What money is best to take to Istanbul?

You may see prices quoted as euros in some tourist attractions in Istanbul and you can pay in euros or Turkish Lira. Some vendors in Istanbul may accept euros, but it's always best to travel with lira in your pocket so you can be sure that you can pay everywhere you go.

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.

Should I take Turkish lira or euros to Turkey?

Don't use Euros. Turkey is not in the eurozone, it's a massive country with its own currency, so use the Turkish Lira.

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.

Should I exchange money before travelling to Turkey?

You can enter Türkiye with any amount of cash in any currency, including the local currency, Turkish lira (TRY). And unlike with some other countries, you don't need to make a declaration to Turkish customs when you arrive.

What money should you take to Turkey? Cash or Card

Is it better to take Turkish lira or euros in 2025?

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.

Can you use British pounds in Turkey?

Yes, many places especially in areas with lots of tourists in Turkey accept British pounds.

Where to buy Turkish lira in the UK?

Getting your Turkish lira is straightforward with Morrisons. You can have your travel money delivered straight to your door, fully tracked and insured, or click and collect it in as little as 60 seconds. Transparent exchange rates. Free home delivery on orders of £600+.

Do you tip in Istanbul?

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

Do they prefer English money in Turkey?

The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira and each lira is divided into 100 kuruş. Some businesses in tourist areas might accept other currencies as well, such as euros, US dollars or pounds sterling. Although that can seem appealing, you should know that they're most likely including a markup.

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 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.

Is it better to take Turkish Lira or euros?

While typically more convenient, paying with euros in Turkey is generally disadvantageous as many businesses will apply an additional fee or higher exchange rate. Plus, businesses will almost always return change in liras regardless of the currency you pay in.

Is it better to exchange money in the UK or Turkey?

Exchange rates are almost always better if your currency exchange is done in Turkey, and a good strategy is to take enough local currency for your first day or so, and change the rest once you arrive.

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.)

Do Tesco do Turkish Lira?

The currencies available are Euros, US Dollars, Australian Dollars, New Zealand Dollars, Canadian Dollars, South African Rand, Turkish Lira, Swiss Francs, UAE Dirham, Euros, US Dollars, Australian Dollars, New Zealand Dollars, Canadian Dollars, South African Rand, Turkish Lira, Swiss Francs, UAE Dirham, Thai Baht, ...

Do M&S do Turkish Lira?

Order your Turkish Lira online with our currency Click & Collect service. Choose your collection date and pick up from your selected M&S store's bureau de change. *Subject to availability. Or visit a participating M&S store to buy Turkish Lira.

Should I exchange money before I travel to Turkey?

Do you need cash in Turkey? 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.

Do turkeys prefer lira or pounds?

What money is used in Turkey? The currency is Turkish Lira (Türk Lirası). This is the official tender used in the whole country. You will see how much things cost quoted with TL or TRY and the symbol ₺.