While GBP is accepted in some tourist-heavy areas, shops, and for tours in Istanbul, it is not recommended as the primary currency. The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY), and using GBP usually results in poor exchange rates and high markups. It is best to use TRY for most transactions.
The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira and each lira is divided into 100 kuruş. Some businesses in tourist areas might accept other currencies as well, such as euros, US dollars or pounds sterling. Although that can seem appealing, you should know that they're most likely including a markup.
What is the best currency to use in Istanbul, Turkey?
Turkish lira is the national currency and it is better to use this where possible as it saves a lot of confusion and potential problems but many places will accept euro,sterling and US dollars too. You will find many banks and changes offices if you need to convert to lira.
Credit cards and debit cards are accepted all over Türkiye, but it's also a good idea to have some lira with you. If you're visiting a market like the Grand Bazaar, you may find that cash is preferred.
It's the only legal tender in Turkey. Local shops, transport services, and restaurants mostly deal in Lira. Paying in Lira avoids the poor exchange rates offered at shops that accept Euros.
Money in Istanbul: Cash, Cards & Currency Tips for Tourists
Is 20 lira a good tip in Turkey?
Bellboys usually receive 20–50 Turkish Lira depending on the number of bags. Housekeeping staff should get 20–30 TL per night. You can also give one larger tip at the end of your stay. For concierge services such as booking tickets or arranging a car, 50–100 TL is suitable.
It's generally better to exchange money in Turkey for larger amounts, seeking out local exchange offices (Döviz) or using ATMs with a good travel card for better rates, while exchanging only a small sum in the UK for immediate expenses upon arrival. Airport exchanges and hotels offer poor rates, so avoid them, and use a travel-friendly card to minimize ATM fees when withdrawing cash in Turkey.
What's the best way to pay for things in Istanbul?
The best way to pay in Turkey is simple. Use your credit card in cities. Carry lira for small places. Exchange a small amount of money in local exchange offices.
Generally it's enough when you don't overspend yourself and don't want to do all at once. Just my advice here is, don't come now and wait at least beyond September. Either make your plans for end of September or October, when the weather is still Okey and the crowd is a bit less.
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency or Turkish lira you can take into Turkey. You must not take Turkish lira worth more than 5000 US dollars out of the country. If you have other currency worth more than 5000 US dollars to take out of Turkey, you must declare it to Turkish Customs.
The 2/3/4 rule for credit cards is a guideline, notably used by Bank of America, that limits how many new cards you can get approved for: no more than two in 30 days, three in 12 months, and four in 24 months, helping manage hard inquiries and credit risk. It's a strategy to space out applications, preventing too many hard pulls on your credit report and helping maintain financial health by avoiding over-extending yourself.
Even though it's good to have cash on hand, it is important to be aware that using international ATMs can trigger unexpected fees, and some banks cap how much you can withdraw each day. You can minimize fees by using the ATMs in your home bank's network or at a bank that partners with it.
Do British passport holders need a visa to enter Turkey?
No, British citizens usually don't need a visa for tourism or business in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but your passport must be valid for at least 150 days (about 5 months) from your arrival date and have a blank page. For other purposes like work or study, or if you have a different type of British passport, you will need a visa, so check the official Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or GOV.UK's Turkey page before traveling.
