P2P Crypto Turkey: Peer-to-Peer Crypto Trading in Turkey Explained
When you buy crypto in Turkey, you’re not just trading on an exchange—you’re often trading directly with another person. This is P2P crypto, a system where buyers and sellers exchange cryptocurrency without a middleman, using local currency like the Turkish lira (TL). Also known as peer-to-peer trading, it’s become the default way millions of Turks access Bitcoin and stablecoins after banking restrictions and inflation made traditional routes unreliable. Unlike centralized exchanges, P2P lets you pay via bank transfer, cash deposit, or even mobile wallet, making it fast, flexible, and often cheaper.
P2P crypto in Turkey isn’t just a workaround—it’s a necessity. With inflation hitting over 60% in 2024, many Turks turned to USDT and BTC as a store of value. Platforms like Binance P2P, Paxful, and LocalBitcoins dominate the scene, but local apps like Sistemkoin and BiKing also popped up—though many turned out to be risky or inactive. What sets Turkey apart is how deeply integrated P2P is into daily life: people trade over WhatsApp, meet in cafés for cash deals, and use UPI-like systems to send TL instantly. This isn’t speculative trading—it’s survival finance. And because of Turkey’s strict capital controls, P2P bypasses the banking walls that block direct crypto purchases.
But P2P isn’t risk-free. Scammers pose as buyers, fake screenshots are common, and unregulated platforms vanish overnight. That’s why the most trusted users stick to platforms with escrow, verified identities, and high trade volumes. They also avoid deals that ask for ID upfront or promise impossible rates. The best traders in Turkey know the rules: never skip escrow, check seller ratings, and always use official apps. If you’re new, start small. Watch how others negotiate, learn the common payment methods, and never rush a deal.
Below, you’ll find real reviews, scam warnings, and platform breakdowns from people who’ve been there. Some posts expose fake exchanges pretending to serve Turkish users. Others show how to use P2P to buy crypto with TL without getting locked out of your funds. You’ll see what works, what doesn’t, and what to avoid—no fluff, no hype, just what traders in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are doing right now.
How Turkish Citizens Trade Crypto Despite Payment Ban
Despite a government ban on crypto payments, Turkey has one of the world's most active crypto markets. Citizens use licensed exchanges, P2P trading, and VPNs to trade Bitcoin and stablecoins-turning regulation into opportunity.
- February 13 2025
- Terri DeLange
- 16 Comments