I think I should know this but I'm new to using Google Wallet and have not used it for foreign travel. I've read that Google Wallet (formerly Google Pay) can be used to tap and pay on pubic transport in Istanbul and that unless we plan to use public transport a lot, it may be better to use Google Wallet for tap and pay instead of purchasing an Istanbulkart and having to figure out how much to load on it. We have a credit card with no foreign transaction fees in Google Wallet but will there still be some kind of fee each time we use it, or will it only charge the amont for travel on the tram, ferry, etc? Thanks for your feedback.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3449 posts
AFAIK, Google Wallet doesn't charge a fee separate from your linked credit card. Just make sure your no-fee credit card is your default card in Wallet.
Posted by
near San Francisco (currently in Romania)
6025 posts
I used my no transaction fee credit card from Google Wallet in Istanbul to ride trams and ferries. No fees.
I had some trouble getting my phone to work on buses, perhaps because I was impatient and didn't hold the phone squarely on the reader. So I used my no transaction fee credit card directly. No fees.
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
2145 posts
I've been researching this, as I will be in Istanbul in early November.
Best I can tell, you can tap a credit card, but not Google Wallet or Apple Pay.
However, it is more expensive per ride. I believe with the Istanbulkart it is 27 TL per ride; tapping with a credit card is 40 TL per ride. But you have to buy the Istanbulkart for 165 TL, so it depends on how much you are going to use it. A little math required to figure out the break-even point.
Posted by
near San Francisco (currently in Romania)
6025 posts
Best I can tell, you can tap a credit card, but not Google Wallet or Apple Pay.
In August, 2024, I used my phone and Google Wallet to tap to pay many times on trams and ferries in the tourist areas. With more patience, I might have gotten it to work on buses. Maybe.
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
2145 posts
Good to know, CW! Things must be changing; I've read various posts in Reddit earlier this year that said no to Google Wallet.
Posted by
near San Francisco (currently in Romania)
6025 posts
Good to know, CW! Things must be changing
I think you are exactly right, Lane. I recall an article about it being a trial to allow tap to pay, including Google/Apple Wallet, and then implemented. I doubt if I can lay my fingers on the article.
To be clear, I used Android with Google Wallet, accessing my virtual visa credit card. I did not use Apple Pay.
Posted by
OP
Houston, Texas, USA
240 posts
Thanks to everyone for your help!