coin type | Turkish name | Approx. weight | Pure gold (24 karat) | Purity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter | Çeyrek Altın | about 1.75 g | about 1.60 g | 22 (916) |
| Half | Yarım Altın | about 3.5 g | about 3.21 g | 22 (916) |
| Full | Tam Altın | about 7 g | about 6.42 g | 22 (916) |
| Ata / Republic | Ata Lira | about 7.2 g | about 6.6 g | 22 (916) |
| Two-and-a-half | Gremse | about 17.5 g | about 16 g | 22 (916) |
| Five-coin | Beşli | about 35 g | about 33 g | 22 (916) |
Source: Harem Altın gold specification table, Mehr 1405 (October 2026). Looped (ornamental) pieces weigh slightly more.
An important note for Iranian buyers: Turkish coins differ from the coins of the Central Bank of Iran (Emami, Bahar Azadi), and in the Iranian market they are usually priced by gold weight and purity, not as coins. If you plan to sell in Iran, factor this into your profit calculation.
Gold Purity in Turkey and How It Differs from Iran
In Turkey, gold purity is shown on the piece by the "ayar" (karat) number and the per-thousand (millième) stamp:
| Turkish karat | Pure gold per gram | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 24 ayar | 995 to 1000 | Bullion and gram gold |
| 22 ayar | 916 | Coins and savings bangles |
| 21 ayar | 875 | Mostly for export |
| 18 ayar | 750 | Fine jewelry, white gold |
| 14 ayar | about 585 | Fashion and cheaper jewelry |
Source: Harem Altın, Mehr 1405.
In Iran, jewelry is usually sold at 18 karat (750). So one gram of Turkish 22-karat bangle contains more pure gold than one gram of Iranian 18-karat gold, but one gram of a Turkish 14-karat necklace contains considerably less. Always ask about the karat before comparing prices; a per-gram price without the karat means nothing.
How Is the Gold Price Set in Turkey?
The daily gold price in Turkey comes from two main factors: the global price per ounce in dollars and the dollar-to-lira exchange rate. On this basis the price of "pure gold" (Has Altın) is set in the market, and the other products are priced as follows:
- 24-karat gram gold: the pure gold price plus the seller's small margin.
- Coins: the value of the gold in the coin plus minting cost and the seller's profit.
- Jewelry: the value of the gold plus the making charge (İşçilik), which can be considerable depending on the design.
Every jeweler has two prices: the buying price (Alış), at which they buy from you, and the selling price (Satış), at which they sell to you. The gap between the two is called the "makas" (spread). The smaller this gap, the smaller your loss on a short-term purchase and resale. Gram gold and coins have the smallest spread, and designer jewelry has the largest, because the making charge is not returned when you sell.
We do not list today's price in this article, because the gold price in Turkey changes several times a day. Before buying, compare the live price on the boards of several jewelers or on market price websites, and decide on the same day.
Tax on Buying Gold in Turkey
Under Turkey's value added tax law (KDV, Law No. 3065):
- The sale of gold bullion (Külçe Altın) is exempt from KDV (Article 17/4-g).
- For gold jewelry and coins, KDV is calculated only on the margin; that is, the value of the bullion gold inside the piece is deducted from the tax base, so tax effectively applies to the making charge and the seller's profit (Article 23/e).
For this reason tax makes up a small share of the final price of Turkish gold, and most of the price difference between shops comes from making charges and profit margins. If you are not a resident of Turkey, some shops issue a "Tax Free" invoice so you can reclaim KDV at customs when you leave; but because KDV on gold applies only to the making-charge portion, the refund is usually small. Turkish tax rules change; before large purchases, check with the ALO TURKEY advisors or a tax advisor.
Where to Buy Gold
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)
Istanbul's covered bazaar, in the Fatih district, is one of the oldest gold centers in the region and has hundreds of jewelers. The price boards of many shops serve as the reference for the city's market. For a sense of the bazaar and how to get there, see our Grand Bazaar Istanbul guide.
In the tourist alleys of the bazaar, prices for designer jewelry may be higher and bargaining is common. For gram gold and coins, prices are closer to the daily price and easier to compare.
Neighborhood Jewelers and Chain Brands
Every Istanbul neighborhood has small jewelers and chain brands. For city residents, buying from a regular neighborhood jeweler, where you can later return to sell, is often easier than going to the bazaar.
Banks and Gold Accounts
Most Turkish banks offer a "gold account" (Altın Hesabı), in which you buy pure gold by the gram without physical delivery. If you have a Turkish bank account (see our guide to opening a bank account in Turkey), this method has a smaller buy-sell spread for short-term savings, but you cannot take the gold with you to Iran.
Gold Buying Checklist for Turkey
Before paying, check these items one by one:
- Ask for the karat and see its stamp on the piece (585, 750, 916 or 995).
- See the weight on the scale in front of you and have it written on the invoice.
- Ask for the per-gram price and the making charge separately, not just the total price.
- Ask for the same-day buyback price; this number shows how much of your money you would get back in an immediate sale.
- Get an official invoice (Fatura) with the shop's name, karat, weight and amount. You will also need this invoice for taking the gold out through Turkish customs.
- Buy gram gold only in sealed packaging bearing the refinery's name and do not open it; an opened package may be bought back at a discount when you resell.
- Compare cash and card prices; some sellers quote a different price for card payments.
- Get prices from several shops and buy only after comparing.
We have also covered everyday costs in Istanbul in the article the real cost of living in Istanbul.
Comparing Types of Gold for Iranian Buyers
| Option | Advantage | Drawback | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-karat gram gold | Closest to the global price, no tax | No ornamental use | Savings |
| Çeyrek to Tam coin | High liquidity in Turkey, small buy-sell spread | Usually not priced as a coin in Iran | Savings and gifts |
| 22-karat bangle | Both ornament and savings | Making charge | Personal use |
| 14 and 18-karat jewelry | Wide variety of designs | High making charge, loss on resale | Gifts and personal use |
Rules for Taking Gold Out of Turkey and Into Iran
Leaving Turkey
According to the Istanbul Airport customs guide, a traveler may freely take personal, non-commercial jewelry made of precious metals and stones up to a value of $15,000 out of Turkey. For amounts above this, you must have declared it on entry or be able to prove you bought it in Turkey; that is, keep the purchase invoice. The same $15,000 limit applies to bringing personal jewelry into Turkey, under Turkey's Law on the Protection of the Value of the Turkish Currency (Law 1567 and Decision No. 32).
Gold bullion is not treated as personal jewelry, and carrying it without declaring it to customs can have legal consequences. If you plan to carry bullion, be sure to consult an advisor before traveling.
There is also a separate limit for cash: according to the same guide, you may take out up to 10,000 euros or 25,000 lira in cash without declaring it.
Entering Iran
Under Central Bank of Iran rules published by Mehr News Agency in Mordad 1398 (July–August 2019), a traveler may bring personal jewelry up to 150 grams: one item of each type of jewelry, one pair of earrings, and up to six bangles. Amounts above this require permission from the Central Bank. These rules may have changed; before traveling, check the latest notice from Iranian customs or the Central Bank.
Gold or Property: Long-Term Savings in Turkey
Many Turkish families, and Iranians living in Turkey, hold gold to preserve the value of their money against lira inflation. Gold is liquid, but it produces no income. If you are thinking about longer-term savings, see the comparison with the housing market in Is buying property in Turkey still profitable?. For other purchases on your trip, also read the guide to buying souvenirs from Turkey and shopping from Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners buy gold in Turkey?
Yes. Buying gold in Turkey is open to foreigners and does not require residence. For large purchases the seller may ask for your passport so the invoice can be issued in your name.
How many grams is a Turkish Çeyrek coin?
A Çeyrek is about 1.75 grams and 22 karat, with about 1.6 grams of pure gold. A half coin is about 3.5 grams and a full coin about 7 grams.
What karat is Turkish gold?
Coins and savings bangles are 22 karat (916), gram gold is 24 karat, and fashion jewelry is usually 14 or 18 karat. Check the karat from the stamp on the piece and from the invoice.
How much gold can I take out of Turkey?
Personal, non-commercial jewelry is free up to a value of $15,000. For a higher amount you need the purchase invoice from Turkey or an entry declaration. Check the limit for bringing it into Iran separately.
Is buying gold in Turkey cheaper than in Iran?
The prices in both markets come from the global ounce price and the exchange rate, so the main differences lie in the karat, the making charge and the conversion rate of your money. Always compare on the price of pure gold per gram, not the total price of the piece.
Free Consultation with ALO TURKEY
If you are planning to live, invest or buy property in Turkey, the ALO TURKEY experts in Istanbul will guide you in Persian, from opening a bank account to choosing the district and property. Reach us through WhatsApp or the contact page.
Sources: Turkey's Value Added Tax Law (KDV, Law 3065, Articles 17/4-g and 23/e); Istanbul Airport customs services guide (istairport.com); Harem Altın coin and karat specification table; Central Bank of Iran rules as reported by Mehr News Agency (Mordad 1398); information verified in Mehr 1405 (October 2026).