Turkey's banks restrict ATMs to 200‑lira banknotes

Turkish banks have decided to stock ATMs only with 200‑lira notes, removing smaller denominations such as 100‑lira bills from the machines. The move aims to cope with cash‑flow pressures caused by high inflation and a lack of new higher‑value banknotes, and industry experts are calling for the introduction of 500‑ and 1,000‑lira notes to ease the strain on cash transportation and storage costs.

Separate guidance warns ATM users that mistakes can cause the machines to retain or “swallow” deposited cash. New‑generation ATMs employ security sensors that block banknotes if they are folded, damaged, wet, or contain foreign objects, and a 30‑second rule requires users to promptly collect their money after counting. Connection glitches or mechanical failures can also trigger automatic blockages, preventing loss of funds but sometimes leading to temporary inconvenience.