Currency basics
The Turkish Lira (TRY, symbol ₺) is the only legal tender in Turkey. Most tourist prices are quoted in Lira, but tour operators, hotels and the e-Visa system also display Euro and US Dollar prices. As of early 2026, 1 EUR ≈ 35 TRY and 1 USD ≈ 32 TRY — always check XE.com on the day you travel since the Lira fluctuates weekly.
Cards vs cash
Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya and Bodrum: hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, museums and even most taxis (BiTaksi app). Carry small Lira notes (10–50 TRY) for tips, bazaar shopping, public toilets and rural village stops. American Express is rarely accepted outside 5-star hotels.
ATMs and withdrawal fees
Use Garanti BBVA, Yapı Kredi, İş Bankası or Akbank ATMs — they accept foreign cards and offer English menus. Daily withdrawal limit is typically 10,000 TRY. Decline the dynamic currency conversion (DCC) prompt and pay in TRY for a 5–7% better rate. Avoid Euronet ATMs in tourist zones — they apply 8–12% surcharges.
Exchange offices vs banks
Independent exchange offices (“döviz”) inside the Grand Bazaar, Taksim and Kalkış offer the best rates — better than banks and far better than airport counters. Bring crisp, unmarked Euro or USD bills. Always count cash before leaving the counter and compare 2–3 offices on the same street.
Tipping in Turkey
Restaurants: 10% if service is not included. Taxis: round up to the nearest 10 TRY. Hotel porters: 20–50 TRY per bag. Tour guides: 100–200 TRY per person per day for full-day tours. Hammam attendants: 100–150 TRY. Tipping is appreciated but never aggressive — nobody will chase you for it.
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FAQs
Can I pay in Euros or Dollars in Turkey?+
In tourist hotspots (Sultanahmet hotels, Cappadocia balloon companies, Bodrum marinas) yes, but the rate is usually 5–10% worse than paying in Lira. For everything else — supermarkets, taxis, restaurants — you must pay in Lira.
Should I exchange money before arriving?+
No. Rates inside Turkey are significantly better. Exchange just enough at the airport to get to your hotel (around 50 EUR worth of Lira) and then use city exchange offices.
Are there limits on bringing cash into Turkey?+
You can bring up to USD 10,000 (or equivalent) in cash without declaring. Above that, declare it at customs to avoid problems on departure.
Is bargaining expected?+
In bazaars (Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, carpet shops) yes — starting price is typically 30–50% above the real price. In modern shops, restaurants and hotels, prices are fixed.
