Turkey Currency

What is the Currency in Turkey?

The currency in Turkey is the lira with signs “TRY” or ₺. If you are heading to a stunning destination in Turkey, this article explains everything you need to know. Are you wondering about the best currency to use in Turkey and whether to take the Turkish lira or the euro? Advantour has got it covered for you.

Which Currency Can Tourists Use in Turkey?

Euros and US Dollars might be accepted in some businesses, especially in tourist areas, but it's not universally accepted. However, foreign visitors can withdraw lira from Turkish ATMs or exchange their local currency at a local bank or exchange office.

Where Can I Change Money in Turkey?

Anyone can easily exchange Euros, Dollars, and British pounds into Turkish lira at all banks, and only authorized currency exchange offices. Exchange points at tourist resorts and airports typically do not offer favorable rates. It is better to change your cash in a city or town.

What is the Best Currency to Use in Turkey?

Using the local currency, Turkish Lira, for transactions within Turkey not only offers greater convenience but often ensures more favorable exchange rates, enhancing your purchasing power throughout your stay.

The smallest unit is kuruş. So one lira is made up of 100 kuruş. Here are the denominations of the lira:

Coins

Banknotes

Please note that Turkish banks stopped accepting the old-style TL 20 and TL 50 banknotes.

Which is the Best Plastic Card for Tourists to Use?

Many shops, hotels, and restaurants in tourist areas will accept payment by debit or credit card, including American Express, Diner’s Club, or Discovery, which may come with small hidden fees when processing these cards abroad.

Tourists from the UK and Canada should consider Revolut’s travel card or Starling Bank’s debit card. We recommend using Chime’s card for US and Australian visitors and N26’s or Revolute's debit cards for citizens from the EEA or EU. The Wise card is another great option for most foreign tourists to pay in Turkish lira.

Yet before visiting Turkey, check with your bank or card provider to ensure they support the Turkish lira conversion. They will also provide you with information on the foreign currency exchange fees.

Bear in mind that cash is still a king in Turkey. While it’s increasingly possible to use debit or credit cards for payments in Turkey, it’s always prudent to carry some lira in cash for buses, taxes, snacks, and drinks.

Before using your debit or credit cards abroad, it's crucial to check with your bank or card provider for any potential transaction fees or foreign exchange charges that might apply, ensuring you can manage your spending effectively.

How Much Money Will I Need for Spending Holidays in Turkey?

Compared to the US and EU countries, Turkey is very cheap. Many foreign tourists find that Turkish prices for food, drinks, and sightseeing cost much less than in their home country. However, there are still a few things to consider to figure out how much money to spend in Turkey.

Are you going to pay for meals? Turkey is famous for all-inclusive board options in their hotels. If this is your choice, then you won’t need to spend much on food and drinks unless you plan a small trip outside your resort.

What about your accommodation? Paying beforehand for hotels or apartments has become a common practice. But if you prefer to travel without pre-booking accommodation, don’t forget to include that in your budget.

Do you like to explore the country? If you plan to sightsee some incredible places or experience adventure sports like sea kayaking, diving, or jeep safaris, you will need additional cash to afford these.

How do you plan to get around Turkey? Will you travel by buses, taxis, ferries, or hire a car? These are extra expenses to consider.