At some point during a trip, even the most digital travelers need something physical. A postcard. A package. Official paperwork. That’s when Istanbul’s post offices quietly enter the picture.
If you’ve never used the postal system here, it can feel more complicated than it really is. Signs aren’t always in English. Services go beyond mail. Lines move at their own pace. And yet, once you understand how PTT works, everything becomes surprisingly manageable.
PTT isn’t just a place to send letters. It’s a hybrid space. Postal counter. Bank desk. Currency exchange. Administrative hub. Locals use it weekly. Visitors usually stumble into it once, unsure what to expect.
Here, we’ll show you where to find post offices in Istanbul, which branches travelers actually use, what services are realistic to expect, and how to handle common tasks without stress. Sending postcards home. Mailing a package abroad. Understanding postal codes. Knowing when PTT makes sense and when private couriers are the better call.
Where to find post offices in Istanbul
If you need to send a postcard, mail a package, or deal with anything official, you’ll be looking for PTT. That’s Turkey’s national post office, and it’s everywhere once you know what to look for.
PTT branches are spread across the city, especially in areas travelers already pass through. You’ll spot them easily by their yellow signs with dark blue “PTT” letters. Big hubs exist in places like Sirkeci, Taksim, and Sultanahmet, which makes errands simple if you’re sightseeing nearby.
Most branches handle more than mail. You can send letters and parcels, use basic banking services, exchange currency, and pay bills. For standard postal needs, PTT is usually enough. If you’re shipping something urgent or high-value, private couriers like DHL or FedEx may be a better fit.
Opening hours matter. Most PTT offices run Monday to Friday, roughly 08:30 to 17:30. Some larger branches, especially in Sirkeci, open for limited hours on Saturdays. Smaller neighborhood offices usually close on weekends.
Istanbeautiful Team note:
If timing matters, head to a central branch. Smaller PTT offices can close early without much warning.
A short history of the Turkish Post Office
PTT has been around longer than most people expect. It was established in 1840, long before modern Turkey took shape. What began as a basic mail service slowly expanded into something closer to a public service hub.
The most iconic building is the Sirkeci Grand Post Office, sitting near the Golden Horn. It’s functional, but also architectural. Inside, you’ll find active counters and a small postal museum sharing the same space.
Over the years, PTT added banking, courier services, and administrative tasks. Today, it’s still a daily stop for locals and a practical resource for visitors who need official services without guesswork.
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Services you can actually use at PTT
PTT does more than postcards.
Mail and parcels come first. You can send items within Turkey or internationally using standard mail or faster options like Turpex, PTT’s express international service. For most travelers, staff will guide you to the correct form and counter.
PTT also acts as a basic bank through PTTBank. That means money transfers, bill payments, and limited currency exchange. Rates are straightforward, and processes are regulated.
Some branches offer extras like photocopying, fax services, or administrative tasks. Certain locations even handle passport-related services or vehicle paperwork.
Postcodes in Turkey use five digits. The first two identify the city, the last three narrow it down to the neighborhood. Writing the full code helps avoid delays.
English levels vary. Some staff speak enough to help. Others don’t. Having addresses written clearly and knowing what you want speeds things up.
Well-located post offices travelers can use
Several PTT branches sit right where visitors already are:
- Sirkeci Grand Post Office near Eminönü
- Taksim Post Office in the city center
- Sultanahmet Post Office close to major landmarks
- Beyazıt Post Office near the Grand Bazaar
- Süleymaniye Post Office near the mosque
- Karaköy Post Office close to the funicular
- Beyoğlu Post Office along Istiklal Street near Galatasaray
These locations are convenient for quick stops between visits. If you’re already nearby, it’s usually easier than searching for a smaller branch.
Istanbul’s Central Post Office
The main hub, often called Büyük Postane, sits in Sirkeci between the Spice Bazaar and Yeni Mosque.
The building itself is worth a look. Inside, everything still works like a functioning post office, but there’s also a small PTT Museum if you’re curious.
This branch handles the widest range of services and is the safest bet if you’re unsure where to go.
PTT Working Hours
Most PTT branches follow a standard weekday schedule: 08:30 to 17:30, with a lunch break around 12:30 to 13:30. During that hour, counters often slow down or close completely.
A few central offices open on Saturdays, usually 09:00 to 13:00, but services may be limited. If you need something specific, weekdays are your best option.
Istanbeautiful Team advice:
Go earlier in the day. Lines build fast after lunch, especially at central branches.
How to Use PTT
Using PTT is simpler than it looks. The process feels formal, but staff handle these requests all day, every day.
Sending letters and packages
Start with stamps. You can buy them directly at any PTT branch, and that’s usually the easiest option since staff confirm the correct rate for you. For international postcards or letters, don’t guess the price. Ask at the counter. It saves time and avoids returns.
Letters can be dropped into the yellow post boxes scattered around the city or handed directly to staff at a branch. Parcels always go through the counter. Staff weigh the item, check the destination, and walk you through the available options. Domestic or international, standard or express.
You don’t need to decide everything in advance. Just know where it’s going.
Istanbeautiful Team tip:
Write the address clearly and bring your passport if sending something valuable. It smooths the process.
International shipping options at PTT
If you’re mailing something abroad, PTT offers a few structured services that work well for travelers.
APG Courier covers more than 110 countries and is used for documents or smaller parcels that need to arrive quickly.
Turpex is designed for larger international shipments. It’s slower than private couriers, but pricing is reasonable and delivery is reliable.
For postcards, letters, or souvenirs, these services are usually enough. If timing is critical, we’ll talk about alternatives below.
Postal codes in Istanbul
Turkey uses five-digit postal codes. The first two numbers identify the city. The last three narrow it down to the neighborhood.
The format is easy. Street name. District. Postal code. City.
If you’re unsure, PTT’s official postcode lookup tool helps confirm the correct code, especially for less familiar areas.
Sending postcards and greeting cards abroad
Postcards are easy.
You can send them from any PTT branch or drop them into the yellow post boxes found across the city, often right outside post offices. Some boxes are labeled for local, national, or international mail. Follow the labels.
Cards can be sent registered or unregistered. Registered costs more, but gives peace of mind. Stamps are also sold at many tobacco shops in tourist areas if you’ve already written everything and just need postage.
Useful phrases that actually help at the counter
A few words go a long way.
“I want to send this to…”
Bunu ***** adresine göndermek istiyorum
“How long will it take?”
Kaç günde gider?
“How much is it?”
Kaç para tutar?
“Is there a faster option?”
Daha hızlı bir yol var mı?
“How much is the fastest option?”
En hızlı gönderim kaç para?
“Is there a tracking number?”
Takip numarası var mı?
“I need an envelope and stamp.”
Bana bir zarf ve pul lazım
Staff may not speak much English, but these phrases usually unlock the rest.
Alternatives to PTT when speed matters
Sometimes PTT isn’t the right tool.
Private couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS operate across Istanbul. They cost more, but offer faster international delivery and tighter tracking.
For same-day deliveries within the city, local courier companies are common and efficient. Hotels often help arrange these if you ask at reception.
Istanbeautiful Team advice:
Use PTT for routine needs. Switch to private couriers only when time truly matters.