Travelling with cash is highly recommended, especially if you plan to visit local markets outside of the main cities. You may need coins and small notes for tipping, public transport tickets, and small purchases as soon as you arrive. It's also sensible to have a credit or debit card as a backup, just in case.
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 money should I take to Turkey for a week? 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.
Is it better to take English money or lira to Turkey?
The best currency to take to Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY), as it is the official currency and widely accepted for all transactions. While some places, especially in tourist areas, may accept euros or US dollars, using the local currency will typically provide better exchange rates and make transactions easier.
Should I exchange money before I travel to Istanbul?
I would advise you to bring cash and exchange it in Istanbul. The rates change frequently, so just shop around and exchange little by little. You can use your credit card almost everywhere (restaurants, uber, shops …etc).
What money should you take to Turkey? Cash or Card
Can you use pounds in Istanbul?
If you're in a tourist area or a large city, you may spot prices marked up in euros - or even US dollars or pounds. Euros may well be accepted by some stores, hotels and restaurants - although if you're headed to the countryside, you'll definitely need lira to pay your way.
Credit cards and debit cards are accepted all over Turkey, 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.
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.
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 ...
To avoid high fees, always withdraw money in Turkish Lira (TRY). If you withdraw in other currencies (like Euros or USD), the ATM will apply dynamic currency conversion, resulting in poor exchange rates and extra fees. Withdrawing money with a debit card may be cheaper than using a credit card.
In Istanbul, the average cost for a meal at a restaurant is about 100 Turkish Lira. A budget meal can be around 40 Lira, while a nice dinner for two can cost around 250 Lira.
Yes. Sign in online or open your Uber app to request a ride in Istanbul, and let your driver take you where you want to go. (You might see other Istanbul transportation options available in your app, too.)
The easiest way is to just pay with Turkish Lira. You will have better rate if you change your money to Turkish in Turkey. There is no need to buy in your own country. In Marmaris almost all shops accept sterling, so there is no need to worry.
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.
Is 7,000 Turkish Lira enough to visit Turkey for 2 people for 7 days? Generally it's enough when you don't overspend yourself and don't want to do all at once.
Can I use Euros in Turkey? No, the official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While some tourist areas or high-end establishments might accept Euros, it's not common, and the exchange rate may not be favorable. It's best to use the Turkish Lira for most transactions.
Do you have to pay tourist tax in Turkey from the UK?
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.
