🇹🇷 Turkey · TRY
Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TRY), a currency that has experienced high inflation and significant volatility in recent years. Because rates can move quickly, it's wise to exchange smaller amounts more often rather than converting a large sum at once, and to check the current rate before each transaction.
The currency is the Turkish lira (TRY), divided into 100 kurus. Banknotes are issued in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 lira, while coins come in 1 lira and smaller kurus values. The 200 and 100 lira notes are the largest in everyday use.
Cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, restaurants and larger shops, and contactless is common. However, cash remains essential for bazaars, street food, small family businesses, local transport and tips. Given the inflation environment, many travelers keep most of their money in a stable home currency or on card and convert lira in small batches as they spend.
Independent exchange offices (doviz) in city centers usually offer better rates than banks or hotels and often charge little or no commission. Compare a few nearby counters, as rates can differ noticeably, and bring clean, undamaged notes since worn foreign bills may be refused or discounted. Because the lira moves fast, exchange in small amounts close to when you'll spend it.
Airport exchange counters typically give some of the worst rates in the country. Change only enough on arrival to cover a taxi or transit into the city, then use a city-center doviz office or an ATM for the rest. The rate gap between the airport and downtown can be substantial.
ATMs are everywhere and generally reliable, but many charge withdrawal fees and aggressively push dynamic currency conversion, so always decline conversion and choose to be charged in lira. Bank-branch ATMs tend to be safer and have clearer fee disclosures than standalone machines in tourist zones. Withdraw moderate amounts to limit per-transaction fees while not holding too much fast-depreciating cash.
Tipping (bahsis) is customary and appreciated. In restaurants, leaving roughly 5-10% is normal, and rounding up is common for taxis, while hotel porters and hammam attendants also expect small tips. Cash is the preferred way to tip.
Decline dynamic currency conversion on every card and ATM transaction, as it's a common way to overpay. In the Grand Bazaar and tourist areas, haggling is expected and inflated 'tourist prices' are routine, so negotiate and compare. Be cautious of overpriced shoe-shine and overly friendly 'guide' approaches near major sights, and always agree taxi fares or insist on the meter beforehand.
Carry enough lira for daily cash needs like markets, street food, transport and tips, but avoid stockpiling large amounts that will lose value to inflation. A practical approach is to top up small amounts of lira frequently from ATMs or exchange offices and lean on cards for bigger purchases. Holding most of your funds in a stable currency until you need it protects your money.
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