What currency should I carry in Istanbul?

One of the first things to know before visiting is that the official currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY). Whether you're shopping in bustling bazaars, dining at local restaurants, or exploring hidden gems, understanding the Turkish lira will help you make the most of your travel experience.

What's the best currency to take to Istanbul?

In Istanbul, the official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While some businesses, especially in tourist areas, may accept Euros or USD, it is not common practice, and you may not receive a favorable exchange rate. It's generally advisable to use Turkish Lira for transactions.

Is it better to take lira or Euros 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.

Is it better to use card or cash in Istanbul?

90% of the time you can use your card and it is advised to do so. Because the inflation is high and govt refuses to issue new higher banknotes, you end up piling large amounts of cash in your bag to pay for dinners or shopping. Therefore in corporate shops, it is much better to stick to the card.

Is the euro accepted in Turkey?

While the Turkish lira is the official currency and is accepted nationwide, there are businesses that will accept euros, or even request it as the preferred currency. The businesses accepting euros are often bigger and can often be found in larger cities, border areas or tourist hubs.

What money should you take to Turkey? Cash or Card

Can I go cashless in Istanbul?

Payment through credit or debit cards

Contactless or card payments are widely accepted in Istanbul. If you have a Visa or Master card, you don't need to worry about paying at different hotels or restaurants.

Do you tip in Istanbul?

Tipping in Istanbul is not only a customary practice but also a way to express gratitude for good service.

Can I use Google Pay in Turkey?

Due to banking laws, commonly used international e-wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal are not available in Turkey. Instead, Turkish consumers use local alternatives like BKM Express, Paycell, and GPay. These are integrated with most major banks in Turkey and make online or in-store purchases simple.

Should I take English money to Turkey?

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.

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 I need a visa for Turkey?

Official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Get entry and exit stamps. You must have a Turkish entry stamp to fly domestically.

How much cash should I bring to 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 ...

Where is it best to exchange money in Istanbul?

You can exchange currency at popular tourist areas like Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, around Taksim Square and Istiklal Cadessi, etc. Rates are said to be best at the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet but the differences may be insignificant.

Do and don'ts in Istanbul?

Is 20 lira a good tip?

In general, a tip of 5-10% is considered standard for good service in restaurants, cafes, and bars. For hotels, porters might expect 10-20 lira per bag, and housekeeping staff might receive 20 -50 lira per day. Tipping taxi drivers is not required, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.

Is there Uber in Istanbul?

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.)

Can I use US dollars in Istanbul?

Yes, you can often use US dollars in Turkey, especially in major tourist destinations and other coastal regions. Many hotels, shops, and restaurants in these areas accept dollars.

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.

How much is a meal in Istanbul?

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.

Does euro work in Turkey?

One thing to note is that due to the volatility of the Turkish lira, euros are often accepted in Turkey and can even be requested as the main currency. It's often a good idea to take a combination of Lira and euros in cash and currency on the Travelex Money Card.