How much money should I take to Istanbul for 3 days?

For a 3-day trip to Istanbul (excluding accommodation and flights), a budget of roughly 150–250 USD per person (approx. 5,000–8,500 TRY) is sufficient for a comfortable experience, covering mid-range dining, transportation, and attraction fees. Budget travellers can manage on around 650–2,300 TRY ($20–$55) per day, while a higher-end, comfortable trip might exceed $100 per day.

How much lira do I need for 3 days in Turkey?

Accordingly, if your goal is to spend a vacation in Turkey, it is better to have around 2000 Liras in cash with you to pay expenses such as transportation in the city, entrance of tourist centers, food, souvenirs, etc.; in this way, you can have the remaining amount in cash in Dollars to pay expenses such as shopping ...

Do you still pay 10 pounds to enter Turkey?

No, you no longer pay a £10 fee to enter Turkey; that practice ended years ago, with UK (and EU) passport holders generally able to visit for tourism for up to 90 days without needing a visa or paying an entry fee, though you still need a valid passport. The old fee was for an arrival visa, which was replaced by an online e-visa system and then largely waived for many nationalities, but always check current GOV.UK requirements before travel.

Is 200 lira a good tip in Turkey for tourists?

200 is a lot and I'm sure it doesn't feel nice to be taken advantage of just because you're a tourist...but I usually encourage tourists to tip here, even 50 lira will be acceptable and appreciated even though it's literally a dollar.

How much spending money do I need in Istanbul?

A generous budget of 276 USD per person per day (or 1932 USD/week) is more than enough for Istanbul.

19 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Istanbul

Is 5 euros a good tip in Turkey?

For housekeeping, people tend to leave 5 Euro in the room, especially on the bed. Guests usually leave a tip at the reception after checking out, mostly around 10 Euro. Restaurants, Cafés & Bars — As mentioned earlier, 5 to 10 percent is common. In more up market eateries, it's appropriate to tip 10 to 15 percent.

Is it better to take cash or card to Turkey?

Do you need cash in Türkiye? 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.

Does Turkey take English money in pounds?

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.

Do UK citizens need a visa to 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. 

How early should I apply for a Turkey E visa?

You can apply for your e-Visa any time before your travel. However, you are advised to create an e-Visa application at least 48 hours before your departure.

Do you pay tourist tax in Turkey?

As of January 1, 2023, Turkey has officially rolled out a 2% tourist tax, affecting almost all forms of paid accommodation and organised travel services.

Which ATM is best for foreigners in Istanbul?

Ziraat Bank is one of the oldest banks in Turkey, with over 350 ATMs in Istanbul alone. Known for its reliability, it's a great option for foreign visitors. Plus, many of its ATMs have language options, making them more user-friendly for international tourists.

What are the hidden holiday expenses?

Shipping costs / expedited shipping: There could be shipping and mailing costs associated with different gifts. For example, if you mail holiday cards, this could be the only time of the year that you buy stamps. And, if you need your gift to arrive before a specific date, be prepared to pay a premium for the service.

What is not acceptable in Turkey?

It is important to take care not to say anything offensive about the Turkish nation or the Turkish flag or to write such things on social media. It is also a criminal offence to deface or tear up Turkish currency. The penalty for these crimes is from 6 months up to 3 years imprisonment.

Is it rude not to tip in Turkey?

Tipping in Türkiye (Turkey)

Tipping is expected in Türkiye, especially in touristy areas. If you're happy with the service you receive in restaurants, tip 10-15%. But check whether a service charge has already been included in your bill first.

Do you have to cover up as a woman in Turkey?

I recommend dressing more formally when traveling there, with shoulders and knees covered, a high neckline (no cleavage please), and no transparent or form-hugging clothing. You'll show respect and get more respect in return. Female travellers do not need to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque.

Is it better to take English money to Turkey today?

It's generally better to take British Pounds (GBP) to Turkey and exchange them for Turkish Lira (TRY) upon arrival for better rates, as local exchange offices often offer much better deals than in the UK. While some tourist spots accept GBP, paying in Lira ensures better value and avoids hidden markups, especially when using cards with no foreign transaction fees like a Wise or Revolut card, or a dedicated travel card like Hays Travel. 

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.

How much cash do I need for 5 days in Turkey?

While it depends where you'll be going and what you'll be doing, it's recommended to take around £40 to £50 per person in spending money with you to Turkey. This makes it around £280 to £350 per person for a week's holiday in Turkey.