Russian citizens who left Russia and arrived in Turkey are in a hurry to open bank accounts in the country, Daily Sabah reports.
The newspaper notes that many Russians have come to Turkey to avoid compulsory military service, either because of job losses or because they expect sanctions against Russia to be tightened.
Turkish national airline Turkish Airlines now operates five flights a day in both directions on the Istanbul-Moscow route, the newspaper said, recalling that the airline has not yet suspended flights to Russia, as other airlines have done. Turkey has not joined Western sanctions against Russia, while emphasizing its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Turkey has offered mediation between the two countries, and a meeting of Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers took place at the Diplomatic Forum in Antalya last week.
Turkey’s neutral position makes it the best destination for Russian citizens, the newspaper said.
The economic newspaper Dunya reported, citing sources in the banking sector, that in recent weeks there has been a significant increase in demand from Russian citizens to open bank accounts in Turkey.
The Central Bank of Russia has restricted monetary transactions abroad and suspended the sale of foreign currency for rubles until September 9, reminds the Daily Sabah. The bank has also set a limit of $ 10,000 for amounts that can be withdrawn from foreign currency accounts with Russian banks, and amounts in excess of this limit can only be withdrawn in rubles.
The newspaper notes that in order for foreign nationals to open bank accounts in Turkey, they must provide their address, tax number, passport number and mobile phone number. But since the ruble is no longer a convertible currency, Russian citizens must open accounts in Turkish lira, the newspaper said.
Also read: Russians were advised not to come to Turkey
According to sources quoted by the Dunya newspaper, it is advantageous for Russian citizens to open accounts in Turkish lira for two reasons. On the one hand, they can maintain their existence in Turkey, and on the other hand, they can open foreign currency accounts after opening a Turkish lira account and, as a result, integrate their savings into the international system. Sources added that the demand for opening Russian citizens’ accounts in Turkish banks is expected to increase, as expectations of tightening sanctions against Russia prevail.
For those who care about a healthy lifestyle, we recommend reading: “Nutritionist told how to give up sweets.”