Is Turkey cheap just now?

Turkey remains a cost-effective destination for travelers with foreign currency (USD, EUR, GBP) due to a weak lira, but it is no longer the extremely cheap destination it once was. While local food and off-the-beaten-path experiences offer great value, high inflation has significantly raised prices in tourist resorts, hotels, and major cities like Istanbul.

Why is Turkey cheap at the moment?

1. The Currency Advantage: Turkish Lira (TRY) vs. Foreign Currencies. One of the main reasons Turkey continues to be a cost-effective destination for international travellers in 2025 and heading into 2026 is its currency dynamics.

Is Turkey still cheap to eat out?

An average restaurant in Turkey is about five times cheaper than in the UK. A meal includes appetizers, bread and sauces and only costs around £3.50 for the main course and a salad. The equivalent in London would cost around £15.

Is Turkey expensive for holidays now?

Even though a trip to Turkey costs less than other European destinations, it's becoming more expensive with time. Things are cheaper, but it's gradually catching up with its neighbors.

Is 200 lira a good tip in Turkey for tourists?

Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants. In small and casual eateries, rounding up the bill is enough. For example, if the bill is 190 TL, leaving 200 TL is polite. In mid-range restaurants, leaving 5–10% is common.

How Turkey Became So Expensive, So Fast

How much is a pint of beer in Turkey in pounds?

The price of beer in Turkey.

Local beer such as Efes or Tuborg is the cheapest and costs around £2 at the supermarket but the price is higher on the beach or in Bar Street. On Longbeach in Marmaris, a bottle of local beer is about £2.30 and a glass is about £1.50.

Is Greece or Turkey cheaper?

Turkey: Many travelers find Turkey cheaper than Greece. Food, hotels, and domestic travel are affordable.

Is 7000 Turkish lira enough for a week?

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.

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.

Where not to travel right now?

It's not safe to travel to places like Burkina Faso, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Haiti, and Myanmar, where major governments advise "Do Not Travel" due to conflict, terrorism, or instability, while areas near borders in Turkey, Israel/Palestine, and Togo also carry high risks. You should always check the latest advisories from your government (like Smartraveller.gov.au, GOV.UK, or Travel.State.gov) for current warnings on specific regions.

Should I cancel my holiday to Turkey?

Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. See Regional risks for details about the areas in south-east Turkey where FCDO advises against travel.

Is a UK passport visa free to Turkey?

Visa requirements

You can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for business or tourism. If you hold another type of British passport, you will need a visa and should check visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General before you travel.

Is it cheap to eat and drink out in Turkey?

Eating out is often very good value and many locals do so frequently. The cheapest sit-down meals are to be found in establishments which do not serve alcohol (içkisiz), where it's possible to find a hearty three-course meal for under €10.

Is 10% tip insulting?

Yes, in the U.S., a 10% tip is often considered low and potentially insulting for standard sit-down restaurant service, where 15-20% is the norm, but it can be acceptable for mediocre service or in regions where tipping culture differs (like parts of Europe). The perception depends heavily on location, service quality, and the type of establishment, with fine dining expecting more and takeaway sometimes expecting less, but a 10% tip generally signals dissatisfaction with service in America. 

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.

How much is a cup of coffee in Turkey?

Turkish Coffee Prices

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.