Is food cheap in Turkey for tourists?

Food in Turkey is generally considered cheap and affordable for tourists compared to Western Europe and the UK, despite recent high inflation. A meal at a local eatery typically costs $4–8, while street food like simit or döner is even cheaper. However, prices in tourist-heavy areas and resort restaurants can be much higher, sometimes approaching Western prices.

Is it cheap to eat and drink out in Turkey?

Eating in Istanbul can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. Street food like simit costs less than a dollar, and a full meal in a local restaurant with soup, a main dish, and tea is around $6–10. In tourist-heavy areas, the same meal can cost five times more. To see the real difference, we head to Kadıköy on the.

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.

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.

How much money do I need per day in Turkey?

Budget travelers can expect to spend about $55 (₺2,303) per person each day. This means cutting back on major expenses like accommodation and food. To keep costs low, travelers can: Stay in hostels, which are common in major destinations like Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya.

SHOCKING Prices in Antalya, Türkiye: Still Cheap Amid Turkey’s Inflation Crisis? (2024)🇹🇷

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.

Is a British passport visa free to Turkey?

British citizens visiting Turkey for up to 90 days in a 180 day period won't need a Visa. To enter Turkey, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least 1 blank page.

Do female tourists have to cover up in Turkey?

Dress more formally

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 rude to refuse food in Turkey?

If you do stop, know that drinking only one glass may be seen as dismissive. And if you're offered a full meal, custom dictates you decline the first offer – if it's sincere, it'll come again, and you're expected to accept the third. Being invited for a meal at a Turkish home is both an honour and a social contract.

Is alcohol drunk in Turkey?

Turkey is a secular country with a diverse population, and alcohol consumption is a part of many social and cultural activities. The country's secular nature allows for the free consumption of alcohol, making it a welcoming destination for tourists looking to enjoy their favorite drinks.

Do Turkey prefer lira or euro?

Why Lira 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.

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 many Turkish Lira are in one English pound?

£ 1 GBP = ₺ 58.5390 TRY

Last updated Thursday, 22 January 2026 23:08. Rates shown are interbank rates. eurochange rates will differ.

Is it better to buy Turkish lira in the UK or in Turkey?

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 is the 2/3/4 rule for credit cards?

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. 

How much is 20 cigs in Turkey?

Average Price of Cigarettes in Turkey

The average price for a pack of 20 cigarettes is generally between 25 and 35 Turkish lira (TRY), roughly equivalent to £1.20 to £1.70 in recent exchange rates. Premium brands command prices at the higher end, while budget brands are slightly cheaper.

Which alcohol is best in Turkey?

Raki is Turkey's national drink. Made with twice-distilled grapes and flavoured with aniseed, the taste can be compared to Greek ouzo or sambuca. The traditional way of drinking it is in a special glass filled just under halfway with raki, and the rest with water and ice.

How much is breakfast in Turkey?

On average, you can expect to pay around 30-40 Turkish Lira (TL) for a traditional Turkish breakfast. This would include a variety of items such as olives, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bread, as well as a selection of spreads such as hummus and muhammara.