Kurban Bayram in Turkey, May 27–31: Quick Money Guide

From May 27 through May 31, 2026, Turkey observes Kurban Bayram — one of the country's two major holidays. Banks, government offices, and most exchange bureaus close for all 5 days.

If you're in Turkey during this time, a bit of preparation goes a long way. Here's what you need to know.

What is Kurban Bayram

Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha) is a family-centered holiday. Most Turks travel back to their hometowns to visit relatives. That's why the country effectively pauses — shopkeepers, bank tellers, and business owners are with their families. It's a family holiday, not a tourist one.

What's Closed and What's Open

Closed: all bank branches, most exchange offices, government offices (PTT, notaries), many small shops outside major cities.

Open: supermarket chains (Migros, A101, BIM, Carrefour), ATMs, taxis and public transit, restaurants and cafés in tourist areas, card payments and Apple Pay.

For 5 days, you'll be living on cash in your wallet and what you can pay by card.

Get Cash Before Tuesday, May 26

ATMs stay operational, but they often run empty by the end of the holiday — especially in tourist areas. Banks don't refill machines during the break.

A reasonable amount: 5,000–8,000 TRY per person for 5 days.

The last business day before the holiday is Tuesday, May 26.

Use Cards Where You Can

Card accepted: Migros, A101, Carrefour, BIM, tourist restaurants, coffee chains (Starbucks, Tchibo), BiTaksi.

Cash only: markets, street taxis, street food, small neighborhood shops.

Simple rule: card in chains, cash for markets and street vendors.

Currency Exchange: Before May 26 or After June 1

Most exchange offices are closed all 5 days. The few that open often add 3–5% to their rates because of reduced market activity.

Either exchange before end of day Tuesday, May 26, or wait until Monday, June 1.

CoinPoint offices in Antalya (MarkAntalya, Lara) and Istanbul (Fatih) work through May 26 and reopen on June 1.

If Something Urgent Comes Up

• Bank-to-bank transfers between Turkish accounts (FAST) run 24/7, including holidays.
• USDT transfers are available around the clock.
• Our bot @coinpoin_bot works all 5 days — check rates, submit a request for June 1, or contact support.

Monday, June 1: Everything Reopens

Banks, exchange offices, government services — all back to normal. CoinPoint reopens at all locations.

A Small Bonus

Learn one phrase: «Bayramınız kutlu olsun» — «may your holiday be blessed.» Saying this to a shopkeeper, taxi driver, or neighbor makes a difference. It's a small gesture, but Turks appreciate it.

Have a good holiday.

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