What tourists need to know about Turkey: payments and possible flight disruptions

Payment tools for Russian visitors in Turkey

Since 2023 many Russian tourists have been using the Letim digital wallet, which lets you top up in rubles via the Fast Payment System and pay in Turkey by scanning a QR‑code. The service also offered plastic cards from the Turkish Troy payment system, usable for purchases and cash withdrawals.

Key changes:

• Letim will cease operations on 30 November 2026. Until then you can spend the balance in shops, online stores, or transfer it to a Russian bank account through the app.
• Cash withdrawals and transfers to Turkish bank accounts have already been disabled.
• After 30 November any remaining funds can be returned only by contacting customer support.

The Russian tour operators’ association notes that by the time Letim shuts down Russians already have alternative cash‑less payment methods in Turkey, including the Fast Payment System, while most travelers still rely on cash. Therefore, the Letim closure is not expected to significantly affect overall tourist numbers.

Practical tip: if you still have money in Letim, try to move it to a Russian bank account before 30 November; otherwise the refund process may take a long time.

Possible charter flight disruptions

In October 2024 several Turkish charter flights carrying more than 400 passengers were forced to land in Minsk after drone attacks hit Russian airport infrastructure. Passengers received free hot meals and were later sent back to Russia by bus and train.

Such incidents have become more frequent since the night of 18 October when St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport was shut down for over six hours. Restrictions also hit the airports of Ivanovo, Kaluga and Pskov. During the same period flights from Turkey and Egypt were often rerouted to a backup airfield near Minsk.

What could happen:

• If Russian airports impose limits, your charter might be diverted to a neighboring country, for example Belarus.
• Passengers should expect delays, route changes and the need to transfer to ground transport to continue their journey.

Recommendations for travelers:

1. Keep in touch with your tour operator and monitor flight‑status updates.
2. Be prepared for possible route changes and for being offered alternative transport to your destination.
3. If unexpected events occur, retain all documents and expense receipts – they may be needed when you later deal with the airline or tour operator.

Turkey remains the most popular overseas destination for Russians. In 2024 more than a million tourists visited in August alone, and almost five million arrived during the first eight months. With proper preparation, payment questions and occasional flight hiccups won’t become major obstacles to a good holiday.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.