QR Code in Turkey: From Convenience to Everyday Standard
The use of QR code in Turkey has grown beyond a trend. The technology is already deep-seated in daily services and systems, making it an unshakeable part of Turkish life.
From factory-packed candies to front-page headlines, QR codes have made their way into Turkey’s consumer touchpoints, media channels, and most particularly in government plans.
As the standard in the country, businesses turn to a free QR code generator for secure, on-brand, and trackable QR code solutions to become more competent and powerful entities in their respective industries.
How did Turkey’s QR code adoption get here? And where is this headed? Let’s take a closer look at how this 2D barcode technology loudly reshapes day-to-day life across the country.
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The growing role of QR code in Turkey
Turkey’s QR code adoption surged in 2020, just like in many parts of the world. Much of this was triggered by the QR code Turkey coronavirus response, where scanning replaced touching across public venues.
But what started as a safety workaround stuck around. And grew fast. QR codes went from being temporary, such as the Turkey health QR code, to essential tools for payments, invoices, and other government actions in the country.
QR code payment in Turkey
The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT) standardized QR code for payment to make transactions faster, cleaner, and more secure.
Known as “TR QR Code,” this standardization is in line with the intentional effort to establish contactless and electronic payment in the country.
Users can generate this QR code through the payment service providers (PSPs) authorized by the CBRT. Meanwhile, the PSPs are allowed to use an external QR code generator software.
With the implementation of a national QR code standard in Turkey, the value of digital payments, particularly QR code-based transactions, reached 16.6 billion Turkish Lira (approximately $407,627,246.12) in 2022, a 318% increase from the previous year.
QR code in Turkey’s e-invoices
In September 2023, the Turkish Revenue Authority (TRA) required QR codes on essential e-documents, such as e-Fatura invoices, e-Arşiv invoices, and e-Delivery notes.
This initiative plays a significant role in instilling confidence in tax authorities and recovering taxes lost in fraud. Making transactions transparent helps ensure accuracy and control over invoice data.
Business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) are obligated to incorporate QR codes them into their e-invoices. Meanwhile, business-to-consumer (B2C) are required to have these codes included in E-archive, along with B2Bs.
QR code inspection system
In July 2025, Turkey took another big step. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry made a QR code inspection system mandatory for food establishments, including supermarkets, butcher shops, greengrocers, cafés, and restaurants.
From July 28, 2025, businesses must display a unique QR code that consumers can scan using the “Tarım Cebimde” app. The scan reveals registration info, address, and the date of the last official inspection.
Mandatory QR labeling for imports in Turkey
Beyond that, the Turkish Ministry of Trade requires QR code labels on imported goods to improve product traceability and consumer trust.
This move helps businesses and buyers verify authenticity and comply with regulations more easily.
QR codes can be created free through guvenilirgida.tarimorman.gov.tr, no bureaucracy needed. Non‑compliant businesses risk fines.
Turkish brands powered by the best QR code generator
Two popular local brands in Turkey take QR code adoption seriously by relying on the world-trusted QR code provider, QR TIGER.
Let’s explore how they use QR codes, not just for compliance, but also to bring forth better consumer experiences.
Durukan
Durukan is one of Turkey’s well-known confectionery manufacturers. You’ve probably seen their colorful treats in stores, markets, or vending machines.
By using QR TIGER, Durukan adds scannable experiences directly to its packaging. Think of product QR codes that point to promos, ingredient info, or interactive games for kids. It turns a snack into a gateway for customer engagement without needing a new app.
For a company that reaches thousands of consumers daily, that extra digital layer can be the sweet spot between brand visibility and loyalty.
Kocaeli Gazetesi
As Kocaeli province’s daily newspaper, Kocaeli Gazetesi is more than just local; it’s part of the everyday routine for thousands of readers.
Using QR TIGER’s versatile QR solutions, they embed QR codes in print articles, letting readers jump from headlines to expanded online stories, interviews, or video explainers. It’s a bridge from traditional media to digital interaction, all with one scan.
This hybrid approach helps newspapers stay relevant while keeping the reading experience smooth and intuitive.
Turkey QR code use cases across sectors
From city metros to corner cafes, QR codes are visible in many everyday moments. Here are a few sectors leading the way:
Government services
Turkey’s e-Devlet (e-Government) platform has already digitized many public services. But QR codes helped make them more accessible.
Residents can now scan codes to:
- Check tax or vehicle records
- Access healthcare portals
- Verify digital IDs or documents
- Pay fines or tolls
- Turkey health QR code
During the pandemic, the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health QR code was commonly used for tracking vaccination records and travel clearance.
Municipal offices also place QR codes outside buildings or on brochures, linking citizens to online appointment systems or emergency updates.
Payments and retail
With digital wallets like FAST (Fonların Anlık ve Sürekli Transferi) gaining traction, QR-based payments are becoming standard in retail. No cards, no cash, just a scan and go.
Even small market stalls in cities like Izmir or Bursa now accept QR payments through Turkish bank apps like Ziraat, İşbank, or Akbank.
Larger stores often use dynamic QR code solutions to trigger instant campaigns like limited-time discounts, loyalty points, or digital receipts.
Transportation
The Istanbul Metro and Marmaray rail system have started introducing QR-based ticketing systems. Passengers can scan QR codes from transit apps instead of paper tickets or RFID cards.
Intercity buses and private transport services are following suit, offering digital passes with QR entry, real-time tracking, and online support channels.
Restaurants and cafes
Menus, feedback forms, and payment QR codes are now table stakes for the F&B sector.
From trendy spots in Karaköy to family-run diners in Gaziantep, dynamic QR menus let customers browse updated dishes, switch languages, or leave reviews, all without handling a physical menu.
Tourism and culture
Tourism boards and city councils have leaned into QR tech to help travelers explore. International travelers may recall using a QR code to enter Turkey during the COVID-19 travel restrictions, which streamlined health declaration forms and arrival procedures.
In Istanbul, historical districts like Sultanahmet now feature QR-coded plaques that explain landmarks in multiple languages. Cappadocia hot air balloon operators use QR codes for ticket verification and schedule changes.
Even some mosques and museums embed codes for virtual tours or artifact histories.
4 things to remember before using QR codes in Turkey
Using QR codes in Turkey is simple, but doing it right means paying attention to a few key points:
Follow data and ad laws
Turkish laws like the Law on the Protection of Personal Data (Kişisel Verilerin Korunması Kanunu) (Law No. 6698) regulate digital data usage and privacy.
If your Turkey QR code campaign collects any user data like emails or payment info, it must follow local compliance rules.
Use ISO-27001 certified software like QR TIGER to ensure your QR codes are safe and GDPR ready.
Localize your experience
The majority of Turkish consumers favor Turkish instead of English. Therefore, whether it’s a product landing page, promotion, or feedback form, make sure it’s in the appropriate language.
💡Quick Idea: If your focus is on tourists, provide multilingual assistance. Use a Smart URL QR code with a language redirection to quickly lead users to a page they can understand (based on their device’s language).
Make it compatible
Your QR codes should scan easily using Turkish apps and services. From iPhones and Androids to local platforms like Yandex Navigation or banking apps, test it across all relevant devices.
Also, avoid overly complex designs. If it looks pretty but doesn’t scan in one second, it’s not worth it.
Prioritize security
Use HTTPS links. Turn on password protection or expiration when sharing highly confidential information using QR codes.
And if you’re controlling access to an event, file, or entry gate use dynamic QR codes so you can track usage and make updates instantly.
What’s next for QR codes in Turkey?
QR code usage in Turkey shows no signs of slowing. In fact, it’s accelerating.
Government bodies are pushing harder for digitization. Retail and payment systems are shifting mobile-first. And consumers? They’re more open than ever to interacting with brands through QR codes.
We can expect to see:
- More QR ticketing in public transport
- Expanded QR menus with ordering and payment built in
- QR-enabled marketing campaigns with real-time analytics
- Dynamic QR codes powering smart city projects in Ankara, Antalya, and beyond
Turkey’s digital leap with QR codes
QR code in Turkey has evolved from being a tool of convenience to a key part of daily interactions.
From retail to railways, Turkish businesses are proving that a simple scan can unlock smarter, faster, and more connected experiences.
With an advanced QR code generator supporting this shift, expect QR codes to keep shaping how people shop, travel, and engage.
Your brand may be Turkey’s next QR code success story. Begin a Freemium journey with us and create your first ever dynamic QR code campaign for free.
FAQ
How do I pay with QR code in Turkey?
To pay using a QR code, open your mobile banking app or a supported payment platform, scan the QR code on the POS or invoice, choose your payment method (debit, credit, or digital wallet), and confirm the transaction.
What is the code used in Turkey?
The country code used in Turkey is +90.
What is the barcode of Turkey?
The barcode of Turkey uses the EAN-13 format barcodes with country codes starting from 868–869.
