The main office was ordered to be built by Abdülhamid II in Sirkeci, at the mouth of the Golden Horn in a very central part of the historical peninsula. The building still serves as the general directorate of the PTT. The museum, on the other hand, is open from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and is closed on weekends. It is also free to visit. For historical background on the institution, you can also check Wikipedia.
In 2004, PTT Bank was founded as a new branch of the post office. Thanks to branches found in many cities, as well as ATMs around Istanbul, it also supports money transfer services, including international transfers. PTT’s postal and courier services began operating in 2008. These services continue today, and cargo prices are described as more convenient. It also offers payment-at-the-door service and aims to provide fast and secure transportation. Generally, these cargoes are sent with Turkish Airlines.
Post Office Services in Turkey: What PTT Offers
PTT provides a wide range of services that can be useful during your stay in Istanbul. There are both domestic and international services that you can use conveniently.
Domestic services
Letters
Postcards
Greeting cards, thank you cards, and condolence cards
Invitations for engagements, weddings, and similar events
Newspapers
Printed press for the visually disabled
APS courier
International services
Package: PTT transfers packages by airline, maritime line, and land route. This makes it a practical option if you need to ship items abroad.
APG courier: If you need to send dispatches quickly, you may benefit from APG courier. There are agreements between the post office and 110 countries.
Turpex: You can send documents, products, and other items using Turpex posts.
Post Offices in Istanbul
You may need a post office in Istanbul whether you are visiting as a tourist or staying for business. You might want to send souvenirs, postcards, or documents from the city, or perhaps receive something from back home. In these cases, knowing where PTT branches are located becomes useful.
Branches are easy to find around major tourist areas, so sending or receiving post is usually straightforward. Istanbul has many post offices, and you may even come across a branch while walking through central neighborhoods. If you search for PTT on Google Maps, it will show the nearest branches to your location. As mentioned, branches are spread across popular districts such as Kapalıçarşı, Beyoğlu, Taksim, Süleymaniye, Sultanahmet, and Beyazıt. If you are sightseeing nearby, areas around the Grand Bazaar and Taksim Square are especially convenient places to look for a branch.
Hours of Work
PTT branches in Turkey generally start work at 08:30. They usually take a lunch break between 12:00 and 13:00. In some branches, the break may begin at 12:30 and end at 13:30 instead. After the break, work continues until 17:30. So, if you have business to handle at a PTT office, you should plan your visit between 08:30 and 17:30 while keeping the lunch break in mind.
If you are planning to visit a specific branch or museum section, it is a good idea to confirm current details through official Turkish public resources, since schedules and services may change over time. A general reference point for public institutions in Turkey is the official government domain structure at turkiye.gov.tr.
Tips for Using PTT in Istanbul
If you are mailing items from a busy sightseeing area such as Sultanahmet Square, it is usually wise to go earlier in the day and avoid lunchtime. If you are sending souvenirs or documents internationally, check packaging requirements and current service details at the branch before paying. For time-sensitive shipments, ask whether APS, APG, or Turpex is the better fit for your needs.
For travelers, PTT can be particularly practical because branches are found in central districts and near places you may already be visiting. That means a short stop to mail a postcard or send a package can easily fit into your day in Istanbul.
FAQ
Can tourists use PTT in Istanbul?
Yes. Tourists can use PTT branches in Istanbul for common postal needs such as sending postcards, letters, packages, and documents. Since branches are common in central districts, they are usually easy to find during a visit.
What can I send through PTT?
PTT handles letters, postcards, greeting cards, invitations, newspapers, and several courier or package services. It also offers international shipping options, including package delivery, APG courier, and Turpex for documents and products.
What are typical PTT working hours in Turkey?
PTT generally works from 08:30 to 17:30. Most branches have a lunch break between 12:00 and 13:00, although some may use 12:30 to 13:30 instead. It is best to avoid arriving right at midday.
Where can I find a post office in Istanbul?
PTT branches are spread across many parts of the city, including tourist-heavy areas such as Kapalıçarşı, Beyoğlu, Taksim, Süleymaniye, Sultanahmet, and Beyazıt. Searching for PTT on Google Maps is usually the easiest way to find the nearest one.
