Can you use sterling in Turkey?

Managing Your Money in Turkey Pay in Turkish Lira – Always choose to pay in Turkish Lira when using your card. Some card machines may give you the option to pay in GBP, but this usually comes with a worse exchange rate. It's also worth noting that GBP isn't accepted in shops, restaurants, or for transport.

What's the best currency to take to Turkey?

Use Turkish Lira and tip in Euros and USD if you feel generous.

Can you pay with English pounds in Turkey?

Can I use British Pounds in Turkey? No, Turkey uses the Turkish Lira. You'll need to exchange your Pounds for Turkish Lira before or during your trip.

Can I use Sterling Bank in Turkey?

Yes, Starling Bank cards are designed for use overseas, as well as for everyday spending in the UK. This means you can pop yours in your travel wallet, and use it for spending in Turkey.

Is it better to take Turkish lira or euros?

While typically more convenient, paying with euros in Turkey is generally disadvantageous as many businesses will apply an additional fee or higher exchange rate. Plus, businesses will almost always return change in liras regardless of the currency you pay in.

MISTAKES Tourists ALWAYS make in Istanbul

Will my UK debit card work in Turkey?

Both debit card and credit card payments are accepted all over Turkey, but you may need to pay some extra fees. When paying by card outside the UK, you should usually have the choice between converting to British pounds at the point of sale or paying in lira.

Is it better to exchange sterling to lira in Turkey?

And of course it is not guaranteed the money you receive from these illegal places is not counterfeit money. 1. Change your money in Turkey. You always get a better rate for Turkish Lira in Turkey than you will in your home country.

Does Starling charge you for using your card abroad?

At Starling, we don't charge our customers for using their debit card abroad. This means you can use your card to pay for your morning croissant in Provence or cocktail in Barcelona without being clobbered with additional fees from your bank. You also don't need to tell us that you're going away.

Is it better to take cash or card to Turkey?

It's usually best to have both cash and a card when travelling in Turkey. You'll need cash for small shops and markets, taxis and buses, while it's often easier to pay in hotels and restaurants with a card.

How much is a meal in Turkey?

Food and Restaurants: Prices vary widely based on location and type of dining. Enjoying a meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost around 50 TRY, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant might set you back about 300 TRY. Supermarket Shopping: Prices in supermarkets are reasonable.

Is it better to exchange money in the UK or Turkey?

Exchange rates are almost always better if your currency exchange is done in Turkey, and a good strategy is to take enough local currency for your first day or so, and change the rest once you arrive.

How much is a coffee in Turkey?

In neighborhood coffeehouses or small restaurants, a cup of Turkish coffee typically costs 7-20 TRY. In more popular cafés or tourist areas, this price can rise to 40-60 TRY. In luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants, specially prepared Turkish coffee can exceed 100 TRY.

Do you still have to pay $10 to enter Turkey?

I remember the days of a crisp £10 note in your passport. However as a British passport holder you no longer have to pay on entry.

Do you tip in Turkey?

Turkey Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is expected in Turkey and leaving a 10-15% tip on your bill in a restaurant is generally an acceptable amount. When it comes to other areas of the service industry, such as taxis and hairdressers, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture but not obligatory.

Should I get lira before going to Turkey?

On the other hand, to pay expenses in smaller amounts, it is recommended that you have some Lira with you when traveling to Turkey; this will help you not only not have to constantly go to exchange offices to exchange Dollars for Lira but also prevent incorrect payment of expenses with a higher amount in Dollars.

Do you pay tourist tax in Turkey from the UK?

From 1 January 2023, Turkey introduced a 2% tourist tax. This will already be included in the price of your accommodation if you booked your holiday this year. But if you booked before the new tax came in, check with your tour operator whether you will have to make any additional payment on check-in.

Are drugs expensive in Turkey?

Due to the exchange rate practice, Turkiye has one of the lowest drug prices in Europe. There is a significant difference in the reference price of a product in Euros, which forms the basis for prices in Turkiye, and the actual price in Turkish lira because of the exchange rate.

Why is alcohol in Turkey so expensive?

Alcohol in Turkey tends to be more expensive compared to other countries due to high taxes imposed by the government on alcoholic beverages. These taxes have increased in recent years, which has significantly raised alcohol prices in bars and stores.

Is Monzo or Starling better abroad?

Starling is better for spending and withdrawing cash abroad, as well as its free Post Office cash deposits. If you're not a heavy cash user, either at home or abroad, then that might not be the most important factor to you. Monzo has more feature and choice overall and is not far behind Starling in the areas it trails.

What credit card is best for Turkey?

Go with Visa or Mastercard.

Carry at least two cards on your trip to Turkey, preferably connected with Visa or Mastercard. If you just take an American Express card, you won't get to use it in many places.